I LOVE French Canadian food! It's daring and sometimes freaky to us statesmen, but it's always fun to experience!
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| Pied de Cochon |
I only wish I'd started this blog a few years ago when I began venturing up to Montreal in the Fall. Then I'd have many more treats to share, but I'll start with this past weekend.
The braised Pied de Cochon (Pig's foot) came highly recommended by Food Republic food writer Chantal Martineau in her article entitle "11 Things to Eat in Montreal Right Now", posted back in April 2012.
I don't remember being particularly interested in pig's feet as a child when my grandmother would prepare them. All I can remember is being pretty grossed out by all of the fat and cartilaginous material. BBQ sauce couldn't even help me to move past my aversion to this classic soul food dish!
Chef Martin Picard, however, has renewed my faith in my ability to enjoy this ungulate's primary mode of transportation. I never imagined there could be so much succulent meat and flavor in this dish!
The more I tore into this magical pig part, the more it felt like Christmas morning. I was immediately glad that I decided to take it back to the hotel room so that my obsession with and moaning over this dish could be expressed in private....or at least in the company of my family!
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| Pied de Cochon, slathered in sauce, fresh herbs, sweet onions and peppers over thick whipped potatoes! |
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| Foie gras poutine! |
My trip through heaven's kitchen didn't end there...
Need I say more?
Well, if I must:
Fries: fried in duck fat!
Toppings: Rich pan-seared Foie Gras (generous portions), rich, creamy gravy, and large cheese curds.
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| Foie gras poutine! |
Dilallo Burger (2523 Rue Notre-Dame)
You would think that I would have tried The BURGER being that is Dilallo's (around since 1929) claim to fame, but blinding hunger pangs and my heart-wrenching devastation over the inability to grab a table at Joe Beef led me and my equally as hungry family members to stumble down the block and into Dilallo's.
I was interested to try a "Hot Chicken" sandwich while in Montreal, so I went for it at Dilallo. A hot chicken sandwich is simple. It's carved white meat chicken between white bread and topped with chicken gravy. It's often served with peas and potatoes. It reminds me of terrible school lunch back in middle school, but alas, I've tried it and now the curiosity is out of my system!
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| Hot Chicken Sandwich |
Check out this a healthy recipe for a Hot Chicken Sandwich along with beautiful, appetizing pictures here.
*See my poutine reviews from this weekend here .*
Atwater is part of the public farmer's
markets in Montreal.
Many vendors are posted here to sell a variety of food items, including fruits, veggies, baked goods, meats, seafood, etc.
I tried a few snacks as we walked about the market.
Le Noix du Marche...
...is all about delicious roasted nuts! The offered everything from yellow curry cashews (which were amazing!) to rosemary-herb roasted mixed nuts (again...amazing!)
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| Yellow curry cashews |
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I enjoyed the vegetarian and the chicken Rouleaux. The dipping sauce was tangy with shreds of carrot! The role itself was crisp and light, the noodle and veggie filling, tender.
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| Sausage |
Chocolats Privilege is a beautiful sweets shop, but I was immediately drawn to the sorbet.
I ordered a mix of the delicious mango and strawberry sorbet. I also sampled the raspberry and lemon.
Good times!
