Restaurant Review: Suwu (The Brunch Edition)

Suwu

Your neighbourhood bar.....and brunch spot?

3581 St Laurent Montreal, QC H2X2T6 Phone: (514) 564-5074

Brunch is the most comforting meal and I usually look forward to the weekend for this exact reason. Work prevents me from being able to enjoy a satisfying breakfast during the week- I'm usually rushing out of the house and grab something on-the-go, so there's nothing like sitting down for brunch on the weekend, knowing you have nothing but time to sip on your caffeine-fix, catch up with friends, and wipe your plate clean.

See what I mean by comforting?

Surprisingly, this is my first brunch post! So I am very excited to share. For my birthday this year, I thought it would be a refreshing change to go for a boozy brunch with friends, instead of the usual dinner or drinks. SO...I searched for some good options in the city and discovered something exciting. Suwu offers a fixed price for "bottomless brunch"- ALL YOU CAN DRINK ($35).

The menu is small, but still has tons of tempting choices like breakfast tartare and fried chicken and french toast. Divided into snacks, sweet, salty, and sides, the plates are innovative and quirky mirroring the restaurants hip, alternative design.

The drink menu is equally enticing with varied punch bowls (for 4 people), and make-your-own mimosas (blood orange, peach, grapefruit, etc.). If "bottomless brunch" sounds like too much, one of these would be perfect!

Punch Bowl

When you make a reservation, request a table by the window (especially if it's a nice day). Its an open concept and the window is lined with plants creating a lush "terrace" feel.

The service could have definitely been improved. Our waitress was sweet, but we had to wait a while to order, and I was brought a birthday mimosa (sweet thought!) once I had already ate and paid.

Overall, it was a lovely morning and everyone left full and satisfied with their brunch. Having been to Suwu for dinner and drinks, I could really appreciate that they offer such an extensive brunch menu at reasonable prices. Feast your eyes on some of our dishes below!

Reservations: Ya, just in case.
Date night: More of a post-night-out catch-up with friends.
Attire: Your hippest high-waisted shorts + crop top.

The damage: $$

Mind, Taste, Love.

Beignets with House Jam

Mixed Berries with Mascarpone and Grilled Baguette

Angel Cake Pancakes

Eggs Benedict

Breakfast Nachos

Breakfast Tartare

Eggs in a Basket w/ Hash Browns

Restaurant Review: La Diperie

La Diperie

Dip it.

64 Ave Des Pins Est Montreal, QC H2W

This post is going to be short and VERY sweet. It's not news that I have a sweet tooth. I love cake, macarons, and really anything made with sugar. Ice cream was never a personal favourite, but I found a place that might have changed that. For good.

La Diperie is only 2 and a half weeks old, but it has definitely found its home on Avenue des Pins. To succeed in this city you need a unique concept, and La Diperie has just that. You enter the small, and quaint turquoise space and are greeted by the welcoming owner. You then can either choose a special from the chalkboard, or (and here's where things get crazy) order a soft serve ice cream in a cone and choose from 15 DIFFERENT BELGIAN CHOCOLATE DIPS that harden and create a crunchy shell around your crème glacé molle. You could also choose toppings to sprinkle over top. Decadence at its finest.

Vanilla Soft-Serve Dipped in Dark Chocolate Fleur de Sel

Just to whet your appetite, chocolate dipping flavours included: dark chocolate fleur de sel (my choice- and it was perfection), cookies and cream, turtle, milk chocolate, cookie dough, dark chocolate mint, white chocolate, and many others. Toppings included: crushed pretzels, coconut, sprinkles, and more.

Chocolate Dipping Flavours

If you can't handle a regular-sized cone (don't know why this would be an issue...but hypothetically), you could order a miniature dipped cone. Simply adorable.

Miniature Milk Chocolate Dipped Cone

The next time you're craving a scoop, dip instead. You won't regret it. See pictures below!

Mind, Taste, Love.

Ready....Set.....

.....DIP

Cookies and Cream Dipped Cone

Restaurant Review: Tavern on the Square

Tavern on the Square

A Montreal Classic.

1 Westmount Sq Ste C310 Westmount, QC H3Z2P9 Phone: (514) 989-9779

It's one of those nights where you want to go out for dinner, but don't really know what you're in the mood for. You had Sushi last night, and you just can't figure out what you're craving. We've all been there, right?

