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INSIDE World Cup Soccer Fever Hits Montreal RESTAURANT REVIEW Brontë Restaurant, Restaurant Garçon and Joe Beef by Phil Price... p. 1 A Montrealer’s guide MATERNALLY YOURS Cafés and Sunscreen to where the action is by Annika Melanson... p. 1 by Michael Gorman BOOK REVIEW The Carbon War, State of Fear and The Ingenuity Gap Montrealers love a good party, no mat- by David Price... p. 5 ter what the occasion. If the revelry hap- MOVIE REVIEW Mission: Impossible III pens to spill out of our living rooms and by Catherine McKenzie... p. 9 into the streets or the nearest neighbour- WINE: Big House Red (Ca’ del Solo), hood bar, so much the better. When it Sauvignon Blanc (Kim Crawford), Cabernet comes to the guest list, our credo is sim- Merlot (Sumac Ridge) and Chenin Blanc ple: the more the merrier. (Paarl Heights) by Carola Price... p. 8 Nowhere is this collective quest for cel- RECIPES Father’s Day Feast ebration more evident than during our by Anthea Dawson... p. 11 myriad summer festivals, from Jazz to MISSION MONTREAL Just for Laughs, but when it comes on the Casino (MONT)Royal cleated heels of a major sporting event, by Ashley Cotter-Cairns... p. 12 Barmaid Amélie Rheault serves up a pint to client Roger Delisle at the Cage aux Sports resto-bar continued on page three on René Lévesque West, where big-screen TVs will show all World Cup games live. Philly Stakes Maternally Yours Brontë Restaurant, Restaurant Garçon and Joe Beef Cafés and Sunscreen by Phil Price by Annika Melanson This column is to give you, the reader, epicurean enlightenment from me, a hum- My pre-child motto was: ‘cafés are for double espressos, not for ble lover of all things food. I don’t have a background in the culinary arts. I hold no double strollers.’ I used to cringe at the sight of a mother or father trying desperate- degrees from the Cordon Bleu, I am not a trained chef, nor have I ever owned a restau- ly to squeeze a heavily overloaded stroller through the narrow doorway of a coffee rant. I write about food because I love it. I love to talk about it, to cook it, to consider shop, and hoped that they wouldn’t sit near me. it, to smell and taste it. I have worked in restaurants as a bus- The Café boy, a dish pig, a waiter and a line cook. I have a copy of continued on page six Now that I am a mother myself, I can appreciate what continued on page ten 2 – Vivva MONTREAL – June 2006 Events

ឣ Formula One. www.grandprix.ca 514.350.0000. June 23-25. ឣ Montreal Chamber Music Festival. St. James United Church: 463 St. Catherine St. West www.festivalmontreal.org 514.489.7444. ឣ St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival. www.montrealfringe.ca June 9-30. 514.849.FEST. June 8-18. ឣ L’International des Feux Loto-Québec. Parc Jean Drapeau. ឣ Carifiesta Parade. René Levesque Blvd. to Place Emilie Gamelin www.internationaldesfeuxloto-quebec.com 514.790.1245. (Berri Park) www.carifiesta.ca 514.735.2232. Saturday July 8. June 17-July 2 ឣ Deep Sea 3D. IMAX Theatre: 333 de la Commune Street West ឣ Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. www.centredessciencesdemontreal.com 514.496.4724. www.montrealjazzfest.com 514.523.3378 June 29-July 9. Until October 1.

ឣ Have an event you know about or want to publicize for late July or early August? Send your idea in the above format to [email protected]. If it fits in with Vivva Montreal, we’ll publish it.

Irving Mitchell Kalichman S.E.N.C.R.L. L.L.P. AVOCATS ADVOCATES

We are very pleased to announce that Sophie Perron has been admitted to the partnership. Me Perron was called to the Bar in 1997 and spent the first three years of her career at a full service international law firm. She joined us in 2000 and practices in the Jeffrey B. Levitt areas of civil and commercial litigation at the trial and appellate Ph.D., O.P.Q. levels.

Our firm practices in the areas of commercial, civil, administra- Psychologist tive and constitutional litigation at the trial and appellate levels. is published by Our clients appreciate our ability to find creative and effective Sherbrooke-Valois Inc. 310 Victoria #110 4999 Ste-Catherine Street solutions to complex legal problems. Each of our lawyers has Westmount, QC built a reputation for excellence in advocacy and client service. West, Suite 200 H3Z 2M9 Irving Mitchell Kalichman is recognized by Chambers Global as Westmount, QC H3Z 1T3 Editor: a leading firm in dispute resolution in Quebec. Tel: (514) 928-3494 David Price (514) 935-4537 Advertising sales: E-mail: [email protected] Mike Hogan (514) 223-6138 Fax: (514) 935-9241 4119, rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Westmount (Québec) H3Z 1A7 Tel: (514) 935-4460 Fax: (514) 935-2999 www.imk.ca Vivva Montreal is distributed by: Vivva MONTREAL – June 2006 – 3

