Monthly Archives: April 2013

Dawson strikes out with “The Chorus of Disapproval”


I generally enjoy the productions at Dawson – it’s a very comfy theatre with good sight lines and clean toilets (yes – I have a fixation – what can I say. Grannies need toilets – and we prefer clean ones). But this time I was very disappointed.

First the facts – this production – unlike many of the Dawson presentations – features a huge cast (I counted 20 performers on stage at one time), and runs until April 27th. So you too can get tickets and be bored. And for Dawson – the tickets are pricy. $12 each is not a fortune, but it’s a waste if the production doesn’t keep you interested. My husband walked out at intermission – along with the couple sitting to our left. I stayed for the whole thing – and was glad I did – it did improve in the 2nd half.

My favorite piece – the bar room fight scene. Not completely believable – but pretty darn good I’ll tell you. They threw punches, rolled on the floor, and even got pulled apart by the other cast members. Nicely done.

I won’t bore you with the story, but I will explain what I think went wrong. Like “Trad” and “Cornered” – this is a British play – and the young actors were directed to use british accents. That’s ok – if they do it well. But I think they found getting the accents right so challenging that they forgot they had to act as well. The result – amateur acting and difficult to understand speech. How silly is that. Had they just been directed to forget about trying to be ‘british’ – their acting skills would have carried the day. Oh well.

Always looking for something good to say – I must tell you that aside from the fight scene, the musical parts were by far the highlights. The cast mostly forgot about faking the accents when singing – and the results were a great deal more pleasant to watch and a lot easier to understand.

The house was relatively full – and based on the applause, and extremely loud laughter from the gentleman to our rear – either friends or family of the players. As it was Opening Night – they served fruit, cheese, crackers and wine after the play. I’m sure they meant it to be a treat – I thought it was a way of rewarding you for sitting through the entire disaster.

Dawson – I know you know that you can do so much better.

Closer – Not for kiddies – but so very good


Saw a fantastic piece of Theatre at Mainline last night – and best of all – it’s on until the 27th of April. Plenty of time to get tickets. And you definitely want to see this one.

http://www.mainlinetheatre.ca/en/spectacles/closer

I generally enjoy the productions that happen at Mainline. Put on by tiny, yet professional companies that have a creative itch they must scratch – the plays are interesting, well rehearsed, and well produced. “Closer” (as in getting closer) is no exception. The story line – that of 4 people (2 men, 2 women) who meet, become lovers, find out information about each other that disappoints, and try again – is intensely disturbing, profoundly interestingly, well-presented and very well performed.

There’s a scene of an on-line ‘date’ that is extremely funny – particularly for the older generation (like me!). Karine Kerr – who plays the part of the stripper Alice – is strikingly beautiful, and while she never strips completely, she does strike the pose – and hold it extremely convincingly. I also found the 2 men very appealing, Alex Gravenstein is so attractively scruffy as Dr. Larry it’s hard not to want to reach out and ruffle his curly hair.

My complaints are very minor – I dearly wish that the ‘professional’ photographer had used a more appropriate camera. The one she uses is a joke – and for anyone with knowledge of photography, very distracting. No professional would use a camera like that, finding one that fit the role better surely wasn’t that hard. And I was rather alarmed at the very distinct lack of audience. I’ve never ever seen Mainline so empty – granted it was only the 2nd night, but still. This is a very good play – why weren’t there more people there to enjoy it?

And I have one caution – the topic revolves around sex – and while you don’t ‘see’ any – there are lots of pretty descriptive sections. So don’t bring your pruddish cap – come open-minded and you will truly enjoy yourself.

Montreal has a Croissant Festival – Amazing!


I love, love, love Croissants – I mean what can be wrong about these flaky pastries – beautifully browned and crusty outside, yummy inside, and the entire thing brimming with butter. Oh – if that doesn’t make you hungry – nothing will.

And – there is nothing more disappointing than lousy grocery store ‘croissants’. I hate to even use the term for those flat squishy lacking in flavor butterless creations. I can’t even imagine why anyone would waste calories (and money) on eating those things. Nope – if I’m going to indulge – I want to get the best.

