Now that we’re officially over the hype of the New Year, it is time to think about spring. This usually means mowing over your resolutions, reflecting on your decisions and really taking that step in the right direction. If getting a new job was on your list, this is the perfect time to get out there and apply.
According to an article posted by the online job-searching site Monster, January and February are the peak hiring months all year around. If you are looking to work in the serving or bartending industry, now is the perfect time to be handing out those resumes. One thing every applicant must know before they apply is what they do and do not want in a workplace.
After working in many different restaurants and bars, I realized there is one clear factor that can differentiate work environments – whether a place is independently owned or is a chain. In that being said, I don’t mean all chains or privately owned restaurants will necessarily experience the same thing.
However, based on my experience, it seems this following guide is pretty accurate when deciding what kind of work environment you are looking for. The following is some food for thought when working for both types of ownerships, and hiring advice that will only make you thrive.
Private Restaurants 
What Are They?
A privately owned restaurant is a restaurant that is independently owned and does not already have a prior business model, name or chain of restaurants. Independently, or privately owned restaurants, are usually much more small scale than chain restaurants and have sole responsibility for everything in their business.
The Work Environment
These are the types of restaurants and bars you want to apply to if you are looking for a more family-oriented, risk-driven environment where things can easily boom in your favour, or just as easily go sour. By this, I mean chain restaurants offer a sense of more stability and security – since they are more widely known than the local town favourite. A place that already has a proven track record is a good indicator of a successful spot, but keep this in mind if you decide on a brand new restaurant. The one main advantage about privately owned businesses is the flexibility it provides.
For example, I may not have gotten a standard 15% off each meal, but most of the time the chef was feeding me for free. While we worked, he would put up small portions that we could eat between tables. This was my favourite as it gave me energy and made me feel appreciated. This was a generous benefit that I never expected before. I made a consistent and reliable income, my boss showed he cared about me and as a result, I was a happy and successful employee.
Why Apply and Hiring Tips
I could grow as a confident server since I was able to challenge myself in ways not possible in the chain industry. Whether it was taking on more tables, proposing creative business solutions to the owner himself or being able to aid in the success of the company, all of these things created an opportunity that has brought me to where I am today. I utilized many serving tips that were able to make me stand-out and excel.
This is the environment to apply to if you are ambitious, creative and are always craving a new challenge. When applying to such restaurants, you must focus on presenting your confidence, skill, and creativity. As with any job interview, come prepared. Your mission is to convince the owner how you will help his business succeed – not how you well you will fit the job description. Usually hiring based on internal referrals, make a point to eat there and get to know the owner so you are already on their radar! Although you are still applying for a certain position, independent business owners will hire someone they see has more potential for the company as a whole, versus choosing the right candidate for the position alone.
Chain Restaurants
What Are They?
Chain restaurants can either be entirely corporate owned or sold as franchises. Either way, a chain is a group of one or more stores that follow the same name, universal policies, branding techniques and sell the same products. The corporate owner is responsible for everything, but if it is a franchise, the franchisee will have more responsibility than the corporate owner in terms of ensuring the business succeed.
The Work Environment
This is the type of place you apply to if you are looking for a more generic and modern approach to your work style. Chain restaurants usually experience a higher turnover rate for a few reasons.This is due to the nature of chain restaurants because the protocol is more governed than a private restaurant and not as lenient. Growth is done in a stable, systemic way, opposed to privately owned companies that usually have smaller teams, or family and friends of the owner that fill the companies’ higher positions.
Rules must be followed, and protocols carried out. You need to notify your employer two weeks prior to booking off work, the schedule is created every two weeks and you usually get a discount off the menu. You can leave for school, come back in the summer and not much has changed – unless there are company-wide changes. This can still be a fun environment as these types of places are accustomed to a plethora of applicants in which they must pick based on company-wide standards – not necessarily their own preferences.
