We had our first real snow of the season! Lele and Bear have already had a few winters, but this is the first one we'll spend together. I can't wait!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Downtown for Fish: Tokyo Sushi
I've heard all sorts of bad things about Tokyo Sushi, and the online reviews about their ghastly service and money-leeching ways made me just about terrified to ever visit this restaurant. But when you're at downtown Concordia on a double-date, starving for sushi, this place is soooo close, so accessible. So, I thought, what the hell? Let's give them a try.
It didn't start well. It's a small restaurant, and once you enter, there's not much space to stand around. We were ignored for a minute or two, awkwardly blocking the entrance and waiting to be noticed. Eventually, a waiter saw us and directed us to a very cozy little booth for four. He apologized profusely for giving us such a terrible table, but we actually thought it was a terrific spot.
They have these big plastic menus with more or less a gazillion choices, and little slips of paper you write your orders on. Okay. We made some selections and waited for our food.
The first couple of dishes were okay. Nothing spectacular. I would say that their sushi rice was a tad too mushy, but it's nothing too noticeable. The bento grass garnish was a cute touch, not every all-you-can-eat place does that. The tamago, oh god, just don't order it. I know, sushi places just order tamago wholesale, but theirs is just terrible. It was like eating a slice of dry kitchen sponge.
I tried a few more dishes after everyone else was full. Garlic mushrooms were okay, but could have used more garlic. Cold tofu is really just cold tofu, they're not being ambiguous in this restaurant. I really liked the beef tataki, which is "beef sashimi", lightly seared on the edges and served in thin slices in a nice sauce. Would order this again.
Naturally, we had ice cream at the end. I thought it was very weird that they served it to us on a plate, and gave us little bowls and spoons. Whatever works. It's the usual mango, green tea, and red bean. I thought it was too icy, would have been better if it was a bit softer (and hence creamier).
The service was fine. Maybe they have changed their policies after all those negative reviews. We didn't have to wait long between orders, and all our food came. My boyfriend even kept track. We did have to flag down a waiter to ask for the drinks menu; it wasn't on the table and they didn't give us one at the beginning, but it may simply be that they don't expect anyone to order drinks. The price is 23.99$ for dinner on a Monday.
It is a regular restaurant with pretty normal food, some bad, some better. Its accessibility is what really sets it off from other sushi joints; it's practically next to the metro station. We came out stuffed and happy. It's not the best, but certainly not a bad place to catch up with friends.
1805, Rue Sainte-Catherine West
Montreal, QC, H3H 1M2
It didn't start well. It's a small restaurant, and once you enter, there's not much space to stand around. We were ignored for a minute or two, awkwardly blocking the entrance and waiting to be noticed. Eventually, a waiter saw us and directed us to a very cozy little booth for four. He apologized profusely for giving us such a terrible table, but we actually thought it was a terrific spot.
They have these big plastic menus with more or less a gazillion choices, and little slips of paper you write your orders on. Okay. We made some selections and waited for our food.
The first couple of dishes were okay. Nothing spectacular. I would say that their sushi rice was a tad too mushy, but it's nothing too noticeable. The bento grass garnish was a cute touch, not every all-you-can-eat place does that. The tamago, oh god, just don't order it. I know, sushi places just order tamago wholesale, but theirs is just terrible. It was like eating a slice of dry kitchen sponge.
The tempura is not their strong point. Heavy with oil and lacking that signature crisp, the batter was simply too dense. I usually wolf down at least five or eight shrimp tempura in one sitting, but this time, I was done after two. I would like to note that they do offer good variety for tempura: I distinctly remember taro, pumpkin, and various vegetable options.
The makis were packed with a bit too much rice, and lacking in vegetables and fish. See how much more they could have rolled into them? Having worked at a sushi restaurant before, I notice these things only too well... I did like their mango salmon roll, though, because the mango was perfectly ripe. The mussels were pretty bad, slathered with mayo, with water under the meat. Not appetizing.
One thing I did enjoy was their beef maki. I didn't get a picture, but the inside of the maki had a thin slice of cooked beef rolled around vegetable (I think it was cucumber). Very chewy, and quite creative!
