Monday, January 22, 2018

10 Sushi Shops You Should Try In Montreal

Montreal is a foodie’s destination, there’s plenty of unique food here. Sushi is no exception, Montreal is one of the few places you can find something unique as vegan sushi.

Apart from the one of a kind foods, the sushi in Montreal is the freshest.

Go ahead, enjoy your sushi rolls, donuts and cones in nice spring weather in one of these places:

Maiko Sushi
3339 des Sources Boulevard
One unique thing that you will notice about this sushi place is the sashimi “flower bouquets” presentations for every meal. Quite astounding.

Kyo
711 Cote de la Place d’Armes
The menu at Kyo is unique with their own innovations that will leave you asking for more.

Sushi 5 Saisons
5594 Rue Sherbrooke O
This place serves the tastiest sushi in the most romantic way. The sushi is plated in the shape of a heart that is guaranteed to melt your heart.

Kazumi
6394 Rue Sherbrooke E
This place has wild and unique combinations like the “Basilic” tempura roll that includes salmon, basil, shitake mushrooms and tuna.

Sushi Momo
4669 Rue Saint-Denis
This is a friendly and inviting sushi place that serves the unique and popular vegan sushi.

Park
378 Avenue Victoria
Park serves the most amazing and high-quality classic sushi that will leave you craving for more.

Jun-I
156 Avenue Laurier O
This is the to-go place that serves chewy, tasty and melt-in-your-mouth rolls of sushi and chunks of fresh sashimi. Their seafood dishes are also amazing.

Takumi
406 Rue Sherbrooke E
This place is known for serving all you can eat sushi.

Le Ninja
1242 Rue Bishop
This place is known for its modern and trendy ambiance and presentation.

C’ChoColat
1255 Rue Bishop
This place serves Nutella Sushi Crepes that go perfectly with the dessert of your choice.

Bonus: Square Fish

Many people drive to downtown Toronto to have some Donut Sushi. The donut sushi is unique with mouth-watering flavors.

10 Places in Montreal You Can Eat for Under $10

Eating in Montreal is no hassle, even if you’re a little down on cash, you’ll still find some good spots to enjoy tasty food.

Warehouse
1446 Rue Crescent
This is your spot if you want amazing food for $5. There is plenty of burgers, salads, appetizers, pasta and more, each for $5. The drinks are affordable too.

Thali
1409 Rue Saint-Marc
This is an Indian restaurant near Concordia University known for its low-cost high-quality dishes. Taste their butter chicken and prepare to become a regular.

Nilufar
1923 Rue Saint-Catherine O
This restaurants serves the freshest and flavorful falafels; the food is also pocket-friendly. Nilufar ensures that you don’t have to dig deep into your pockets to enjoy something tasty, fresh and filling food.

Don Taco
1853 Rue Sainte-Catherine
This place is for Mexican food lovers. You can have all the tacos and burritos you want at inexpensive prices.

Al Taib
2125 Rue Guy
This place is a life saver, you can have your pitas, manakeesh, pizza, sujuk and more at about $5 each.

Charcos
2020 Rue Crescent
This place serves the tastiest chicken but they’ll cost you more than $10. However, their delicious sandwiches won’t.

Mon Chicha
1396 Maisonneuve Blvd W
If you love Asian food, Mon Chicha is the restaurant for you. This Montreal restaurant serves delicious street food from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan all at fair prices.

Picks
2020 Rue Crescent
The burgers and poutines served here are incredible, not forgetting their kogos (potato crusted pogos).

Boustan
2020 Rue Crescent
This popular Montreal eating spot serves the tastiest shish taouks, potatoes, and shawarmas. You really should visit 
Boustan.

Sammi & Soup Dumpling
1909 Rue Sainte-Catherine O

This place specializes in making the tastes dumplings you’ll ever have. A bucket of mouthwatering dumplings is about $10.

Montreal Beauty: 7 Places That Will Do It All

Every girl’s life revolves around a beauty maintenance schedule like when to go for a hair touch up, waxing appointment, hair cut appointment, pedicure, manicure, facial and not forgetting eyebrows. Everyone want to look good, however, looking good is a process that is time-consuming and exhausting.

The following 7 beauty spas have all the services you need in-house and they are right here in Montreal:

Liv Zen
5320 Ch. Queen Mary
This is the trendiest spot on the West Side of Queen Mary. The owner, Iris, will be glad to help you right away with the very best service.
This place is awesome and always busy so it’s probably a good idea to book early.
Liv Zen offers over 26 services including teeth whitening, spa treatments, juvaderm and eyelash extensions.

