Pullman and Petros Taverna: A Taste of Montreal’s Refined Dining
Located at the corner of Avenue du Parc and Sherbrooke Street, Pullman is essentially devoted to the sinful pleasures of wine. It is noted for varieties of cheese, charcuteries or small plates, in a relaxed atmosphere and a decor combining sophistication with a hint of eccentricity. Doors open during the later hours of the afternoon and close at the very end of the evening, welcoming guests for an aperitif among friends or a gourmet tasting.
Audacious and well-traveled, there is a selection of more than 400 wines. Dishes are presented in small portions that lend themselves to sharing, while complementing selected wines. The sommeliers offer their expert opinion in pairing entries. Every server at Pullman is in fact a sommelier, which comes in handy when wondering which bubbly would best suit your palate and your plate chosen from the tasty grazing menu.
I made my first visit there recently during MTLàTABLE. I started off with a nice glass of rosé wine. For what they call “a snack,” I chose cheddar and bacon gougéres, a French classic that consists of baked savory choux pastry buns seasoned with cheddar and bacon. Just delicious. I was presented with a generous portion of six and they did not stay on my plate for long.
Looking at the entrées, the mini bison burgers caught my attention. They were topped with cheddar and accompanied by matchstick fries. A small portion indeed, but following my snack and with dessert still on the way I had no complaints. Bison is not something I see on many menus, and it was delicious.
Then came dessert and I chose the brownie, with cherries and mascarpone. Oh this was so decadent, I enjoyed every single morsel. What a treat! Pullman is located at 3424 du Parc Avenue. Info: www.pullman-mtl.com
Petros Taverna: Lifelong restaurateur Ted Dranias continues to expand his Petros Taverna brand, with his fifth location now open in Lachine at 600 Saint Joseph Boulevard. The others are in Westmount, Griffintown, Laurier Avenue in the Mile End and Little Italy. In the fall of 2021 he opened Scarpetta on Dante, also in Little Italy. Within the next few months, the first US-based location will open its doors at La Mer Condominium in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
In Lachine, the kitchen is being overseen by two longtime chefs from Estiatorio Milos: Dey Piklo spent 16 years at the Avenue du Parc location in Montreal’s Mile End; while Stergios Karagianakis most recently worked at the New York City locale. The location, which formerly housed La Strada, has been extensively renovated. It can seat 190 people with a VIP room and a seasonal terrasse facing the river with the capacity for 100 people. The restaurant will be open every night except Monday, from 5 pm to 11 pm. For reservations call 514-538-1211. There is also free parking in a lot next door.
Max Terriault, who owned La Strada, is now a partner with Dranias at Petros Lachine. Info: www.restaurantpetros.ca