WORLD CUP... continued from page one ‘There’s most definitely a lot of excite- ‘We may not be that busy for the first which means you can expect to find a ment in Montreal surrounding the World match, but for the final, there’s going to neighbourhood venue hopping on game particularly one taking place outside our Cup this year,’ says Empari, partly be- be a lot of people here.’ day wherever members of the city’s myri- fair city, the festivities tend to be some- cause, in the past, international time dif- Here in Montreal, the embattled Can- ad cultural communities congregate. what more intimate. ferences have made it difficult for most adiens hockey team last tasted Stanley ‘We should be jam-packed when Italy True, the after-party can take on huge people to take in the games as they unfold Cup glory in 1993 and the Expos baseball plays,’ says a manager at Café Corona in proportions when the locals win – think live, such as when Japan squad packed up and the St. Leonard district, a hub of the local impromptu Stanley Cup parades (okay, and Korea hosted the headed south to Wash- Italian community. Soccer is a big deal to think really, really hard. We know it’s Cup in 2002. That’s not ington, DC, at the end the café’s clientele, says Elio, who been awhile). But for a more regionalized the case this year and of the 2004 season and declined to give his last name, and they’ll taste of sports frenzy in Montreal, it’s best Empari says Le Com- a lengthy struggle to be out in full force whenever their coun- to seek out some of the liberal smatter- plexe, formerly the retain its fan base. That trymen are on the pitch. ings of neighbourhood cheer that rise up Rocksbury, is commit- leaves the Montreal Im- ‘As long as Italy stays in it, we should in pockets around the island when a ted to showing all of the pact as one of the city’s be good, but it’s going to depend on how favourite team is on the pitch in, say, a 2006 World Cup con- two major-league sports they advance.’ World Cup soccer match. tests on its big-screen teams and major hopes When Brazil took the Cup in 2002, it The FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 TVs. for glory, making now wasn’t unusual to see the country’s flag runs from June 9 to the final showdown Same goes for the the perfect time to stand flying from the windows of cars parading on July 9, and, as always, Montrealers are Cage aux Sports on up and take notice of along the city’s main thoroughfares, paying attention, urging on their heroes René Lévesque West be- soccer. horns blaring. Such is the excitement of as they hoist a few among friends, either tween Bishop and Mac- In fact, though no- World Cup fever in Montreal. at home, or, quite often, in one of the kay streets. Though where near pandemic Even the retiring homebody need not city’s many sports-minded resto-bars. each of the more than half-dozen central proportions among Montreal’s often fin- worry about missing a match. Radio sta- To get the party started, the hot ticket in locations of the popular sports-bar chain icky sports fans, soccer fever in the city tion 940 Montreal has announced plans town was the kick-off party that the sets its own policies about marking an has extended beyond even the World Cup to broadcast all the games live and pro- German Consulate General of Montreal occasion like the World Cup, this one matches themselves, as La Lucarne, vide twice-hourly updates from opening threw on Friday June 9, at Le Complexe plans to extend its hours to accommodate Cinémathèque québécoise, TV5 and the day through to the final. on Bishop Street. soccer fever. Goethe Institute teamed up to mount a So although the actual competition is ‘We’re expecting a lot of people,’ Mike ‘We’re going to show each and every film festival featuring soccer-related taking place a world away, there’s really Empari, night manager of Le Complexe, game, even at 9 am,’ says manager movies in the run-up to the Cup. no excuse not to celebrate the FIFA World said last week, adding that the price of a Phanie Charbonneau, adding she expects When it comes to international compe- Cup Germany 2006. Thousands of Mont- ticket included food, a beverage and the momentum to build as the tournament titions with no home team to root for, loy- realers will be doing the same. chance to win a trip to Germany. progresses. alties tend to run along nationalistic lines, Michael Gorman is a writer in Montreal.

Things that Vivva Montreal New this Spring! -recommends you do 5 in June in Montreal Have a drink at any place on the east side of McGill College 1 Great sun and atmosphere. Remember what McGill College used to be like? Have a cheap lunch at the Café Victoria (Victoria at 2 Somerville) Great sun comes in over the low building on the west side of the street. Have dinner at the Claremont (5032 Sherbrooke St. West) – 3 outside What Montrealers call ‘north’ is really west, so the northerly face of the restaurant means lots of sun and evening warmth. Walk around Old Montreal and the Old Port 4 Why not? Go to either of Montreal’s lookouts (in Mount Royal Park and 5 on top of Westmount) Available at: Why not? Drink beer on your back porch. Chapters • Coles • Indigo -Why not? (Docked a - unit for lack of originality.) Archambault • Clio • Bonders Have 5- Things to recommend for July? Send your idea to [email protected] 4 – Vivva MONTREAL – June 2006

CASINO... continued from page 12 stake meant my $40 had a chance of going somewhere. First hand, I misread eral floors heaving with a cross-section of my cards and doubled my ante. The deal- distracted human life, converting ban- er failed to qualify and I made a $5 profit. knotes into coins and chips to wager with. This turned out to be my only winning One criticism of the place is its poor (or bet of the night. perhaps fiendishly clever) floor plan. At RESULT: –$40 times, you can see everything – the bar at ROULETTE: European Roulette has the top, your friends on the floor above been lucky for me in days gone by. I tend you, the only empty seat at the Blackjack to favour number 29, my birthday, with a table on the floor below you – except for ten-chip bet covering numbers from 21 stairs leading up or down. Be prepared to through 7 via zero. American Roulette trek through acres of noisy slots in search has two zeroes, though, and that’s what I of the toilets (which are clean enough, but blame for my eventual loss. badly in need of an update). RESULT: –$40 You can play from a nickel a spin in the LET IT RIDE: A full house in Let It slots. Elsewhere, American Roulette, Mike H. as Scott Caan Ride saved my bacon during a trip to the Elkin as Julia Roberts Niagara Falls Casino, and it’s here I one hand of Blackjack and forget about The Hangover tomorrow. But visions of a last paragraph I didn’t wake up with a pile of money or stretched thinly across my word proces- Julia Roberts by my side. Nor was I in a sor forced me to stretch the money out. tax haven or a prison cell. At no stage did SLOTS: When last I played slot I have a gun held to my head. Real life has machines, they didn’t accept banknotes. little in common with the movies. These days, you can join a player’s club For fear of sounding like a government which provides you with a loyalty card on agency, take only what you can afford to a curly cable. Plug in your card and you lose to the Montreal casino. I won’t prom- will earn points for every dollar wagered. ise you glamour or under-dressed It became apparent within two spins women, though you might find both on a that I had no idea what to do. The cher- lucky summer’s night. ries, melons and bars of my misspent youth were now complex symbols, faces Montreal Casino: and multipliers. Once I found the button 1 Avenue du Casino H3C 4W7. to bet nine credits per spin, my demise Tel: 514.392.2746 Mike T. as George Clooney was mercifully swift. www.casino-de-montreal.com Adrian as Brad Pitt RESULT: –$20 Ashley Cotter-Cairns is a freelance writer Blackjack, Let It Ride, Baccarat, Carib- POKER: I am honour-bound to men- from England currently residing in Hudson. bean Stud Poker and Craps provide the tion that the casino doesn’t offer real, turned with my last $70. You place three He has written for a number of thrills. Roulette has a minimum bet of Texas Hold’em Poker. Caribbean Stud is equal bets, are dealt three cards and can publications, including In Camera five chips per spin. the closest they get. The minimum $5 remove up to two of the bets if you don’t magazine, UK Maxim, TheNet, This caught me out on my first table, make a pair of tens or better. Fun, if a lit- International Traveller, Business Life and $2 chips and at least $10 per turn. tle dumb. En Route. In collaboration with his wife, $20 doesn’t go far under those condi- Eventually I blew out with a pair of Carolina Pla, he has also written and sold a tions. Jacks against the dealer’s Aces and nines. screenplay, The Witch and The Famous. The night was young, but I’m less RESULT: –$70 young than I used to be. Beer and my I slunk back upstairs to find the baby son Jasper’s early morning wake-up remaining Ocean’s Six playing the horse calls were taking their toll. It was time to racing slot machine. Between them, they get on with my mission: grab $200 of the lost a total of eight dollars. government’s money, or go broke in the attempt. The Takedown By Appointment Graphic design & typesetting: It was obvious that $200 wasn’t much of a stake. I’d already blown a hole in it Zsuzsanna I. Kapás ɀ advertising ɀ newsletters books newspapers with transport and alcohol and was M.ED. COUNSELLING ɀ ɀ tempted to put my remaining $170 on Alexis as Shaobo Qin Making your news fit to print Individual and Marital Therapy Management of your printing project from design to delivery Fiddlehead Farm Argyle Institute 310 Victoria Avenue 4115 Sherbrooke St.W. Westmount QC H3Z 2M9 Westmount, QC H3Z 1K9 Maple Syrup ᔢ Firewood (514) 488-7366 (514) 932-9733 [email protected] Vivva MONTREAL – June 2006 – 5 Book Review

