Monday: Tofu and Mushroom Dumplings
Potstickers: They are a staple of many restaurants in Montreal’s Chinatown. The bustling, colourful neighbourhood houses many jiaozi joints (everyone has a favourite!) and our plump tofu and mushroom dumplings pay tribute to an area truly hit hard at the start of the pandemic. Our recipe tastes wonderful on its own with steamed veggies, or as a side dish with sweet Chinese barbecue pork. (And if making these at home seems too daunting, we highly recommend ordering out and supporting a local business instead.)
VEGETARIAN
Tofu and Mushroom Dumplings
Tuesday: Smoked Meat Banh Mi Sandwich
Smoked meat (particularly from Main mainstay Schwartz’s) is a must-try sandwich in Montreal. It stars the classic deli meat made of cured/smoked/steamed beef brisket, which is then served on rye bread with mustard. But it’s not the only tasty sandwich in town! Closer to Chinatown, you can find delicious Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, like the ones served at Hoang Oanh, a family-run sandwicherie that’s been doing it right for over 30 years! This fusion recipe is our homage to the two restaurants.
SANDWICHES
Smoked Meat Banh Mi Sandwich
Wednesday: Shrimp and Grits
This dish was inspired by Dinette Triple Crown, a popular joint in the Mile-Ex neighbourhood that specializes in foods of the American South (think fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits and hushpuppies). Shrimp and grits is another classic U.S. dish, consisting of a flavourful shrimp stew served on top of creamy boiled cornmeal with a porridge-like consistency. It’s hearty and absolutely cozy!
WORLD CUISINE
Shrimp and Grits
Thursday: Portuguese-Style Chicken Wings
When entering the city’s Little Portugal neighbourhood, you can’t not stop in somewhere for some delicious Portuguese chicken. Covered in a piri piri pepper-based sauce and then spit-roasted, this spicy chicken with a side of potatoes is a meal that can’t be rivaled. We gave the dish a finger-food twist by tossing cooked chicken wings in a tangy, peppery sauce. It’s a perfect game-day eat or a fun bite during movie night.
CHICKEN
Portuguese-Style Chicken Wings
Friday: Leeks with Smoked Mussel Dressing
In Montreal’s trendy Mile End sits Larrys, a European-inspired restaurant with an all-day menu. Café by day and wine bar by night, pre-pandemic it was a great place to enjoy a light meal with a glass of red or white wine. (For now, takeout and delivery will have to do.) As a tribute to the resto’s small plates, our Test Kitchen was inspired to create this French-style leeks in vinaigrette. A can of mussels is this dish’s best friend, adding smokiness to the acid-rich recipe.
WORLD CUISINE
Leeks with Smoked Mussel Dressing
Dessert: Doughnut Ice Cream Sandwiches
Little Italy: It is the perfect place to pick up a pizza, grab an espresso on the go, shop for specialty groceries or nibble on something sweet. In the latter category, while the likes of cannoli, tartufo and tiramisu are can’t-miss, we have a soft spot for fluffy bombolone, an Italian doughnut filled with Nutella and pastry cream. Our homage takes this pastry and turns it into a cold treat, sandwiching whipped cream, sorbet and ice cream inside a halved doughnut.
