Zuuchini » food

Garde Manger

April 15, 2012/ by zuuchini/ in food, Montreal, restaurant review/ Comments Off

This spot is so hidden. If you never heard about it, you wouldn’t even know this hidden gem! Why? Because nowhere indicates the restaurant name from the outside. You have to step in the restaurant and see the name of the restaurant.

I present you a much raved about restaurant in Old Port (cuz it’s opened by Chuck Hughes).

The atmosphere…very warm and cozy. It’s somewhat different feel. I can exactly put my fingers on what exactly…

The menu is written on the chalkboard. As well, my server is my bartender. I guess it’s because I was seating at the bar. Make sure to make reservation!

Their bread spreading was soooooooo delicious. I don’t what it was…but i finish all of it!

This is suggested by my waitress. Crab legs with lotsa spices and ginger. It was really spicy. I’m someone that love spicy food and this one lives up for it. Delicious but…so irritating and tedious to eat. I’m actually surprised the way they cook it was very similar to Chinese style. 😀

The infamous Lobster Poutine. It was infused deeply with lobster flavor. Every single bite just tastes like lobster. Personally, I still prefer normal poutine. lol

Can you believe this is a dessert?! It looks nothing like it. And i can’t even describe what it is… I simply just take randomly an interesting dessert from the list of what my waitress has named. I know it’s some cake with some bananas…and some mysterious things…

It’s a must try restaurant. I would love to go back. I love the whole experience. However, the price is slightly hefty.

Zuuchini

Porto Vino: Amazing brunch!

April 11, 2012/ by zuuchini/ in food, Montreal, restaurant review/ 2 Comments

I love brunches! Weekend it’s all about waking up at 11pm. And by the time, you’re ready to step out, it’s way past noon. No fear! Brunches solve everything! Breakfast and lunch!

I introduce you to Porto Vino’s Sunday brunch! Best I had so far.

It’s 30$ per person, but it’s buffet style. Yet, they have cooks assigned to each area to serve you! They cook the omelet the way you want on the spot. Even better! You can make your own combination of waffle, pancake, crepe and french toast. (they are flambe!!!) Can’t decide? Just have them all! And skip tonight’s supper. hahahaha

What’s even more amazing to make your 30$ worth is…ALL YOU CAN EAT RAW OYSTERS! YES!

and many dessert selections! Even a chocolate fountain!

Just talking about it makes me want to go back this weekend!

I’ll let my snapshots do the talk now. (Sorrry, I didn’t try harder to make my plate more appealing…)

Their ‘sauce’ for their waffle is so heavenly…It’s not what is served typically at other restaurants.

Zuuchini

Deville Dinebar

April 8, 2012/ by zuuchini/ in food, Montreal, restaurant review/ Comments Off

I have walked by this restaurant for a few times to take the metro Peel. Their hot pink LED light indoors attracted my attention every time I passed by.

If i am not mistaken, they use local food supplies. Always a plus right?

I went ahead and searched on Urbanspoon to verify their reviews….Pretty good review?! So i jumped ahead and tried it….

This oreo milkshake with hint of alcohol (really…you can’t taste the alcohol just get one without it, it’ll be cheaper) tasted fantastic!! It’s not like you can really screw up a milkshake though…

This springroll tasted like a fusion of asian/mexican ! What? Like a burrito filling in a springroll shape.

Yummmmmy friiiies! With melted cheddar cheese and gravy

This waffle covered with sugar and ice cream is only good the first bite. After that, it is just way too much. I suggest to share it with friends. But again, it’s not really that amazing. Although, the ice cream is surprisingly the star of the dessert! Very tasty and creamy

I was being greedy…and made my friend ordered this gigantesque chocolate cake. The server even warned us if we were to order it, we would be better off without the waffle. I refused to listen because my greediness was taking over!

It didn’t look that big…like…you could finish it with 2 people…very doable. But having another dessert that i was trying to finish, it’s a tough task.

Again, the taste of the cake is nothing to be wowed. I was just curious how it looked like. LOL!

I probably have a different food experience than other visitors that have blogged about this restaurant as I have not tried any of their main dishes…As you can see, I only ordered appetizers and skipped to desserts. I am not fond of burgers… therefore I do not think i am missing out anything.

This is a restaurant to try, but not a restaurant I would want to go back anytime soon. There are better choices out there in Montreal.

Zuuchini

Happening Gourmand

March 3, 2012/ by zuuchini/ in food, Montreal, restaurant review/ Comments Off

Happening Gourmand is an event in Montreal where a few restaurants located in old port (probably from the same management) offer very generous pricing for a taste of their food in January (sorrry for such a late post. A heads up for next year!!). Why not take this opportunity to try out new restaurant that you would normally find a bit pricey?

How does it work? You would need to make a reservation. They post their menu online available for the event. You have an option between 2 differently priced menu (if I remember correctly, 30 ish or 40ish). It’s a 3 service course, which means an appetizer, entree and dessert. There are choices within each category.

This year I went to 2 of them! AIX and Verses.

Here are the dishes that I especially enjoyed…

AIX

I can never hate tartar. This tartar of salmon is especially delicious. The flavor was so harmonious together.

This is one generous braised lamb! It was so tender and juicy! The risotto was good as well, but the taste could become overwhelming after a few spoons.

This dish is only memorable thanks to the gnocchi. I could be biased though because I personally love gnocchi. These ones were very chewy, the texture i love them to be! The chicken is nothing special. I tasted better at a much lower price.

The dessert wasn’t spectacular, but the presentation is interesting enough to share!

VERSES

This appetizer intrigued my tastebuds as it has very unusual combination. There was a hint of sweetness because of the caramel. Then…the saltiness and thickness barge in with the spread.

The highlight of my visit at Verses! Ravioli stuffed with squash. They house made. Something that I respect so much. Everything was just perfect… I wanted to ask for more…it just wasn’t enough to satisfy my spoiled stomach….

I have become…a fanatic of food…

Zuuchini