So you can imagine my absolute delight to discover that Montreal has a Croissant Festival – organized by the artisanal bakeries that flourish in this city where food is King. This is  our chance to be at-home reviewers (the best kind) – and taste our way around the city.

The idea is the brain child of Franck Dury-Pavel of Fous Desserts – but he’s sharing the ‘stage’ with 13 other bakeries this year. So on Saturday – April 20, 2013 – all the participating bakeries are going to be discounting their astounding creations. Not free – alas – but either discounted, even to half price or the best bet – 2 for 1. I suggest quickly organizing a Croissant Taste-off for Saturday evening – or Sunday morning for the more traditional among us. Then – drive around on Saturday from shop to yummy shop – picking up Croissants. Label the bottom of the plates – and report back here.

Be sure to tell them I sent you – so they will know where to go to find out whose Croissant is King!

The Question: Who has the best Croissant in the City?

The Judges: You and your family

So let’s get shopping, eating, and comparing. Just please remember to come back her and let me know your results!

Participating bakeries are:

Montreal:
Arhoma – http://arhoma.ca/accueil/
Chouquettes et cie – http://www.chouquettesetcie.com/c/
Les Co’Pains d’abord – http://www.yelp.ca/biz/boulangerie-les-copains-d-abord-montreal
Fous Desserts – http://www.fousdesserts.com/acceuil.html
Mamie Clafoutis – http://www.mamieclafoutis.com/
Marius et Fanny – http://www.mariusetfanny.com/
Mr. Pinchot – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Boulangerie-Mr-Pinchot/123627617717361
Petite boulangerie – http://www.lapetiteboulangerie.ca/

South Shore
L’Amour du pain – http://www.lamourdupain.com/
Chouquettes et cie – http://www.chouquettesetcie.com/c/
O Gateries – http://www.ogateries.com/index.php
Patisserie Aux Beaux Tilleuis – http://www.yelp.ca/biz/patisserie-aux-beaux-tilleuls-saint-lambert
Tartes et clafoutis – http://www.tartesetclafoutis.com/

Laval:
Marius et Fanny – http://www.mariusetfanny.com/

National Theatre school rocks Opera – Such a treat


Ok – first things first – if you want to catch this event – you must move quickly. Menotti’s “The Old Maid and the Thief” and “Amal and the Night Visitors” are only being performed twice more this year – once on Thursday (4/18/2013) and once on Saturday (04/20/2013).

http://www.operademontreal.com/en/shows/season-2012-2013/visitors

And I checked – there are still seats available, and they are well under $50 each. Which for opera at this level of expertise is a deal. So if you like opera – go. And if you’ve never been to an opera and think it a waste – now is the chance to find out if you are right or wrong. Go.

Ok – Now the review. First off – I have to say that I have a great fondness for the National Theatre School. The physical plant is just about perfect for theatre. There are 3 performing areas that I’ve been in – the Studio, the cafe, and the Theatre. The Theatre (where the operas are performed) is a classic of the old Style, with cushy red velvet seats, enormously high ceiling, good sight lines from everywhere – and wonderful acoustics. And they have lovely bathrooms. Never underestimate the importance of a nice bathroom.

The stage is large – and the stagecraft exhibited is top-notch. One can expect to be impressed – and I’ve never been disappointed. In this case – the first opera (the Old Maid and the Thief) was original written to be performed on radio – so the director literally had the stage crew build a radio station. The actors sit on the side waiting their cues; the narrator sits in a booth high above everyone’s heads, and occasionally part of the ‘sound stage’ crew move pieces of the set to create the illusion of another space. There is a wonderful sound guy in the orchestra pit doing the sound effects – rustling paper, creating the sound of rain, opening door noises. One complaint – I do wish he’d been more visible. I had to crane my neck to see what he was doing.

The singers were young, enthusiastic, and clearly in love with their ability to sing. Nothing is more likely to please me that a group of young people putting their heart and soul into the music. And sing like the world was ending they did. Just delightful. I won’t ruin the story for you – but I repeat – go. Definitely worth it.