Why Apply and Hiring Tips
Working under such an organized hiring-firing process, creates long-term avenues if you 
do work there awhile. Possessing mandatory raise periods, options between restaurant locations, and with manager and other higher roles always opening up, it’s no wonder this environment is promising. Aim for the name, work the time there and if you can prove yourself, you can be managing or making some good cash part-time just the way you wanted – without the pressure of a private company!
You want to apply here if you are organized, want a more structured environment, are looking to get experience and don’t mind working a few times a week. Since there is more staff there than in independently owned restaurants, they are more flexible with hours and can accommodate more than private restaurants can. Some focusing points when applying is to prove that your skill and personality fits the job. Concentrate on selling yourself to the job description itself, as that is what they need and aren’t necessarily looking for leaders yet. After selling yourself as much as you can, leave a few minutes at the end of your interview to add in your ambition for the company just as a side note! They will soak in why you’re good for the position and see it as a bonus that you want to go above and beyond!
If you happen to live in Vancouver, you are already blessed with mountainous landscapes and an energetic atmosphere. Already used to the beauty and bustle of this city, these spots have the quality that will complete your wedding rehearsal dinner by providing excellent food, proper ambience and spectacular service. Mainly based on Vancouver’s 2016 award-winning restaurants, here are the top 5 restaurants you cannot miss for your next rehearsal dinner.
Five Sails
Location: Suite 410 – 999 Canada Place
Contact: 604.844.2855
fivesails.ca
Get ready to experience award-winning West Coast cuisine and breathtaking views! Located on the waterfront, Five Sails showcases the stunning views of Vancouver’s Coastal Mountains, Stanley Park and the inner harbour. Choose between the bar and lounge, a private dining room for up to 20 or pick a seat in their lavish dining area. You also have the option of renting the whole dining room for up to 110-seated guests. The husband and wife team, Chef Ernst Dorfler and Gerry Sayers are on a mission of excellence to provide every guest the best possible experience. For groups of 10 people or more, Five Sails also offers a customizable menu.
At this chic place, you celebrate fine dining with the classic a la carte menu. This menu is designed to introduce an elegant tasting plate menu with the perfect wines to pair. This team focuses on sourcing the freshest seasonal, West Coast ingredients. Specializing in seafood, they buy from the best local suppliers including the annual Summer Trout Lake Market in East Vancouver. Between their talented sommelier, chefs and servers, this place will surely impress all your wedding rehearsal guests.
“Excellent food with an wonderful view. Staff was very attentive and make you feel welcome.”
– OpenTable
Black + Blue
Location: 1032 Alberni St.
Contact: 604.637.0777
black+blue.com
With 3 levels, this restaurant offers the best of all worlds. On the first two floors, we have many dining options – both for small and large groups! Fitting anywhere from 10 – 200 people for private dining, this place has different rooms you can choose from based on your preferred ambience. On the roof, Black + Blue has an outdoor restaurant and lounge and it happens to be Vancouver’s largest rooftop dining spot!
Aside from the architectural layout, they are known for serving the best steaks in town. Proudly displaying their beef in the center of the dining room, they also have a wall made of Himalayan salt bricks that purifies the air and naturally removes moisture. This process tenderizes the meat and creates a truly unforgettable flavour.
This place has all the features you need to run a spectacular wedding rehearsal dinner!
“Everything was perfect from start to finish… It’s become one of our favourite restaurants in a city full of great places to eat.”
– OpenTable
Royal Dinette
Location: 905 Dunsmuir St.
Contact: 604.974.8077
royaldinette.ca
David Gunawan opened this place in 2016 and it is already making headlines! Working with head chef Jack Chen, this duo has given their customers a creative and constantly changing experience. Their farm-to-table cuisine has diners gawking and taste buds watering. With fresh pasta made on a daily, local craft beers available to serve regularly and a menu based on local freshness, Royal Dinette has been far from disappointing. Choose between, lunch, dinner and even a cheese and wine menu!
Casually comfortable, their décor ranges from wine rack walls, blue chairs and a very modern feel. Make sure to make your reservation early to get the spot of the restaurant that fits your guest’s mood. If your wedding rehearsal dinner is that large, you can book the whole restaurant as well. Eat out at one of the best restaurants in downtown Vancouver for a truly memorable night.
