Chef Reactions Does Montreal

Montreal is one of my favorite food cities in all of North America, so it was a pleasant change to go somewhere where I knew I'd enjoy the food. This time around I went in fairly blind and left my favorites (Like Schwartz's, Joe Beef, Au Pied Du Cochon, etc) off the list and tried some new spots.
We walked around the city. We ate food.
Orange Julep is an iconic giant orange orb along the highway, with hot dogs, creamy orange drinks and fries for takeaway. We stayed in Old Montreal for ease of travel, but usually stay in the Plateau Mont Royal area. For dinner the first night, we went to Garde Manger, a Chuck Hughes restaurant. You'll never guess what I paid for a pasta dish.
I like a light breakfast so we went to Olive + Gourmando for croissants and whipped sweet ricotta served with toasty brioche. Walked around places like the Old Port of Montreal, trying to avoid tourists, and finding a few things to do for free. You can find a bunch of lunch options in one place at the Time Out Market; it's easily accessible by Metro.
Montreal Plaza was a fancy tasting menu with seasonal ingredients, featuring on Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix.
St. Viateur is one of my favorite places in all of Montreal. Their bagels are boiled, then baked. People here think they’re special and so do I. Checked out the Plateau area of the city, filled with cool graffiti and local artsy stuff.
Speaking of local, we went to Jean Talon Market for a look at fresh produce, seafood, and grabbed lunch at Bouffe Moi which were vegan hot dogs; really good.
Finally we went to Nora Gray, an Italian restaurant featured as number 24 Canada's Best 100 Restaurants in 2023. Everything was really good and I was able to check out the kitchen to thank them for a great meal.
Thanks to everyone for your support so far with the youtube/travel videos. Its a learning curve for me. Still working out some technical hiccups and just being more comfortable on camera and now doing voiceovers. Appreciate everyones patience! Check out my next stop: a trip to New York City.
Don't forget to like, comment, subscribe etc etc etc.
#ChefReactions #Reaction #Reactions #FoodReview #Review #Food #TravelBlogger #FoodBlogger #FoodVlog #FoodVlogs #Travel #Montreal

[@scottyarms78]

Ten outta ten. I’d watch the whole thing.

[@TylerCheeseman]

someone needs to give you a full production budget so you can keep this series going around the world

[@mjbudziak]

Conan + Chef Reactions mashup? 😅

[@CandaceInSoCal]

Seriously!!! He’s repped by WMA. They better get on the ball!

[@lorakolodny6327]

Osaka, next up! You will looooooove it.

[@mathewpowers5]

right???? It's got Tastemade channel or something similar written all over it. Although the lack of F-bombs would be weird. haha.

[@chntnpbr]

I went to Montreal last summer during my first visit to Canada and then again this summer for the F1 race. Both times, the food, cocktail and party scene blew my mind away! My buddy from SF who had tagged along with me was equally impressed! MTL is a gem!

[@disliked1390]

don't tell anyone it has a SF vibe. people will move here and we already in a housing crisis

[@brandoncarpenter9681]

An sf vibe is not a popular vibe right now lol, sf is still nice in 35% of the city, both cities are incredible expensive unfortunately

[@MyKeeP81]

as someone from sf i agree with your statement. i live in nyc and would move to MTL before i ever move back to SF@@brandoncarpenter9681

[@colehammond4792]

Really love the no bullshit no filler layout.

[@chefreactions]

thank you

[@jenanderson1073]

2 seasons; winter and construction 😂🤣

[@EverydayLegend]

zero lies detected, if the snow is gone, the trucks are working overtime

[@wombatwilly1002]

That's all of Canada😂

[@mattoneil4583]

I love content like this, as it rejuvenates my love for MTL. Living here, you get caught up with the bullshit and sometimes forget to appreciate the things that make it great. And the eating experience is one of those things.

[@FISHLINT1]

Wholly agree. We are lucky to live here and it's nice to have reminders like this!

[@guitare101]

100% agree

[@colinryan01]

well said!

[@samanthamorris2001]

I really enjoyed how this was edited. Very Bourdain reminiscent and I miss that.

[@fjr4947]

Give this man a show on TV RIGHT NOW

[@jayonebullet]

TV is dying my friend

[@Mikey_556]

Bourdain can never be replaced but this guy has my vote.