The second Menotti opera (“Amal and the Night Visitors”) is so well-known, there’s nothing in the story to be ruined in the telling. But it is the parts of Amal and his mother that make or break this opera – and Frederique Drolet and Emma Char absolutely rock their parts. Both are young women – the shorter one (Frederique) does Amal – and almost convinces you that she is a he. Close – so close (but not quite). The part requires a wide-eyed innocence and joy that if done well, takes the audience into Amal’s world of big stars, fascinating animals, and wondrous events. And they do well. The final scene, when Amal’s mother is watching her son grow up and disappear out of her life is heart-rending – in a good way – Her pain is the pain of every parent. Joy that they are making their own way in the world, heartbreak that the cuddle at night is no longer going to happen.

And here’s the best news – these 2 incredibly talented young Canadians are doing it again – as Hansel and Gretel for next year’s Opera de Montreal season. Can’t wait to hear them a year from now – just to see how much they will have matured.

Have I convinced you to go yet? If not – why not? It’s not that expensive, it’s good solid opera with approachable story lines that make sense, it is young people friendly (my 12-year-old grand-daughter loved it) – and you don’t have to wait till the fat lady sings to know it’s over.

Go.

Charcos Rotisserie – Is it a chain if there is only one?


I do love a good Portuguese Chicken place. They roast their chickens with such – well – love and affection that you just know it’s going to taste great. And they offer veggies. Ok – the veggies are not the center of the plate, and I’m sure most vegetarians give Portuguese Chicken places a wide berth – but still. Good food, done fast, served hot, that is easy on the stomach and even easier on the pocket-book. Such a deal.

 

Charcos Rotisserie’s youthful owner/managers proudly explained to me that this is the first of a franchise – as soon as they get the franchise going. Meanwhile they are working long hours to build up the business – a fun variation on the traditional fast food joint.

 

The menu options look at bit – well – Turkish – since sandwiches made with pita bread, and hummus are on offer. But Charcos also offers whole and half grilled chickens, a hot dog and a hamburger (really – how Portuguese is that?), and some salads. We decided to get  the Charcos favorite. Chunks of grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles all cozy in a pita ‘wrap’. Mine could have used a bit more sauce – available for an extra for 50 cents. But at under $5 – including the extra sauce – this sandwich was a great dinner option before class – which I assume is how they meant it to be. Nicely done people.

 

The eating ‘in’ area wasn’t nearly as clean as I would have liked (I hate having to wipe down my own table) – but the price and location (right next to the Hall building at Concordia) probably mean that they don’t have to worry much – except what to do when school’s out for summer.

Rotisserie Charcos on Urbanspoon

Restaurant Charcos on Foodio54

Asha – Cozy Indian near La Cite – Student friendly, Decent Food


The problem was trying to find an open restaurant on Monday night in the Student ghetto area around McGill. We were going to the ‘Discovery Series’ at the MAI on Jeanne-Mance, and time was tight. Asha

We walked towards St. Laurent – nothing. We tried the Cite de Parc shopping center – fast food only. Then we started walking up and down Parc. We were getting desperate, and going hungry wasn’t a good option. Theatre on an empty stomach is the pits!

I spotted the electric ‘Open’ sign from across the street – and we jay-walked (sorry folks) across to see if it looked good. Interestingly, the propped open front door looked inviting – and we were really down to ‘now or never’. So we walked in.

The Restaurant Asha looks to have been in this location forever – long and thin, with – I’m not kidding – crystal chandlers evenly spaced throughout the space – its theme is red, red, red with a splash of white. Ok – clearly says ‘Indian’ to me.

We were so pressed for time – we did the unthinkable – and ordered a set meal for 2 for $40. It included Onion Bhaji, Mulligatawny soup, Butter Chicken, Spicy Chick peas, Beef and Spinach, Rice, and even desert. How wrong can you go?