“Assisted by suave service, a daring bar program and a beboppy diner setting, Royal Dinette is winning over the masses.”
– Alexandra Gill, Globe and Mail
Cinara
Location: 350 West Pender St.
Contact: 604.428.9694
cinara.ca
Offering modern European cuisine, Chefs Lucais Syme and Gill Book uphold the traditional Italian-inspired cooking techniques. Using the freshest and finest quality ingredients, Cinara makes almost everything in house. This includes the naturally leavened breads and pastas, and preserves and cheeses. The aim of this restaurant is to make each guest feel as hospitable as possible.
Approachable and comfortable, the ambience suits their old school mentality of a good meal. With woodwork being the prominent feature, this simple style will have your rehearsal guests relaxed in no time. Book a table for up to 20 people, or call to reserve the whole restaurant. Whatever the numbers, this place has just the right mix of casual and quality.
“Everything I had exceeded my expectations. Very friendly ambience.”
– OpenTable
Miradoro
Location: 537 Tinhorn Creek Road
Contact: 250.498.3742
miradoro.ca
This is one of the best vineyard dining spots to date. Equipped with panoramic views of the valley, cuisine prepared by an award-winning chef and a variety of wine aged to its finest, it’s no wonder Vancouver is going crazy for this location. Adding a hint of Mediterranean, Miradoro restaurant emphasizes on seasonal products and authentic dishes. The Miradoro Philosophy is all about food inspired by the bounty of the Okanagan.
Although only open from March – December, this place is definitely worth the trek to the country. Winning Vancouver’s magazine gold medal for best winery/vineyard dining for the fifth consecutive year, it’s no surprise both the chef and owner come from an experienced and passionate background. Book up to 20 people in this cozy vineyard, and I assure your rehearsal guests will love the simplicity of this unique experience.
“Exqusite preparation of tasteful creations…Perfectly paired Tinhorn Creek wines compliment the creative dishes.”
– OpenTable
Location: 71 Lakeshore Road E., Mississauga, ON
Contact: 905.271.9777
shoregrillandgrotto@gmail.com
“It’s a shore thing…”
Located in the heart of Port Credit, this is a well-known spot amongst both locals and visitors. This port is filled with classic restaurants that suit any mood you are looking for. On this particular night, my date and I decided to walk the strip spontaneously and pick a spot as we pleased. Little did we know how packed everywhere would be! Making do, we stumbled into The Shore Grill and Grotto. Accidentally walking through the bar side, we immediately matched the vibe and made our way to the dining area.
After already checking two other spots with no luck, the hostess was polite, accommodating and diligent! She sat us in the bar while we waited for a seat to open up in the dining room, and gave us a menu to look over in the meantime. It was an energetic atmosphere, filled with happy people. Shortly after ordering a drink, she summoned us to the dining room with a table ready in no time! I was very impressed by her dedication and this set the mood for a very easy and relaxing evening. Even though we were clearly squeezed in, I still felt comfortable the minute we were seated.
I started the evening with a fruity cocktail and decided to go for my infamous strawberry daiquiri. Although sweet, this drink has always been my favourite. Something I noticed in the past few years is the decline in quality with frozen daiquiris and other simple mixtures alike. As restaurants emerge with larger, more intrinsic cocktail menus, they seem to be lacking on the quality of the originals. At the Shore however, I was very satisfied in the quality and authentic taste of this classic drink. Sugar rim and all, they left simple in its place and it resulted in one happy drinker.
I could immediately tell the owner took hiring a server seriously – they were all on their game and organized as can be. When sitting in the bar area, the owner stood obvious that he was picky when hiring a bartender too! She approached us quick, delivered our drinks with ease all the while keeping her cool amidst a hectic Saturday night. Professional, welcoming and accommodating, the staff here excelled my customer service desires.