Naturally, we had ice cream at the end. I thought it was very weird that they served it to us on a plate, and gave us little bowls and spoons. Whatever works. It's the usual mango, green tea, and red bean. I thought it was too icy, would have been better if it was a bit softer (and hence creamier).
The service was fine. Maybe they have changed their policies after all those negative reviews. We didn't have to wait long between orders, and all our food came. My boyfriend even kept track. We did have to flag down a waiter to ask for the drinks menu; it wasn't on the table and they didn't give us one at the beginning, but it may simply be that they don't expect anyone to order drinks. The price is 23.99$ for dinner on a Monday.
It is a regular restaurant with pretty normal food, some bad, some better. Its accessibility is what really sets it off from other sushi joints; it's practically next to the metro station. We came out stuffed and happy. It's not the best, but certainly not a bad place to catch up with friends.
1805, Rue Sainte-Catherine West
Montreal, QC, H3H 1M2
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Date Night: Fonduementale
Fondue is one of the romantic (read: girliest) foods I can think of, and Fonduementale is the perfect place for a date, if you don't mind the price. Surrounded by little boutiques and restaurants at the heart of the Plateau, it is a short and enjoyable stroll from Station Mont-Royal.
They open everyday at 5:00 PM, and we were the first couple inside! The decor was warm and inviting, with a chic touch. The paintings, some large, some small, gave a unique look to the small restaurant. We were greeted with courtesy by a waiter in a cool hat, and lead to a table next to the windows.
The restaurant filled up quickly, and the chatter of the patrons rose to a nice rumble just under the jazzy tones of music. Good vibe. We were all ready for our meal. I had purchased a Tuango coupon, 49$ for 119$ worth of food. The menu was pre-decided, and in this case it was a relief, because I would certainly have had a hard time picking which fondues to taste.
Next, we were presented with the Traditional Swiss fondue. The cheese was heaven to my mouth, creamy and flavourful, but just a tad too salty. Understandable, it was cheese after all. The crusts of the bread also had a nice crisp. Terrific!
After the cheese fondue, we were each given a Mentale potato while we waited for our main course. The menu says it is a baked potato, but this isn't entirely true. The potato innards were scooped out after baking, pureéd and mixed with cheese, then stuffed back in and rebaked. Tasty stuff, and the shell is fun to eat too.
Here is the main course, a Chinese fondue with beef, filet mignon, salmon, shrimp and calamari. This was supposed to be the highlight of the meal, I suppose, but it's nothing to write home about. The broth was bland and uninspiring. The sauces, two mayo-based and one mustard-based were certainly anything but Chinese, and even the soy-based sauce was a bit weird. Although I applaud the addition of salmon, the chunks were so big that you had to leave it in the pot and eat your potato for a while so the inside cooked through. I know that salmon is fine to eat raw, and I trust this establishment in terms of sanitation and safe seafood, but it's not entirely pleasant to bite into a piece of fish that is still cold on the inside. The calamari was rubbery, as expected. I'm not sure why it's included on the menu. On a lighter note, I did thoroughly enjoy the filet mignon and the shrimp.
For dessert, chocolate fondue! I loved the presentation of the dessert plate; sprinkles and powdered sugar are so fun to eat. The chocolate was nice and smooth, but not especially rich if that's what you're looking for. I loved the strawberry sauce that came with the marshmallows, and I got to eat them all because M can't eat marshmallows. Yummy! One thing I noticed was that the pineapple wasn't very fresh, and its portions were small.
Overall, it was an enjoyable meal. A great spot for a romantic night - I bet this place is fully booked weeks before Valentine's! Just don't expect to leave with a thick wallet.
6325 Rue St-Denis,
Montreal, H2J 2K8
(514) 449-1446
They open everyday at 5:00 PM, and we were the first couple inside! The decor was warm and inviting, with a chic touch. The paintings, some large, some small, gave a unique look to the small restaurant. We were greeted with courtesy by a waiter in a cool hat, and lead to a table next to the windows.
The restaurant filled up quickly, and the chatter of the patrons rose to a nice rumble just under the jazzy tones of music. Good vibe. We were all ready for our meal. I had purchased a Tuango coupon, 49$ for 119$ worth of food. The menu was pre-decided, and in this case it was a relief, because I would certainly have had a hard time picking which fondues to taste.
