We have a few nights left in Montreal and are looking for a great bistro on a budget, so I'm turning it over to you to help us decide where to eat. We've already enjoyed L'Express, and last night we finally made culinary pilgrimage to Au Pied de Cochon (more on that experience later), so I've left them off the list. (And by "on a budget," I have in mind a bistro that has at least a few entrees under $20).
It's not an easy call: P'tit Plateau has the advantage of being BYOB; Lemeac has a special after-10 p.m. menu where you can get a two-course meal for $22, and isn't eating late always more fun?
Thinking of somewhere not on out list? Just add your suggestions in the comments. (Please feel free to comment on why you voted for your choice as well.)
Also, I'll be reporting back soon on the results of our bagel poll and my impressions of the winners.
And many thanks for all of the suggestions thus far--we're starting day three in Montreal with very happy--and very full--stomachs.
SHOP THE ATLANTIC FOOD MARKETPLACE
Terrence Henry
Terrence Henry is a former journalist who entered "temporary retirement" earlier this year to spend a year or so eating his way around the globe. He spent the first half of 2009 abroad, devouring steaks in Argentina, visiting countless tapas bars in Spain, and burning off pizza calories with long walks in Italy. On July 4th, he left for an extended food tour of the U.S. and Canada, which you can follow (and help shape) here. full bio
Subscribe to Atlantic FoodThe Atlantic Food Channel on Facebook
Nutrition
Searching For the Next Superfruit
Cupuaçu, a sweet tropical fruit, is getting buzz for being the next big thing in antioxidants.
Abroad
Where Food Drives Out Politics
Even during a tumultuous year, there's one place in Thailand where everything is united: the market. SLIDE SHOW I
Nutrition
China: 2 Men Executed For Poisoning Milk
The Chinese government punishes the people responsible for lacing baby formula with melamine.
Weekly
Copyright © 2009 by The Atlantic Monthly Group. All rights reserved.
Howdy!
Although I voted for Le Club Chasse et Pêche, I could have just as easily voted for Au Cinquième Peché. I've had two absolutely spectacular and amazing meals at CCP, but only one absolutely amazing meal at 5ieme Peché. (Obviously I need to get to 5ieme Peché again). Then again if you have a hankering for seal...
Howdy!
Ooops! Somehow missed the word "budget." Neither CCP, or Au Cinquième Peché are "budget." Which is also probably why they were spectacularly amazing meals.
If you want "budget" I'd suggest Terrace Justine, 1231 Lajoie (514) 759-8009, or Le Valois, 3811 Ontario E (514) 528-0202. Both are kick-ass and dirt cheap.
normally, i'd recommend that you just hit chez levesque, across from lemeac, but their menu isn't looking exceptional tonight: http://www.chezleveque.ca/
petit plateau is good, but they serve the confit de canard bowl style, which i prefer less, i'd recommend the lamb there, if you didn't take it at au pied de cochon (hope you didn't get the actual pied de cochon, hehe). that one has the advantage of being byo wine.
whatever you do, do not go to au petit extra. it's really just getting by on being the only game in that area. i've been there several times, and my best meal was barely a 7/10.
au cinquieme peché, yoyo, chasse et peche, and toqué, are more expensive than you're thinking (in that order), though yoyo is great and you can bring your own wine, and cinquieme peché is very good and also, now sort of famous for their seal dish (something you find in the u.s., i'm guessing).
lemeac is old faithful, and though it can be spotty, their range goes from very good to great!
there are so many others to choose from... the st henri trio, the old port's favorites, the rest of the joints on laurier... but i think you've got a good selection here for the initiate.
i voted for lemeac, because you can hit dieu du ciel and wander over there afterward for a great dinner.
It's probably too late for a bistro suggestion for tonight, but if you end up hungry later tonight, try Boustan on crescent (they deliver as well). Very inexpensive, and one of the best middle eastern in the city. The veggie pita is not to be missed.
The best thing at Boustan is a "secret menu" item called the creation. It's a veggie pita with chicken added. It's an outstanding sandwich. You can also order a beef creation.
boustan is fast food, and low grade fast food at that. the falafel is pre-made and microwaved, as are potatoes and rice, something unheard of in other towns (nyc, for instance). overall, i'd say this is a decent joint for the drunken concordia student, somewhere on par with al-taib or sheharazad.
I voted for Lemeac. It's the best bistro in town AFAIC. Altough there have been a few accounts of bad experiences since a new chef has moved into the kitchen. Frankly, I don't think Club Chasse & Peche is a bistro. It's a lot more fancy and formal than a bistro, and a lot more expensive.
For something more budget, but very French and very good, I would consider Le Margaux. It might not be as refined as Lemeac, but it wins as far as bang for the buck. The rabbit stuffed with foie gras and prunes is amazing.
Again, you have failed, Mr. Henry.
You can't just call yourself a food journalist and become one overnight. Just like you can't make ridiculous claims about DC being a great food city, when you've never even eaten in Montreal before.
However, since I'm inclined to help you a bit in your quest to gain a little more than your current negligible amount of knowledge of food (I'm a Montrealer, and have lived in DC and SF), you should try Kitchen Galerie, near the Jean-Talon market. Three-course meals for between 29 and 40 bucks. Not those stuffy, lame old standbys that no real Montrealer who has a clue about food would go to (which you listed above). Get the ribeye for two, and any foie gras dish. It'll make you forget those flavorless grass-fed Argentinian specimens quite quickly.
despite this joker's clear desire to showboat, he's actually got a pretty good recommendation. stay away from the risotto though, which was underdone the pair of times i tried it. obviously, the biggest problem with hitting this one is that there's nowhere to walk afterward. the hood up there is so far from the plateau/mile end that after you're done, unless you're grabbing a show up around there, you'll have to grab a taxi and head all the way back to town. personally, i consider that a pretty serious strike against, since you can eat pretty well in less grotty area.
Leméac after 10 is awesome. I always go there to sit at the bar. There steak tartare is pretty good! For appetizer, I always have the crispy hot goat cheese and for main course, either the steak or the Poulet de cornouailles (those small chickens...).
Like other said, CCP is not a bistro and is not cheap. Le petit extra sucks.
For a good BYOB french bistro. Try les intouchables on Rachel or O'Thym on Maisonneuve (same owner, same menu).
It ain't showboating. Just calling it like it is.
CCP is neither cheap nor a bistro. It is, arguably, the best restaurant in Montreal.