Once seated in the dining area, the server was quick to approach us and collected every step of the way. Reciting the specials in an almost hypnotic tone, we both ended up changing our original dish orders in mind! We started with appetizers consisting of crispy calamari and risotto balls. The calamari was tender and cooked to perfection, with delicious house sauces to dip (cilantro garlic mayo and spicy tomato sauce). The risotto balls, however, were not as expected. Although a great alternative to rice balls, it came out rather dry. The balls were sitting on a delicious bed of tomato sauce nonetheless, which helped flavour the dish a bit more!
I ordered the king crab special with veggies and mashed potatoes on the side. The crab was spectacular and filled me up more than I expected! The mashed potatoes were also smooth, flavourful and had my favourite addition – potato skins. The vegetables were also cooked well for the most part, except for the zucchini. It was undercooked, but I was full by the time I got to it anyways. My partner ordered the same sides, settling with the black peppercorn T-bone steak special.
Ordered medium, it did come out overcooked at first. Once mentioned to the server, he took it to the kitchen and shortly after served a perfectly cooked steak. Trying a bite, this meat was tender, and flavourful. Personally not a fan of the sauce due to my lack of interest in anything to do with pepper or spice, my date did enjoy it thoroughly. He described it as lip licking, creamy and heart-warming! The presentation was simple and colourful – definitely a great way to be. Finishing the night with a tasty coffee, we ended full, happy and filled with good things to say!
I was lucky enough to be treated to the perfect Valentine’s Day experience. The servers here made sure there was always water in my glass, they were attentive to all our needs and delivered a truly memorable experience. All in all I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for an affordable, yet high-class dinner. With great customer service, well-cooked food and a fitting ambience, the service I experience this night at the Shore Grill and Grotto fits exactly what Bartendo stands for. Check out our reviews by others and contact us if you’re interested in any of our highly satisfying services!
With a vast selection of tasty restaurants existing in these major cities, it may sometimes be tedious to decide exactly where to go for your Valentine’s Day Dinner. After much scouring, we have found some truly interesting spots you don’t want to miss out on. Even if it’s already too late to book a reservation, one of these spots will surely give you the perfect Valentine’s Day experience – without needing the title. Here are the most romantic restaurants you can go to in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver this love-filled season.
Toronto
Adega
Location: 33 Elm St.
Contact: 416.977-.4338
adegarestaurante.ca
Adega is the Portuguese translation of a cantina or wine cellar. The chefs here take old recipes and cooking techniques, mix it with modern flavours and deliver a truly diverse cuisine. Sourcing it from all around the world, Adega’s specialty is seafood. Since they order it fresh, this spot has captured the hearts of many fish lovers alike. Between refining authentic dishes to contemporary standards, and serving straight up authentic food, this place has just the flare to spark up any romance.
Jacob’s and Co. Steakhouse
Location: 12 Brant St.
Contact: 416366.0200
jacobssteakhouse.com
Bright and modern, this place possesses a mix of ambiences, depending on where you sit. You can often find Toronto’s finest pro athletes gathering to enjoy a heartwarming meal here as well. Known for its steak, Jacob carefully chooses a cattle producer in Ontario where they can get the freshest meat. The 60-day aged -18-ounce bone-in prime Hereford strip loin is directly from Guelph. Jacob’s also allows guests to bring their own wine and provides entertainment on selected nights using the Piano Bar. Check out Thompson Egbo-Egbo who will be playing there today!
Montreal
Beatrice
Location: 1504 Sherbrooke St. W
Contact: 514.937.6009
ristorantebeatrice.com
Located in downtown Montreal, this place offers Italian cuisine in an urban environment. These talented chefs combine their skills to focus on food made from love, dishes filled with heritage and flavours inspired by childhood favourites. It’s not just the chefs that make this place so romantic, but the setting too! Although located in the heart of downtown, they have a terrace containing an intimate and extravagant garden that truly makes your heart skip a beat.
