After two delicious Sunday morning visits to Plateau's new gastropub Maison Publique, I've been singing culinary praise to Derek Dammann, the Montreal chef (of DNA fame...) behind this brilliant little gem of a restaurant. Hyped up because of its (purely business, he is an investor) affiliation with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, the restaurant could not be more discreet; tucked away on the cozy residential corner of Marquette and Gilford, it is recognizable only by the minimal signage on the door and its chronically bustling interior.

My recommendation is to start with the huitre au four (above), a bubbling rich concoction of cheese, cream, chives and oysters that is perfect to share and not to miss. If you have a sweet tooth, plump up with the pancakes and bacon; both components of this dish are made exquisitely thick and come served with sweet cream, syrup, and a sprinkling of spicy chili, which give a surprisingly interesting dimension. 

If a savoury breakfast is more your thing, try the MP Muffin, an amazing breakfast sandwich consisting of maple coated English muffin overflowing with melted cheese and fried egg on a spicy sausage patty, or the poached eggs and mushroom toast, which my boyfriend has ordered twice now and absolutely adores. Paired with their bon matin cocktail, a refreshing, cider-based drink that comes served in cheeky bear glasses, you'll have an amazing start to a lazy winter Sunday.

At Maison Publique, brunch is open from 10:30 to 2 pm, but be sure to get here early as the crowds arrive around 11 and don't settle until the early afternoon. In addition, there are no reservations and seating is first come first serve, which makes strategizing your arrival time a must; when we arrived around 11 am, we scooped up the last two seats at the bar before a sizable queue (out the door and around the corner!) began. Good luck!

Maison Publique   |   4720 Rue Marquette   |   Montreal, QC H2J3Y6   |   (514) 507-0555   |

www.maisonpublique.com

In the forest of vintage Scandinavian wood furniture that makes up Amherst street, a bright new addition has come by way of orange blossom + butter puff pastries. That addition is the bakery and café "de Farine et d’Eau Fraiche" (dF+EF), an exquisite little place that is, in my opinion, one of the most charming patisseries in the city. With its soft white moldings and antique flatware, this place has a sense of feminine whimsy, while the dark woods and tufted banquettes make it comfy and inviting for you and your morning book. And the pastries? Ahhh those pastries. Just as inspiring as the décor.

The earl grey tea rosettes, biscuit feuille de matcha, and boules au chocolat & crème are just an example of some of the fresh, delicate mix of flavors one finds in the pastries at dF+EF.  Not surprising, since the owner, Marilu Gunji, is an enchanting mix of Japanese and Guatemalan descent herself. Often you’ll see her just in the back, through the spacious, glassed in kitchen, which allows one to visualize the entire pastry making process in real time. And then there are their wall of miniature, three tiered cakes, beautifully decorated and so utterly perfect for any wedding or little girls birthday party.

If you go there for brunch, do try their sandwich a dejeuner or pain jambon fromage, with one of their organic lattes or teas, and finish with a pastry. I love relaxing there before taking a tea or café to go (note their compostable coffee cups!), and visiting a few vintage stores (sputnik, cite deco, etc.) on the street before stopping into St. Jacques market for fresh pasta and bread to stay in with that night. I mean, really, what could be better on a beautiful Spring Saturday? 

de Farine et d'Eau Fraiche   |   1701 rue Amherst   |   Montreal, QC H2L 3L4   |  

(514) 522-2777

www.dfef.ca

Note: de Farine et d'Eau Fraiche is closed Sundays.

Past and present collide at Communion, the old Montreal restaurant that has recently become one of my new favourites for brunch in the city. Housed on the corner of Place Royale and de la Commune, the old stone interior received an industrial-meets-oriental update with a gorgeous new brass bar, tobacco toned leather seating, and a beautifully illuminated emerald tiled wall, complete with two large-scale Tretchikoff prints depicting his most famous muse, the Chinese girl, who surveys the space. 

Although the cool new interior (including communal bathrooms that are not to be missed) is a huge draw, the brunch at this restaurant is what has kept me coming back since its inauguration not long ago. Based on a communal style meal (think Cabane a Sucre), a table of two or more will choose from one of the four brunch options, which then come to share. The Classique ($18 per person) offers a classic, Montreal style brunch, with a heaping portion of maple baked beans and braised ham in a cast iron skillet, alongside perfectly scrambled eggs with chives and potatoes, fresh fruit and pancakes. Other options include the Cosmopolitan ($19), which features an egg-in-the-hole St. Viateur bagel topped with bubbling local cheddar, gravlax, and salad on the side, or the Sante($16) which contains nutbread pudding, buttermilk crepes, and amazing almond milk oatmeal made from homemade granola, peach, and whipped coconut cream. Just last weekend, I devoured the Almost eggs benedict($20) which included poached eggs on a bed of carmelized onion and sides of goat cheese, duck confit, and watercress. All brunches come with a large shot of freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee, and in case you are joined by an indecisive group of friends, small plates can be ordered separately a la carte.