We started with the House Salad, a small mix of greens with a deliciously light sesame dressing. It was the perfect appetizer and a great way to set the tone for the meal to come.
After the cheese fondue, we were each given a Mentale potato while we waited for our main course. The menu says it is a baked potato, but this isn't entirely true. The potato innards were scooped out after baking, pureéd and mixed with cheese, then stuffed back in and rebaked. Tasty stuff, and the shell is fun to eat too.
Here is the main course, a Chinese fondue with beef, filet mignon, salmon, shrimp and calamari. This was supposed to be the highlight of the meal, I suppose, but it's nothing to write home about. The broth was bland and uninspiring. The sauces, two mayo-based and one mustard-based were certainly anything but Chinese, and even the soy-based sauce was a bit weird. Although I applaud the addition of salmon, the chunks were so big that you had to leave it in the pot and eat your potato for a while so the inside cooked through. I know that salmon is fine to eat raw, and I trust this establishment in terms of sanitation and safe seafood, but it's not entirely pleasant to bite into a piece of fish that is still cold on the inside. The calamari was rubbery, as expected. I'm not sure why it's included on the menu. On a lighter note, I did thoroughly enjoy the filet mignon and the shrimp.
For dessert, chocolate fondue! I loved the presentation of the dessert plate; sprinkles and powdered sugar are so fun to eat. The chocolate was nice and smooth, but not especially rich if that's what you're looking for. I loved the strawberry sauce that came with the marshmallows, and I got to eat them all because M can't eat marshmallows. Yummy! One thing I noticed was that the pineapple wasn't very fresh, and its portions were small.
Overall, it was an enjoyable meal. A great spot for a romantic night - I bet this place is fully booked weeks before Valentine's! Just don't expect to leave with a thick wallet.
6325 Rue St-Denis,
Montreal, H2J 2K8
(514) 449-1446
Monday, November 12, 2012
Pretty Sleepy Bear
You have already met Lele, but there is another chow in the house!
Bear is a pretty girl whose main concerns are sleeping and guarding. She is a cautious, watchful guard dog, and likes to sleep right in front of the door, ready to defend the house against any intruders or newspapers that thump on the porch.
Although she's reserved and shy of strangers, once you get to know her, she is the sweetest little thing. She likes to sleep under my table when I'm working, right next to my feet.
Bear is a pretty girl whose main concerns are sleeping and guarding. She is a cautious, watchful guard dog, and likes to sleep right in front of the door, ready to defend the house against any intruders or newspapers that thump on the porch.
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| A bit groggy... Crazy lady, taking pictures in the middle of the night! |
When she goes out, she must first scout both sides of the house, making sure that nothing got inside the backyard while I was away at school. Her fur shines wonderfully in the sun when she runs, and she looks like a chubby fox protecting her home.
After checking out the perimeters, she will sit or lie down at her favourite spot at the corner of the house. She will stay there for hours on end, enjoying the cool breeze and the sunshine.
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| She looks a bit pissed at her brother in this one... |
Once she is back home, fed and watered, she is off to the land of Nod once more...
Friday, November 2, 2012
Montreal Food Trucks!
On the first Friday of every month, famous food trucks gather at the Olympic Stadium to show off their much-loved treats to everyone who is willing to travel all the way to Pie IX station. This month was the last time before spring comes around again, so friends and I braved the chilly winds of November (and a really long metro ride) on a quest for food!
We first hit up Grumman '78! They had two tacos on their menu. I thought there'd be more, but at least this made choosing very easy.
Here is the Feta Pimento, for 5$. Yeah, 5 bucks sounds way too expensive for a taco, but TRUST ME, this is really good and it's more filling than it looks. The base for this one is beans, and it's a totally vegetarian taco (but it doesn't mean healthy!).
This is the Pork Bahn Mi taco, also for 5$. I didn't try this, but JD and JH agreed that it was very good.
Next, we went to Gaufrabec. Okay, maybe a bit weird that we're having dessert after just a taco each, but the other trucks weren't open yet... The prices were 4$ for a plain waffle, 5$ for a flavoured waffle, and 75c for whipped cream on top.
