I was invited to a media event held by Télégraphe at the new specialty food store FOU D’ICI, a while ago. Located on Maisonneuve and Bleury, it’s the perfect stop to pick up a few things for a delicious dinner if you happen to be downtown.

The evening was very well organized and encouraged each media guest to taste and discuss some of the key and local products featured at FOU D’ICI.

I started by tasting tea and shortbread cookies made from Myco Sylva’s mushrooms.

My second stop was a well-known product to me, La Fourmi Bionique cereals which taste way too good to be organic!

I got to finally taste the cornetti from La Cornetteria in Little Italy, another advantage to visit FOU D’ICI if you don’t stop often in Little Italy.

The pearls by Corfia were fun to try with an array of fruits and maple sugar all covered in chocolate! They also offer interesting custom products if you get in touch with them, like chocolate business cards.

The sushi from Chef Malmi were amazing creations. It’s been a while since I’ve had such fresh and tasteful sushi in Montreal.

FOU D’ICI also features a to-go counter with delicious meals that can be heated on location or easily at home. The team of cooks is directed by Chef Bergeron, a charming man who knows how to upgrade our last minute meal ideas.

I suggest you stop by next time you are in the area and browse the alleys for fun and local products that could highlight your kitchen. It’s definitely not the place to fill your fridge, unless you have a big weekly budget but it’s a good spot to treat yourself on a lazy week night.

*All photos for this post are from the media event and were made available by Télégraphe

Share and Enjoy

Le Point G, the g spot in English, is straight up the best location in town for macarons. This awesome dessert from France is becoming more popular each day here in Montreal. Get a nice box or a pyramid to share amongst friends and enjoy it with a glass of champagne!

Suite 88 brings delicious and design together with their amazing creations. From an array of truffles to real chocolate shooters, you will definitely finds a product for each type of person you are buying for, including you of course! The reason to keep going back: their hot chocolate in many exciting flavors that turns in a mousse if you can’t finish it all and place it in the refrigerator.

Amazing photos from UniqueBoutiquesBlog.com

Cocoa Locale is a charming cake shop owned by Reema Singh. Her cakes are all made with love and covered in flowers. Each one looks a little bit different making it unique for the client. The cupcakes are the main reason why I am sold to Cocoa Locale. Pass by and choose one between lemon, vanilla and chocolate chai and you will think twice about buying another mass produced cupcake in the future!

Photo from LeModeDuJour.com

Olive & Gourmando is one of my favorite locations for lunch items, especially their sandwiches which are to die for! On week-ends, I also like to pick up a pastry or two to enjoy at home. Their selection is quite exciting and everything is baked fresh on-site. I especially recommend their palmier available from noon!

Share and Enjoy

It’s that time of the year folks! Au Pied de Cochon’s amazing sugar shack is getting ready for the new year and is accepting reservations as of today.

If you remember my review of last winter, it’s obvious that it can’t be missed!

Enjoy! And don’t forget to include a shot in the middle of the meal if you want to get through

Reservations | Website

Share and Enjoy

David’s Tea

How about a new tea to try every day until Christmas? David’s Tea got quite the idea this year! The calendar features a sample of 24 different teas. It’s enough to share for two cups, if needed. Check it out here. (Sold out online but try stores.)

Les Chocolats de Chloé

This is my favorite place for chocolate in Montreal and the thought of waking up to a different chocolate from Les Chocolats de Chloé each morning makes me way too happy! Take a break from the bad chocolates sold in stores and go for the real thing this year, I swear you won’t be deceived! Check it out here.

Any more foodie calendars you’d like to share? Enjoy the first day tomorrow!

Share and Enjoy

Deville Dinerbar opened recently on Stanley in the middle of Montreal’s downtown. I rarely visit this area for food escapades from previous bad experiences and high prices so it was a good opportunity to give the area another chance.

I was invited for a media event packed with hungry foodies and I ended up finding a place at the end of the bar. I was really impressed by the design of the restaurant, especially the merge of wood and mirror in the ceiling. The booths looked more than comfortable and it was easy to get a sneak peak at the open kitchen located on the first floor.

It didn’t take long before the food started flowing in with samples from the menu.

Tuna Taco

The tuna taco was deliciously fresh! I would have preferred a soft shell taco but overall, it made a perfect appetizer bite to go along a drink after work.

Hot dog wrapped in bacon

The hot dog was really, really good! Well anything wrapped in bacon is, right? I also appreciated the cabbage salad on top.

I got to try many more dishes like the mac & cheese dumplings (that’s right!), fried pickles and corn bread. On the sweet side, I tried a lemon meringue, a revisited apple pie, a milkshake shooter and a delicious Black Forest martini.