My go-to restaurant when I'm in one of those moods is Taverne on the Square. A Montreal classic that keeps drawing me in for their seasonal specials and market-fresh ingredients. A meal that will leave you feeling content time and time again. Somehow they know exactly what your stomach was pining for- whether it be a pasta dish, a burger, fish, or meat.

This time around the specials were what caught my attention. They included a lobster spaghetti dish, trout, as well as a veal milanese with a honey and ginger sauce. I ordered both the spaghetti and veal to share and was extremelyyy happy that I did! I wish these were permanently added to the Taverne menu (Please?). The lobster spaghetti was definitely not shy on the lobster and the sauce stood on its own. The veal was packed with flavour and they did not skimp on portion size for either. Since they were specials, they came with a soup (bean and asparagus purée), and salad-  prepare to leave full.

Asparagus and Bean Purée

Veal Milanese

Lobster Spaghetti

Others in my party ordered the trout and were also very pleased with their choice!

Trout Dish

The Taverne is also known for their keen attention-to-detail when it comes to service. The knowledgeable staff are really helpful and you definitely feel taken care of throughout your meal.

During the summer they have a cute terrace with hanging lights that create a beautiful setting for a perfect meal. So come visit this Westmount staple! Whether it be for a drink at the bar, one of their decadent specials, or to dine under the stars. It is sure to become a favourite (if it's not already...)!

Charming Terrace @ Night

Mind, Taste, Love.

Reservations: Yes.
Date night: Summer nights on the terrace- what could be more romantic?
Attire: Westmount chic.

The damage: $$$

Bonus: Terrace & Parking validation for the Westmount Square parking lot.

Lifestyle: Bota Bota-Spa Sur L'Eau

Bota Bota: Spa sur L'Eau

An urban retreat.

Address: 358 rue de la Commune ouest, Montreal, QC

Phone:(514) 284-0333

Step out onto the ship deck, breathe in the summer air. Relax by the pool and take in the scenery around you. To your right, other boats and jet skis pass. To your left..........wait........is that Old Montreal?

Yup! That's because you're at Bota Bota Spa sur L'Eau. A stationary ferryboat parked in the Old Port waiting for you to embark. Once a working ferryboat, now a floating spa, Bota Bota is THE place to go if you're looking for some R&R. Whether taking advantage of their water circuit, getting a massage in one of their cabins, attending a yoga/pilates class, or eating at their restaurant, you are sure to leave feeling revitalized.

The water circuits include saunas, steam room, cold pools, and hot pools, which should be used in a specific sequence in order to reap the benefits associated with thermal therapy (see steps here: http://botabota.ca/en/nordic-spa-montreal-water-circuit-thermal-bath/). You could also choose to simply relax and tan on any of the decks- a little stay-cation for anyone in need of an escape! 

The restaurant overlooking the water is also lovely. Have lunch catered by l'Auberge Saint Gabriel's "Auberge sur La Route", or sip on a fruity cocktail, while lying on a dreamy sun bed. Drink in one hand, magazine in the other. I could literally feel the stress melting away. 

If you are fortunate enough to have some days off between Monday and Thursday, take advantage of their reduced weekday pricing. You could also arrive before 11 am from Mon - Thurs, or after 6 pm any day of the week for a reduced rate for use of the water circuit (starting at $35/person). No reservation is needed for the water circuit, but if you plan on getting a massage or treatment, definitely call to make an appointment beforehand.

Another great aspect about this place is that it is opened year round. Make use of the hot pools, while surrounded by the magical old port in wintertime. Or go at night and watch the sunset. Either way, you are in for a treat.

If you're in need of some R&R, a romantic outing, or just a day out with friends, look no further than Bota Bota Spa Sur L'Eau.

All aboard!

***Tips*** 

If you burn easily, bring sunscreen- they don't sell on the boat. 
Bring a re-fillable water bottle- they have water on the boat, but no cups.
You give your credit card info when you arrive, and can then make all payments with a bracelet they give you, so don't worry about bringing cash.

Check Bota Bota's website for some great events they have coming up!

Get a lobster roll from Homard des Iles afterwards- it's right near the entrance to the spa! Yum!