By David Price what happens to shoreline properties and interconnectedness allowed the melt- lenders will care about exposure to poten- down to gain momentum, there is thus The Carbon War tially affected assets. Some of his points, robustness within the system. The same by Jeremy Leggett though, are pure PR puffery. Every natu- may be true of other systems that concern State of Fear ral disaster that takes place during his Homer-Dixon. Take political ones: very by Michael Crichton narrative (and he moves around from complex, interconnected and vulnerable continent to continent and so comments at first blush, but as a complex and rich The Ingenuity Gap on US hurricanes, European flooding one faces a real crisis (bird flu, serious by Thomas Homer-Dixon and Australian fires, to name a few) is terrorist threats, war, environmental Here are three books with a common linked back to global warming – great degradation), think of how much it can theme: the threat of global catastrophe(s). cover page material, but all of these phe- simplify its structure and objectives in Vivva Montreal is a The Carbon War chronicles the adven- nomena existed well before any alleged order to simply survive. Maybe this publication designed to tures and misadventures of Jeremy global warming. resilience is even true of weather (another Leggett during his quest to warn the Homer-Dixon’s Ingenuity Gap is the of Homer-Dixon’s concerns)… help its readers find things world about the perils of global warming most wide ranging of the three books and State of Fear is the most iconoclastic to do in Montreal and the and his even more challenging task book considered here and, if you are of moving policy makers into a contrarian who likes to bait envi- surrounding area. action. The Ingenuity Gap by ronmental types, you should read Thomas Homer-Dixon is less direct- this book. (For the sake of a full ly on topic. Homer-Dixon’s thesis is review, the guns-and-ammo thriller ɀ Distributed to 22,000 that there may be a greater demand plot can stand on its own and is a B+ for creative solutions to the world’s paperback with lots of action and houses, apartments problems (environmental, financial, romance.) On the intellectual plane, political, technical) than there is a the book poses some interesting and businesses in supply. The possible results? Starva- questions about all sorts of environ- Westmount and tion, water shortages, financial melt- an ambitious attempt to chart out a new mental sacred cows. Crichton takes a real down, fighting in the streets. State of Fear, discipline: to date, no one has been meas- strip off Hollywood types (throughout the eastern NDG. a novel by ER and Jurassic Park creator uring world levels of ‘ingenuity’. Of novel ‘an actor who played the president Michael Crichton, spins a classic thriller course, given the difficulties (impossibili- on a television series’ bumbles around yarn (perfect for an airplane read). More ties?) of doing so, it is no surprise and saying and doing stupid things) and the ɀ Quality content that interestingly and uniquely (to my knowl- Homer-Dixon’s main point crashes hard sanctimonious platitudes they spout (for edge) for a novel of this genre, it takes a into this wall. How can his contention be example, talking about ‘primeval’ forests people will read critical (footnoted!) look at the science tested? Along the way, however, he makes that are only 6,000 years old – max! – and and refer to. behind global warming. some great points. For instance, complex- that Crichton contends are the result of Each book has strengths and is worth ity theory explains that as systems native American intervention in the envi- reading. increase in overall performance they also ronment). ɀ Authors who are The Carbon War is undoubtedly the grow more specialized to the point that He also poses some more important driest of the three. Beginning in the late they become vulnerable and weak. and damning questions. Specifically, if experts in their fields 1980s, former oil executive Leggett trav- Consider a car: fixable by teenagers in carbon dioxide levels are causing warm- els back and forth across the globe (leav- the 1950s, requiring computers to even ing and have been rising steadily since and who are well known ing – one can’t help but notice – lots of assess basic problems today. Consider 1880, why did world temperature decrease in the community. carbon in his wake) in order to attend an financial markets: they began as markets between 1940 and 1970? In the 1930- endless number of endless conferences for stocks and bonds, but are now a trad- 2000 period, why did temperature about climate change culminating with ing forum for umpteen instruments (op- increase in certain cities (e.g. New York) Please call for an the Kyoto protocol. He explains how his tions, futures, swaps etc…). Both can be and decrease in others (e.g. nearby Al- nemeses, members of the ‘carbon club’ affected or even brought down by prob- bany)? Why do some people talk so much advertising rate card. (oil company employees or consultants; lems that couldn’t even have existed 50 about increased hurricane strikes when think black hats), try to foil his every years ago. At least in the case of the finan- their number was lower in the 1990-99 move: watering down the language of cial system, what Homer-Dixon misses, is period than in others (1910-19, 1940-49)? conference resolutions, funding naysay- the hidden robustness within even com- These and a host of other questions and Sherbrooke-Valois Inc. ing research, getting to policy makers and plex systems. He frets that no one person points (there are 167,000 glaciers in the media before his Greenpeace colleagues really understands the global financial world, only a few of which have been 310 Victoria #110 (think white hats) can. His is a Manich- system at any one time (true). Never- studied carefully; the temperature in Westmount, QC ean worldview: ‘Most of all, I wished I theless, because of the number of actors Antarctica has actually been decreasing) H3Z 2M9 could find a way to stop them [the carbon contained within it, there are always peo- challenge recent claims about global clubbers] being so effective in their evil ple betting against any given trend. For warming and ‘extreme’ weather repeated- Editor: work’ (p. 143). instance, when there is a meltdown, there ly and to the core. If half of Crichton’s David Price (514) 935-4537 He makes some good points: most sci- are immediate winners (e.g. short sellers) claims are true, we have been hearing Advertising sales: entists do seem to believe in global warm- and longer term ones (individuals who some real pap in the media for decades. Mike Hogan (514) 223-6138 ing and, because it includes so many dis- were on the sidelines with cash at that The future of the planet, we are told, is parate players, ‘business’ can’t be moment in time). Even if hard-to-under- at stake. Too bad the waters are so mud- Fax: (514) 935-9241 unequivocally on one side of the debate. stand instruments triggered the melt- died. For instance, insurers will care about down and impossible-to-understand David Price is a publisher in Montreal. 6 – Vivva MONTREAL – June 2006