The waiter rushed our order to the back, and then brought us our drinks (on draft Taj Mahal beer) and outstanding Papdum. I was truly impressed and inquired – yup – they were home-made. Maybe this is a stellar find? That would be cool.

Unfortunately, the rest of the meal was ok – but not great. Oh well. The Onion Bhaji were lacking in onion although the dipping sauce was pleasant, the spicy chick-peas weren’t very spicy, and the butter chicken was a disturbingly bright orange. But I guess you get what you deserve if you order set courses – clearly prepared long ahead and thankfully served quickly – they are never going to be at the level of things that require a bit more last-minute prep. Oh well. At least they might have asked if we wanted the food mild or spicy. I would have definitely asked for spicy.

Aside from the Papadum and the beer – there was one other highlight – I don’t generally care for Nan – tends to be greasy – but the Nan here was wonderful. Clearly the bread maker knows his stuff.

We made the theatre on time – and I might give the Restaurant Asha another chance. It was very reasonable for the quantity of food provided, and the location is quite convenient to the Mai Theatre and the Cinema du Parc – both places I frequent regularly. And they have table cloths. I like inexpensive restaurants with tablecloths.

And the beer was excellent.

Asha Indian on Urbanspoon

Restaurant Asha on Foodio54

What’s better than Great Chocolate? Absolutely Nothing!


There is something so decadent, so insufferably self-indulgent about afternoon tea. You relax, you enjoy, you watch people – It’s one of the worlds great pleasures.Chocolate

But couple that with a Gourmet Chocolate experience – ah – now you are definitely talking.

Suite 88 Chocolatier is one of the artisan chocolate shops springing up here and there around Montreal. Suite 88 has 2 locations – I visited their extremely well placed shop on De Mainonneuve Ouest between Drummond and De la Montagne. The beautifully appointed but quite tiny space has a modern high tech feel, very upscale, very elegant. We were warmly greeted – and talk about making friends quickly – offered a Raspberry Dark Chocolate Truffle to try. Oh boy – that’s the fast way to my heart.

We had time to spare – and this is a good place to drop when you’ve shopped till you dropped – so we didn’t just get some chocolate to go. Nope – we cozied up in the chocolate lounge and ordered a cup of their hot chocolate (yes to the whipped cream) to share – and 2 delicious desserts. My partner opted for the waffle (Gaufre in French) with sorbet and a drizzle of chocolate. How good was it? It was gone before I had a chance to get a second nibble. I decided to try their cranberry brownie and Vanilla Sorbet. One fuss – I do wish they had ice cream and not just sorbet – and I do wish they’d put whipped creme on my brownie. But aside from those minor complaints – it was delicious.

A word on the hot chocolate – it comes in a variety of flavors, and we ordered the Chili Chocolate. They warned us that it was spicy – but they didn’t warn us that the portion was huge – and that it would get spicier and spicier as you drank it. We just couldn’t finish. and for the record – I couldn’t finish all the brownie they gave me either.

So word to the wise – great place – huge portions – one hot chocolate and one dessert is more than enough to share!

Go, enjoy – hang around – after an hour they came by with more free stuff. Oh dear – my kind of place for sure.

Suite 88 Chocolatier - de Maisonneuve Ouest on Urbanspoon

Thai Noodles & Sushi – Simple, Inexpensive, and Satifying


Ok – sometimes you just want something quick, simple, easy to eat, and yummy. It was lunch, we had like no time, and I was hungry. So the Thai Noodle place at the Marche d’Ouest was the perfect choice. You order you soup flavor – Lemon Grass, Chicken Noodle, or Egg Noodle. From there you pick your protein – Veg, Chicken, Beef or Seafood.

Then you wait just a few minutes while they ladle out your soup, add your garnish and serve you.

it’s a cafeteria style, with not that many options.

But it’s about quick, simple, easy to eat and yummy – and for that they get 4 stars. My soup was delicious. Hot and flavorful, and definitely goes down well. And the price was definitely right – depending on your protein – just $7 to $8. Hard to beat that bargain price.

i have never tried their sushi, so i can’t comment – but their soup for lunch. Winner.

