If you cannot afford a ticket to visit a sparkling city or country that you've been fantasizing about on while you try to catch up on an entire semester of economics, you may want to consider treating yourself to something a little more practical like a night out on the town. Fancy Montreal restaurants have it all: the chic ambiance, the cool crowd and perfect lighting. Just waltz in the door, and voila-you are transported elsewhere, forgetting all about impending final exams and muddy, melting snow for an evening.
Buona notte:
3518 St Laurent, 848-0644
Ignore the fact that you're on Rue St. Laurent and imagine yourself spending the night in marvelous Milan. Let the hot girls and sexy guys serve you the taste of Italy in the heart of downtown. Enjoy the great food, exotic drinks and let your soul enjoy the DJ playing just in the corner. So if you can afford the minimum charge of $25, spice up your Saturday night with a classy dinner before heading out to party the night away. Or, you can stay right where you are and witness 'Buona' morph into a supper-club. The light get darker, the music louder and tables suddenly become dance floors. So, dress up, have your dinner and enjoy the after-party. For all the bambinas and bambinos: Don't forget to ask for the 'Coco Chanel' cocktail. It's a house specialty, but it isn't on the menu!
Similar themes: Club-Med, Sophia and The Globe, all on St. Laurent and Rosalie's on De la Montagne.
Cavalli: 2042 Peel, 843-5100
Do you love Sex and the City? Do you want to live the fabulous Manhattan life-visiting a great new restaurant every night? Well, you don't have to go very far because your dream is right down Peel Street. Although Cavalli is not related to the designer, the dress code is definitely "Cavalli couture." So if you're on the hunt for a Mr. Big of your own, complete with a fancy car and hot suit, your journey must start here. Sip your Martini and let it glow under the purple lighting of the bar, or dine on a selection on pasta and seafood. But be warned! The food looks better than it tastes. If you have a car, don't worry about it, it will be valet-parked right in front of the restaurant beside the Porsches and Ferraris (ever-present throughout Formula 1 weekend).
L'entrecote Saint-Jean:
2022 Peel, 281-6492
If you think the city's French heritage is only represented in old Montreal, you may need to think again. Just next to Cavalli restaurant on Peel, you will find a little piece of Paris. L'entrecote Saint-Jean is a small and cozy restaurant with a limited set menu and a typical French-bistro feel. For about $22, you can devour a three-course meal and enjoy the Paris-in-the-1920s feeling. The restaurant specializes in one type of steak and a unique sauce that might well have been made in heaven. Although the theme is French, the food isn't really. This restaurant is the most affordable on the list and it's good place for a date or just to chat with friends over something other than pizza.
Le Queue de Cheval:
1221 René-Levesque, 390-0090
Considered one of the most expensive restaurants in downtown Montreal, Queue de Cheval steak house and seafood is probably one of the city's greatest attractions. It's a two-story continental restaurant where appetizers run for more than $20. The restaurant specializes in professionally selected steaks and seafood under the supervision of extremely well-trained chefs. Some of the steaks are imported from exotic places or aged for more than 8 months. The decoration of the restaurant is a bit more than amazing. It seems as if you are dining in an old-fashioned study room with wine cellars instead of bookshelves. Once you've been seated by the lovely lady with the wireless headphones and placed your order, the waiter/waitress will show you your choice before putting it on the grill. This restaurant is an exquisite and, unfortunately, expensive experience. You may want to celebrate your graduation there but it's unlikely to become one of your regulars… at least until you get that high-paying job your Arts degree is so likely to land you.
- Compiled by Saud Al-Dawsari