PHILLY STAKES... continued from page one Brontë Restaurant ɋɋɋɋ 1800 Sherbrooke St. West Larousse Gastronomique (the quintessen- 514.934.1801 tial foodie bible) beside my bed and I read Last year’s winner of enRoute maga- it before I go to bed (I am on gastrique: a zine’s best Canadian restaurant, Brontë is classic French sauce consisting of vine- deserving of the accolade. The setting is gar, wine and sugar). I am a decent cook, sleek and modern without being overly and descend from a long line of equally hip. Sitting in one of the gigantic booths decent cooks and lovers of food. This is is the only way to go. I have been to this my culinary pedigree. restaurant on three separate occasions in I don’t get paid for writing this article: the past two months and each time the my expenses are almost covered (as my experience was flawless. tastes tend to be slightly expensive). My The food is definitely hip, a mixture of aim is to bring a different perspective on culinary styles, relying heavily on all the eating out and although this article does- ‘in’ ingredients, but executed with such n’t support me, it does support my pas- precision and fun that you don’t feel like sion for food. The places I visit are varied you’re eating the Mona Lisa. The chef and and are chosen at my discretion. They his staff are obviously having a lot of fun will vary in budget, culinary style and pumping out interesting plates. The location. For my premier article, I have menu is a good read on its own, rife with chosen to write about some of the hip culinary buzzwords like foam, sous-vide, restaurants that garner ‘buzz’ in Mont- emulsions, etc., and each dish my friends real. Some were great surprises, others and I tried delivered big time. severe disappointments. I do know how After taking your order, the kitchen to distinguish good from great when it gives an amuse bouche, a sort of warm-up Brontë Restaurant comes to restaurants. I have high stan- dish that gives a taste of things to come. dards when I splash out for a meal, but I One was a tiny scallop ceviche that was originality. The oxtail raviolis were anoth- idea of what it does and how to deliver am not a food snob with ridiculous crite- incredible, light to eat with great mouth er heartbreaker. Like eating beef-flavour- that vision. It is an expensive meal, how- ria in rating restaurants. I know chefs feel. The other was a single oyster, with ed velvet, the raviolis are so good that they ever your money is well earned by chef chase perfection daily and try to deliver it veal and asparagus. These little dishes just leave you wanting so much more. and owner. with each plate they hand over for the show a severe amount of thought and Another standout was the lobster risotto waiters to deliver to their patrons. When I care. It serves as the culinary handshake paired with yellow beets. The risotto was Restaurant Garçon ɋɋ eat a meal, I expect each dish to reflect its from the chef. I couldn’t wait for the next expertly executed with the requisite 1112 Sherbrooke St. West creator. I expect heart, pride and love. round of dishes. I had limoncello cured creaminess, chunks of lobster swimming 514.843.4000 This culinary holy trinity is the real stan- salmon with salmon tartare – stunning to within, and the sharp bite of the yellow Garçon is this year’s winner of en- dard. A big effort, flush with love and cre- eat. The plates are beautifully arranged beets was offset by a small dollop of crème Route’s best restaurant. My wife and I ativity, will always win over something and so damn gorgeous you hesitate to fraiche. Kobe short ribs, which were walked into the restaurant and were that is merely executed well without any ruin them, save for the fact that you can’t pricey, were good, but paled in compari- greeted smoothly by a hostess. The room heart. help throw them down. The rabbit pap- son to the fish and seafood. The chef is a is handsome, comfortable and gives an The rating of each restaurant is meas- perdelle appetizer is the out-and-out win- wizard with all things from the sea. The immediate sense of ease. The setting is ured by a heart count reflecting the mix of ner: toothsome chunks of rabbit, expertly meat offerings all played second fiddle to perfect and was a solid indication that we passion, execution, creativity, originality, cooked in a stew-like sauce, with porcini their sea-bound brethren. were in good hands. We ordered drinks, service, setting and love. A restaurant is mushrooms and wide ribbon pasta Desserts expressed Brontë’s sense of gin and tonics in heavy tumblers, which an extension of the chef and owners’ phi- topped with a foie gras foam. Wow. Other fun. Sake infused crème brulée, beer and is usually a great sign. Our appetizers losophy of food and life. Their love of standouts were the foie gras starters, gorgonzola sorbets, chocolate soup with were poor; they ruined my foie gras and food is on display with each dish. which varied with each visit, and the veni- spiced donuts and chocolate marshmal- my wife’s scallops were completely mur- Culinary ecstasy (possibly life-changing) son tartare. Whatever you order off the lows are just some of the offerings. All dered. The mains came out. My filet ɋɋɋɋɋ appetizer menu, you can’t go wrong. were great. mignon, ordered rare, arrived medium. ɋɋɋɋ A great meal Mains were all great. The tuna with Service was above average, although My wife’s sea bass was mummified. ɋɋɋ Moments of brilliance marred by missteps artichokes, vegetable ragout and a barley sometimes a little too fawning, and also Much like the experience, this review ɋɋ You could’ve done better at home risotto was a knockout. Expertly cooked not quick enough at delivering the final ends abruptly. We didn’t even order ɋ The dumpster behind the restaurant rare, the slabs of tuna were perfectly bill. Nevertheless, the effort was there. dessert. Maybe the chef was having an would’ve provided a better meal accented with the vegetables and the bar- Brontë is a standout restaurant, brim- off-night, but whatever the case, this was ley risotto speaks volumes of the chef’s ming with real culinary talent, and a clear an over-hyped production that failed to

