Montreal a Gastronomic Discovery

Most people don’t know this about Montreal but it has its own unique style of dining and cuisine which is heavily influenced by the French. When one is to enter this bustling city you may feel right at home with commercialized international chain restaurants among other things but the traditional cuisine still is many prevalent and local restaurants have to be sought to get the full-on experience. Unless you know the locals, as an outsider it is difficult to find authentic places. Here’s is a list of some of the most authentic restaurants that serve the best meals. All you have to do is book cheap flights to Montreal;

L’Express: This traditional French bistro is located at 3927 rue St-Denis and serves the most classic style of Parisian food which is satisfying and unpretentious. The best options are the ravioli Maison, soup de Poisson, croque-monsieur, ham and cheese quiche, steak fries, salmon tartare, confit rabbit, ratatouille and much more. The décor is simple with mirrored walls, black and white checkered floors, and a zinc-like bar. Not very lavish but the food is worth the visit.

Le Club Chasse et Pêche: Situated at 423 rue St-Claude; the name translates to ‘Hunting and fishing club’ this is also the theme of the décor with a wooden interior and the walls adorned with antlers and prized catch on a plaque. The cuisine too is everything from barramundi to American Kobe beef with short rib served with artichokes and fava beans; yellowfin tuna with mushrooms, truffles and eggplant; wild mushroom risotto; sweet bread, braised boar served with Brussels sprouts, hazelnuts and caramelized fig and so much more. Even the wine selection is impeccable and hard to beat.

Toqué: Located at 900 places Jean-Paul-Riopelle. This place is an obligatory visit if you admire superb and dazzlingly presented food. This is an haute cuisine heaven and the décor consists of upholstered walls and hanging wine bottles and is a great place for rub shoulders with the trendiest crowd in Montreal. The most popular combos like the foie gras for an appetizer and a lamb entrée remain consistently spectacular.

Au Pied de Cochon: This is situated near rue St-Hubert at 536 rue Duluth est. The moment you enter this place you will be greeted by a blazing fire in a wood-burning oven. The chef Mr Martin Picard will greet you himself. The restaurant is narrow and long with one mirrored wall and somewhat bright but the reason this place is on the gastronomic map is due to the hard work and exceptional cooking of Mr Picard himself. Only those who do not fear for their cholesterol may enter as this is well known mostly due to their wide variety of meaty dishes including a selection of beef, pork, duck and special seafood.

Aux Truffes: Here at 3035 Chemin de la Chapelle, Mont Tremblant you will be served the energy packing meals you need to have a fun time on the snow, skiing and snowboarding your heads off. The top recommendations include seared foie gras; lobster-stuffed artichokes; caribou shepherd’s pie; braised veal cheek profiteroles and many more. The wine cellar is stocked with specialities from local Canadian and California to Argentine, Spanish, Australian and French varieties.

Make your stay in Montreal a gastronomic discovery and learn to appreciate fine dining with the most authentic traditional dishes served in the most elegant of styles.