Lobster Roll @ Homard des Iles

Mind, Taste, Love.

Restaurant Review: Le Filet

Le Filet

A Perfect 10 on 10.

Address: 219 Avenue Mont Royal, Montreal, QC H2T 2T2
Phone:(514) 360-6060

Food, service, and atmosphere. All 3 were present upon my visit to Le Filet. Food- exquisite, Service- impeccable, and décor- understated, yet sophisticated.

Though not new to the Montreal restaurant scene, Le Filet has definitely not lost its splendour. With each dish just as good, or better than the last, my date and I left fully satisfied and raving about our meal to all of our friends.

Just as impressive as the food was the service. Our waiter recommended dishes and wines, and was quick to check-in on us every so often. No detail was missed.

Let's talk food.

The menu is short and sweet. Not overwhelming, but just enough options to please everyone. Seafood is the star. The "First Set" is composed of Japanese-inspired raw dishes, while seafood is also present in all five of the "Second Set" items. The "Third Set" offers fish, meat, and vegetarian choices. The dishes are served tapas style and the waiter recommended about five dishes for two people.

We went with the following:

"First Set"

We started with 4 "Oysters with pizzazz"- 2 with jalapeno and maple crisp, and 2 with miso gratin. An amazing start to dinner (set the bar pretty high).

"Oysters with pizzazz"

Next was a delicious tuna tartare with egg confit and nori tempura. Highly recommended.

Tuna Tartare

"Second Set"

Grilled octopus, Israeli cous cous, meyer lemon coulis.

Grilled Octopus with Israeli Cous Cous

Crab risotto, asparagus, shellfish jus. Please. For your own sake, do not miss this dish. 

Crab Risotto

"Third Set"

Pork flank, seared scallop, soft polenta. On point. 

Pork Flank with Seared Scallops

Dessert

Maple syrup square, whipped cream, pecans. A Canadian's dream. Not too sweet and topped with whipped cream...what else could you want? On that note, Happy Canada Day everyone! Enjoy your Monday or Tuesday off, and TRY THIS RESTO. You won't regret it.

Maple Square

Restaurant Le Filet

Le Filet

Reservations: Definitely.
Date night: 100%. Save this one for special occasions (or don't...). Either way, go.
Attire: Dress up!

The damage: $$$$

Mind, Taste, Love.

Restaurant Review: Les 3 Maria

Les 3 Maria

The West Island gets a taste of Portugal.

4886a Boulevard Des Sources, Dollard-Des Ormeaux, QC H8Y3C7 (514) 683-1333

The surprising location of this restaurant should not diminish your opinion of it. It is located in a strip mall on Sources in DDO. West Islanders are lucky to have this place so close by. There is a fair share of great Portuguese restos in the city (Romados, Piri Piri, etc.), but Les 3 Maria is delicious, inexpensive, and definitely a contender.

The place is small with diner-style décor. 4 tables line the wall across from the take-out counter, and there was only 1 waitress (who was very helpful and attentive!). But once your food arrives, you won't care about the size, or look of the place!

Let's start with the fries. Move over OJ, I've found some competition. These fries share similarities with Orange Julep's, but are crispier and tastier. They season them with spices and just the right amount of salt. Next, the star of the plate- the chicken. It's cooked on a charcoal grill, and you know it's fresh since it takes 15-20 minutes to get to the table. I highly recommend you order it spicy if you can handle it! It will arrive perfectly spiced, juicy, and flavourful. And don't forget to ask for their amazing piri piri sauce on the side- it adds the perfect punch.

Chicken Plate

We also ordered the chicken sandwich, which comes on fresh bread, filled with moist chicken, and piri piri sauce (also served with fries)- highly recommended.

Chicken Sandwich Plate

For dessert you NEED to try one (or two, or three) of their Natas- a traditional Portuguese custard tart. Light, and delightful!

Portuguese Natas

Overall, this restaurant easily won me over. Definitely worth a trip to the West Island. Pick-up is also a good idea as the resto is pretty small and they don't have a liquor license yet.

You should go!

Reservations: Yes, there are only 4 tables and it fills up fast.
Date night: It depends who your date is- but I was totally fine with it :)
Attire: Super casual.

The damage: $

Mind, Taste, Love.