Alex H – Tablecloths, BYOB, and pretty decent food. Not a bad choice at all


A friend recommended that we try Alex H – it’s located on Sherbrooke St. in NDG – and on the way from here to there – so it seemed like a good idea.

We found parking easily (a plus), and walked in at exactly 5:27 – maybe a tad early. They greeted us quite nicely, and told us that they were fully booked. When we explained that we’d be in and out by 6:45 – they relented and agreed to seat us. I have to say – by the time we left (at 6:45) – they were almost full. Which compared to the other restaurants nearby was clearly a point in their favor.

Alex H is not a new restaurant – new to me maybe – but not new on the scene. It’s been in the Sherbrooke street location since 2001 – and was on Monkland for 10 years before that. I mention this because it’s quite small. Maybe 30 tables tops, no bar scene, an open kitchen (sort-of), and just one toilet. There was evidence of a terrace come spring – but we were definitely out of season for that. But the wine red table-cloths, middle-of-the-road wine glasses, and a whiteboard with the menu made it feel extremely comfortable. I liked it. My partner was even more impressed.

The food was priced competitively for its location and class – Entree’s ranged from $21 to $27, and included soup or salad. Desserts were very reasonably priced – $3 got us a lovely – and enough to share – Apple Delight.

Service was very good, and very friendly. I ordered the fish of the day – turbot as it turns out – and while it was a bit rich for my diet conscious nature – the sauce was extremely yummy and I enjoyed every drop. My dining partner opted to try the Liver dish – and absolutely  loved it.

We weren’t prepared for the BYOB concept – but the pleasant waiter suggested either the SAQ 3 blocks to the left, or the Dep next door. We opted for the Dep – got a lovely bottle of a white German wine – and had enough left over to share with the next table.

So – pretty restaurant, BYOB keeps costs down, Food was on the good side, but clearly reservations on at Saturday night are essential.

Not bad, not bad at all.

Alex H on Urbanspoon

Alex H Restaurant on Foodio54

Hip, Hip, Hurray for Street Food!


If you ever go to Toronto – one of the pleasures in that city is its street food. Those trucks with open sides that park here there and everywhere – open up and start serving delicious food. I’ll never forget having a sausage in a bun with the works (peppers, onions, mustard, ketchup, and even relish) at 2:30 in the morning just after dancing my little feet off at this fab salsa club my daughter and her friends had dragged me to.

It was yummy.

But here in Montreal – we are much less fortunate. During festival season – roughly June 1 to August 1 – the area around Quartier des Spectacle will suddenly blossom with very upscale street food vendors – not carts mind you, but full-blown restaurants with table cloths – carefully vetted by the authorities of course. And during street fairs – the St. Laurent street fair during Gran Prix weekend is a good example – there are tents up and down the road selling all kinds of things – some of it edible. Even restaurants get in on the fun – putting up tables outside their doors to sell ‘street’ ready food. Some go over-the-top and have lounging and seating areas. So – well – Montreal.

But in general, in Montreal – street food is a no-no.

Why I hear you wonder? I mean what is a city without street food?

Well – in 1967, just prior to the opening of Expo ’67 – Mayor Jean Drapeau decreed that street food was unsafe, unsanitary and unsightly. And banned it. Popular Montreal Rumor has also held that he decreed that garbage bags be only the new green type so they looked nicer when sitting on the curb. This was a Mayor with a mission. But our street food was gone.

Since then various groups have tried hard to convince the city government to change that rule – citing examples of cities like Toronto, Shanghai, even Brussels that manages to hang onto to not only their street food – but their citizens and their restaurants. It’s been a no go. Until this week. Finally – the city councilor have decreed that this summer there will be a street food pilot test – and by the summer of 2015 – if nothing goes wrong – Montreal will have street food.

Oh joy – oh pounding heart.

Wonder what Jean Drapeau is thinking of this turn of events?
Wonder what I’ll have first – Fries or a Souvlaki? Knowing it’s Montreal – probably a Prosciutto and Brie Burger.