Spa Diva
1445 Peel St.
The Spa Diva is located in Les Cours Mont-Royal, this is the Montreal beauty paradise. The staff are courteous and will greet you at the door and hand you a key card to get access to a private room with a customized bag of goodies.
You can get a hot stone massage or special rain in your private room.
You can also hang out in the lobby where you get unlimited drinks and strawberries.
This place is a bit pricey but the experience is top-notch.

H&M
1600 Rue Sherbrooke O.
Located on the corner of Sherbrooke and Guy, H&M is run by two hot Vietnamese sisters. This place has one of the best spas in Montreal. If you thought their meticulous mani pedis are out of this world, their waxing services and hair boutique will blow you away.

Bar Rouge
Any Location
You can enjoy a martini as you get your nails done in this Montreal beauty parlor. This beauty spot also offers eyelash extension and waxing services.
The setting is inviting and we guarantee that you’ll love the atmosphere.

Avanti
6775 Boul. Decarie
This Montreal beauty spot has been around for years and still offers the best services around. This beauty spot specializes in everything from waxing, to hair, skin treatment and nails, the list is endless.
Avanti is right on Decarie so it’s accessible from any neighborhood.

Barbarella’s
3833 Rue St Jacques
This place is known for practically every beauty service. This is the type of beauty spot that you take pictures of and post on Instagram, the services are that good.
Barbarella’s has the best nail artists in Montreal.

Manoir La Coquetterie
15 St Catherine E.

This place is charming and the services are also up to standard. This is Montreal’s beauty destination. The staff is friendly and the services are incredible, easy and fast.

The Best Kombuchas in Montreal

Healthy living has become a trend now with many Montrealers opting for vegan restaurants, unsweetened coconut water, fresh juices and the gluten-free craze.

Kombucha is a new health trend that is taking Montreal by storm. However, most people have not experienced how amazing it feels after drinking it.

Kombucha is a naturally fermented living tea. This drink is made from 4 different ingredients; water, sugar, tea, and SCOBY.  SCOBY is a mix of yeast and bacteria for the fermentation to take place with the probiotics. Sugar is for the probiotics to eat so as to release the good bacteria. The end result is a bubbly drink that has the right balance of tartness and sweetness.

The benefits of kombucha are mental clarity, weight loss, energy increase, immune system booster, detoxification, mood stability and reduced joint pain.

The following are the best kombuchas in Montreal:

Rise
This is one of the first kombuchas to be commercialized in Montreal. It was originally available in Crudessence, everyone’s favorite raw, vegan and organic restaurant. You can now find it in grocery and department stores.

Vee
The Vee Kombucha was made by a couple in Bellechasse, Quebec and introduced into the market in June 2014. It was named Vytavy Kombucha but later rebranded as Vee.
It’s available in the IGA Atwater Market and La Salle A Manger on Mont-Royal E.

Tonica
This kombucha was started in a small Toronto kitchen in 2008 by a yoga instructor. This kombrewery grew in size and Tonica is now available throughout Canada.
You can find Tonica in retail shops such as Aliments Merci at the Jean-Talon Market.

Medicinal Kitchen
This kombucha is produced on a weekly basis to make sure that each bottle ferments right before selling. The flavors created by the owner, Claudie, are unique such as the Elderberry and Apple Spice flavors.
These kombuchas are available at Twigs Café, St-Annes de Bellevue market, and Coop du Grand Orme.

GT’s
This kombucha was created by GT Dave at the tender age of 15 years when his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a way of helping her get with treatment, he studied health blogs and discovered articles on this health drink. He started delivering to grocery stores. Now, this company retails across Canada and the US with 17 different flavors now available.

Synergy
Also made by GT’s with a different method of “batch to bottle”. This method allows them to provide the most active and freshest kombuchas. You can buy Synergy at Tau.

Wonder Drink Kombucha
This kombucha is made by Steve Lee Learnt in Portland, Oregon who found the inspiration to make it in Russia. Started in the 90s, this kombucha is now available throughout Canada and the US. In Montreal, this Kombucha is available in Café Parvis and Tau.

La Bioferme des Caps

This kombucha maker is fully certified and is based close to Quebec City. They use locally sourced ingredients such as sea-buckthorn and elderberries. Many retailers stock this kombucha including C’est la Vie on Laurier Est and A Votre Sante.

