Restaurant Pastel, co-owned by Morris and Kabir Kapoor, is a hot spot in Old Town Montréal offering complex, deconstructed dishes. Head Chef Louis Deligianis, with experience from renowned establishments, curates an ever-changing menu. The restaurant focuses on personal connections, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Options include a 9-course tasting menu or a 3-course menu with wine pairing.
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Bouillon Bilk, located in Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles neighborhood, offers modern eclectic cuisine with a French influence in a minimalist-chic space. The dishes, like shrimp ceviche and duck with cauliflower puree, are delicately prepared, and the wine selection from local and imported wineries is curated by sommelier Nicolas Charron Boucher. A must-visit for refined dining in a relaxed setting.
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Chef Martin Picard’s Au Pied Cochon in Montréal is known for its excessive, meat-centric menu featuring dishes like duck tartare and pork belly. The rich, decadent fare is influenced by Quebec’s rustic and French culinary traditions. Reservations are a must, and the standout dish, Duck in a Can, requires extra prep time. The lively atmosphere and helpful staff complete the gluttonous experience.
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Pastel Rita, located in Montreal’s Mile End, offers a vibrant and inviting space designed by Appareil Architecture. Owned by Gabriel Malenfant and Véronique Orban de Xivry, it features a café, maker space, and boutique showcasing local artisan goods. The menu includes brunch options and delicious pastries. The cozy atmosphere fosters a sense of community and leaves a lasting impression.
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Heirloom Kitchen, located in Northern, NJ, offers a multi-use space housing a restaurant, cooking school, and boutique. Chef David Viana, known for his appearance on Top Chef, and his team create a farm-to-table menu sourcing local ingredients. The restaurant’s ambience, interactive chef interactions, and diverse menu offerings, including scallops and pork belly, make it a must-visit destination.
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Ambra, a hidden gem in Philadelphia, offers contemporary Italian cuisine with a changing pre-fixe menu. The intimate 16-seat space surprises diners with between-course additions like fava bean ravioli and raw tuna tart. The dishes, such as anise-scented duck and lemon cheesecake, impress with unexpected flavors. Despite the dark ambience, Ambra delivers an unforgettable dining experience.
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Louie Louie in Philly, founded by the team behind White Dog Cafe, boasts a European-style bistro with an art nouveau design. The French-American menu offers a mix of traditional and regional fare, with standout dishes like warm monkey bread and a croissant breakfast sandwich. While the food impresses, service and noise levels diminish the overall experience.
Read MoreA visit to Barbuzzo before a show at Kimmel Center was a hit. The small, bustling restaurant in Philadelphia offered a flavorful experience. The Burata from Puglia, Roasted Bone Marrow, and Salted Caramel Budino left a lasting impression. Despite the noisy atmosphere, the delectable dishes secured Barbuzzo a spot on the revisit list.
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The Artful Epicure 