sue k.'s Profile

on my first night in montreal, i passed by dr.frost and noticed a sign for "macarons givres" and was instantly intrigued. i had no idea what "givres" meant though, so i kept walking. eventually i learned that "macarons givres" are macaron ice cream sandwiches and i absolutely had to check them out. i was greeted by giant day-glo colored macarons with a blob of ice cream inside, they looked like some kind weird frankenversion of the cute, delicate macarons i was used to so i held off on trying one til my last day in montreal.

INSTANTLY HOOKED at first bite! the cookie is a little denser than a "normal" macaron but still slightly chewy and crumbly. they really are freak-ish day-glo colors though and are really awkwardly sized and difficult to bite into. still, it kinda fits the "mad scientist" theme of the shop. you can choose from pre-made macaron combos or mix and match your own creation with their ice cream flavors. they have a stone slab style ice cream with mix-ins, as well as frozen yogurt and shakes.

i loved my first sandwich so much that i went back and bought three more only minutes before i had to catch my bus back to boston (and these babies aren't small!) while wheeling my suitcase and trying to balance my frozen macaron sandwiches i dropped one on the street...and for a moment i considered picking it up. they're THAT good!

best. shrimp. burrito. EVER.

that's all you really need to know, but i'll elaborate anyway. since quitting meat (and giving up a mean carne asada burrito addiction) over a year ago, i began to despise all the ghetto mexican take out joints and drive-thrus i once loved. all my friends recommended the molca salsa shrimp burrito and after being disappointed by it and a few others, i had all but given up hope. until one fateful drunken night when i was handed an alberto's shrimp burrito and all was right again. this burrito has the perfect ratio of shrimp to other filling and is just spicy enough and not too saucy.

oh. alberto's also wins the prize for slowest. drive-thru. ever. but it's totally worth the wait so go try their shrimp burrito and for you carnivores...carne asada super nachos!

mamma's is a casual dine in/take out restaurant that serves pizza and typical american diner food with some canadian specialities mixed in. i'm talking about pizzaghetti and poutine, obviously! i stopped in to try mamma's italian poutine, which is vegetarian since it's topped with marinara instead of gravy. you have to specify that you want that sucker topped with cheese curds or else you'll get mozzarella (which is definitely not as exciting). we ordered sandwiches as well and while the food was good, it was nothing exceptional. the staff was extremely friendly though and i'd visit again just for that.

commensal is a must for vegetarians in/visiting montreal! this buffet is ilke the whole foods hot bar on crack- and just as expensive (as whole foods...not crack). there are just so many delicious options that it's hard to stop loading your plate with a little of this coucous or a taste of that curry. luckily, they offer student discounts and especially at this location are pretty nice about giving them to anyone who looks reasonably student age. my only real gripe is that you have to have a separate plate for dessert. i don't know why that annoys me but if i want to eat my deliciously vegan chocolate cake with some tofu on the side...i should be able to!

whenever i go to this firestone for an oil change, the employees always try to scare me into spending more money. it's always the same story, i'm going to end up spending thousands of dollars if i don't spend a hundred dollars today...my poor car seems to always be one long drive away from total breakdown. it's especially offensive when i refuse the extra services and they tell me to go home and talk to my dad! sexist much?

they must be doing something right though, even with an appointment an oil change takes about two hours...they are busy busy! only worth it if you have a coupon...

how can you not love a place called pie 'n burger?! the best part is that they deliver the goods. the burgers are tasty and they have a great selection of pies to end your meal with. their butterscotch meringue will leave you licking your plate! and their fresh strawberry and peach pies are a must when they're in season!

sago is a decent spot for a quick bite. not much ambiance and not the best sushi you'll ever eat...but it's good enough. they have your typical selection of rolls, and i liked that they have small rolls on the menu for when you just want something light and cheap. the menu has a nice selection of vegetarian sushi as well- i recommend the veggie tempura maki if you're a sweet potato fan (and who isn't...right?)

if i lived in the area, i could see this restaurant being a go-to spot for cheap take-out or delivery.

this market definitely has seen better days...but it's still worth stopping into for their pay by the pound cold ban chan bar (think the salad bar at whole foods- but with korean side dishes) and half price hot ban chan after 7PM (fish, hamburger patties, dumplings, etc). perfect stop for when you want korean food at home without turning on the stove.

the half sour pickles definitely deserve their following- they are addicting! but i don't understand the prices here. everything is so expensive- other than the massive amount of deli meat they put in their sandwiches the portions are pretty standard. taste-wise, i wasn't disappointed but it's nothing to drive out to natick for. i will be back for dessert though, they have a bakery case in the front of the restaurant with cakes that look too good to pass up.

you know us koreans...we think we're the best of everything. but i gotta admit, the taiwanese have us beat when it comes to shaved ice. when i first heard of class 302, i was doubtful but i'm happy to report that the whole concept of the cafe with the school desks and uniforms is adorable and their snow is absolutely delicious!

i can't get over how they shave their ice to look like shredded cheese and taste like freshly fallen snow! the texture is so light and fluffy- even creamy. when has ice ever tasted creamy?!

unfortunately, the last time i was at class 302 they were out of a lot of snow toppings, so our choices were limited but we ended up ordering sweet potato fries, a green tea snow with red bean, egg and almond pudding, and a chocolate strawberry snow. i loved the sweet potato fries (they use korean yams!) and the chocolate strawberry snow was amazing- you can't lose with fruit and condensed milk! with the green tea snow, i liked how the ice was actually green tea ice instead of just green tea syrup poured over. the texture is so light, silky and creamy that it can almost pass for green tea ice cream. but i did not enjoy the egg or almond puddings underneath- they just didn't taste right with the snow and i wish the employees were more helpful and/or apologetic since they were out of so many ingredients. i will be back for more snow- hopefully everything will be available. i like that class 302 is open late, it's fun place to hang out with friends and share some munchies and dessert.