What do you know about Chinese barbecue? I don’t mean a vision of me standing in front of the grill on the balcony of my condo. You’ve probably seen it in chinatown, or in the corner of an Asian grocery stores. A large metal display illuminated by heat lamps adorned with glistening roasted meats like chicken, duck, slices of pork, and more likely than not, a full roasted pig. A masterful hand thumping away at a large wooden chopping block covered in oil. There are many places around the city, but my favourite is Dak Hing Barbecue located in Côte-des Neiges.
I have something to confess; I’ve been holding out on you. I’ve been asked many times and I’m always hesitant on revealing my favourite place for Jamaican food in Montreal… but for a good reason. Ok I lied, there’s no reason. I’m greedy and selfish and wanted to keep this spot for myself. You can’t tell, but I’m rolling my eyes as I write this because it’s not like Boom J’s is a secret. Anyone who knows anything about Jamaican food (even if you don’t) knows that this spot slaps. From what I think is probably the best jerk chicken in Montreal to steaming bowls curry goat and the fluffiest spicy beef patties, Boom J’s in the Point is your authentic taste of the islands.
What do you think of when I say, “KFC”? 11 herbs and spices? An image of an old timely man in a western bowtie? Well the KFC I’m talking about is, Korean Fried Chicken. What makes fried chicken, Korean? Short of executing flawless dance routines and being able to make finger hearts with their wings, Korean fried chicken (or “chikin” or “yangnyeom chicken“) is double deep fried chicken that is often coated with sticky, spicy and sweet sauce. I heard about a new Korean fried chicken spot that opened in The Dege and decided to go check out; Olivia’s Authentic Chicken.
When I say “mile-end”, what do you think of? Bagels? Smoked meat? Italian cafes? Cocktail bars and brewpubs? Money hungry landlords awaiting commercial gentrification? Yes to all that, but what if I told you now you can associate the neighbourhood with a viable and legitimate destination for Vietnamese food? I recently stopped by the newish Vietnamese hot spot Le Bay Cà Phê for what I thought was going to be a low key lunch which turned into an impressive experience that caught me by surprise.
I’m not going to lie and say Verdun isn’t a foodie destination. I’ll admit, with places like, Janine Cafe and Well for brunch, Blackstrap for the city’s best BBQ and some of my favourite Asian restaurants, Les Street Monkeys and Hong Mere and Comon, it’s definitely one of my favourite neighbourhoods to eat in. I was recently told about a new dumpling spot that entered the game (coincidentally called, “Mr. Dumpling”) and I had to check it out.
I get asked for restaurant recommendations all the time. The requests stretch from suggestions of places that accommodate large groups in the Old Port, who has the best Korean fried chicken, where can you find weekday brunch all the way to who has the best gluten free authentic Shanghai dumplings between Saint-Sauveur and Mont Tremblant. I’ve literally heard them all. Rarely am I ever asked – and by “rarely” I really mean, never, about Hawaiian food options in Montreal. Because there aren’t any; until now. I recently checked out this new spot in Cote-Des-Neiges that is serving up food from the Islands. This spot is more than just a restaurant; it’s a whole vibe – Le Petit Vibe.
Once upon a time I vowed to “not leave one hot pot lid unturned, snail shell unhollowed, or souvlaki foil emptied” and a bunch of other inspiring and ambitious proclamations. And I’ve kept my promise, from the west island, to the east end, Montreal north, to the southwest I’m discovering it all. I don’t often venture outside Montreal – or at least document my findings on here – after all I’ve made the clear distinction to bring froth the best of our city. However, when I get word of places in the “Greater Montreal Area” aka off-island, AKA, Laval, or South shore, I can’t ignore the possibility of a worthwhile blip on the radar. That why this week I’m going to tell you about the one of the hottest brunch destinations that just happens to be in Laval at a place called Manti.
In case you don’t follow me on social media – you’re really missing out – but I recently announced a new project of mine: A PODCAST – Dudes Talk Food! That’s right friends, time for you to lay your ears on my angelic voice so powerful that it makes blind nuns regain their vision, so persuasive that it can convince the 5th dentist so that they now all recommend the leading toothpaste and delicate enough to put the most finicky baby to sleep!
What are some of your food goals? Some people might strive to bake the perfect cake or want travel the world to eat at a Michelin starred restaurants. Others may want to compete and crush 74 hot dogs in 10 minutes or try and have their bodies process dairy without fireworks and regret. Mine are pretty simple. One was to try and find the best pho in Montreal and more recently, to eat at all the dumpling restaurants in the Westisland. Seems so funny to be saying that, as if there are options in the west, but there are! I checked out this new spot called Dumpling King to add to the list!
Does anyone else remember 49 cent pizza on St. Mathieu and de Maisonneuve? This has to be about 20 years ago (holy shit, I’m old). It was called 49 cent pizza, because, duh, a slice was 49 cents. You’d be able to buy two questionable slices of pizza and a canned drink for a twoonie and still get change. There was an influx of cheap, by-the-slice pizza shops that opened up through the early 2000s, however not 49 cents, inflation brought up those prices over a dollar a slice. Much of those places have closed up or the lone survivors are not as popular anymore. I recently visited a new player in the pizza game who’s trying to revitalize the scene and bring by-the-slice back into the spot light with a New York twist; Pizzeria La New-Yorkaise.