Restaurant Communion   |   135 Rue De La Commune Est   |   Montreal, QC H2Y 2V2   |  

(514) 937-6555

www.facebook.com/restaurant.communion

photo: Riccardo Cellere

Given its short existence of only three weeks, news about Le Gros Jambon has picked up with dizzying speed. But when you go, its not hard to imagine why; as this small, charming little resto takes you back to a vintage era when diners - and the greasy, comfort food they provided - were at their height.

If you're expecting run-of-the-mill diner food, don't be fooled by the vintage frigidaire; Le Gros Jambon has been brought to us by the owners of L'Orignal, who, by reputation alone, know good food. The first time I went, I tried their Pumpkin pancakes, which felt both seasonal and rich, coming served with bubbling bacon caramel for a sweet finish. Meanwhile, my boyfriend took on the seasoned eggs benedict, coated with an herbed hollandaise sauce and finished with a biscuit of coursely grated parmesan to give it added dimension. 

photo: Riccardo CellereThis weekend, I tried their fat french toast, which featured a festive eggnog batter and a large dollop of rich apple cinnamon sauce, with slices of pomegranate seeds, mango and home-made granola on the side. And of course, I was delighted when my breakfast partner (who wasn't too pleased when I cut his sleep in time by half by forcing him out of bed) was impressed to find crunchy fried chicken and waffles on the menu, the most perfect salt-filled guilty pleasure to sink your teeth into after a long night out.

Le Gros Jambon Diner   |   286 Notre Dame West (between St. Pierre and St. Alexis)   |   Montreal, QC   |   H2Y 2N7   |  

(514) 508-3872

Website under construction 

Photos I + III from the very talented Riccardo Cellere, whose website you can visit here: Montreal photographer Riccardo Cellere.

I am admittedly a lover of many things British; British gardens, British Vogue and British accents all top my list of truly wonderful things. Such is the reason I was saddened to hear of the closing of Sparrow, one of my favourite (English) brunch places in the city. Happy I was, however, to later find that chef Marc Cohen and owner Ethan Willis simply displaced themselves closer to the St. Laurent/Fairmount intersection with Lawrence, an adorable 40 seat restaurant that opened last December.

Like Sparrow, Lawrence serves brunch Saturday and Sundays to a long line up of locals. I recommend starting with their crumpets with butter ($3) or lemon doughnuts ($5 and sooo good) to share. Follow with Eggs Royale ($15), pain dore with apples and cranberries, or their classic English breakfast ($16) plus some extra Bubble and Squeak on the side ($4). 

Although I've only been to Lawrence for their brunch, there seems to be plenty of buzz surrounding their lunch and dinner fare. One notoriously captious food critic at the Gazette remarked in her recent review that "It’s hard to find fault in this fab little restaurant" after having dined there for lunch and dinner. Perhaps round two is in order? Anyone? Yes?!? I'll keep you all posted... 

Lawrence   |   5201 Blvd St. Laurent (corner Fairmount)   |   Montreal, QC, H2T 2L9   |

(514) 503-1070

www.lawrencerestaurant.com

The corner of Mont-Royal and St. Urbain is the setting for Beauty's restaurant, the Montreal breakfast institution that has been in business for over five decades. Classic diner fare is served amid electric-blue booths, 50's style posters and an all-around retro interior. Known for their famously long line-ups (often out the door) and their equally famous "Mish-Mash" omelette, this is the place to satiate even the most unyielding of Sunday-morning diner cravings. 

We always opt for their Beauty's Bonjour, a Montreal bagel with fried egg, melted cheese and delicious bacon, or their Beauty's Basic, which comes with eggs, bacon or sausage, a bagel, and home fries. Their french toast is also simple, classic and super tasty (though you'll be charged extra for some pure maple syrup). Top it off with a smoothie (classico, beauty's bleu, mango magic, beauty's rouge or my personal favourite, cookies & creme) and you have yourself the perfect recipe for one quality afternoon nap. 

Least I forget, I must mention that their banana bread makes for the perfect mid-week snack, and that their rice pudding is sublime. Get some to go so you can sit back and enjoy the beauty anytime you want!

Beauty's Restaurant   |   93 Ave Mont-Royal Ouest (corner St. Urbain)   |   Montreal, QC   |   H2T 2S5

(514) 849-8883

www.beautys.ca

Located on the corner of Rue St. Pierre and Rue St. Paul, Olive + Gourmando is one of those charming corner cafés and bakeries, serving up some of the best breads and pastries in the city. Famous for their brownies and renowned for their brioche*, it's the perfect Saturday spot to indulge in a little comfort sugar. I myself skip over there every weekend to grab a scone ($3) (Ohhh cherry ginger scone, I love you...) and a latté, though they are currently experimenting with different coffee companies in an effort to find the perfect, socially conscious brand, so don't be surprised if you find a slight variation in the beans between visits. 

*If you are in want of pure decadence, try the Brioche érable + pacanes ($3.75), its fantastic.

If pastries won't suffice and you are in want of something more substantial for brunch, try their Poached Egg on Your Face ($8.95), a cheese, prosciutto and poached egg concoction sandwiched between their house bio bread.

