iharrison

While I enjoyed Robuchon, Buford, Reichl et al, I did not enjoy Charlie Rose. I thought he came across as a complete ignoramus. I found myself more and more upset by his questions ... especially with the Gourmet crowd. His pregnant pauses were more uncomfortable than usual. He could have done more with all those wonderful guests. What a waste. Especially with Robuchon.

Thanks for the report ... I have seen this place countless times and been curious about it. Excellent!

L'Atelier did not get 4 stars in The Gazette. Lesley Chesterman gave it 2.5. Still good. But not 4. For the record, I had a wonderful meal there a few weeks ago.

It's not happening anymore.

Vargas.

Akhavan in NDG, believe it or not.

Just thought of another potential place for good steak (non-steak frites joint): Pur (steak + sushi bar). I must emphasize that the porterhouse I had was the only good thing I ate there. But if it's steak you want, it could be an option. Off McGill, just above de la Commune.

It might be time to kick it old school and go to Rib 'n' Reef. Or Angus on Drummond. Or just buy the steaks at Le Biftheque and grill them yourself.

I'm pretty much a wine drinker these days, but I hear good things about this place. Baldwin Barmacie If you get a chance while you're here, try an Icewine Martini. Enjoy Montreal. ← I second that suggestion. Another superb cocktail joint - L'Assommoir ... Bernard corner St. Urbain.

Yes! That dish was incredible .... thanks for reminding me!

Chinatown yes ... maybe even Jean Talon market. Not sure where you live but Kim Hoa on des Sources in DDO will have for sure, as will the Asian grocery store on St. Denis and Jean Talon.

L'Atelier has two good rabbit dishes on the menu. But the best rabbit dish I have had in the past year was at La Montée De Lait. Rabbit three ways, including rabbit ribs. Awesome.

Dinner last night: maccheroni with wild mushroom ragout and poached egg; a half Cornish hen, butterflied and grilled; collard greens. Two superlative glasses of Mission Hill Sauvignon Blanc. Heaven. I saw rib steaks come out of the kitchen that I would step over my grandmother for.

Sara Musgrave also raved about it in her casual dining review in The Gazette several weeks back. The omokase is the way to go at Tri. Wonderful.

Didn't Anthony Bourdain liken Japanese mountain potato to sundried goat rectum in A Cook's Tour? Funny.

Is he the same Matteo at Mange Boire in Little Italy?

Mushrooms stuffed with confit canard? Sick! Have to try that.

Tapeo is the best IMHO.

You should always call ... and mention the kids, they'll try to seat you somewhere more accomodating.

Yes, you can eat at the bar.

Cool ... that makes sense. As for how many it seats, not completely sure ... around 24-ish?

Had the opportunity to try the summer menu last night and was impressed. Soft shell crab tempura, whole grilled turbot, foie gras and seafood maki. Everything looked and tasted delicious.

By the way ... the patio out back is beautiful. Kudos to Fred and co. for doing such a kick ass job. It's a wonderful spot to enjoy a leisurely meal. And Fred planted this sweet little garden right behind it ... lettuces, catnip, assorted herbs ... super cool. Go check it out now.

iharrison, thanks for the report. sounds awesome. "joe beefy" is a high compliment indeed. garde manger sounds like a place where there are kitschy things executed with seriousness. kitsch executed solely with kitschiness, in my opinion, always produces a disappointing product (ever been to trailer park in new york?). but retro onion dip, funzy cocktails, seafood platters, all done well? with good wine? sounds like garde is one to add to the list. ← It is one to add to the list. Although I should add that the Joe Beef comparison has more to do with the overall restaurant esthetic ... the people, the design, the ambiance and the menu. The food at Joe Beef is in another class.

When I see a Zagat review in a restaurant window in NYC, I cringe. I don't see their guides as a force for good. A Michelin guide to Montreal would be much more welcome here I imagine.