Classic Montreal Eats

Montreal is a foodie paradise. Whatever cuisine or dining experience you desire, you will find an excellent version in Montreal. The restaurant scene bubbles with cafes, chic dining spots and casual eateries on every other corner. But there are a few culinary requirements for every visitor. You must try an authentic Montreal bagel and you must sample poutine.

Bagels are a very serious thing in Montreal. They were brought by Eastern European Jews in the early 20th century and they quickly grew into an essential Montreal food. Now I'm not a huge bagel fan but Montreal bagels differ from the more familiar New York bagel. Montreal bagels are smaller, sweeter and less doughy. They are cooked in a honey water solution and then baked in a wood fire oven. They are not meant to be sliced but are munched warm from the oven and dunked in flavored creme cheese if you like. There's a contentious rivalry between Fairmount and St, Viateur Bagel Shops and locals pledge their allegiance the way Chicagoans represent either the White Sox or that other baseball team. I have visited both bagel shops and I'll just say that eating a warm morsel of a St.Viateur bagel sprinkled with sesame seeds and covered in salmon cream cheese made me want to occupy the shop and eat bagels, (which until that point, I thought I didn't like) all day.

Poutine is an acquired taste. This Quebecois dish of fries, cheese curds and gravy has risen from a late-night, hangover-alleviating remedy to a cultural hallmark. You will find poutine at McDonald's, at cafes, diners and delis but whatever you do, don't eat it at any place with poutine in the name. That's a guarantee that it will not be good. There's a lot of discussion on what makes the best poutine--extra fresh and squeaky cheese curds? Crispy fries? Well seasoned gravy?  I personally think that the cut and crisp of the fries is key and the Le Plateau mainstay, Chez Claudette  serves up a very popular menu of poutines with great fries. Bedsides, the classic, you can order poutine with spaghetti sauce and ground beef, hot dogs, mushrooms and peppers or braised pork. I had the veggie version, which was fine but nothing I could eat regularly. Poutine is best enjoyed late at night when your senses are blurred and your taste buds are eager for unhealthy food. Have you ever sampled Montreal bagels or poutine?