Top Sushi Restaurants in Montreal

The best sushi restaurants in Montreal serve this delicacy in different varieties. The following are the top sushi restaurants in Montreal:

Sushi Momo
4669 Rue Saint-Denis
If you’re a fan of vegan sushi, then you should definitely check out Sushi Momo. This place serves vegan sushi only that is better than their meatier counterparts. Order some sushi featuring jackfruit or faux “shrimp” tempura and other finger-licking good ingredients.
This place is not just a regular restaurant, the ambiance is friendly and welcoming, fresh ingredients and expertly prepared and plated sushi. You will love Sushi Momo.

Jun – I
156 Avenue Laurier O
This place serves the juiciest, buttery, and melt in your mouth sushi and sashimi.
Their dishes are also amazing and fresh such as their poached stingray, red tuna tartar with black truffle oil and yuzu butter dish.
This place is not just for the sushi lover, it’s for those who love food that prepared with a twist.

Park
378 Avenue Victoria
This is a well-known Montreal sushi restaurant and for good reason. The sushi is simply amazing.
You can also order other dishes too such as the yummy chicken teriyaki don, or their sumptuous bibimbap.
The fresh and tasty sushi will leave you craving for more so expect to be a regular here.

Kazumi
6394 Rue Sherbrooke E
This place is a paradise for sushi and wine lovers. Kazumi serves the best sushi dishes around with amazing combinations such as the “basilica” tempura roll that includes tuna, shitake mushrooms, basil, and salmon. These combinations are enough to leave your mouth watery.
This place also has its own wine restaurant. That’s right, wine and sushi, an epic combination.

Saint Sushi
424 Avenue Duluth E
This is one of the newest entrants into the Montreal Sushi restaurant scene and has already established itself as an amazing sushi eatery.
Saint Sushi boasts of its amazing and creative recipes, high-quality ingredients and tasty dishes. You should try their tuna and salmon sushi roll featuring tempura and yogurt sauce.
This place has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere making it one of the best spots to enjoy some superb sushi.

Kyo
711 Cote de la Place d’Armes
If you are looking for a place to sit down and relax as you enjoy your sushi, look no further than Kyo.
Kyo has an amazing and relaxing atmosphere that is incredible for a date or a gathering of friends. The menu here is filled with amazing sushi dishes but you shouldn’t miss their sashimi salad featuring a yuzu vinaigrette.

Boite Geisha
1209 Avenue du Mont-Royal E
Biote Geisha is on Montreal’s Plateau and their food is super delicious, fresh and amazing.
One dish that you really have to try is the sushi pizza. The Boite Geisha sushi pizza has incredible toppings like avocado, lobster, marinated squid, and mango, on a bed of flavorful crispy rice.

Bako Sushi
4326 Rue Belanger
Everything served in this sushi spot is fresh and high-quality. Their traditional sushi rolls are made with the freshest ingredients.
The prices are fair and the staff super friendly.
Bako Sushi is in Montreal St. Leonard, this is a bit far for some people but the experience that you get makes the journey worthwhile.

Yoshi Sushi
1601 Avenue Laurier E
This place is right in the center of the plateau and is the best spot to end your sushi craving.
Yoshi Sushi serves the freshest ingredients and awesome flavors that will leave you wanting more, so much for ending your sushi cravings.
Order their tropical roll that features strawberries, spicy sauce, and scallop tempura. Their sumo with shrimp, mango, avocado, and crab is out of this world.

5 Saisons Sushi
This place has an extensive menu featuring creative sushi rolls such as their "double face" that is tuna and salmon sashimi rolled up in breaded seaweed.

5 sushi has a trendy, friendly and incredibly fun vibe making it a good spot for a gathering.

10 Best Montreal Bars that You Should Check Out

The city of Montreal has a killer nightlife. The bars feature a chic interior that creates the perfect ambiance. You will be served amazing cocktails and drinks, just the way you like it. If you’re looking for the right spot to have a good time with friends, then you should definitely check out the following bars:

Big In Japan Bar
3723 Boulevard St. Laurent, Montreal, QC, H2X 2V7
You can’t miss this bar as it’s located between a store and a restaurant right at the corner of Saint Laurent and Rachel.  Go through the big red door to discover what Big In Japan Bar has to offer.
Once you get in, you’ll notice a long wooden whiskey rack and plenty of delicious drinks. The drinks are also offered by the punch bowl.

Pullman
3424 Avenue du Parc, Montreal, QC, H2X 2H5
This is a well-known wine bar in Montreal on the Quartier des Spectacles. It is built in a 3-story townhouse, this will blow your mind away. Don’t forget to check out the widely talked about wine glass chandelier.