[@podcastjaideja816]

I'm a stand up comedian here in Montreal and a food lover, watching you on tik tok and on youtube is like a 2 in 1 for me, love your humor no bullshit and your love of the food and people. Happy for all the good things that are happening for you.

[@QCfarang]

Aye salut Ben!!!

[@deanvokey7698]

This needs a sequel! So many iconic restaurants.

[@liquidloverecords]

Yeah was thinking the same thing!😊

[@grace-mz9fp]

I remember going to Paris for my first time...and friends of mine living in Toronto told me that the food in PARIS will knock me out. I'm from Montreal and never realized how delicious the food tasted in Montreal until I went to Paris. I have been to Paris many times since then and Montreal is by far the best quality and tasty food in restaurants over Paris. Even a simple hot dog is prepared in 3 different ways.

[@ivy_inferno]

Omg I just went to Paris for the first time and I thought I would be amazed by their cuisine and… well. I had wayyyy better in Montreal 🥲 I was disappointed but at the same time as I live in Montreal it makes me appreciate my city even more! I’m quite glad to know I’m not the only one that had the same reaction 😛

[@mikey_bee]

As a life-long New England resident within a reasonable drive of Montreal, you’ve sold me, adding it to the list 🙌🏼

[@JeromeLavoie-rk4gi]

Bro, you lived in New England your whole life without crossing the border to visit one of the vibyest, coolest, chillest, tastyest city in the world? At this point just move here before you let your whole life go to waste !

[@ponfed]

Come on down my friend! T'es le bienvenu!😊

[@disliked1390]

it's like going to europe but with your car, worth the visit

[@micheldesmarais7967]

Bouffe means food ad eat, bouffe moi means eat me. So you can bouffe de la bouffe. Your accent for Marché Jean-Talon is spot on. Next visit at Marché Jean-Talon try the fried calamari and fried fish at the seafood store… it’s super good… also Pied de cochon,obviously.

[@gorillaproductions73]

I was going to clarify but you explained it. EaT Me LOL... and I would say Pied de Cochon is at the top. L'Express on St.Denis for the real MTL old school experience.

[@gabrielb.langlois2275]

Being from Montreal, I never realized how good the food was here up until I started travelling. I still haven't found a place in North AND South America that can even challenge Montreal besides NYC and LA.

[@rebecca3242]

Try Dallas!

[@diogoazul]

As a food scene, i feel the same. As, does Montreal HAVE good food, i wouldnt say. I feel that the mix of people here has make wonders, but theres countries with way better and perfected recipes, but, without variety, Like gnoccis from italy cant compare, or ceviche in Peru.

[@ChappersLaNoCry]

It's crazy, any 100% must try's? (planning on going back sometime).

[@sophiamesler5217]

I love Montreal. I pretty much spent every weekend there in the mid 80’s. This brought back some good memories. And I agree about the bagels!

[@TheRealHubeau]

Montreal is very solid for food IMHO. It's also an extremely safe city all things considered. Had more chances to travel more in recent years and honestly, I'm glad I live here.

[@samlem6024]

As a local thank you for showcasing our food scene and not just going for a poutine at La banquise like every youtuber.

[@janicemackie611]

I’m a Montrealer and you’re spot on with the food scene here! Best food in NA for sure!

[@RetroRecipesKitchen]

I’ve honestly wanted to visit Montreal for years

[@joyontheleft]

Come!! Unless you LOVE winter or cooler temperatures in general I'd recommend coming at some point from May through to October. If you do love winter, December and January are magical here. Don't come during Feb or March, we Montrealers don't even want to be here during those two months 🤣

[@jeffreymcmillan]

1000% worth it. Wonderful city, recommend coming for a week+ and really settling in

[@bobstarr9867]

Nice Expos lids. 10 out of 10

[@MrLuchenkov]

Found you by luck - for once, the KZbin algorithm gods did good - and you're easily one of the funniest "food travel" guys I've seen so far. Your overall food tour in Montreal was great and you covered a lot of good spots spread across the city, all with good humor and banter. 10/10. Your pronunciation of French was not bad at all. You nailed the "Marché" part of Marché Jean-Talon and the "Jean-Talon" was pretty close for a non-native speaker. Props. As for "bouffe-moi", it's a wordplay. Bouffe is another word for food or a meal. Somebody saying "c'était une bonne bouffe" would be saying that it was a good meal. The wordplay is that "bouffer", as a verb, also means "to eat". The name of the restaurant is, thus, "eat me".

