Page 48 - Sharp September 2023

GUIDE
WHERE LAURENT DAGENAIS DINES IN MONTREAL
PICHAI
Real, authentic Thai food. Great heat level, proper ingredients. We had a fried softshell crab – I had a bite and it was almost that moment from Ratatouille: suddenly I was in a back alley in Bangkok, sweating and enjoying life. We also had some scallop crudo which was excel- lent, and a whole fried fish. There’s a very good wine selection, and the server was very knowledgeable about pairing. As for dessert, we ordered the Nam Kang Said, which was like a cherry snow cone with meringue on top. Absolutely delicious.
STELLINA
The best pasta in Montreal, as far as I’m concerned. It’s a hip new spot from the same group that operates the restaurant Fiorellino. Their menu is seasonal and that’s part of the reason the food is so good. They make a ton of beautiful fresh pasta every day, and they’re always cooking with the best ingredients, like fresh eggs from the country and high-quality flour. It’s all Italian chefs, and they do it right.
You could close your eyes and think you’re in Italy.
VIN MON LAPIN
One of the best restaurants in the world, period. It has a terrific space on a corner in Little Italy, with a nice little patio in the summer. The ser- vice is super friendly, and they’ll help recommend the best possible food within your budget. They have a scallop sandwich, which is ba- sically like grilled cheese but with mashed scallops in the middle. It’s amazing. They also do gnudi, which is gnocchi stuffed with ricotta. It’s like pillows of cheese, and so, so good. The chef, Marc-Olivier Frappier, used to be at Joe Beef for a long time, which is another great place that I want to shout out.
PARK RESTAURANT
The best sushi in Montreal, by far. Antonio Park is an absolute legend in the city, and his place has been there for a long time. He’s basically the sushi don. He’s one of the only people who knows how to break down a complete 300 lb bluefin tuna. It’s amazing to watch. The food is a fusion of Japanese and Korean cuisines, and it’s always the best. He’s got fresh
fish flying in nearly every day from Japan. The absolute boss.
48 GUIDE • SEPTEMBER 2023 SHARPMAGAZINE.COM