Chez Milot
Location: 394, Grande-Côte, Boisbriand
Contact: 450.434.1500
chezmilot.com
Although the Boisbriand location is closer to Laval, this place is definitely worth the 45-minute trip. Built in 1816, this restaurant is based outside of a monumental English style residence and is one of the few in the area. Known for their personalized service and quality food, Chez Milot’s team is on a mission to please your taste buds through their varied cuisine and authentic menu. With breakfast served on Sundays, it is the perfect place for a warm and relaxing experience – at anytime of the day! Book a reservation here, then get a hotel room in the countryside nearby and you have the perfect mixture for a romantic getaway.
Vancouver
Grape’s & Soda
Location: 1537 W 6th Ave
Contact: 604.620.2070
grapesandsoda.ca
Originating from their sister restaurant, Farmer’s Apprentice, Grapes & Soda is one of Vancouver’s first 100% organic wine bar. Building their seasonal menu around wine, you’ll find the small plates options perfect with the pairings. Along with offering a small selection of beer and cocktails, this place also serves cheeses, meats, and the best olives in town. Choose from a variety of wines that you can even order by the glass! Being a part of the Farmer’s Apprentice, you can always rely on a daily changing menu when indulging here. Lastly, you have the ability to sip elegant wines all night long for a sincere, romantic evening.
The Observatory
Location: 6400 Nancy Greene Way
Contact: 604.620.2070
observatoryrestaurant.ca
Make sure to book extra time when planning this exciting date. Located at the peak of Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain, this restaurant has a view unlike no other. Be prepared to take a ride through the mountains in a gondola, and arrive to a serene Valentine’s Day experience. To top it all off, the fine dining celebrates British Columbia’s bounty and a wine list that was awarded Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence”. This is well worth the while if you are looking for both adventure, and flare!
Cinco De Mayo is a Mexican holiday that takes place every May 5th to celebrate the Battle of Puebla. On May 5th 1862, the Mexicans had won a battle against the french who were trying to invade them over unpaid war debts. This victory is celebrated on Cinco De Mayo with parties, parades, and of course lots of Mexican food and drinks!
This year Bartendo has teamed up with LinkedIn Toronto to provide a Cinco De Mayo themed bar for their corporate gathering. Our team was responsible for creating a hands free bar experience for the LinkedIn team so that they could enjoy the festivities without the stress of running a bar. In order to make this event a success we were responsible for setting up an elegant mobile bar, professional and friendly event staff (bartenders, servers) and all of the ingredients required to make delicious drinks such as margarita’s.
To ensure all of these amazing additions are available at your next event, give Bartendo a call, or visit our website at bartendo.ca to find out more information about our event staffing and our elegant mobile bars.
It’s that time again – one of the busiest nights of the year, at least for restaurant owners. Valentine’s Day, being the national holiday for love, has every restaurant packed and every staff member sweating. If your guests aren’t staying in and hiring a bartender at home, you will bet they are looking for the sweetest night out.
Forget the portion of the night that is already chaotic beyond your control, and focus on pleasing your guests using respect, attentiveness, communication and acts of gratitude. This Valentine’s Day, as a server, bartender or event staff, I am going to enlighten you on the 4 skills that will get you through this hectic night, while still giving your guests the experience of a lifetime.
Respect 
Always respect your guest’s space. Remember, they are on a date with their significant
other – not with you. This doesn’t mean you can’t talk to them, but avoid lengthy statements or open-ended questions that relates to their personal life. As mentioned in our previous blog, using your manners and being respectful is the first step to an effortless evening. Many bartenders and servers on Valentine’s Day may forget this – particularly if they get caught-up in the romantic night.
Whether you are spending your Valentine’s Day in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, or Montreal, the rules to happy customers are pretty universal. According to Stats Canada, the most items purchased through Valentine’s Day week is flowers, chocolate and candy! It’s hard to believe considering the overload of reservations across Canadian restaurants. This is why you must be respectful – to not only give your guests a great experience, but to leave a lasting impression that will have them strolling through the door on another average evening!
