A Comptoir Dedicated to Spanish Croquetas Opens in Mile End — and Other Openings

MILE END — Spanish snacks await you on Parc Avenue, as newcomer La Croqueteria de Montréal has opened just north of Mont-Royal. As the name implies, the counter-service spot is all about croquettes, in particular, the Spanish version, with a crispy exterior, and various fillings. A Spanish chef going by the name Tigretón is behind it, with options including various meat croquetas (lemon-thyme chicken, serrano ham, oxtail), seafood options (including garlic shrimp), and some vegetarian ones such as the Azteca with corn and roasted poblano pepper, and an aged cheddar option. La Croqueteria is also selling a few other small options like house-made romesco sauce and a Spanish-style lemonade, and will offer up paella on Sundays.

Mon Ami/Facebook

DOWNTOWN — All-you-can-eat Korean barbecue is now a thing that exists in Montreal, with NDG-based Korean chainlet Mon Ami recently opening its newest location on Sainte-Catherine right by Concordia.

Westwood/Supplied

LAVAL — Here’s one more notch in the belt that is Laval’s rapidly-expanding restaurant scene, with Westwood now open at Place Bell. As previously reported, it’s something of a co-production between A5 Hospitality (Kampai Garden, Jatoba, Flyjin), and chef Antonio Park. The menu has a mix of grilled options and raw items (sashimi and tartares), with clear Japanese and southeast Asian influences in the mix, and a fairly flashy space.

MILE END — The former Lili Co space on the corner of St-Laurent and Villeneuve is now Mon Chou, a prêt-à-manger spot open during the days, with a comforting menu that rotates frequently (see a sample above). It’s also a catering operation available for hire.

VILLAGE — A shiny new coffee shop has touched down at the east edge of the Village — taking over the former Café Dépôt at Papineau and Ste-Catherine is Troisième Tasse, boasting an impressive two-level space. It’s serving coffee from popular Beaubien Street café Pista, with a name implying that it’s so good you’ll want a third cup. In any case, it seems a cut above middling chain Second Cup.

HOCHELAGA — It’s not a restaurant, but worth noting — Maksim Morin, chef-owner of Plateau bistro and late-night restaurant Le Chien Fumant, has a new art gallery and event space. Named Le Golden Crab, it’s on Ste-Catherine E at Pie-IX. There’s no food served (unless you’re throwing an event), but the gallery part is open to the public daily.

CENTRE-SUD — The former Le Petit Bistro on Fullum Street has morphed into an Italian bistro by the name Le Rose-Marie, with a neighbourhoody menu inspired by nonna-style classics.

• All-You-Can-Eat Korean Barbecue Is Coming Downtown [EMTL]
• Antonio Park, Kampai Garden Owners Are Prepping a Bar and Grill in Laval [EMTL]
• Un nouveau café au design incroyable a ouvert dans le Village [Silo57]
• Le Rose-Marie: un tout nouveau restaurant avec une équipe dynamique et expérimentée à Montréal [Montreal.tv]