[@kicrip3000]

Anthony Bourdain loved Montreal too❤❤❤

[@stephanieclausen198]

It’s like watching a skinny Ron Swanson judge food around the world…and I’m here for it. Love your videos! Please keep going!

[@chefreactions]

lol

[@Travmann777]

Every time I visit montreal it's just one long food tour of the city. There's just so much amazing food at extremely affordable prices just about everywhere you wind up walking. Great city!

[@melanoma19]

Your French is great! And thanks for highlighting all the great spots that Montreal has to offer!

[@johnslawecki1448]

👍👍👍 for St Viateur bagels!!!!! ETA: A local grocery store (Greater Toronto Area) is now carrying St. Viateur bagels!!!!!

[@theawsmsauce]

Your pronunciations of the French language are fantastic!

[@QuesoBIanco]

Your relationship with corn dogs is the reason why I know I can trust you

[@iusethisforgood]

Coming from.the deep south, I never would have considered Montreal a food city. Great review

[@chefreactions]

now you know

[@EverydayLegend]

I, too, come from the Deep South, and I can tell you firsthand that Montreal is worth the visit. You can’t hit everything that city has to offer. You can’t even hit it all if you live there. It’s that packed with good stuff.

[@jeanbolduc5818]

Montreal is a UNESCO design city like Berlin . Known world wild for food , best chefs, world keader in creative cuisine . Montreal ranks # 1 in the world for sustainibility , the greenest city in CAnada and thetop best biking city in north america according to Copenhagen biking index. Montreal has the 2 nd highest number of restaurants per capita after NYC .... Montreal is the canadian capital of culture, history , food, design, fashion and best night life . Summer is very hot but fun with festivals , pedestrians streets and best night life in Canada

[@SA-sf2cq]

It’s one of the world’s great gastronomic cities. There’s a reason Bourdain loved it.

[@constancep7632]

"There are two seasons in Montréal, winter and construction." 100% true!! 😂😂

[@dzl6955]

"There's 2 seasons in Montreal. Winter and Construction, It fucking sucks to drive here" I felt that profondly LOL

[@sheilaburke7136]

Wow. My kind of travel guide! Can't wait for your trip to New York!

[@chefreactions]

thanks. leaving tomorrow

[@TardifSebastien]

I first saw your videos on TikTok and really liked your stone cold approach and vibe/personality. The algorithm then pushed this video of yours on here and as a Montreal, you truly get the city. Thank you. And shout out the cool Expo caps.

[@OnnSight]

i'm from and live in Montreal i just stumble upon your video and i like your honesty and humor mixed with it 👌

[@sdurk]

I wish this came out a few weeks ago when I went up! But I still ate incredibly well, as I always have whenever I visit. Montreal is absolutely underrated... anyways 10 outta 10, would visit again

[@chefreactions]

Next time!

[@christinam4822]

One of the best and real reviews. I'm from Montreal and I appreciate your honesty, makes it so much more enjoyable to watch and learn. Your love for St-Viateur is appreciated. Respect.

[@amaza888]

Glad you had fun! Come back anytime, we're happy to have you. ❤❤

[@chefreactions]

merci

[@Argonaut121]

I spend half my time in Montreal and love the place. All of this video true. Jean Talon is fabulous, St. Viateur bagels are the best in the world, and the traffic sucks.

[@paulweber1740]

Went to Nora Gray in 2015. Remains still in the top three meals I’ve ever eaten. Great space, great atmosphere, stupidly delicious food. First dinner next time I’m there for sure.

[@maudithiver]

Selon moi, c’est un peu le genre de place « m’as-tu vu » malheureusement. Un peu « overrated » comme bouffe (tout comme Elena) mais c’est bien « in » pour les jeunes!

[@christibellz]

I’m from Montreal great review of the city, you really made an extensive review of different styles, places and budgets. Loved the expo cap . Enjoy your hilariously honest TikTok’s 👍🏼

[@marcan18]

Restaurants in Montréal have a F1 menu and a regular one, they don't even hide it during F1 week-end.