Attentiveness
Don’t you dare leave a glass empty – especially today! This is a reoccurring theme in great service that I never want to stop stressing. Out of all the days to impress your guests, this day will be a milestone moment. This is when customers, who may usually not go out, lurk outside their houses for a romantic evening. Regardless if a table is ready, when a guest walks through the door ensure to give a simple smile and nod to acknowledge their presence. Even if you are in the middle of something, this simple gesture will help your first impression. Nothing gets under my skin more than being ignored upon arrival to an event.
When serving, you also want to constantly look at your tables. If I am not ready to take an order at another table, I will still make eye contact on my way by to see if they need anything else. Usually, they smile and I know everything is fine, or they wave me down and I have a chance to say, “I will be right with you.” Doing this actively shows my guest I am attentive to their needs, and allows them to see my effort – even if I am a little behind!
Communication 
You are going to be busy, you are going to need extra help and you may fall behind – but you must own it! It is ok if this happens, but you need to make the best of it. This coincides with being attentive. If you are constantly paying attention, you are going to physically show your dedication to their experience. Clarification is key here. One of the best communication methods, especially in the event staffing agency, is reiteration. Although it may take a few minutes longer, repeat your orders back to your customers so you can prevent mistakes before they happen. This will save time and energy in the long run!
The same rule applies if their food is running late. Instead of avoiding the table until your food is up, take a few moments to apologize for the delay and see if they need anything else. Your guests will appreciate the update, even if they are disappointed. Honesty is a trait everyone can admire, especially when it comes to customer service – so do your duty and don’t be afraid to tell the truth.
Gratitude
If they say thank you, you better be using your manners – make sure they hear you too! It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of Valentine’s Day dinner. That’s why as a server or bartender, you must be conscious of your gratitude. You can say thank you all you want, but it won’t mean anything if you’re saying it as you rush away and your guests don’t find it genuine. Another overlooked factor is leaving your guests after they pay their bill. Yes, they probably don’t want to be bothered, but still make the effort to fill up their waters and make sure they have everything they need before departure.
Handing out roses or chocolate is an easy act of gratitude to your guests and is something they will always remember about their night out. Although this one is a bit out of your control, suggest it to your boss and offer to prepare the restaurant with such items prior to the big day. Even just a simple valentine to every table will make a huge difference! Be creative and your boss will surely take your suggestion.
Valentine’s Day dinner is a big deal. Many more people get out to share an evening together of love and joy. Occasions like this is the perfect opportunity to make a positive dent in their memory. Since it is also usually busier on this day, it is your time to shine and show your visitors what you’re made of! If you are short on people, there is a ton of event staffing agencies, like Bartendo, who would be happy to help! Hire a server, bartender, hostess or even just a general support staff that can assist you in all areas of the night. Even just one extra person can make all the difference for a successful Valentine’s Day experience.
Getting married is a huge milestone. If you’re like me, you like to drag the good moments on as long as possible. That’s why it is so exciting to have all these small events that lead up to a wedding. Although this ceremony takes place the night before, the wedding rehearsal dinner should be just as special as the rest. As a server and bartender myself, I know this is the time in your life when you want to receive good service the most. Living in Montreal, the infrastructure and nature of the food culture is at your advantage. The event staff, design and food at these Montreal restaurants will surely make your night individually memorable. Old and new, here are the top 5 Montreal restaurants to book your next rehearsal dinner at.
Toqué
Location: 900 Place Jean-Paul Riopelle
Contact: 514.499.2084
restaurant-toque.com
Since 1993, this spot has been able to climb its way to the top and stay there. Not only is this one of the best spots in Montreal, but it is an award-winning restaurant across Canada too. Although expensive, I recommend this place for your wedding rehearsal dinner because of the once-in-a-lifetime experience you will receive. Toqué determines their menu based on their daily market arrivals, creating a fresh and always changing menu. Book the entire restaurant, a semi-private room or reserve a table in the dining area. If your group consists of 21+ guests, it will be a fixed menu, but any less than that and the chef will give you some menu options to choose from. To top it all off, award-winning sommelier Carl Villeneuve Lepage pairs the wines to complete the evening with ultimate perfection.
