PETITS GÂTEAUX
On the heart of the Plateau, "Petits gâteaux" brings a little bit of sweetness to the neighbourhood. Everything about this little cupcake heaven breathes of sugar, from the pastel interior to the various types of cupcakes behind the display counter. Located at 783 Mont-Royal Est. MY FAVORITE: THE COCONUT CUPCAKE! MMM YUM
MIYAKO
From the outside (or the inside even!) Miyako looks like a pretty run of the mill Japanese restaurant. Sure, you might run into a few Quebec "celebrities" or "public figures", but the humble decor and cozy atmosphere will make you feel right at home. For those looking for glitz and glamour, Miyako is not the restaurant for you (You might want to try one of those fancy places on Laurier). But if you want good food, this place is definitely for you. The service kind of stinks at time, but stand your ground and you should be fine. Located at 1439, rue Amherst. MY FAVORITE: THE "SPECIAL" TUNA. It'll set you back $17, but it's worth it!
L'AVENUE
A staple on "l'avenue" Mont-Royal, "L'Avenue" offers a fun ambience (although the music can get a bit loud in the evening), great food and affordable prices. Renowned for their brunches, "L'Avenue" can sometimes get crowded (it is not uncommon to see a very long line-up on any given Saturday or Sunday), so try to come in before noon. At night, the techno beat and dark decor makes it an ideal venue for dinner with friends (don't bring someone here for a first date, you won't hear a thing they're saying). No reservations, which sometimes can be a hassle, but you'll care less if you don't show up with a totally empty stomach. MY FAVORITE: JAMAICAN "JERK STYLE" CHICKEN SERVED WITH BASMATI TOPPED WITH CASHEW NUTS AND PINEAPPLE.
JULIETTE ET CHOCOLAT
For all those chocolate lovers, "Juliette et Chocolat" brings you to a place you can only define as: "heavenly". Sure, there are line ups (try the Laurier location for less waiting and more eating), but it's well worth it. The desserts are just that, heavenly, and all that you think you know about good desserts will be challenged. Located at 1615 St-Denis or 377 Laurier West. MY FAVORITE: THE "CHOCOLATE FONDANT" CAKE TOPPED WITH HAZELNUT ICE CREAM.
CAFÉ SOY
Just when you thought all Asian restaurants were alike in Montreal, Soy offers a welcome alternative to Montreal's stereotypical Chinese food experience. Café Soy offers many opportunities for Asian food neophytes to try different, sometimes eclectic, sometimes traditional dishes. General Tao Chicken lovers rejoice, Soy's version consists of more chicken (huge, tender cubed chicken breast) and less batter, turning this fast food favorite into a legitimate proper meal. Located at 5258 St-Laurent. MY FAVORITE: THE BALINESE CHICKEN.