Deville Dinerbar was a great surprise and I will keep it in mind for my future 5 à 7 downtown. I would recommend going for a lot of small bites to share with friends. From what I tasted, the martinis were impressive and truly represented their titles. If you own an iPhone, get their app to control the “jukebox” while you’re there. The song selection is impressive and will definitely put you in a perfect mood for the ambiance that this old school Dinerbar offers!

*All photos in this post come from Deville Dinnerbar

Share and Enjoy

La Grande Dégustation de Montréal was a great success this year! Compared to last year’s Salon des Vin, the new formula was much better and really concentrated on discovering the product instead of trying to sell it right away. I’ve met a lot of awesome and passionate producers and went for two days straight.

I enjoyed my share of champagne, whiskeys and wines at La Grande Dégustation de Montréal and I ended up leaving with these great bottles:

Cava Brut Rosé

Juvé & Camps Casa Vella d' Espiells Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2006

Francis Ford Coppola Presents Rosso Classic

Marea de Leyda Pinot Noir 2009

Share and Enjoy

In exactly one week, the successor of Montréal Wine and Spirits Show will take place at Palais des Congrès de Montréal. The event will feature about 250 producers from 20 countries that will gladly offer one-to-one tastings and stories on their product. Wine lovers will get the ultimate experience and have the opportunity to attend a great array of conferences during the day. Whiskey lovers will also be spoiled with an impressive selection to try with the ongoing popularity increasing.

The event is the perfect opportunity to order wine from private imports and get it sent to your home in time for the holidays! La Grande Dégustation de Montréal will take place from October 27th to October 29th. The general admission is $15 and includes a taster’s glass and official event guide. Tastings vary in price and coupons will be for sale onsite.

Visit the website for more information.

Share and Enjoy

Grumman 78 is the one and only food truck in Montreal. The people behind it cleverly played the city and its rule against serving food in public places by renting the truck to private events. They’ve made quite the reputation for themselves with their amazing fusion tacos.

You might have seen the flashy truck at one of this summer’s festivals such as the Montreal Jazz Festival and Just For Laughs or behind the stoves on a late night at Nouveau Palais.

I for one have enjoyed their amazing tacos on a few occasions so I was quite excited to finally get to visit their headquarters for a special event.

The headquarters is gorgeous and definitely puts you in a festive mood. With its funky decor, exciting bar and spacious room, it’s easy to forget about the truck and get comfortable at one of their many tables to enjoy their full menu including fried chicken!

For my visit, I went with the Vietnamese pork taco and the cornbread salad with fresh tomatoes. As for drinks, I chose a refreshing pink lemonade cocktail. It was definitely the highlight of my week-end!

Check out their Facebook page for more info on their upcoming in-house events and make sure to bring enough cash as that’s all they accept for now! And if you’re looking for the perfect party venue, Grumman 78 happily rents its space for a winning foodie party.

Share and Enjoy

Meatmarket has been open for business on the Main for a while now. I’ve tried quite a few items from their lunch menu in the past years and I’ve been going back for the generous portions and laid back atmosphere. Their menu is mainly made of sandwich combos.

The amazing fries included in every meal is probably the main reason why people like this place.

On my last visit, I decided to indulge myself in the most exciting and greasy dish: the Meatmarket poutine! The fries are a mix of regular and sweet potatoes and the gravy is a rich sauce that covers the whole rectangular plate. As a yummy extra, I’ve opted for a brochette of grilled flank steak.

The whole thing is amazing and gives a needed upgrade to the regular diner poutine. I wouldn’t say it’s fine cuisine but if you’re ready for a rich lunch, I definitely recommend a visit to Meatmarket!

You can complete your meal with a glass of wine or a good pint of beer at a special price if you don’t feel like being productive for the rest of your day!

MEATMARKET
ADDRESS: 4415 St-Laurent
PHONE: 514-223-2292
HOURS: MON 11:30AM–3PM / TUES–WED 11:30AM–11PM / THU–FRI 11:30AM–12AM / SAT 5PM–12AM
ALCOHOL: Yes
VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY: Yes
CREDIT CARDS: Yes
PRICE: $15-20

Share and Enjoy

I was invited this summer to a cocktail tasting offered by Brahm Mauer at the gorgeous Loft Hotel. I’ve tried many great caterers in Montreal but it was my first time hearing about a bar service.

Brahm Mauer offers a special and very personalized experience with its bar to go and great staff counting 35 employees. Whether it’s for a wedding, a birthday or a corporate event, they seem to have done it all and they know how to please each client.

Photo credits: Tom Branconier

On that evening, I got to sample delicious and creative drinks that were all made using the same base. They found a smart way to keep the prices low while offering something special and it can be as cheap as $25 per person for a fun and different evening.

On the left: Passionfruit Martini, On the right: Champagne Sangria

If you’re looking to wow your friends in the future for a get together, contact the friendly guys behind Brahm Bauer.

Share and Enjoy