Montreal’s fried chicken scene is happening. We’ve got all types the run the gamut from Korean fried chicken like my faves, Comon, Mon Ami, Corilla, and Dawa, to Southern style at Triple Crown Dinette and Icehouse to everything in between. Now comes a new player in the game. When I first got word of this week’s spot, I was excited. Not only because it was fried chicken, but one the kind that is not represented AT ALL in the city. What do you think of when I say Filipino fried chicken? That place with the dead-eye mascot performing a choreographed dance at a children’s birthday party? What if I told you, there’s a place in Montreal that’s comparable… and dare I say, even better. This week I check out Maffeo’s Fried chicken.
filipino
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.
There are certain areas in Montreal where restaurants are abundant, then there are neighbourhoods that are virtual wastelands for decent food (I’m looking at you West island.) One of the more popular areas in the city is Griffintown and as the people are moving in and the gentrification tightens it grasp, restaurants are are one of those establishments that are as badly needed as grocery stores, boutiques and antique shops. I’ve said all along that one of the things Griffintown is missing is an Asian restaurant representation and recently a place has stepped up to plate.