Boo

How is the food at the Inn at Jaffrey Center? Have you eaten there? I'm thinking of a slight change in plans. I know that the Fitzwilliam is open for brunch on NYD, so we may do that and have dinner NYE in Jaffrey. Hmmmm

Thanks! I'll check it out.

We'll be spending New Years at our camp up by the NH border and were thinking of going into Peterborough for brunch on NYD. Any suggestions for tasty breakast/brunches? I'd be interested in anything, from diner to upscale. Thanks!

One last ditch effort as we're leaving tomorrow - anyone know of any food walking tours? I haven't been to Jean Talon since it was revamped, so we'll go there on our own (and Atwater too), but I was thinking of where to go in some of the other 'hoods.

Thank you, that's what I needed to know.

Resurrecting this thread..........Does Versus serve Sunday breakfast/brunch on the rooftop patio? Anyone know? Thank you.

Fantastic post-trip report. We have reservations next month for Joe Beef (never been) and APDC (been before, but wanting to return), so you have whetted my appetite beyond belief!

Superluckycat, did you find a person or company that offers food walking tours? We are also coming up for the Jazz Festival and I've been trying to find one without any luck. In my city (Boston) there are individuals who offer these types of food tours around the North End. I've never done one (since we live here!) but I imagine there must be someone similar in Montreal, I just don't know how to find them. Thank you.

Thank you both for the info. Exactly what I needed to know.

I'm planning reservations for upcoming our visit and have been itching to dine here for months. However, we are traveling with our four year old. I know Joe Beef is a small space. If we make our res for as early as possible, will it be appropriate to bring him, or is it fairly formal atmosphere? And, are they open on Sunday? I anticipate Fridays and Sat would be very busy, so I was thinking Sunday (or Thursday) might be better. Thank you for any guidance.

I forgot to say that I am very appreciative of all the suggestions here, I am keeping them for my next trip in Oct.

Well, here's the long and short it it: The brunch certainly was painful, although not in the way I had hoped. After MUCH discussion, we decided that we just did not have enough time to go downtown and then back before we had to leave on Sunday. And DH being Scandinavian, he really wanted to try Aquavit. So we booked there. Unfortunately, I had not considered that my 35 year old-ish body just cannot stay up all night and party like it used to. Just as I took my first plate of food, I felt a noxious gurgling in my stomach. I barely made it to the bathroom in time. DH had a lovely solo brunch and enjoyed the various herring and salmon dishes while I spent the entire brunch face down on the bathroom floor. Live and learn.

August looks interesting, I like the menu. So many choices now.... I have to pick one. That's the hard part.

I would love to do the Spotted Pig, but they don't take rezzies (per the website) and we'll not have time to spend waiting in line. I'm going to check out the Shopsin's website.

Appreciate all the suggestions......I am thinking of skipping Aquavit Sat night and instead booking it for brunch on Sunday. Adam or anyone else, is brunch formal or is it more casual? Website says "jacket recommended" for dinner?

OK, spouse and I will be in NYC next weekend. This is my first wknd away from our small son and I am hysterically looking forward to dining out without needing to cut up anyone's food, wipe a nose, etc. I would love suggestions for brunch somewhere we would not normally go with our son (ie., painfully hip) since it will be a treat. We eat anything and price not an issue. We're also planning to visit Aquavit for cocktails and bites in the bar on Sat night. Any suggestions? Thank you.

That answers that. Thank you.

Is Joe Beef open for lunch? Thank you.

Appreciate the suggestions for CDN neighborhood, thanks to all! I'm especially glad to hear there's a small market there in the summer, fresh peas and Quebec strawberries are a favorite summer walking around snack.

Jumping on the bandwagon......I was also inspired to plan our summer holiday in Montreal after drooling over this issue. It's been a year since our last visit - too long. Here are the first questions that come to mind: We're renting an apt. in Cote des Neiges neighborhood and will be cooking since we have a kitchen. Is Marche Jean Talon within walking distance (15 min or so) from this area? If not, is there a good market nearby? From what I've read, there are many small ethnic restos here. A friend suggested East India, is it good? Any other suggestions (except Chinese, it doesn't agree with spouse). Thank you.

Just back from a weekend in Portland and here is what we ate: Dinner at Walter's on NYE because it was within walking distance of our hotel (the Regency - good spa and location). We ordered two starters: the carrot ginger soup and a serrano ham in filo with butternut squash; two entries: the macademia encrusted mahi mahi and the lacquered duck with crispy rice cakes and one shared dessert: a creme brulee. The big problem: our starters were forgotten and our entrees arrived about ten minutes after we sat down (I hate it when the server does not write down the order). But, it was NYE and the place was packed, so we let it go without a fuss and I never got to taste the soup (it was removed from the bill). The serrano ham arrived late. However, the mahi mahi was moist and flavorful, and the duck was also good (not at all chewy and in my carb-deprived state I loved the crunchy rice cakes). The creme brulee was warm with a satisfying crunch but not memorable. Staff were very accomodating to our 3 year old and offered pasta and ice cream off the menu without our needing to ask. Brunch on Sunday was provided at our hotel with our room, and served at 20 Milk Street. The orange juice was fresh and not canned/bottled etc., a plus. Spouse had a positive experience with his lobster benedict. I don't think I would go there specially for their brunch, but it was adequate and service was attentive. Dinner on Sunday night was at Fuji (it was cold, it was hardly a block from the hotel and many other places were closed). Best items were the fresh Maine shrimp from the sushi menu and a spicy ginger martini. Very nice, helpful waitress. Lunch on Monday was at Duckfat. I thought I was forever ruined for all other fries after I tasted them at APDC in Montreal. But these fries blow those out of the water. They were SO GOOD I wanted to lick the paper cone. Got them with the curry dipping sauce, but they needed no sauce. Also tried the curry cauliflower soup and butternut squash soup with a swirl of balsamic vinegar. Both soups were creamy, smooth on the tongue and served hot. The curry cauliflower had a stronger cauliflower flavor than curry. Duck confit salad with a silky dressing was served warm and I wished it arrived with a piece of bread to wipe every last bit of dressing from the plate (ditto for the soup - bread would have been a nice touch). Cheese plate came with (my memory is a spotty) a Shropshire cheddar and New Jersey blue, onion jam (thick!) and grilled bread. Finished with two root beers (I wanted to try the ginger beer, hot chocolate and a beignet too, but was too full). A thoroughly good lunch, thanks to egulleters. Unfortunately, didn't make it to Caiola's, Front Room or Dogfish Cafe, will have to add those to the list for next time. Happy New Year all. Chris

Thanks Siren, we'll try The Front Room instead. Should be good.

Any recommendations of what to order at Duckfat? I'm thinking of going for lunch on Saturday. Also, is the bruch at Bintliff's a buffet? I normally avoid buffets like the plague, unless there is an exceptional reason to go. Looking forward to heading your way this weekend!

Has anyone been to Walter's recently? We're heading up to Portland next month and trying to decide where to book two dinners, a lunch and brunch. Last time we really enjoyed dinners at Local 158 and Thanh Thanh II, lunch at Scales and brunch at Friendship Cafe. I'd like to try Duck Fat this time. Really high end places are out because we'll have our three year old with us. I see the good reviews of Madd Apple Cafe and Katahdin here, so I'm thinking about those. Too many places, too little time, that's the problem! Thank you for any suggestions.

The website remains down, but is their email address still good?