It can be hard to decide where to eat in Montreal because of the sheer number of options available. This is especially true in the Plateau, where Richy Farkas and Elias and Georges Medlej bring a little taste of Lebanon to the downtown crowds.
But without spending a cent on advertising, Trip de Bouffe has blossomed since opening in the summer of 2012. The many regular customers it receives are a testament to the quality of the food and service.
There are other Lebanese restaurants in the Plateau, but most of them are fast food establishments. The trio wanted to bring something more authentic to the neighbourhood they love. They decided on Lebanese food with a Quebec influence, so the flavours are a little different from the traditional.
“All the good Lebanese food is in the suburbs,” says Georges. “There’s nothing in the Plateau. We wanted to make it more accessible.”
Richy adds, “Like manoushes, for example. You have to go far to get a manoush. You have to go Ville Saint Laurent, or the West Island, or other places as far as that.”
I've had the food, it's great! But they use so much disposable plastic. In an effort to be less wasteful, I like to bring my containers to places like this and they fill up my own containers with their food. It's great! I spoke to the owner about bringing my own containers and he said it's not possible. They fill up in wasteful plastic early in the morning. He wouldn't budge. Just didn't seem at all interested in being less wasteful. It was sad. I won't be going there anymore.
Trip de Bouffe serves up fresh Lebanese sandwiches and other Middle Eastern fare daily. It's a great place to grab a falafel sandwich over lunch. Though the restaurant is small, a table is usually open. They also offer ready-made meals to go. The service is efficient and the staff is very friendly.
Being of Syrian origin, it really vexes us that most people associate our region’s cuisine with shish taouk and shawarma only. With this list, we're taking it upon ourselves to promote our colorful, healthy and delicious cuisine. Do us a favor and visit one of these places for an experience you won’t soon forget. We guarantee they’ll make you feel like family!