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Restaurant Garçon deliver anything remotely entertaining. as a map. The chefs, David Macmillan The experience was like seeing a movie and Fred Morin, are in the driver’s seat, you’ve been dying to see. Your favourite and will drive off a cliff on a whim. The actors are in it, the story seems com- dishes are so bloody good it’s easy to pelling, the trailer wowed you, and the understand that this is one of the harder setting is gorgeous. Soon after the open- places to get a table. ing credits roll, you get antsy, pissed that I started with oysters, expertly served, Joe Beef your expectations were so high. You feel with all the right accompaniments. We had by the producers, betrayed by the then shared a smoked salmon plate restaurant and feel like you’re a part of it, beg for the smoked duck starter. I know actors, the director, and the critics gener- dressed with horseradish, sliced gherkin, sharing a joke with the chefs. Joe Beef is I will. ating ‘thumbs up’ propaganda. Two and slabs of toast that was perfection. The almost an anti-restaurant, not guided by Phil Price is a filmmaker, founder of thumbs down, way down. night’s out-and-out winner was smoked rules of service, menu descriptions or Philms Pictures Inc. and food connoisseur. duck with asparagus, fiddleheads, shaved etiquette, but rather by heart, by its own His feature film credits include Summer Joe Beef ɋɋɋɋ- radish and a single poached-then-flash- sense of fun and playfulness. I’ll forever and Hatley High. He has finished two 2491 Notre Dame St. West fried egg. I will never think of any of be haunted by that beautiful appetizer seasons of television series, The Festival 514.935.6504 those separate ingredients again without and I hope that if you go for a visit, you’ll and The Business. Tucked between the antique shops of thinking of how expertly that dish was Notre Dame, you’ll find Joe Beef. A cozy executed. I could have walked out of that little hot spot, pumping out some of the restaurant and died happy. It was an best food this city has seen in years. The unbelievable dish and our table agreed it chef-owners are clever; their food is rife was the best of the evening. Everything A brand new look at with a sense of humour and cheekiness else that came after it was amazing, but that I personally haven’t ever experienced with each bite I took of steak, of rib, of Montreal’s bar scene, while eating out. The menu merely serves lobster, I tried with all my might to will it with something for into that smoked duck and asparagus appetizer. The menu is playful and fun everyone: dance, Westmount and full of surprises. There is also a hid- gay/lesbian, singles, den menu, spurred by the chef’s inspira- Rugby tion, like Irish stew that had massive neighbourhood bars, Football Club chunks of lobster swimming in it and steak and eggs with lardons. A friend’s dives. is recruiting! steak came ‘pimped’ with slabs of foie gras, crab and lobster crowded on top of a Great for finding ɀ Bilingual Club ɀ Competitive team massive sirloin. places to go – or for with an unmatched social atmosphere Everything about this place is amazing. ɀ Junior Rugby Program ɀ A Montreal The setting, the homey décor, the excel- casual, curiosity-driven Rugby club with an international flair! lent service, the incredibly original ap- ɀ Come join North America’s oldest proach, and the overall kindness and love reading. rugby club of the owners for their little joint make it 514 242-6051 one of the most memorable food experi- www.westmountrugby.com ences I have had. It is expensive, but well worth the experience. It’s nice to go to a 8 – Vivva MONTREAL – June 2006 Wine by Carola Price To Cell or Not to Cell Is it worth cellaring anything at all? A As a sommelier I am constantly asked fair number of my clients agree that about wine for the future. From cellar when on vacation and picking up a few selections to wine for investment purpos- bottles to remember a trip by, some wines es, I can research for weeks before com- can be worth the effort of cellaring. When ing up with wines based on the client’s opening a wine that has reached its matu- needs and storage facilities; but to hold rity level – not all hit their peak at the on to wine for ten or twenty years can exact same moment – and finding it in sometimes be a lesson in futility. After perfect condition for enjoying with a lov- dragging around that special bottle des- ingly prepared meal, one realizes why we tined for drinking on your ten-year collect wine. So, is it better to have a cel- anniversary, making a fabulously deca- lar and only buy wines for future special dent meal to pair with the wine, decanti- occasions or do those shelves need to be ng this special treasure into an heirloom filled with bottles that can be taken eager- never used until this very moment and ly and without hesitation when someone releasing the cork – only to find moldy pops by for a drink? I suppose the answer bits and that unforgettable smell of lies somewhere in between. As a person cooked fruit, cardboard and perhaps the who immerses herself in research and extraordinary finish of wet dog. Ah yes, who buys a fair bit of wine, my real pas- that is cork taint, my friends, and it does- sion is wine for the moment. Naturally I n’t make for good drinking. Well, you can want some wines in my cellar to be aged return your cherished beauty to the SAQ and experimented with, but my house is of course, providing you bought it in in a constant state of va et vient, so I need Quebec, and get a replacement wine, but wines that can match the mood of an remember that you will not get the same impromptu dinner party or just casual vintage year or (more often than not) the drinks on the deck at dusk. can be consumed with no flaws and vari- until the last drop. Drink or hold. same label (i.e. producer). The secret of my self-proclaimed cellar ation for six months to five years. Go 16/20 Sauvignon Blanc, Kim Crawford, success is that I buy wines for each ahead, enjoy the revolution and drink New Zealand. SAQ#10327701. $17.20 season every time I go to the liquor store. young. Remember that experimentation The nose is grassy and filled with citrus I like to take advantage of new arrivals is the key to wine knowledge. What a fruit and minerals. The grapefruit and and am always on the lookout for a bar- great way to practise a craft. Cheers! grassy nose come back in the mouth, yet gain, no matter the time of year. For Alpenhaus Wine Review the acidity keeps this wine from becom- example, the incredible discounts on ing dull. Wonderfully balanced and per- A touch of Switzerland Champagne and sparkling wine in I am unsure of which rating system to sistent gooseberry finish. Drink or hold. January lead to rampant opening of bot- use in Vivva Montreal. If I don’t give a in Montreal – tles on an impromptu Tuesday night in score, those of you who read other review- 18.5/20 Cabernet Merlot, Sumac Ridge, August. The clearance of Shiraz in June ers will think I’m a hack. I will therefore British Columbia, Canada. not to be missed. helps fatten the cellar when I need to pair score on a twenty point system that I used SAQ#00551911. $15.00 This is a Canadian gem. Well balanced wine with my braised lamb shanks and when studying to become a sommelier. Alpenhaus is located between down- black currant with a slight chocolate nose town Montreal and Westmount in polenta in February. The addition of a bot- Be sure to pay careful attention to my tle or two hardly makes a difference to comments as they will help you make a lead to mouth filling flavours such as Shaughnessy Village. The restaurant , baking spices and caramel. your wallet and yet the reward is that you more informed decision of what you may blueberry recently celebrated its 38th anniversary. have wine any time you may need it. want to taste when purchasing a bottle or The tannin is there, but let it open in a Alpenhaus is a romantic restaurant that two. Every palate is unique and my sug- large wine glass for five minutes and offers authentic fondues, as well as Enclosures and You gestions and tastes may not be yours. I you’ll be rewarded with a softer fruit and other excellent European dishes. Wine for the moment is great for exper- wouldn’t worry, however, because there is spice finish. Drink or hold. imentation. 90% of all wines produced more wine out there than can ever be con- 17/20 Chenin Blanc, Paarl Heights, 1279 St. Mark are made to be consumed within five sumed in a lifetime. Leave it to me and South Africa. SAQ#00586198. $12.25 just west of downtown years of their release. This has led to the I’m sure I’ll find some wine that will suit The zippy citrus fruit and mineral com- 514 935-2285 enclosure revolution, with many wine everyone eventually. After all, practice ponent in the mouth is an excellent producers eagerly embracing anything makes perfect! match for food of all kinds. This is a wine but cork. It may shock you to know that for any season. The nose is a bit closed, screw cap bottles contain quality products Wines for the Moment but once in the mouth, it crashes in with nowadays. It’s not the plonk of yesteryear, 17.5/20 Big House Red, Ca’ del Solo, straw, gooseberry and lime peel flavours. when even the boxed wine was a step up California, U.S.A. SAQ#00308999. $18.45 A medium finish makes it easy to keep from the screw cap. Producers are so This juicy red is a blend of grapes not drinking. Drink now to one year. much more aware of the state of their always seen together. It is a great way to Carola Price is a sommelier and chef. She wine and its ageing ability. A fresh and start the summer because it screams out is a member of the Canadian Association of delightfully young wine can be the perfect for BBQ. The tannins are present but fall Professional Sommeliers and The beginning to a dinner party or a relaxing into a well balanced fruit and alcohol fin- International Sommelier Guild. She can be drink to end a long day. The good thing ish. There are loads of juicy red fruit on reached at [email protected]. about wine under this enclosure is that it the nose that stay with you in the mouth Vivva MONTREAL – June 2006 – 9 Movie Review Your Mission... is to See this Movie by Catherine McKenzie her maiden assignment. Hunt initially turns down, then reluctantly agrees to ac- ( Three boxes of cept the mission, as of course he must in ) popcorn out of four order for there to be a movie. If you see one movie this summer, Hunt puts together his mission force, there are probably better ones to see. But made up of the ever-present Ving if you see two movies this summer, then Rhames (still dry and sardonic), Jonathan see Mission: Impossible III. Rhys-Myers (the up-and-coming actor Whether you’ve seen the first two who shone bright in Match Point, an Mission: Impossible movies (the first one excellent film) and the designated babe, good, the second mediocre) or not, this Zhen Lei. Together they find and extract movie is definitely worth a few hours of Russell, and this sets up the plot points your time this summer. It is what sum- for the next two acts. mer action blockbusters are supposed to The plot from this point centres on be: fun! bringing the architect of Russell’s kidnap- The movie begins with our constant ping (an excellent post-Capote Philip hero, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise, craziness Seymour Hoffman, clearly relishing play- ing a villain) to justice and his revenge on Going to Toronto? Hunt for doing so. I’ll leave the details of the plot for you to discover. It’s main pur- Here’s a book to help pose, as with any good action movie, is to you find some great serve as the lynchpin for some truly awe- some stunts; some witty banter; a fake stops along the way, face-mask or two (a signature of these including outdoor films); conflict with a seemingly malevo- activities (kayaking, lent higher-up (played by Laurence Fishburne) and at least one twist which I scuba diving, sailing), saw coming only 10 minutes before it was food and wine tours, revealed. This is not a perfect film, but it isn’t museums. meant to be. Rather, it is a way to spend an enjoyable few hours. The movie, well- Great for families. directed by first-time big screen director J.J. Abrams (creator of the aforemen- tioned Felicity and the addictive Lost, among others), moves along at a good pace, and makes us believe most of the action sequences (at least while we are watching them). See also if you can spot the visual reference to one of Cruise’s Travelling in Quebec? well in check), at his engagement party, best films, Top Gun. Have friends coming enjoying life. We learn that Hunt, whose At the centre of the film is Cruise, who fiancée, Julia (well played by Katie despite the impossible-not-to-mention from out of province? Holmes look-alike Michelle Monahan), oddness of the last year, is still doing what believes he works in the transportation he does best: saving the world. There is a Buy this bestselling field, has become an instructor for the reason that Cruise is the massive movie guide to navigate Impossible Mission Force and no longer star that he is. He is charismatic and does field work. believable in his roles. You want him to la belle province. Hunt is contacted by his superior Mus- succeed and believe that he can. And grave (a vaguely geeky Billy Crudup) at most of all he makes what he does for a the party. He is needed to go into the field living look fun, which makes his movies, once again because one of his protégés and in particular this one, fun to watch. (Keri Russell, best known for her work on So do; I definitely recommend it. Felicity), the first that he has certified as Catherine McKenzie is a ready for fieldwork, has gone missing on lawyer in Montreal. 10 – Vivva MONTREAL – June 2006