Apt. 200
3643 Saint Laurent, Montreal, QC, H2X 2V5
This bar is popular for its eclectic interior with an interior that looks like an apartment. There is a bedroom, a den, and a living room. You will also find some retro arcade games, tabletop hockey, and a pool table.

Burgundy Lion
2496 Rue Notre – Dame Ouest, Montreal, QC, h3J 1N5
This is an all English pub that has been around for six years on Notre Dame. The bar has the largest collection of whiskeys in Quebec and you can sample their tasting set including 3 different glasses of selected whiskeys.
This food area is good for hosting birthday dinner after which you can continue the party to the bar area.

Santos
191 Rue Saint Paul Ouest, Montreal, QC H2Y 1Z5
Santos is trending mainly because of their Tuesday nights that are dedicated to the ladies. However, this Spanish tapas bar is still amazing for the weekenders.

Le Lab
1351 Rachel, EST, Montreal, H2j 2K2
If you’re looking for unique cocktails that you can’t get anywhere else, then you should check out Le Lab
Be ready to be amazed by the bartenders’ juggling skills, as they mix their own syrups and liquors.
Le Lab is on the pricier side but it’s definitely worth it.

Sparrow
5322 Boulevard Saint – Laurent, Montreal, QC, H2T 1A5
Sparrow is located between Fairmont and St. Viateur. It’s a comfortable hangout serving kinds of finger foods, cocktails, and beers.
If you want a seat, you’ll want to get there around 10 or 11 as it’s filled up till after midnight.
Be sure to check out their restaurant that is a block away from the bar titled Lawrence.

Dominion Square Tavern
1243 Metcalfe St, Montreal, QC, H3B 2V5
This Montreal bar features a timely old décor and music that will take you back to a different era.
This is an awesome place to go with friends and chat over some drinks. Check out the restaurant that still holds its original elements of the 20s.
Their cocktails and mixes are pricey but you can bar hop since it’s centrally located.

Flyjin
417 Rue St Pierre, Montreal, QC, H2Y 2M4
Flyjin is a Japanese restaurant and bar on St. Pierre. It has a vibe and décor that will improve your experience.
Have a taste of their popular Zen Buddha at don’t forget to take a bite, it’s a resto-bar.

La Distillerie
2047 Avenue du Mont-Royal Est, QC, H2H 1j7
If you don’t mind drinking from large mason jars, then this bar should be your favorite spot. However, you need to get here early as it fills up fast (all three locations).
They serve contemporary and common flavors.

Baldwin
115 Laurier Ouest, Montreal, QC, H2T 2N6
One strange thing about this bar is its drug store décor – there’s an explanation to this, the owner’s grandparents used to run a pharmacy here called Baldwins. However, this place has a cool vibe where the waiters wear aprons over white vests and shirts with rolled up sleeves. The menu features old-fashioned cocktails, it’s a nice place for a date night.


Best Spas in Montreal

Are you looking for the best spot to treat your body as you relax and rest? If yes, then we got you covered.

Espace Nomad
4660 St Laurent Blvd
If you like to see beautiful things as you relax, then this plateau spa should be your number one spot. The surrounding here is calming and super relaxing.

Spa Scandinave
71 de la Commune St W
With a beautiful interior and an ideal ambiance, this spa is the best if you want to escape the Montreal buzz. You will enjoy yourself at the Spa Scandinave.

Spa St. James
1228 Sherbrooke St W
This spa is in the Ritz – Carlton Hotel in the center of Downtown Montreal. This spa is super relaxing and great.

Spa Vert
2360 Rue Notre – Dame Ouest
This spa in Little Burgundy has it all. You will get everything that you can ask for in a spa including cupping therapy that is blowing everyone’s minds.

Strom Spa
1001 Boulevard de la Foret
Ideally located on Nun’s Island, this spa is pretty big with cold and hot baths and world-class treatment to keep you relaxed for a long time. There’s also a Bistro that serves healthy and tasty treats.

Skyspa
6000 Boulevard Rome #400, Brossard, QC
This spa is right in the middle of the Dix30. It might a little smaller than other spas but they have it all. The best thing about this spa is its rooftop location where you get breathtaking views.

Finlandais
125 boul. Labelle, Rosemere, QC
This is a huge spa in Laval-area where all the dreams happen. This spa has plenty of cold baths, hot baths, steam rooms, saunas and more. In addition, this spa is right next to a hotel so if you want to take a quick nap, Finlandais got you covered.

Bota Bota
Montreal, QC H2Y 2E2
This is a well-known Montreal spa on a boat in the waters of Old Port. It has everything you can expect from a spa plus incredible views of the city.