Perhaps the only thing we enjoy more than a great meal (especially one cooked by someone else) is perusing gourmet shops for unique delicacies. So what better way to unite these two passions than a visit to Mont Royal Avenue's newest eatery, La Cantine? 
This bistro Québécois serves up a smooth dining experience on one side, while next door delicious takeout and gourmet food are on order. The restaurant menu concentrates on a small but varied selection of top notch dishes. And after seeing the prices of the table d'hôte ($18-20), ordering a broad selection was a snap.
We started with the cleverly-named Poireau Hercule, a refreshing salad of leeks in vinaigrette. The cassolette d'artichautes (artichokes smothered in cheese), simply melted in the mouth. Plates of salmon with roasted vegetables and rice and sausages with cranberry demi-glace and steak fries were wiped clean, though we somehow found room for the homemade apple tarte.
In the boutique, we discovered organic coffees and teas (the scent of the lavender tea $5.99/100g, was intoxicating) and locally made jams and preserves ($6.49), including exotic combos like cranberry with onion (tangy) and cranberry and chocolate (heavenly).
Now if there was an easier way to combine, say, diet and exercise, we'd be all set.
La Cantine – Bistro & Boutique
www.lacantine.ca
212 Mont Royal Ave. East
514-750-9800
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