MATERNALLY... continued from page one those of us going through the joys of toi- Fridays will be the café’s activity morn- most recommended by dermatologists let training our little ones. What more ings and there will also be some Saturday and paediatricians is the kind that con- those poor parents were going through could a parent ask for? fun across the street in NDG Park. tains a ‘physical’ barrier, such as zinc and am happy to share this valuable infor- The owners of this new café are Maria So now you can sit back and sip your oxide or titanium dioxide. Look for these mation with Montreal parents: a new café and Rob, parents of a two-year-old and a cappuccino while your little angel is ingredients when purchasing a sun- has opened for babies, children and par- four-year-old. Ever since they became par- entertained. This new hot spot for fami- screen for your child over the age of six ents! It is called Enfants du quartier café ents themselves, they had been looking lies was just too good for me to keep to months. It goes on thick and opaque and familial and is located at 5588A Sher- for a low-stress place to go with their kids. myself! always made my daughter look ghostly brooke St. West (corner of Marcil), just When they couldn’t find it, they decided white, but is recommended as the best across the street from Girouard Park. I to build it! The café’s slogan is, ‘Where Sun Protection protection against the sun’s damaging had heard about the café through the children can be children and adults can On another note, now that the hazy rays. And of course, don’t forget to ensure grapevine and decided to go and check it be adults’ – a slight variation on my old days of summer are drawing near, it’s that your child is wearing his/her sun- out with my three year old daughter, one, and it makes perfect sense! Access to time to think about slathering on the glasses that give both UVA and UVB pro- Amel. The place is spotless and bright, the play area is $2.50/child and $4.50/ SPF-protection and getting the sunhats tection (keeping them on your child is and divided into two sections: a closed-off child on weekends and holidays. The out. For those of you with babies under easier said than done, right?). The ideal play area for kids, accessible through family café has been open since Nov- the age of six months, you probably shades are ones that fit close to the face baby gates, and a comfortable seating ember 2005. Their hours of operation are already know that sunscreen lotions are and have large lenses for maximum pro- area to sit and have a cup of coffee, eat Tuesday-Saturday from 9:30 am to 5:30 not recommended. I used to have one of tection… think ‘Jackie-O’! something or read. There is an espresso pm and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. At those parasol-type umbrellas that snap machine on-site (heaven!) and inexpen- the moment, I would say that the chil- onto the stroller to protect my daughter Architecture and Kids sive, tasty homemade food such as soups dren’s area is geared for ages newborn to from the sun’s harmful rays. Of course Last but not least, I was pleasantly sur- and sandwiches. There is also a small five, but workshops and activities for every time I rounded a corner or crossed prised to discover that the Canadian children’s menu featuring such goodies older children are also available. When the street, I was constantly re-positioning Centre for Architecture offers family as cheese sticks, quesadillas, mini- you go in, give Maria your e-mail address it! Apart from all of the recommendations activities on weekends. Every Sunday muffins and grilled cheese sandwiches, and you will be contacted when there are that we all know about – such as not until August 27 (excluding June 25 and with prices ranging from $0.75 to $3. The special events going on, such as seasonal exposing your infant under six months to July 2), workshops related to one of the play area has soft foam tiles on the floor, festivities, song and dance animation and direct sun and avoiding sun exposure architects currently being showcased, a slide and a variety of toys and books. arts and crafts. You will also be informed between 10 am and 4 pm altogether – Cornelia Hahn Oberlander, will be High chairs are available, as well as a by e-mail of any changes in business another great option in sun protection is offered to children ages 5-12. Following a baby changing station equipped with dia- hours during the holidays. sun protective clothing. It’s basically visit to the exhibition ‘Cornelia Hahn pers and hand sanitizer. The spic-and- During the summer months, the café is clothing with built-in sun protection in Oberlander: Ecological Landscapes’, chil- span bathroom hosts a potty seat for air-conditioned. The owners are working the fabric! These garments have a listing dren will learn about sustainable develop- on outdoor seating and will be serving ice on the label stating their Ultraviolet ment and rooftop gardens by building cream too. Activities such as playdough, Protection Factor (UPF). A garment with their own model roof garden with soil, painting and collage will be offered. The a UPF reading of less than 15 should not seeds and plants. There are two sessions goal is to provide some structure for kids be identified as ‘sun protective’. There are per day: 10:15 am and 2 pm. The sessions through the summer. Wednesdays and hats, blankets, bathing suits and clothing last about two hours. The cost is $4/child available for all ages on the following and $6/adult (children must be accompa- websites: www.suntogs.com (they carry nied by an adult). Reservations are neces- gear for all ages, including adults) and sary. The Canadian Centre for Architec- www.cheekymonkey.ca (click on ‘Sun & ture is located at 1920 Baile Street, south Swim Wear’). On the Cheeky Monkey of the Faubourg St. Catherine. Call (514) website, there is even a UV stroller cover 939-7026 for information and reserva- available, which is a breathable net with tions, or check out their website: sun protection builtin. So much more www.cca.qc.ca. Enjoy the month of June practical than my old parasol! These gar- with your child in Montreal! ments are hard to come by in Montreal, Annika Melanson was born and brought but I have recently found sunhats (for up in Montreal. In a past life, she spent girls and boys) at Oink! Oink!, located at most of her time travelling and working as 1343 Greene Ave. in Westmount. They are a flight attendant. She now enjoys made by a company called Puffin Gear, exploring parent- and child-friendly have a UPF 40-50+ rating, cost about $20 Montreal with her three-and-a-half Available this Spring! and are adorable. Once your child is past year old daughter, Amel. the age of six months, the sunscreen Yummy in my Tummy – creating a lifetime of good eating habits from your baby's first bite. A complete DVD on introducing It’s not easy being a parent. There’s The indispensable solid foods from 6-12 months always something new to learn with guide for parents plus a handy reference guide. every age and stage. Bringing Baby Home is the ultimate baby care video. It won a in Montreal. From the Montreal-based makers prestigious Parents’ Choice Approved of the award-winning newborn Seal in 2005. The perfect baby shower Soon available in French! care DVD Bringing Baby Home. gift helps expectant parents navigate Both available at www.liandrea.com more than 100 topics on baby care. Reality DVD for parents-to-be! Vivva MONTREAL – June 2006 – 11 Father’s Day Feast

