For when your stomach is bottomless and you're feeling nostalgic.
I have a few complicated allergies, but this has never stopped me from going to very good (and instagrammable restaurants). This post is from my old blog, which I recently rediscovered, and it's of one of my favorite restaurants in Montreal - so I had to share. (About a year ago) My friends from out-of-town were visiting and I of course wanted to splurge on the food. So I decided to take them to Deville, in Downtown Montreal, for dinner.
Deville is a diner style restaurant but with a high-end bar-type feel. It has this dark seductive atmosphere with pink lighting everywhere - The vibe is super cool. Their majestic bar pays homage to the 'lunch counter' of our parent's days; perfect for a classic cocktail or one of their famous "R-Rated Shakes". This is the ultimate place to go with a group of girls, or even guys; and can offer a casual or refined way to start your day or end you nights.
In the summer, they have a beautiful little secluded patio out back. It makes a great place to gather for a quick 5à7 after work.
The menu is insane. There are so many choices and they all make your mouth water. They also have drink specials every day of the week. My favorite is when they have a special on their famous Fishbowls. Fishbowls are these huge bowls filled with a slushy alcoholic drink, and then they put these small bottles of liquor upside down inside the drink, so as you drink, it gets more alcoholic.
I would have to say, when I used to be able to eat dairy, that their Baked Mac n Cheese was one of my favorite things on the menu. It’s an appetizer, but can easily be a main course. If you do get it as an appetizer, I suggest splitting it, because unless your stomach is a bottomless pit, there is no way you’re going to be able to eat your main course.
It’s super cheesy and creamy - and also very rich. There’s probably like 5 different cheeses in it; and then it’s baked, so there’s this amazing crispy layer on top. And then of course, it’s topped with even more cheese.
Now while this is a diner, and salads might be the last thing on your mind; they do make some pretty bomb ones. I've had their Caesar Salad, which has large pieces of rustic baby romaine, parmesan "chips", fried capers, black forest bacon & corn bread croutons, which is then tossed in their delicious caesar dressing.
Now you're probably thinking, what is a diner without milkshakes? It wouldn't be a diner at all.. Deville is no exception - they have great milkshakes that come with or without alcohol (but we all know the alcoholic ones are better). My friendly dinner companions tried the Banana Split Shake; which is this wonderful combination of chocolate & strawberry ice cream, bananas, walnuts, with a cherry on top.
I tried their Pop Rock Star alcoholic drink, along with the Dinerbar club sandwich. This triple-decker was very unusual for me, because as I mentioned, I stay away from gluten products. But hey, this was a once-in-a-year occasion.
So let’s start with the Pop Rock Star drink.
The alcohol is Bacardi Razz Rum and Blue Curacao. There is also cherry juice and Sprite; and then the glass is rimmed with Pop Rock Candy, which unfortunately did not do much “popping” in my mouth, but I was okay with that.
Up next, comes the sandwich that I still dream about to this day. The Diner Bar Club.
This sandwich has three gorgeous pieces of brioche bread with amazing food packed inside. Between the bottom and middle layer of bread there is a HUGE piece of free range rotisserie chicken (from Quebec), and when I say huge, I mean I could barely get it in my mouth. Next comes the second layer of goodness, in which they’ve packed avocado, tomatoes, arugula and bacon. All of this is slathered in a maple-Dijon sauce.
This sandwich, along with their other sandwiches and burgers, come with cute matchstick fries, that are a little reminiscent of McDonald’s fries.. smell wise (however, they taste a million times better).
Now while this meal is a favorite of mine, I have never been able to finish the entire sandwich in one sitting. I always pack it up and eat it within the next two days. This is also a good way of making sure that you don’t overeat in one sitting. It allows you to still enjoy your meal without feeling super guilty that you just consumed a sandwich big enough for a family of three.
I have mentioned before that I am not the biggest dessert fan (again, I know what you're thinking); however, that didn't stop everyone else from ordering food. I can tell you that they ALL contained dairy - so if you're vegan or have allergies like me, this is not a good place for dessert. The table ordered the Skillet Monkey Bread dessert (I can no longer find it on the menu, so I think it was taken off). However, I have heard good things about the Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding (which is topped with French vanilla ice cream and a warm brandy sauce), the Deville's Food Cake, and the The Big Easy Beignets (which are warm, and served with caramel praline and a chocolate bourbon sauce).
While I love eating foods like this, it’s only something that I do on occasion. The last time I went to this restaurant was about two years ago. But it’s definitely a place to look forwards to.
Allergen guide:
Vegetarian-friendly: Yes but limited
Dairy free: Tough - Can be accommodated (but might be more difficult than other places)
Gluten free: Yes - but I would double check if you're celiac
Deville Dinerbar 1425 Stanley - Montreal, QC
Opening hours:
Sunday - Thursday: 11am - 11pm Friday - Saturday: 11am - 12am
Comentários