Resto Notes: Pizzéria NO.900, Deli Planet, Milestones
Pizzéria NO.900 a big winner; a return to Duc de Lorraine; Milestones opens
NO.900 Big Winners: On the eve of its 10th Anniversary, things are looking very bright for Pizzéria NO.900. With 30 successful franchises, including one that opened in Lyon, France last winter, the brand’s leadership just returned from Atlantic City where it secured first and second place finishes at the International Pizza Challenge.
Executive Chef Mirko D’Agata and Research and Development Chef Fiodar Huminski were the winners in the STG (Traditional Specialty Guaranteed) Neapolitan category. Huminski was crowned champion, clinching first place with his delicious Margherita pizza, while D’Agata secured second place with his delectable Marinara pizza.
I was invited to meet Huminski to try slices from both pizzas at the impressive Rockland Centre location, owned by Patrice Tremblay and managed by Lucas Golzio. I did not have long to wait as the pizzas are cooked in their special ovens in a remarkable 90 seconds. The oven is at 900 degrees Fahrenheit, hence the name of the chain. The pizzas measure 10 inches in diameter, and they recommend one pizza per person.
The Margherita and Marinara are lighter options, suitable for those with smaller appetites. These pizzas are thin crust and crispy, so very light to digest. Of course, there are a wide variety of other pizzas on the menu, but I wanted to try the title winners and I have no regrets. For menus and locations, go to https://no900.com.
Deli Planet Takes Off
I recently discovered the Deli Planet at Central Station. Nick Menegakis operates the 350-seat dining room. His dad Steve started the business 29 years ago. There is a fun menu here. I started off with some piping hot and delicious cream of broccoli soup. Looking at the choices, I opted for surf & turf, a perfectly grilled ribeye steak medium rare with butterfly shrimp, rice, fries and a side salad. Everything was outstanding. I sipped a Pepsi and concluded the meal with a decadent piece of black forest cake.
I will be back for sure, as there are so many other selections such as snacks like chicken fingers, mozzarella cheese sticks and poutine. There are several mighty mega burgers, salads, spaghetti, pizza, sandwiches, ribs, filet of sole, a kids menu and cocktails. The Deli Planet is located at Central Station (895 de la Gauchetière Ouest). This is also home to the Mtl Comedy Club’s (MtlComedyClub.com) Thursday to Saturday evening shows in the back of the restaurant. Owner Sid Khullar is the brother of comedy superstar Sugar Sammy who occasionally drops in for surprise performances. For more information call 514-861-2221 or log on to www.deliplanet.ca. It is open seven days a week from 7am to 8pm.
Milestones Arrives
As first reported in this column two years ago, Milestones Restaurants has finally expanded to Quebec thanks to its Montreal-owner Foodtastic. Fairview Pointe-Claire represents the inaugural locale with a Laval spot targeted for early 2024. At Fairview, there are 220 seats inside and a seasonal patio for another 80. This state-of-the-art restaurant was built at a cost of $2.7 million.
Milestones Restaurants offers a tantalizing menu that caters to diverse tastes and occasions. Indulge and savour their mouthwatering mains, such as succulent steaks, fresh seafood, and artisanal pasta dishes. “The opening of our first Milestones restaurant in Montreal is a momentous occasion for us,” said Peter Mammas, CEO of Foodtastic. “We are excited to bring our unique blend of delicious food, exceptional service, and inviting atmosphere to La Belle Province. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the local community.”
For more information about Milestones Restaurants and its new Montreal location, please visit their website at www.milestonesrestaurants.com.