by Anthea Dawson allowing the meat to caramelize on the outside skin while remaining juicy on the With Mother’s Day now firmly behind inside. There’s no greater crime than a us, we are now broaching on the second dried-out steak, so by using the rub you Hallmark holiday of early summer, the are not only imparting flavour, but also day saluting our dear sweet dads. Instead protecting your dinner from the dangers of the last minute CDs and DVDs more of high heat grilling. The recipe that fol- suited for you than your old man, come lows highlights grilled halibut fillets or June 18, why not surprise him with some- chicken breasts, but any meat of your thing he’ll truly cherish? Here’s every- choice would work just as well, from rib- thing you need to know to prepare an ele- eye steak to pork tenderloin. The accom- gant dinner that will take you less than an panying salsa is another great way to hour of your time (but he doesn’t need to highlight seasonal veggies, jazzing up know that!). your dinner with a little more colour and When it comes to summer, nothing also keeping it nice and juicy. beats the BBQ for popular dinners at And finally, dessert. No menu is com- home – and usually it’s Dad who is mas- plete without a touch of sweetness, and bowl. With a serrated knife, shave off the spatula and tongs, delicately turn the fish ter of the grill. To get him to relinquish dessert is another avenue for incorporat- corn kernels and add to the asparagus. or chicken and grill until it’s cooked the tongs, set him up with a good cold ing some local fruit and berries into your Slice the peppers into thick pieces, as well through. (Fish should be white and flaky, beer with the promise of a gourmet din- dinner. Cobbler is an old family favourite, as the fennel, mushrooms and onions, chicken should register at 160°F with a ner to come. The best thing about bar- and is one of the simplest desserts to pre- and add to the salad. Drizzle with balsam- meat thermometer.) beque fare is not only the quick and easy pare. Wild blueberries are just incredible ic vinegar, and toss with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving platter and spoon preparation, but also how impressive the over the summer season in Montreal, but Add torn basil and toss again, seasoning salsa over chicken or fish. Serve immedi- final results can be. the following recipe works just as well to taste. Transfer the salad to a large serv- ately with the Mediterranean Grilled Barbequing is a great time to show off with fresh peaches, strawberries or rasp- ing platter and garnish with crumbled Vegetable Salad. Serves 4 Montreal’s fresh summer ingredients. berries. feta. Serves 4 – 6 Many believe that only burgers and chick- So there you go… a simple Father’s Day Fresh Blueberry Cobbler en are suited for the grill, yet practically dinner that won’t have you prepping and Grilled Halibut or Chicken with Spiced 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter anything you find down at the Atwater chopping for hours, but will taste and Rub and Cherry Tomato-Caper Salsa 1 cup all-purpose flour Market can be whipped up on the BBQ. look like you have. Give your old dad a gift 4 6 oz. halibut fillets, skin removed, or 2 tsp. baking powder From potatoes to grilled garlic bread to he’ll really remember. 4 6 oz. chicken breasts - tsp. salt corn on the cob rubbed with olive oil, the 2 tsp. brown sugar - tsp. ground nutmeg barbeque is one of the quickest cooking Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Salad 2 tsp. ground fennel seed 1 cup sugar 2 tools that also imparts incredible flavour. 1 lb. medium asparagus, trimmed 1 tsp. sweet paprika ⁄3 cup 2% milk A great menu item on a hot summer 2 corn cobs, husked 1 tsp. finely chopped garlic 2 cups fresh (or frozen) blueberries night is the grilled vegetable salad, a 1 red pepper, cored & halved 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper Preheat oven to 375°F. Melt the butter shamefully simple dish that is also gor- 1 yellow pepper, cored & halved 1 tsp. kosher salt in an 8-inch square baking dish. In a geous to look at. 1 fennel bulb, cored & quartered 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, We are very lucky in Montreal to be 1 small red onion, thickly sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced salt and nutmeg. Stir until well com- blessed with locally grown produce. Our 3 portabella mushrooms, wiped clean 2 Tbsp. small capers, drained bined. Add milk and stir batter until it is growing season may be a lot shorter than and stems removed 2 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced just combined. more southern climates, but the summer 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 3 Tbsp. pitted Kalamata olives, roughly Pour batter into melted butter, but do is the perfect time to buy locally and to try 2 Tbsp. good quality balsamic vinegar chopped not stir. Pour the berries into the centre of out what Quebec has to offer. From the salt and pepper to taste juice and zest of 1 lemon the batter; again, do not stir. Bake the cob- fiddleheads of spring to the beautiful, 3 Tbsp. feta cheese, crumbled 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil bler in the middle rack of the oven for 40 thin asparagus in July to the sweet corn of 3 Tbsp. basil, roughly torn salt and pepper to taste minutes, or until top is golden and Labour Day, we have all grown up cher- Set the grill to medium-high heat. 2 Tbsp. finely chopped flat-leaf Italian berries exude their juices. Serve warm or ishing the summer growing season, for Drizzle the prepared vegetables with olive parsley at room temperature with vanilla ice we all know how short it is, and that the oil. Grill the asparagus until lightly 2 Tbsp. roughly chopped basil cream. Serves 4 – 6 imported stuff just doesn’t taste as good charred and tender but not overdone – To make the salsa: in a medium-sized Anthea Dawson grew up in Montreal and or as fresh. The grilled salad is a great way remove from grill and set aside. Grill the bowl, fold together cherry tomatoes, studied film at the University of Toronto. to showcase the local veggies of summer, whole corn cobs until kernels look lightly minced garlic, capers, scallions, olives After toiling in the film world, she found and you can change up the ingredient list charred and corn is tender when pricked and zest. Add lemon juice, olive oil, salt her calling while studying in Florence. She with whatever may be in season at the with a fork, and set aside. Grill the and pepper, parsley and basil. Season to subsequently completed the professional time. peppers until the skins are charred and taste. chef’s degree at the Cambridge School of When it comes to grilling meat, most of start to pull away from the flesh, and set Set the grill to medium-high heat. Pat Culinary Arts in Cambridge, Mass. and our dads are probably the experts. Yet aside. Add fennel, onions and mush- halibut fillets or chicken breasts dry with went to work at the Sel de la Terre, a there are many ways to change up a sim- rooms, making sure not to lose too many paper towel. In a bowl, mix together provincial French bistro in Boston. She is ple steak or chicken breast by adding lots through the cracks. Grill until browned, spices, then spread evenly over the fish or currently the executive chef at Simply of flavour with a spice rub. While impart- and set aside. chicken, and let stand for 30 minutes. Wonderful, a catering firm that specializes ing an excellent kick to your meat, it also Once cooled, slice the asparagus on the Place on grill and cook until one side is in everything from small dinner parties to works to create a great sear on the grill, bias (i.e. diagonally) and add to a large firmly set, about 4 – 5 minutes. Using a weddings and cooking classes. 12 – Vivva MONTREAL – June 2006 Mission Montreal Casino (MONT)Royal

