Montreal Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

We're back in Montreal... and this blog post is based on Guy Fieri's theme show, "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives".

Our first stop is Casse-Croute Du Coin, also known as the Corner Snack Bar, or simply "Moe's" to the locals, named after the original owner.

Located close to the old Forum at 1455 Rue Lambert-Closse, this diner is a throwback to back in the day.

Casse-Croute Du Coin



Open 24 hours since 1958.


Large poutine...


Staples... steamie and toastie! Both all-dressed.


I know this place is considered an institution but where are the curds?


Considering we did not have a car in Montreal, and it was the middle of winter, there were no drive-ins or drive-thrus we could visit. So the next best thing... delivery. Chicken from the Quebec chain, St. Hubert.

Free delivery


One breast dinner and one leg dinner.


Dare I say, the sauce is better than Swiss Chalet's.


Mashed potatoes were pretty good, actually.


The next day, we tried the best chicken as voted by locals in the Montreal Mirror... Romado's Chicken.

Quite frankly, a huge disappointment and highly overrated. The chicken was severely dry. The bifana (Portuguese pork cutlets), on the other hand, was quite tender, moist and juicy.

For those living in London, go to Rei dos Leitos (King of Pigs) for similar fare.

Romados






The spread.


Half chicken Dinner


Bifana Dinner


Portuguese Egg Tarts... too sweet and gummy. The ones in Macau are more authentic.


And last but certainly not least, The Dive. This restaurant was simply chosen for two reasons, 1) as a matter of convenience considering its proximity to our hotel, and 2) it looked like a hole in the wall. We were pleasantly surprised.

The sign says Restaurant Bei Fang but the menu says Maison du Nord, 2130 rue St-Mathieu.


Chinese Pulled Pork Sandwich- which seems to have a faithful foodie following in Montreal, as noted in a long Chowhound thread.






Lan Zhou La Mian (beautiful hand-pulled noodles) are a specialty of Maison du Nord. I would highly recommend the noodles with Beef and Potato in Soy Sauce Broth. The beef is melt in your mouth tender and the broth is so flavourful.


Pork, Shrimp and Chive Dumplings... fried and average.