Abendschein

For the next time, imbibing at L'assommoir on Bernard is always a fun (if messy) night...so many to try. http://www.assommoir.ca/drinkList.php Agree with the suggestion of Baldwin Barmacie. Also worth checking out - my favourite of the new kids on the block - Code Bar on Rachel.

Maybe I missed some of the criteria, but a few areas I would consider that don't seem to have been mentionned much are the obvious ones : Old Port (lots of great restaurants and architecture), St-Denis (Carre St-Louis, for amazing architecture and proximity to restos on St-Denis and St-Laurent), and Mile End (close to Laurier and Bernard). A lot of places in these areas have been redone on the inside and are stunning - large spaces, bright, historical and modern at once - very Montreal, I think. I live near CSL myself and love that I can walk pretty well anywhere I might like to explore. I don't think that you need to live right beside either Atwater or Jean Talon to benefit from the great produce etc available there, especially given that you have a car for your commute to work. Parking won't be easy the more central you are, thanks to few underground options, but permit parking isn't so bad if you have the permit! The old port has a fair amount of underground parking options however tend to be premium and pricey.

I empathize with the original poster bc it's shocking sometimes to have your best intentions received entirely differently than how you intended. But that being said, I also understand that - after you have not made other bookings/ turned others away, it's certainly frustrating and a waste to have a last minute cancellation. Certainly for a small and busy establishment, one cancellation is significant. Essentially, there was no way for both parties to find a satisfactory outcome, at that time. It can be debated to no end, but ultimately neither party has their proverbial hands clean. Yes, it could have been more pleasant to cancel - but chances are, the cancellation could have been decided upon earlier, even if it was not. That being said... I love Joe Beef - but I hate calling to make a reservation. It's worth it, without a doubt - but I hate it. lol ;-) Once there it's all fun and games and brilliant food.

Sounds like a great evening... reviewed by Tastet today in VOIR

Perhaps both the research and the foodies are Zagat's...

The place on St-Laurent south of des Pins is called Zumaia, I went a few weeks ago and found it quite good. Not spectacular but definitely a pleasant meal and a nice change... Incidentally, it is the same owners as Pinxto on Roy. I had intended to go to Pinxto the night in question but it was booked up and they told me about Zumaia. Casa Tapas is not bad at all - basic in some ways but quite authentic in terms of what you would actually be served as tapas were you in Spain - generally speaking, it's not at all haute cuisine, spanish-style, in small portions as many places interpret it to be! I always have a good time and the ambiance is relaxed, busy, and great for a night of catching up with friends.

I agree... and while good, there's also a reason it isn't raved about again and again! Good but nothing to write the posting board about ;-)

A few I like, although let's face it, while there are some breakfasts that are better than others... we're not talking re-invention of the wheel (my 0.02$). Haute cuisine? Hardly -- but fun maybe new places to try and for catching up with friends - absolutely. Laika -- interesting without being too ambitious (I find Reservoir veers towards being more lunch than brunch and lacks a few breakfast mainstays). Cobalt -- small small menu but just enough variety. Add live jazz and great mimosas and an uberchill jaaaaazzz, man wait staff and it's just a really nice experience Senzala -- not the BEST place in the Montreal, but definitely fun for a brazilian twist on things. I personally prefer the original location on Bernard. And I don't mind L'avenue one bit ... though it's not top of my list, just for the crowds. But for out of towners/ guests you like, it's a good bet... so much more representative of Montreal than the dreaded Eggspectations or Cora's.

Has anyone heard of a Collector's Edition of this issue being released ? I was told there was one, and it included more lengthy articles and reviews/articles excluded from the regular edition. If so, would it be available at your average Barnes & Noble type store in US cities (specifically NYC)? Any ideas on how to verify this for a friend to pick one up for me (as opposed to running around himself looking for it). Thanks!

eat2much, you are my new favourite person! Thanks for passing along the information. Have you been to this event in Montreal???? I've been to similar events in other cities and really enjoyed them (to say the least).

I've only been to a few more, being La Chronique, Jun-I, Raza, La Spaghettata and Vasco de Gamma. La Chronique is generally flawless. Nothing more or less to be said. Just a great, delicious experience. Jun-I is possibly my personal "new restaurant of the year". With the exception of one of the courses of the tasting menu one time (strange seafood salad with fish gelatin), everything has always been absolutely delicious. Interesting flavours, even surprizing, without trying too hard and being overwelming. Some of the most memorable meals there. Raza is a great experience and I'm glad I went, but it's not necessarily the place I am most likely to return to regularly. Perhaps if/ when the menu changes up. Everything is so interesting, but the ambiance is not all that it could be. Tastet's description of bizarre but brilliant is dead-on. It must be tried once, though. La Spaghettata and Vasco de Gamma I really don't feel belong on the top 12 list. Meals that were alright but simply not in the same league as the above.