Every time that spring comes around we are reminded of two things: 1) change the winter tires, and 2) Mother’s Day is around the corner. So this year we would like to offer you some options for that very special person in your life, your mom.

So Mother’s Day is tricky because, although it is the busiest day for brunch, it can be an exercise in compromise and patience. This is something I have had to deal with as well as I try to find the perfect spot for Mother’s Day. Just like there are different kinds of people, there are different kinds of brunches. You have the small personal brunch of 2 people or more, which is simple enough to not need to find a place that can accommodate a dozen people. You have those whose Mother’s Day outings are like mobilizing a small army, filled with various extended families and that require double digit reservations. You also have differing culinary preferences, with those who want something simple and quiet, or maybe even a shiny polished service, while others want an all-you-can-eat extravaganza.
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The 411 The old port has a variety of brunch options, many of which are quite nice. You can find brunch buffets, nice sit down places, some small, and others large. The menus are quite varied and although you will not find many classic style places, you know the eggs and bacon ones simply put, doesn’t really fit. Then comes along the Gros Jambon, which is a lovely little gem in the old port. The menu itself is not a classic bacon and eggs menu, but rather has a twist, it’s kind of like a luncheonette meets small town USA diner with the expected Montreal flair.

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The 411 – The Old Port has, over the years, brought the city a resurgence in good food. Historically known as a tourist trap, it has shaped its own identity among locals who have moved into the area drawn by new restaurants. When one looks back a couple years ago, one would not see that many fine dining spots but now things have changed for the better. There are finally new, hip and unique spots opening up and they offer food you will enjoy. So, when my friend told me that a new place opened up nearby, I was excited.

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Best Brunch Terraces 2011

With summer in full swing, winter is but a distant memory. In Montreal, when the sun comes out so do the people and they head to terraces where they can have a tasty brunch and a great view to enjoy the weather. Fortunately, Montreal offers us loads of brunch spots with terraces. We have scoured the city in search of the perfect brunch terraces and have found some you may like. The list is not exhaustive and is intended to give you a spot or two to go to in each of the respective areas. We took a look at Outremont, the Plateau, Old Montreal and NDG.

Outremont has, arguably, the most options for brunch terraces in the city. All one needs to do is walk down Bernard street and see an ocean of people all seated in a variety of terraces. The list includes spots like Café Souvenirs, Senzala and Les Enfants terribles, La Moulerie, and Bistro Le Republique. There used to be le Petit Italien but they recently stopped serving brunch. Les Enfants terribles has one of the largest terraces, while Café Souvenirs is one of my favourite on the street. The menu offering at the majority of these spots is similar with the exception of Senzala, which has a Brazilian theme and is located west of du Parc. Though they may offer similar brunch options, the taste and overall satisfaction varies from person to person. If you wish to know more, just click on each link above and read the reviews (because right now we’re only talking about the ones that look pretty). (more…)

Mother’s Day 2011 – Treat yo momma right

Ah yes, Mother’s Day; that special day when you give the thanks to that special someone who gave you life, who cleaned your diapers, fixed your scrapes and bruises when you fell, and loves you no matter what crime you commit. Mother’s day is possibly the one holiday that is synonymous with brunch. Last year, we did a Mother’s day article and this year we’re dishing on some possible spots to spend quality time with mom.

So the million dollar question is: Where to go? Do you do a buffet? Do you go somewhere fancy and glitzy? Or do you go somewhere more personal and quiet for a small outing? Each option works for different people. A buffet is great for large groups with different tastes and preferences, while a fancy spot offers that ambiance and refinement that only fine dining establishments can deliver. On the other hand, a small cozy spot is great for that intimate moment where you and mom can just talk enjoy a nice dish and coffee and let the day pass you by.

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L’arrivage – More than just a great view

The 411

High up on top of the Pointe à Callière Museum overlooking the port, is L’arrivage. This impressive little restaurant offers an interesting and inspiring weekend brunch. With its polished look, ample service staff and a menu with great attention to detail, one would expect to break the bank when it comes time to pay. However, the prices aren’t that crazy (a little more than normal) but you will see by what we ate that it is quite impressive. Reservations are strongly recommended since we saw a lineup outside.

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Marché De La Villette – Old world in the old Port

The 411

The Old Port has a bunch of nice spots for brunch; some are hotel brunches with buffets and full meals, others are really fancy and some are more laid back. Each has it’s own unique identity that makes the Old Port a fun and delicious area for brunch. Marche De La Villette makes itself unique by transporting you to France. This restaurant has that European butcher shop feel to it and pumps out some rather unique dishes.

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Olive et Gourmando – A truly amazing treat

The 411

There is a spot in the Old Port where people willingly line up, no matter the weather or time of day, just to get a chance to sit down and eat the food at Olive & Gourmando. I had been once before just to grab some food to go, but never had an actual meal here. It is a place that has a loyal following and people know of it mainly by word of mouth since online resources for this places are scarce, which is cool, since it’s kind of like a little secret. So, when my friend took me here for my birthday treat, you can imagine how happy I was to finally get to check it out.

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Ristorante Otto – Fancy Brunch on McGill Street

The 411

Old Montreal has its fair share of fancier brunch places; McGill street alone is home to a good concentration of them and one that I have been curious about for some time is Otto. Situated inside the W hotel this restaurant serves up a weekday early morning breakfast starting at 7 am and going until 11:30 am, as well as a longer weekend schedule of 7 am to 2pm. I have been to Otto for dinner and enjoyed it. Otto is a fancy restaurant; the décor is exquisite; the outside terrace is vey nice and covered by umbrellas. With this rather positive dinner experience I wondered how it would convert to brunch.

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Grange Vin + Bouffe – A unique twist on Brunch

The 411

Every day there is a new place opening in the city, some make waves among various foodie circles by doing something new and unique. Once in a while, some of these places add a brunch offering to their menu. Some bring their own take on brunch, helping to make it something unique and fun while others just do the bare minimum. I have heard some buzz about Grange for evening service and then recently found out that they do Sunday brunch. I decided to see if they were able to take the success with their dinner service and apply it to brunch.

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