What didn't we cover in the Insiders Montreal in our May/June 2006 issue? A lot! Here, our readers (and true insiders) send us their suggestions and tips.
Kevin Spreekmeester says that his city
is known for its haute cuisine, but for many locals it's the 'sous-cuisine,' that makes day-to-day life so fattening and fun! For a delicious sandwich (with a great kosher pickle and fries), try Schwartz's, Bens, Dunn's, or even newbie Moe's for the authentic deal. Also try the famous ribs at Bar-b-Barn. Why these ribs you ask? I can only answer by asking why gouda from Holland, a baguette from France, or beer from Copenhagen? One other must: a late-night stop for fries and a steamy (spelled 'steamé') hot dog at Lafleur (3620 St. Denis; +1 514 848 1804), part of a chain of bare-bones, street-corner, open-all-night eateries. Once done you'll likely need to roll around the floor of your hotel room while your belly digests the grease in which the fries were double-cooked. But, you'll be blissfully happy in your discomfort.
Raluca State writes about the best way to spend a day in Montreal:
La Croissanterie Figaro is the quintessential spot for a café au lait and a croissant (my favorite in the city). Once the weather finally warms up, the terrace is ideal for people-watching and flipping through the paper. After your morning meal, walk through Jeanne Mance Park—reminiscent of Poet's Walk in Central Park—and make your way over to St-Laurent Boulevard. Stroll down St-Laurent for shopping just as good as on Rue St-Denis. For dinner, eat at one of the amazing Greek restaurants in Mile End (which you covered). Try Lotus Bleu (350 Av. Duluth; +1 514 843 6183), an amazing Vietnamese restaurant that serves heavenly crispy spinach; or Fondue du Prince for a three- to four-course fondue dinner that takes hours. Cap your day with drinks at Boa (5301 Boul. St-Laurent, +1 514 270 3262), a cool, funky spot where the people are some of the friendliest in town. On Friday and Saturdays, the dance floor is packed!
Father Christopher Beaudet—a resident of McLean, VA—has made uncounted visits to Montreal since childhood. He emphasized the religious importance of the city:
The name of the city comes, of course, from Mount Royal, atop which sits St. Joseph's Oratory. This magnificent structure has commanding views and, given its location, obviously says something about the religious nature of the city's history. Furthermore, the Notre Dame Basilica in Old Montreal is not to be missed. Famous for Pavarotti's recorded Christmas concert, and for its sublime interior (carved woods decorated in gold) and intricate detail, the basilica is at the heart of the city's history.
Michelle Roche, who's lived in Montreal her entire life (73 years), names her favorite restaurant:
I would suggest that visitors have dinner at a fabulous little restaurant, Le Jolifou. It's a little out of the way, but an experience in itself. The food is mostly French, with a Southwest influence from the chef/owner's New Mexican training. His wife is the maître d' and a wine connoisseur. Wonderful food, reasonable prices, unique decor (each table has a different bibelot).
IT's getting hungry and there many more restaurant suggestions from our foodie readers. We'll post more next week.
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