Inspirational Eats
The interior of the Commodore Restaurant and Café.
Lunch at Commodore Restaurant and Café is a ‘Honeyrose’ of an experience
I recently enjoyed a sensational lunch at the French bistro-style Commodore Restaurant and Café, tucked inside the Honeyrose Hotel in Montreal’s Quartier des spectacles, just steps from Place des Arts.
The meal began with a celebratory toast over glasses of Prosecco, followed by the arrival of soft, warm bread served with a delightful “Honeyrose butter.” I started with a piping hot bowl of salmon chowder, then moved on to a perfectly grilled 10 ounce sirloin, accompanied by crispy fries, seasonal vegetables and a house-made Béarnaise sauce. For dessert, I opted for the classic crème brûlée — a fittingly elegant finish.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Commodore offers seating for 55 guests in its dining room, along with an additional 36 spots on a seasonal patio. Inspired by French cuisine and infused with contemporary touches, the menu is refined and the atmosphere evokes chic 1920s elegance.
The restaurant and hotel entrance are fully accessible, as are the washrooms, and the main dining level is stair-free. The restaurant is located on the same floor as the hotel entrance, which is street level. The washrooms are in the lobby next to the restaurant.
Info: www.commodoremontreal.com
The rib steak at Reuben’s.
Reuben’s Deli & Steakhouse soon to celebrate 50 years
As the Tzemopoulos family prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their beloved Reuben’s Deli & Steakhouse on St. Catherine St. (between Stanley and Peel) later this year, they’re making visits even more convenient by offering free indoor parking next to their sister restaurant, Deville Dinerbar, just around the corner.
This offer is available seven nights a week from 4 pm to 11 pm at 1475 Stanley St. I dined at Reuben’s on two recent occasions. On my first visit, I joined my colleague Steve for a comforting start of piping hot cream of potato soup.
The sandwiches here are always a highlight. I chose the roast-beef melt with fries, while Steve enjoyed the restaurant’s famous open-faced sandwich. I paired my meal with a refreshing Stewart’s cherry cola and finished with a decadent slice of chocolate cake.
A couple of weeks later, I returned to sample their signature rib steak, which certainly lived up to expectations.
Due to ongoing construction, vehicle access to the front entrance is currently limited, though cars can still reach nearby Deville on Stanley. The restaurant offers accessible entry and a wheelchair-friendly washroom on the main floor.
Info: www.reubensdeli.com
The rib roast beef au jus at Sterlings.
Sterlings Steakhouse & Bar remains culinary delight two decades on
For over 20 years, Sterlings Steakhouse & Bar has been a cornerstone of Laval’s Centropolis complex. Founded by Vasili “Billy” Panousopoulos and now operated alongside his son Michael, the restaurant continues to impress with its polished yet welcoming atmosphere.
The spacious dining room and bar can accommodate more than 300 guests, making it ideal for both casual meals and special occasions.
My friend Jesse and I began our evening with appetizers: crab cakes for me and Norwegian smoked salmon for him. For the main course, I initially had my heart set on the house specialty, rib roast beef au jus, but it had already sold out.
My backup choice proved equally satisfying: a 16-ounce junior-cut rib steak, cooked to a perfect medium rare and served with crispy fries. Jesse opted for the 12-ounce filet mignon, topped with pepper sauce and flambéed with cognac.
We ended the meal on a high note, with key lime pie for me and tiramisu for Jesse — both excellent choices.
Sterlings is fully accessible, with step-free entry and accessible washrooms. Guests can be dropped off at street level, and a large nearby parking lot offers easy access via wide sidewalks.
Info: www.sterlingsrestaurant.com
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