Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot

Upon my better half’s return from a trip to Shanghai, he could not stop raving about the Hot Pot dinner he had.  Now you have to understand, he was quite leery of the food he was going to be exposed to while in Asia, so I was happily surprised that he was excited about this meal.  

Having spent time in Asia and absolutely loving their cuisine, I was curious to see what this Hot Pot meal was all about.  Naturally, when we found out that the Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot restaurant in Shanghai, also had a location in Montreal, we had to give it a try!

High Tea @ Le Maître Chocolatier

High tea has been something I have wanted to do for what feels like an eternity.  Not entirely sure what had been the hold-up.  My last attempt was while visiting NYC for the first time last summer.  I had booked us for high tea at The Russian Tea Room, a place I have wanted to visit ever since I heard about it.  Unfortunately, our visit was cut short due to hurricane Irene bearing down, and the Russian Tea Room was just one of the many food excursions we had to cancel. 

Having seen a good deal for Le Maître Chocolatier on Living Social, I decided to seize the opportunity to finally give high tea a try, and at a discount no less! 

Petite Gâterie "Les Incroyables" Macarons Ladurée

A friend stopped by for brunch while here on business from Paris.  And, the chivalrous guest that he is, brought us une petite gâterie from renowned Parisian pâttiserie Ladurée.  They have been making incredible (“incroyable”) macarons since the early 20^th century, and continue to expand on their original creations by introducing a new flavour each season.

Cabane à Sucre

One of the perks of living in Quebec has got to be Cabane à Sucre season (also referred to as Sugaring Off or Sugar Shacking)!  The season varies every year, but typically runs from the end of February through early May. 

I gather a significant portion (3/4!) of the world's maple syrup is produced in the province of Quebec.  In elementary school, it was an annual tradition to visit a Cabane à Sucre to see how the maple trees are tapped to collect the sap and then made into syrup.  Maple syrup is essentially made by boiling down 30 to 40 liters of sap to yield a single liter of maple syrup.  Now that is some concentrated flavour! 

La Banquise – The Ultimate Poutine Experience

This is one of those dishes that you either love or completely hate - there seldom seems to be any in between! 

I'm generally very open to trying different dishes and from various locals; however, in this instance, there really is no better place to have a poutine than in Quebec (it is after all where it was invented!). 

For those who have never heard of poutine, the classic version consists of French fries, fresh cheese curds and gravy.  I've heard it referred to as a heart attack waiting to happen, and, indeed, the dish is certainly not low-cal.  The point is not to eat this on a regular basis, but rather approach it as the sumptuous treat that it is :)  Perhaps I am a little biased as I grew up on the stuff and couldn't wait to attend my brothers' hockey games as arenas have some of the BEST poutines.  Even as a kid, food was such a treat.

The all-time best place (IMO) is La Banquise, located on Rachel East in Montreal.  They have an extensive poutine menu to choose from (28 options in all), but my fave remains the Bacon & Onion Poutine.  My better half prefers the B.O.M., which has the addition of merguez sausage.  The restaurant is open 24 hours, perfect spot after a night on the town ;) 

I forewarn, there is often a line-up (at all hours), but definitely well worth the wait.

Enjoy!