Kinka Izakaya

Irrashaimase!

1624 Saint Catherine St W Montreal, QC H3H1L9

Be prepared for a loud and boisterous experience from the second you walk into Kinka Izakaya. Each time someone enters, the entire staff yells Irrashaimase! (welcome! in Japanese).

Located in the Faubourg on St. Catherine street amongst many other Asian eateries, and not too far from Imadake (another Izakaya that has definitely made a name for itself in Montreal) it is hard for a newcomer to stand out. However, Kinka Izakaya has done a brilliant job of gaining momentum on the competitive Izakaya playing field. Thanks to the stylish design, warm staff, and incredible dishes, they have mastered the recipe for success. The people behind this Izakaya are not new to this, having opened Guu and multiple other restaurants in Toronto.

Torching master!

Plum Wine Mojito

Plum Wine

We sat at the bar and watched the chefs perfectly torch sushi and deep fry takoyaki. Definitely a fun part of the experience. I sipped on my favorite plum wine (one of the special drinks of the night) and a plum wine mojito- a unique take on the classic mojito.

When you visit this hotspot, these are some of the dishes that you must try (though there were another 20 items I wish I could have tried-  I'll have to return for more!):

Rapini and Mushroom Stir Fry

Tuna Tataki

Pressed and Torched Salmon

Miso Cod

Beef Udon Noodles

Green Tea Crème Brulée

This is also a fun place to go for a birthday. The team will sing their (loud) version of happy birthday and bring out crazy dessert and shot platters for the party (for a price of course)!

When you leave the restaurant, you will be sent-off with a cheer and the entire place waving goodbye to you.

You could now make reservations, and I highly recommend that you do, because it fills up quickly!
Mind, Taste, Love.

Balsam Inn

Downtown Montreal: Better with Balsam Inn

Downtown Montreal, the heart and soul of this city has just about everything - shopping, beautiful architecture, businesses, entertainment, universities, and some of the coolest pedestrians in the world (seriously..Montrealers are awesome). But one thing has been missing as of late-  trendy restaurants. With Vicolo having just popped up near the Bell Center, and the reopening of Queue de Cheval, it seems that the city is gaining some momentum in this domain. So imagine my excitement when I heard that one of my ultimate favourite spots in the city, Tavern Square Dominion, would be opening a sister restaurant right next door- smack in the center of Downtown Montreal. I knew I had to try it out immediately.

I made a reservation on a busy Saturday night. Upon arriving, I noted that the décor was as I expected: lots of wooden details, quirky touches, and dim lighting. The bar is the stunning central feature of the space and is the reason that I highly recommend Balsam as a date spot. 

I was happily surprised to see their flat breads (a must-try) being made right in front of me. A nice touch! So we sat down at a table and ordered a couple of their unique cocktails as well as a flat bread with roasted tomatoes and a gallette au four (almost like a cheese fondue) to start. I would highly recommend both and also heard that the flat bread with prosciutto and another with mushrooms are delicious. For a main we ordered the Squash Agnolotti (heavenly pillows of pasta with a smooth squash filling) as well as the fried chicken and cabbage (soaked in buttermilk for hours before being fried to perfection- moist and delicious!).

Flat Bread with Roasted Tomatoes and Gallette au Four

Squash Agnolotti

Fried Chicken with Cabbage

Unfortunately we had no room for dessert, but I will be back soon to give it a try!

Overall the food and drinks were delightful and I would highly recommend you pay this new spot a visit.  

Mind, Taste, Love.

Pullman Bar à Vin

Pullman needs no introduction. In my opinion, this is one of Montreal's top date spots. With a never-ending wine list, knowledgeable servers, and music that is at just the right volume for some good old-fashioned conversation, it is easy to see why Pullman's has been able to hold its own.

The atmosphere is understated and tasteful. Dim lighting and candles create a perfect ambience and the layout of the tables are just right. Order a cheese plate with the perfect wine pairing, or some mini burgers and let the wine do the rest.

In my opinion, Pullman also makes for the perfect GNO. When me and my girls go out, we want to be able to drink AND catch up (the latter is hard to do at other bars where music is loud and the space is crowded).

Cheese Platter

Mini Burgers

Churros

For a tamer night out of delicious tapas, wine, and (yes) conversation, I suggest Pullman Bar à Vin! 

Mind, Taste, Love.

Montreal Events: Kyozon Official Launch

Kyozon

A Kaiten on Crescent.

1458 Rue Crescent. Montréal, QC H3G

I'm all about restaurants experimenting with new concepts and aiming to set themselves apart from the pack. The launch of Kyozon last week demonstrated the restaurants first strides towards becoming Montreal's latest trend-setter, and I liked what I saw!

Kyozon Exterior

The official launch party at Kyozon's seriously impressive Crescent location was a blast! Sushi circulated on their unique Kaiten (conveyor belt), attendees sipped on original cocktails, and the media buzzed about this booming new restaurant and bar. Everyone was having a great time, and although the restaurant is two floors and very spacious, it was packed the entire night!

Sushi Kaiten

Shojo Sour

Sushi

I didn't stray too far from the Kaiten and grabbed plenty of sushi before it whizzed by, while sipping my Shojo Sour (a striking green cocktail crafted with Bombay Sapphire, Midori, fresh lime, simple syrup, sesame oil, and egg white). Other snacks were passed around including their popcorn shrimp with sriracha cream, salt and pepper fried calamari, and the cutest and most delicious little desserts- mini passion fruit panna cottas.