In which our correspondent ‘What if I take the money you’re going for my pains. to pay me and try to double it?’ The gang and I donned suits, downed goes for double or quits Quite possibly the dumbest assign- beers and put on our coolest-of-cool at the Montreal Casino ment since Oscar Wilde agreed to write a fronts before leaving for our date with think-piece on the gay scene of Edward- glory. (Or misery.) by Ashley Cotter-Cairns ian London. There was the chance to Ashley as Andy Garcia make a killing – and a much greater Ocean’s Seven We were later joined by our friend It seemed like an innocent idea at the chance of ending up with nothing but a With five Westmount Rugby Football Danilo and his wife. But the casino does- time. ‘Write something about the casino,’ smidgen of infamy to show for my Club players and two additional helpers, n’t allow cameras to be used on the prem- requested publisher David Price. ‘But I efforts. Faced with the possibility of a our team of seven was the perfect blend ises, and I don’t remember much that need an angle.’ miserable evening pissing away money I for the mission at hand. happened after midnight… didn’t even have yet, I called on some • Michael Trivino as George Clooney: rugby friends capable of making a night suave and sophisticated, team chef The Location of it. ‘Iron’ Mike was hoping to cook up some Every good heist movie has a glittering Our efforts to recreate Ocean’s Eleven action. jewel waiting to be plucked. fell short of the mark by a few hardy • Adrian Fitzpatrick as Brad Pitt: despite Montreal’s government-owned-and- souls, but seven is a lucky-sounding some competition for this role, ‘Sick operated casino is located on the water. It number. I decided that incidentals would Note’ Fitzpatrick’s blond locks and certainly sparkles at night – the tawdry, come out of my $200 budget, and prior to recent success with the ladies won him neon-clad multicoloured costume brooch leaving, bought a case of Guinness to the accolade. in our city’s semi-precious skyline. ensure I’d have something, if only a • Elkim Polat as Julia Roberts: sadly no Advertisements for the place are rather hangover and a Guinness toque, to show dress made of gold beads, but ‘El Catholic, combining frolics among the Soprano’ still brightened up a dowdy glamorously under-dressed with fire-and- bunch of drunks. brimstone warnings about addiction. • Mike Hogan as Scott Caan: the evening On arrival, you’ll find the relaxed at- Stash Café would not have been the same without mosphere typical of North American ‘Hulk’ Hogan. He’s never far from the A Glimpse of Poland party. in Montreal. • Jean-Louis Bourke as Matt Damon: both born in the 1970s. ‘J-Lo’ also likes a Stash Café is located in the heart of game of Poker, which is all right by me. Old Montreal. The menu is typically • Alexis Boivin as Shaobo Qin: neither Polish and includes meals from all parts Asian nor acrobat, but ‘Bandy’ Boivin is of the country. All the dishes are pre- a very flexible friend. pared in the traditional Polish manner. • Ashley Cotter-Cairns, your correspon- dent, as Andy Garcia: because we look a 200 Rue St. Paul bit alike. ‘Ash the Cash’ was the oldest 514 845-6611 guy there. www.stashcafe.com Casey Dental

Charles Casey D.D.S. Jean-Louis as Matt Damon Patrick Casey D.D.S. gaming. Europeans will probably wonder Safe and what happened to the Monte Carlo spirit. There is a dress code, but I doubt if you’ll innovative dentistry notice. Gang members and personal fit- for over 40 years ness trainers will have to change out of their work clothes, but everybody else, 4695 Sherbrooke St.W. even rugby players in cheap suits, will feel right at home. Westmount Punters are faced with a huge choice of 514 937-6558 ways to fritter away their RRSP contribu- www.smilemontreal.com tions. Tables and slots sprawl across sev- continued on page four