Le Méchant Mangeur

Go to Burger Bar. Two things in Montreal stick out prominently, condo developments and fancy burger joints. It’s hard to find a good and well priced one in the city. But I feel like I’ve found a gem.

The venue had a little of everything. A small and busy second floor terrace overlooking Crescent St, a fully loaded bar and a beautiful HD LED flat screen locked on sports. At first I wanted to sit myself at the bar and watch golf, but I’ve been taking advantage of the off season by talking to people instead.

I was skeptical about the place, burgers are all over and everyone is boasting about their beef. But Burger Bar has one of the best burgers. I know, it’s impossible to say ‘best’ but that day, nobody would be able to impress me more. I ordered the Wild Shroom Burger. Sauteed wild mushrooms overflowing on my plate, caramelized onions, arugula and roasted garlic mayonnaise. It smelled like caramel, melted like chocolate. The bread was soft and lightly toasted, it slowly got soaked in the juices and added a harmonious symphony of taste in every bite. Most importantly the beef was thick and cooked to a medium-well perfection. As you squeezed the burger up to your mouth, you can see the juices flowing out of the reddish beef…

The burger was 12$ and this place is on my top for Watch&Eat this fall. I can’t wait! Best means, one of the best and in my opinion. To really have the best in anything, it’s about consistency and a general consensus, not the opinion of one, but many. Burger Bar; 1465 Crescent St. Montreal

When it comes to Watching & Eating, I’m up for it no matter where I am. Earlier this week Rickard’s invited a bunch of us to go up into the sky with Dinner in the Sky. A crane lifted table that brings you about 150 feet into the air. With my feet dangling, my body strapped down to a roller-coaster like chair, I was only able to think one thing - hockey. It was game 3 in Boston and I was in no mood to miss it. Both games played were close enough and Boston absolutely needed the edge on this one. I’m still undecided as to who I am going for. Max keeps me on the west, but I feel strongly about keeping enemies (Chara) close.

After a quick learning session with Rickard’s about their latest product, we were up and away. The view was already good on the ground, but as the sun was setting, the lights from the city and the moon were taking centre stage. It was the perfect night to be hanging 150 feet up in the air and eating. But I was still missing something. Once I was up there, I pulled out my Galaxy Tab and with huge excitement, I turned the game on. I thought for a second that I may just very well be the first person to ever Watch & Eat 150 feet high in the middle of Old Port Montreal.

We started with the a salmon tartar (it was already 4-0 Boston), the main dish was a soft and nice veal cheek accompanied by a wicked piece of carrot (it was now 6-1) and a panacotta for dessert on the ground (8-1).

More photos: YUL EYES

PS. If you do go to Dinner in the Sky, I suggest you pee before going up.

First things first, they have a flat screen at the back. It was playing poker when I was over, but I’m sure they would play the game volume-less.

Marche 27 is a tartare bar and it gives you just that feeling. It’s a small and open space concept with a rustic feel. I was there with about 10 other people and we felt right at home. Although the service was a bit off at times, the food was a lot of fun.

You have a choice between 7 different tartares and you can fuse them by choosing one of 12 styles. I was positive that I would be searching for another quick eatery after chowing the 150 grams of tartares, but you would be surprised. The oils, bread and quality protein really fill you up quickly.

The menu is not cheap, but I didn’t feel like I was overpaying. Our whole evening was great, even if they ‘blew up’ the birthday girl’s Lava Cake.

One thing I have to say however, after trying their burger, F* tartare, the burger was stupendous! Easily one of the best burgers in town.

http://marche27.com/

Montreal plays Boston in the first round and pushes the whole series to a game 7 OT situation. Boston scores on power house goalie Carey Price to win the series in luck. Philadelphia ends up seeing Boston in the second round but is blinded in a 4-0 sweep. Boston goes on to play the super stars, Tampa Bay. Boston is pushed into another game 7 situation, where the only goal of the game -Boston’s - sends the victor to the Stanley Cup finals.

Vancouver beats 2010 Stanley Cup champion’s Chicago in a close game 7 in OT. They go on to play Nashville but sing themselves to victory in 6. Vancouver meets historically upsetting San Jose and eat them up in 5 after phenomenal hockey by Montrealer Loungo. Vancouver, now ‘Canada’s team’ find themselves hosting another historical hockey match-up, the Stanley Cup Finals.

When you’re from Montreal, you only care about one team, The Montreal Canadiens. So as a Montrealer I want Boston to win. As a Canadian, I want Vancouver to win. Montreal will see Boston many more times than they will see Vancouver next season. And there is nothing like beating the Champions, and keeping your enemies close is a virtue.