Popcorn Shrimp with Sriracha Cream

The restaurant is changing the game a little. A HUGE bar is the main feature you will notice upon entrance, though the entire space is visually stunning. The décor feels traditional and rooted in Asian culture, but still exudes modern and trendy vibes all around. Above the bar, canisters with Japanese symbols line the walls all the way to the ceiling and directly opposite lies the DJ booth. From the second floor, you could look straight-down onto the bar and admire the bartenders shaking up one of their many delicious creations. The second floor is also where you will find the Kaiten (extremely popular all over Japan and beginning to pop-up in the UK and other parts of the world), an all new concept in the Montreal restaurant landscape! A fun way to eat "tapas-style" and try a little bit of everything.

The rest of the menu mimics the décor: the items are based on traditional Asian street-food, but most have a modern twist.

Overall, the night was fun and delicious, but I was mainly struck by Kyozon's gorgeous design and the fact that no detail was overlooked in the planning of its (definitely) GRAND opening.

Best of luck to the Kyozon team, and congratulations on the launch of a cool new MTL spot!

Mind, Taste, Love.

Restaurant Review: Rosewood

Rosewood 

Rock N' Rosewood

60 Saint Jacques St, Montreal QC H2Y1L2

A down-to-earth supper club serving some mean burgers to the sound of great music- that is how I would describe Rosewood Pub & Restaurant. Nothing over-the-top, or pretentious here! Just good food, good music, and friendly staff. "Dope" as my friend put it best!

Rosewood Exterior

It is no surprise then that the restaurant is owned by Quebec rockstar Jonas, who teamed up with next door neighbour Joverse owners to create this laid-back, yet rockin' space. 

The music is catchy, the burgers exotic, and cocktails colourful. If you're looking for the perfect night out with some friends, or a casual date night in the Old Port, you need to make your way here. The décor is simple- wooden tables, leather benches, decorative pillows, and red lighting- creating an atmosphere that perfectly complements the cool music and menu. Also, glasses are adorned with the signature Rosewood Rose. It's all in the details, right?!

What we ordered

• Yellowfin Tuna Burger: Triple AAA red tuna, sesame seeds, avocado, tempura, spicy mayo, tomato, and iceberg lettuce 
• Bangkok Burger: Shrimp, gojuchang mayo, napa cabbage, and hoisin sauce
• Le Massif: Charlevoix lamb, foie gras mayo, cheese, sautéed chanterelles, porc belly, and romaine lettuce
• French fries

All burgers are served with their house popcorn, and all necessary condiments are on the table (including Sriracha- SCORE!).

Yellowfin Burger

Bangkok Burger

Le Massif Burger

Fries

And for you health nuts- Don't stay home! They have some salads on the menu too and a veggie burger made with black beans and quinoa.

The favourite cocktail at our table was the Watermelon Spritz, but their cocktail menu has a bunch of fun options to choose from- Bourbonade anyone?!

Cheers!

Watermelon Spritz

To top it all off, dessert of course! What better way to end a meal than with a key lime pie piled high with Chantilly whipped cream and toasted coconut. NOTHING. Though their sundaes looked pretty epic too... A girl can only devour so much in one awesome night.

Key Lime Tart

For a night out packed with music, great food, good atmosphere, all in one of the most beautiful areas of our city, rock n' roll over to Rosewood!

Reservations: Large space (two floors), but it filled up a little later on, so always better off reserving!
Date night: As long as you don't mind eating burgers on a date! (Wait, why would you?) & expect loud music- this is not the place for you if you're looking for a quiet date spot.
What I wore: Waxy forest green jeans, white tee, silk bomber, and leather booties.

The damage: $$

Stay in the know: Lunch Monday-Friday & weekend brunch

Mind, Taste, Love.

Nightlife: Lorbeer

Lorbeer

Rustic Refinement.

381 Avenue Laurier Ouest, Montréal, QC H2V 2K3

More than just your typical neighbourhood bar, Lorbeer is the quintessential spot to grab a drink with friends on charming Laurier street. You may not know that Lorbeer is also the other half of Laurea (the revamped Laurier BBQ). Owned by Jeff Stinco (Simple Plan member and Montreal restauranteur) and partner Eric LeFrancois, this bar definitely reflects their passion for beer and food. The beer on tap is even from their very own Quebec-based brewery- The West Shefford Brewing Company.

The bar serves upscale bar food- not your traditional burgers and wings. Some options include curry braised lamb and chickpea tacos and Porc belly lettuce wraps. The menu is sophisticated and original, just like the décor and vibe. Unfortunately I only stopped by post-din and was way too full to order food (aside from fries...never too full for fries), but I will definitely be back to sample some of their food creations!

Fries & Mayo

As for the interior: warm and rustic with an antique feel. Industrial brass pipes run along the wall, and lit-candles provide additional coziness. For a place with such a refined menu and décor, it miraculously manages to keep a "friendly", unpretentious ambience.

Interior

My absolute favourite aspect of Lorbeer (being a girly-girl) are their Beertails- cocktails that incorporate beer. Choose from one of their whimsical creations including (my choice) the Monaco- 20 oz pint, grenadine syrup, 7up, and pale ale (LOVE). Plus, if you can't choose just one of their brews, sample 3 with their tester-sized beers. And finally, if you don't feel like calling over the waiter each time you want a re-fill, grab a seat at the back of the bar for a self-service/private tap experience!

Beertail Menu

Monaco & Alchimiste Beer

Yup! Beertails, fancy bar food, self-service taps, and ambience- I think I found your new favourite bar!

Reservations: Just walked in on a Sunday night- not sure about Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
Date night: 10/10.
Attire: Plaid shirt, jeans, & ankle booties.

The damage: $$$

Stay in the know: DJ on Thursday nights.

Bonus: Terrace

Mind, Taste, Love.