I got the raspberry waffle. It was seriously the best waffle I have ever eaten. They filled the middle with raspberries, so you really get what you ask for! None of that dried fruit nonsense. Warm and fluffy, yet crunchy with sugar on the edges, with a wonderful fruity filling... More please!
M indulged and got two waffles! The first was speculoos, made with lots of spices. Looks great... Wish I could steal this truck and eat waffles all day, every day.
And here is his plain waffle with whipped cream. They whip their own cream, which makes it all the better.
Sorry for the terrible picture, but this is the Just Married truck. We weren't sure if that was their name, or if they'd just gotten married... Anyways, they sold coffee and hot chocolate, which is definitely a treat, because this day was frighteningly cold. Winter is coming, of course.
B got a latte. A pretty latte is always a good reason to take a picture.
I got a whoopie pie for 3$. It is made of pumpkin, with a tasty sweet cream in the middle. However, it was sad that this was pre-baked, so not at all warm. It still makes for a yummy treat.
Lucky's Truck was the last to open. Their menu is more expensive than other places, and contained two sandwiches and one poutine.
B and JD both tried the duck poutine with foie gras for 10$. It does look good, but the sentiment of "not worth the price" was echoed.
And that was our food truck trip! We had a fantastic time, despite walking around the stadium multiple times in the freezing weather due to a general failure at directions. The food trucks gave us handfuls of Halloween candy! There was also a little stand that gave up free cream of pumpkin soup, made with pumpkins from the Botanical Garden! Yummm. I was really glad we got to experience the food trucks before they finished for the year. Can't wait till next time!
Here is the Feta Pimento, for 5$. Yeah, 5 bucks sounds way too expensive for a taco, but TRUST ME, this is really good and it's more filling than it looks. The base for this one is beans, and it's a totally vegetarian taco (but it doesn't mean healthy!).
This is the Pork Bahn Mi taco, also for 5$. I didn't try this, but JD and JH agreed that it was very good.
Next, we went to Gaufrabec. Okay, maybe a bit weird that we're having dessert after just a taco each, but the other trucks weren't open yet... The prices were 4$ for a plain waffle, 5$ for a flavoured waffle, and 75c for whipped cream on top.
I got the raspberry waffle. It was seriously the best waffle I have ever eaten. They filled the middle with raspberries, so you really get what you ask for! None of that dried fruit nonsense. Warm and fluffy, yet crunchy with sugar on the edges, with a wonderful fruity filling... More please!
M indulged and got two waffles! The first was speculoos, made with lots of spices. Looks great... Wish I could steal this truck and eat waffles all day, every day.
And here is his plain waffle with whipped cream. They whip their own cream, which makes it all the better.
Sorry for the terrible picture, but this is the Just Married truck. We weren't sure if that was their name, or if they'd just gotten married... Anyways, they sold coffee and hot chocolate, which is definitely a treat, because this day was frighteningly cold. Winter is coming, of course.
B got a latte. A pretty latte is always a good reason to take a picture.
I got a whoopie pie for 3$. It is made of pumpkin, with a tasty sweet cream in the middle. However, it was sad that this was pre-baked, so not at all warm. It still makes for a yummy treat.
Lucky's Truck was the last to open. Their menu is more expensive than other places, and contained two sandwiches and one poutine.
M decided to have their smoked chicken sandwich for 8$ and I mooched off of him. Considering the price, it was pretty small... smaller than a taco, even. The sandwich was cold, and although that was the intention, we would have appreciated a hot sandwich instead. The chicken was juicy and the sandwich wasn't bad, but it certainly wasn't worth 8 dollars.
B and JD both tried the duck poutine with foie gras for 10$. It does look good, but the sentiment of "not worth the price" was echoed.
And that was our food truck trip! We had a fantastic time, despite walking around the stadium multiple times in the freezing weather due to a general failure at directions. The food trucks gave us handfuls of Halloween candy! There was also a little stand that gave up free cream of pumpkin soup, made with pumpkins from the Botanical Garden! Yummm. I was really glad we got to experience the food trucks before they finished for the year. Can't wait till next time!
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