Olive + Gourmando also serves up lunch fare throughout the week, and is a popular destination for all the trendy design and marketing types that work in the area. Try either their cajun chicken, cuban or goat cheese panini ($9.95) or their salad du jour, which is always tasty. 

Olive + Gourmando   |   351 Rue Saint-Paul Ouest   |   Montreal, QC   |   H2Y 2A7   |   (514) 350-1083   |

http://www.oliveetgourmando.com/

Note: Only open for brunch on Saturdays (closed Sundays)

Note: Only accept cash and debit.

Prior to moving into the Old Port I used to reside on Sherbrooke street, right around the corner from Vasco da Gama. It was from that time that I have the fondest recollections of sitting in this perfect little cafe for hours on end, reading the newspaper, talking with friends, meeting my grandmother for tea...it has always been the most adorable place to tuck yourself away for awhile.

When I used to have more time, I would stop by early in the morning after my workout for an omlette, a freshly squeezed orange juice and a Green Tea Tropical (from their Mighty Leaf brand), skimming through the Gazette before heading off for the day. Now, life is a tad less Feng Shui and a bit more Feng-Go-woman!-You-are-so-late!, but I still manage to grab a latte (Illy) and a chocolate croissant to go, the latter of which is hands down one of the best in the city.

For lunch on weekdays, Vasco da Gama is always packed with downtown business locals, but going before noon or after 1:15 will give you just enough time to skirt around the chaos. Grab a table (with a number) and then order at the counter; there is an amazing variety of freshly made salads (I always order the trio), wraps, soups, and sandwiches to choose from, made daily behind the counter.

Around four to five o'clock, Vasco dims its lights and becomes a cozy, candle-lit space to relax and enjoy a glass of wine over some Portuguese tapas. Try their grilled chorizo and balsamic onion confit, and don't leave before you've had (or at least shared) one of their Natas. These classic Portuguese pastries were invented in Lisbon by Catholic Monks at the Jeronimos Monastery sometime in the 18th century, and are the perfect treat after a meal or any long day.

Cafe Vasco da Gama   |   1472 Peel St (just below Maisonneuve)   |   Montreal, QC   |   H3A 1S8   |

(514) 286-2688

www.vascodagama.ca

McKiernan is the baby (in age and size) of the Liverpool-Joe Beef family, opened for lunch Tuesday through Friday and serving up a decadent, tasty brunch on Saturday. For brunch, I like their Scone with Creme and Salade de fruits ($10) or their Challa Pain Dore, Bacon and Eggs ($14), with a Mimosa ($9). However, if bite-after-bite you want a mouthful of basically every savoury breakfast ingredient known to man-kind, (think bacon, eggs, sausage, cheese, artery-clogging...) try their Johnny Cakes ($11) or Breakfast sandwich ($13). They are decidedly brilliant.

 Johnny Cakes at McKiernan.

This 12 seat luncheonette is small and always bustling, so make sure to go early to wait (before your hunger strikes) as they don't take reservations...

McKiernan  

2485 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest   |   Montreal, QC   |    H3J 1N6   |

(514) 759-6677

www.joebeef.ca

During Montreal winters, women like me transform from glass-half-full girls to more glass-of-vodka-quite-empty types. Mother Nature doesn’t allow us to be fashion forward; even if we have beautiful coats in our closets, we experience the temptation of wearing ugly puffy parkas.

During these cold months, some courageous types even take to the ice covered sidewalks in heels, while others (like me) who lack toned core muscles (me) and have had their fair share of humiliating tumbles (like me at a busy intersection at the busiest time of day) don’t see this as a viable option. Nothing seems right. Every outfit...ugly.

This is where Le Cartet comes in. It quickly became my second home last winter due to their knack for kicking up a fabulous brunch. I can't explain it...I just felt happy there; it made all my winter blues go away. 

The room is industrial chic (white washed exposed brick walls and textural subway tiles compliment the communal wooden tables that span the length of the restaurant) and the food is excellent. If you prefer savoury to sweet, try their carnivore pleaser Le brunch des Cantons, a bacon and eggs style concoction cooked to perfection in a cast-iron skillet. On the other hand, Le Brunch Sante (yogurt with granola, fig and cheese, two poached eggs dressed up on organic bread) is the perfect choice for any health nut, while Le Brunch Sucre is amazing for a sweet tooth. While the menu contains many more lighter options, I highly recommend any of the above, which come with freshly squeezed orange juice (or mimosas!), coffee, and fresh fruit.

Although it is now summer and I’m at le Cartet less, I still go quite often and am content to wait in their perennially long lineups for a table. Luckily, the boutique alimentaire in the front of the restaurant provides a lot to look at while you wait, and the staff are friendly so you really don’t mind.

Cartet is also open for lunch and dinner throughout the week and have an excellent take out selection within the boutique. Try their salmon tartar or their cheese platter for a light dinner for one with wine. Both are an easy, fresh solution for anyone on the go.

Le Cartet   |   106 Rue McGill   |   Montreal, QC, H2Y 2E5   |

(514) 871-8887