[@chefreactions]

expensive af

[@fang_shi_tong]

Thank you so much for shining a light on the wonderful city of Montreal. I’m really missing it right now.

[@jdm542]

as my other comments have pointed out, i don’t care about cooking or food, i eat eggs chicken and rice and jam uncooked vegetables down my throat for vitamins, but i will watch every one of these 10/10 they are so good

[@msdaisychainandlaffs]

Fantastic! Love what you do, this is amazing. No bs, humor, relatable you’re a gem, man. Dig your style and appreciate your appreciation for the staff especially. Keep it up!❤

[@codytriesstuff]

What a stud. I need to go to Montreal ASAPPP.

[@tanyapaoli3678]

Love MTL! Thanks for the new recos.

[@Grantimusss]

This series is fantastic! I hope you keep going in this direction, as it’s really something special.

[@fulfordpoint]

That was fun! I enjoyed watching you as a tourist in my country and eating great food. 😎

[@colettearmstrong1484]

Ohhh this is fantastic. Congrats on this new venture!! Wishing you the best always

[@Katsip09]

10/10. Love the honest ratings of the food and the places you visit. Keep up the great work!

[@simplyskrypt3914]

"There are 2 seasons in montreal. Winter, and construction" As a montrealer myself, yes. 10/10 description, definitely made me laugh out loud

[@SamuelLavoie]

Love your no-BS honesty. You did a pretty good job covering Montreal’s main spots ❤

[@chihuahuaverde425]

Great show. Looking forward to more.

[@C2Lawson]

Love these videos, keep them coming!

[@SoushinSen]

I love your humor. As a Montrealer, I appreciate that you're showing me places I've never been to in my own fucking city.

[@lawrencecarlson2151]

This is awesome..need more!

[@iliacbaby]

i respect any fine dining restaurant that doesn't make you take off your sweet expos cap

[@nancyl.davidson5573]

👍

[@GoldcapX]

Superbe! Merci beaucoup. Les Jardins Sauvage est formidable aussi.

[@zdog34whatnow]

fantastic video, chef. Informative and hilarious

[@Namesnotmything]

This is the 1st KZbin video I've seen from you. Just found out you have a channel from your recent TikTok life update. Your channel is amazing. Your food critiques are interesting and you have a great presence. You do need more adjectives but I'm a writer so of course I'd say that. You're actually great to watch, down to earth and not arrogant. You don't act like you're the shit, even tho you are. You're axreal chef showing real food. And the way you highlight the food and restaurants along with the host city is smooth and subtle. Best food show I've seen in a long time. Come to Chicago next. I've been here my entire life. I can tell you all the spots to eat (Alinea for the most sublime fine dining experience imaginable and Al's for it's famous Chicago Italian Beef), while also extrapolating on the great traditions of culture, sports and infamous legends. You'd have a great time and an amazing show! I sense a future Food Network show on the horizon for you. Terrific videos Chef, can't wait for more.

[@patrickwaclaw]

This makes me want to visit Montreal. You are like a new age version of Bourdain. Come to Chicago for a video!

[@lindadupuis341]

Thank you for all these amazing reviews of restaurants in our city.

[@themortgageguide8729]

Great Video Chef!! I have called MTL my home for over 10 years now and I could not agree more with you. It is a vibe, people are great, food is amazing and the city is just plain beautiful!

[@MarcSherwood]

My duaghter has moved to Montreal, and I borrowed her apartment for ten days during Jazz Fest this summer. It was happy to find that many of the places that you loved were also places that I frequent, but there were a few ones here that are new to me too. Gibby's is a great place for steak to add to one's list.

[@ebonyladyy]

Omggggg!!!! Gibbys is freakin AMAZINGGGGGG!!!! 20 out of 10 lol

[@CandaceInSoCal]

Excellent piece! GO Chef!

[@chefreactions]

thank you!

[@drloveslearning4744]

Great info and a fun watch, thanks! 10 out of 10 🙂

[@EverydayLegend]

as someone that lives 2h ish away in Burlington, Montreal is always a fun trip, some of the best sit-down Chinese food I’ve ever had is from 31 Latitude on Saint Laurent Blvd, hit that shit up next time you’re in town

[@plaguearttutorials]

Love the reactions give them a 9 out of 10😂 Would come back and try it again😂

[@mathewpowers5]

I LOVE these videos. So much so, I play them on my 55" TV instead of just my phone or laptop. It deserves a big screen. I have sadly never been to Montreal, but I just told my wife that we are doing. Period. You win. lol

[@chefreactions]

you'll love montreal

[@mathewpowers5]

@@chefreactions I can't wait!!