“I have so much respect for people cooking outside of the city. It’s so hard—to source the produce, to sell meals at a fair price.”
– Normand Laprise
Bistro Les Nomades
Location: 4287 Rue Saint-Denis
Contact: 514.903.4989
bistrolesnomades.ca
Newly opened in 2017, it is already having people talking! They specialize in dishes like oysters, bison ribs, and duck. Offering a variety of options, it is becoming the go-to spot because of the creative plates and comfortable atmosphere. Although limited at only 50 seats and only being open a few days a week, this is the place for your wedding rehearsal dinner if you’re looking for a small, casual setting. Equipped with a colourful and textured kitchen, you know you can relax and refresh before your elegant weekend ahead. The bonus is this place is a gastropub – they offer a variety of beer, cocktails and other fancy drinks. Intimate and unique, this venue gives you the option to keep it cool for the evening or indulge in the drink and food they have to offer.
“The food is excellent, the service great, the decor is nice and the atmosphere is always great.”
– Trip Advisor
Hvor
Location: 1414 Notre-Dame St. W.
Contact: 514.937.2001
hvor.ca
Hvor’s team creates menus weekly according to the harvests and arrivals. This restaurant was built to be an adventure. Consisting of a rooftop garden, they reveal tastes of the land that no other restaurant has done yet. Freshly picking vegetables, spices and aromatic plants, this place creates a truly natural experience. You will truly get a taste of the best food imported seasonally, and the opportunity to indulge in locally grown produce. Since your wedding guests are most likely eating elegant meats and sweets the next day, this place is ideal because of its strong agriculture influence. This restaurant has a minimalistic design and will truly impress your wedding rehearsal guests. Filling you up with organic ingredients, Hvor is sure to be your new favourite – especially when you’re craving something different!
“I respect the locavore philosophy, but at my core I’m a cook. The goal is to make customers happy.”
– S’Arto Chartier Oris
Moleskine
Location: 3412 Parc Ave.
Contact: 514.903.6939
moleskine-mtl.com
This restaurant makes it on the list not only because of the good food, but the various dining options it offers too. Consisting of a take-out window, a casual 40-seat space surrounding a wood-burning oven downstairs and a 30-seat gastronomic room upstairs – this is the place to get the best of all worlds. Renowned Montreal designer Bruno Braën is responsible for the eye-catching décor that surrounds guests as they eat. Your wedding rehearsal party will have many options to sit, dine and drink. From pastas, pizzas to more elegant dishes, this is where you go to keep your party entertained all night long. Vintage vinyl records is all the chef plays, which makes it an even more classic experience. Depending on your mood, reserve seats casually downstairs, or dress up and book a table upstairs for more of a fine dining atmosphere.
“The fresh and fabulous food, the stellar wine program, the laid-back ambiance and edgy decor seem to epitomize the best of what the Montreal restaurant scene has to offer these days.”
– Lesley Chesterman
Maison Boulud
Location: 1228 Sherbrooke St. W.
Contact: 514.842.4224
maisonboulud.com
Based out of the Ritz-Carlton, this is a reoccurring national favourite. Daniel Boulud, mentioned in the Toronto blog, designed the menu with Chef Riccardo Bertolino doing the honours of preparing it. Over the years, Berolino has infused his own dishes into the menu adding a beautiful touch to the restaurants already thriving cuisine. Personal and warm, this French-Italian inspired menu is the perfect fit for the occasion. Maintaining their own identity, choose between the restaurant, bar, lounge and 24-seat private lounge to book your rehearsal dinner. The adjacent veranda dining room even has a view of the famous gardens of the Hotel. Known as a special-occasion venue, you are definitely going to exceed your taste buds’ expectations. Another pricy spot, but definitely worth it – especially if you book ahead on the terrace!
“You must have discipline and respect for others to be a good chef.”
– Riccardo Bertolino