Far be it from me to discourage you from enjoying brunch at one of these fine Montreal breakfast hot spots -- although Cosmo's 10-stool diner leaves much to be desired in the context of Easter formality, and you can forget about squeezing a bunny in there -- but I'd like to point out the Montreal restaurants below for your Easter brunch consideration, each offering a special holiday menu.
April 6 to April 9, 2012
Brunch and Maple Taffy at Espace la Fontaine
Parc La Fontaine's Espace La Fontaine proposes an affordable Easter brunch menu (think $10 to $15 per person, or less): eggs poached in maple syrup, house smoked salmon eggs Benedict, and a maple taffy snow stand will be set up every day of the occasion. Kids who draw on their placemats will have their artwork put on display on restaurant walls. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations recommended at (514) 280-2525. Information in French only.
April 8, 2012
Le Saint-Gabriel
Old Montreal's Le Saint-Gabriel offers a three-course Easter brunch -- poached eggs in a puff pastry; salmon baked with goat cheese, spinach, olive oil sauce with pine nuts; roasted peppercorn tenderloin, gratin dauphinois, wilds mushrooms, seasonal vegetables -- complemented by pastries, scallop ceviche, local cheeses and more goodies. A sure bet. Costs $55 plus taxes and tip. Reservations required at (514) 878-3561.
April 8, 2012
Easter Brunch at Verses
Salmon gravlax with beetroots, chioggia beat carpaccio, sparkling maple candy and pumpkin seeds. Poached egg with shredded braised pork and shoestring potato poutine. Triple chocolate mousse cake with cherry coulis. One of a few possible three-course combinations at the Old Montreal restaurant. For $39 ($18 for under age 12). Reservations required at (514) 788-4000.
April 8, 2012
Bistro Cocagne
Braised shoulder of lamb and lentil crepes with marinated salmon, green apples and dill mustard, saumon two items of the five-course menu proposed for Easter brunch in the Plateau neighborhood mid-sized dining room (accommodates up to 70 people notwithstanding a private room for groups of up to 20). Costs $42 for five courses plus taxes and tip. Reservations required at (514) 286-0700.