[@tedhatley9338]

Thank you Chef! I am headed to Montreal in September, and I truly appreciate the preview.

[@simplyskrypt3914]

So what was it like, now that youve been? As a montrealer myself, im curious Especially about bagels, poutine and smoked meat, our 3 specialties

[@karenkrukowski5566]

I'm loving these traveling commentaries. You just tell it like it is.

[@maxiwheat]

Didn’t take long to see a bagel in that video 👌🏻

[@mikeypiff7642]

love this guy, glad u enjoyed our city

[@kiannaf]

These are so fun to watch a little stoned. Hope you do more!

[@IBeHambo]

Love the long form chef reactions.

[@jennbenn22]

Best commentary I've ever heard!

[@lizmelo5374]

swear much.....love it.❤

[@phillipbozarthakapupgauntl2347]

I loved it. The corn dogs though made my mouth water

[@aarons5689]

I love the Expos hat. Sorry we stole them away to DC. Much love though to Montreal.

[@davidbeyl7586]

Great vid, hope to see a lot more city tours,

[@alainouellet7794]

Happy you enjoyed Montreal man! Love your content! Cheers!

[@walterego126]

Great video. Loved the hats!

[@latenightwithredross]

Love your videos!

[@pbwithjeremy]

Just found your channel - love love love it - greetings from Toronto!

[@user-kx3dt8ch4i]

heya…great video!! continued blessings 🥰

[@Chris-pc2hw]

Keep it up man love your videos.

[@joeycan6801]

Saw your video for the first time and loved it so much that I subscribed, someone should give you your own show on the Food Network ! Keep them coming, thank you from Montreal….

[@ahhhlindsanityyy]

Love it!

[@pboyd4278]

I like the honesty. Didn't care for his reviews much at first but the honesty has gotten me...

[@CrownofSmoke]

Fuck yeah, this is exactly what I've been hoping to see with your new ventures. I'm all about it. I haven't been up there in over a decade and its killing me. I hope to hear more of what the deal is with how you approach your ratings--maybe best not to reveal that to us yet, though. I'm not a mathemagician, but I get the vibe that it's like... a dish that tries to be this or that, and ends up this or that, for x price, with x situation, and X factor = X/10. I have infinite things to say if you ever come to Boston. ❤ what you do, Chef.

[@CrownofSmoke]

Fun fact: Montreal is the second-worst winter city that I have ever experienced. It is just fucking bonkers. Reykjavik beats it out, but fuuuuuuuu--

[@KimonoKenny]

Thank you for trying our local food!! ❤

[@georgeslafortune8171]

Hey Chef : at 8:34, you're wondering wtf what "bouffe-moi" means. Well, it's coloquial French and it means "eat me".

[@liquidloverecords]

Happy you enjoyed the food in our beautiful city ❤

[@brickandmortar1]

Stoked to find your channel. The algorithm is working for me today BABYYYY

[@labelleduboudoir]

St-Viateur is our treasure for sure

[@W7ENK]

Montréal is a short way down my list of places to visit, so thanks for the food recommendations! You should come out West and visit Portland. Many consider us to be a hidden food mecca, and as a native Oregonian I would have to agree! Would love to see my town featured in one of your videos, but plan to spend at least a week. Lots to see and do... and eat.

[@benjaminsilverman7692]

Great video ! Wilensky's is a great place to stop by for a light lunch next time you are in the plateau area, also loved the Expos hats nice touch !

[@dwhonan]

I had the opportunity to go to Montreal on my employer's dime back in 2014 to attend a trade conference as a last-minute replacement for a coworker. Enjoyed the hell out of exploring the city and rode the subway all over, which was easy even for someone who has zero secondary language proficiency. Schwartz's was amazing. Best part of this video is the closing scene with Five Guys in the distance.

[@jessesimpson7782]

Dude, fun/funny references, very enjoyable critiques, and overall good food entertainment, I think anyways!