TIME OUT MARKET - Unexpected surprise!
We spend part of our lunch time allotment at Montreal’s Downtown Eaton Centre - Time Out Market. A most interesting dining and cultural concept. This culinary destination occupies a vast 40000+ sq ft, specially dedicated space within the subterranean shopping complex. Housing 15 eateries operated by some of the best restaurants and most revered chefs of the city. Food was tasted and approved by local expert foodies before the establishments were allowed to open up. The variety of choices were most impressive and appealing hence making a decision on what to choose and savour an almost impossible task!..elevated preparation of Indian Curries & Tandooris, Southern BBQ, Italian ( Pastas ), Vietnamese ( Pho ), Japanese ( Ramen ), Middle Eastern (Kebabs), Raw Seafood bar, Modern Pan Asian/Chinese ( Stir fried )……just to name a few.
Amongst our selection ( see photos ), the quality and deliciousness of the Japanese Ramen was the most unexpected and a hands-down stand out. The noodles, perfectly chewy and al-dente; the chicken and pork base broth, super dense, complex and umami packed. In short, an out of this world delish creation!..and this is food court food?..albeit a posh and classy one at that! Impressive!
JEAN TALON MARKET - Yeah!! Third time lucky with bi-valves!!
During the past year, this lack of self-discipline Bi-Valves lover ( and family members ) had suffered the wrath of food poisoning by having devour some tainted oysters at Barcelona’s Mercat de la Boqueria and London’s Borough Market. At Jean Talon Market, the sight of one of the most impressive oyster stalls ever came across was too much of a temptation for this oyster addict to pass-by. Armed with travel medical coverage and the fact that we are still in Canada, I decided to take the plunge and go for it!! Man! Am I glad I did.
The ‘triple-checked’ ( according to the vendor owner ), pristine fresh products, served super cold were so ^^$$@$% good!! In particular, the JUMBO Mamacita, which was so umami sweet, plump and chewy, not overly salty or without an excessive metallic taste. And those super-sweet and crunchy Cherry Stone clams?! Wow!!!..IMO, the best $2 bites in the world!
Oh! BTW, this time I was protected by the Foodie God……NO food poisoning symptoms!! Pheeeewww!!
