Two years ago Glenn Spence’s Mtl Bagel and Mtl Yardie were recognized as Côte Saint-Luc’s Business of the Month. More recently, Mtl Yardie was voted Best of Montreal by The Suburban Newspaper in their annual poll for best ethnic food.
The other day Spence reached out. He has been following my restaurant reels on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mikecohencsl and he invited me to sample his cuisine. Watch my short Instagram video with him below and please follow me.
A native of Jamaica, Spence learned the trade working at Fairmount Bagel. Twelve years ago he opened Mtl Bagel, which immediately became a favorite spot in the community. Here they offer 15 different flavors of bagels, as well as a variety of sandwiches, sides, drinks and snacks. Always fresh, they are cooked in a wood oven. There are breakfast and lunch specials. Mtl Bagel also has a wholesale division.
Spence rented the storefront next door and immediately doubled his space in size. On May 2, 2023, Mtl Yardie opened as a mainly take-out spot for traditional Jamaican cuisine. Since then he has added some indoor seating.
I joined Spence for lunch and since (believe it or not) this one of the first times I can remember eating at a Jamaican restaurant I let him surprise me. He started me off with a drink known as a Jamaican Sorrel. It is dark red, a little sour, with a raspberry-like flavour and made from the petals of sorrel plant, also known as hibiscus. And cinnamon. You can order by the glass (or plastic cup) or bring a bottle home. Spence manufactures these wine-like bottles on site. There are also a number of island sodas in the fridge.
Spence’s choice for me was the mixed plate: oxtail, fried chicken, rice, vegetables and a piece of macaroni pie. Not only was this a masterpiece, but it was prepared precisely how I asked: not spicy at all. The oxtail fell off the bone and the chicken was fresh and juicy. It is made from halal meat.
Spence credits his executive chef Carlton for coming up with a balanced and popular menu. “People are coming to us from all over,” he said. “We recently had a family drive all the way from Ottawa for dinner and they took plenty of items back home What I hear from so many clients who come here for the first time is that they begin to crave it after that.”
For dessert, Spence wanted me to try his black cake: chocolate with dried fruits soaked in rum and wine for at least six months. It was quite decadent. He also cut me a slice of traditional chocolate cake. Make this double decadent!
There are plenty of items for me to try next time: the jerk chicken, burgers, curry goat, ackee and salt fish, roti lobster, steamed snapper, salmon steak, maple salmon, ginger lobster, fried dumplings, chicken wings, pumpkin vegetable soup, porridge of the day and a variety of Jamaican patties (chicken, beef and veggie). The latter are also kept in a freezer for take-out orders.
“Take-out and delivery is strong,” Spence says. “It is the perfect and healthy full course meal you can take home and have for lunch or supper.”
Mtl Yardie is located at 5450 Westminster and open daily from 10 am to 8 pm. You can take advantage of home delivery and take-out. Just log on to www.mtlyardie.ca or call 514-482-5252
