Pizza Giovan

Getting back to the original theme of greasy eats, I'd like to talk about a little place that has become a big part of my life. While some people opt for toonie chow or buns as their "late night snack", Pizza Giovan has always been my go-to place. As ashamed as I am to admit it, I know that it's because of its location - its literally right next door to Korovas on St. Laurent. Which means that, since every night out inevitably ends with or somehow includes Korovas (despite anyone's best efforts), Pizza Giovan will always be right there for you. All that fist pumping on the Korova stage making you work up an appetite? Need a bathroom and snack stop before you commit to the sweaty vortex that is the Korova dancefloor? Need something to make you happy after witnessing all the sins taking place on that dancefloor? Pop on over to Pizza Giovans and you're night will be salvaged!

 Pizza Giovan's offers a wide selection of pizza types, some of which stray from the traditional flavours. And even you get the same type of pizza every time you go, every time can be different if you take advantage of their plethora of sauces (hot, garlic, ranch) and spices (chili flakes, garlic powder, mystery mix....). The pizza slices are cheap - but warning: they dont take debit so if you don't have cash you'll have to take out money from the atm which means service fees, and the risk of taking out $60 then forgetting about it and leaving it in the machine (it really happened...)

One of my favourite things about Pizza Giovan is Giovan himself (or the guy whos always working there when I go, who I call Giovan). He's super friendly and will help you out with which sauces to put on your pizza. He'll even let you get behind the counter and make a pizza yourself if it's your birthday! (although he'll yell at you while you're making it then kick you out)

Ellie's getting her some pizza... nom nom!

I definitely recommend that the next time you end up at Korova you give ol' Giovan a visit. Good location, friendly staff, and who knows if the pizza is actually good, but I betcha you'll enjoy it. See you there!

Verses

Gotta love when parents come to visit! This past Saturday my dad was in town... which means the perfect time to try out a restaurant that is way out of my price range that I would never have heard of otherwise. Verses Restaurant is located in the Nelligan Hotel in Old Montreal. The website describes it like this: "The finest in French contemporary cuisine. Poetry is brought to mind in the name, in the dishes served, as well as in the subtle yet romantic decor with fireplace, wine cellar and private booths." This description makes it clear that this is one fancy place. So it's a little snooty. All part of the experience! I must admit that I did feel judged by the waiter when i didn't know the Italian name for an obscure root vegetable (had I NEVER been to a shmancy restaurant before?) and just a tad judged by some of the fur-clad customers when I took my coat off myself instead of holding my arms out and letting the hostess do it for me. So maybe this restaurant wasn't what I was used to, but once I was all settled it was a new experience that I thoroughly enjoyed, and could definitely start getting used to. 

I have to say, Verses restaurant (or VERSESRESTAURANT according to the logo) really knows how to do up "class". The waiters, fully in black, effortlessly glide across the floor carrying stacks of dishes. The lighting is so dim around your booth you forget that you are in a large restaurant and that there are others around you. The food comes before you as edible art, and looks almost too pretty to eat. But once you try it, it's so good that you wonder why you have never before tried such an obscure yet perfect combination of foods. We started with foi gras (with a spiced fruit chutney and date and walnut bread) which was a perfect way to get warmed up for the delights to come. Below are the photographs of our main courses, accompanied by the description given on the menu (since they definitely say it right):

Orange glazed and lightly smoked duck breast, served with  grilled spice bread, confit carrots, blackberry sauce

Homemade ravioli stuffed with squash and aged cheddar, topped with black trumpet mushrooms and port reduction.  

If you're parents are around, or you're wheeling someone and want to show them how classy and sophisticated you are, or if you're simply craving some contemporary french food (let's be honest, who isnt always)... then I would definitely recommend trying this restaurant. Linked here is the website, where you can make a reservation online:
http://www.versesrestaurant.com/

Super Sandwich

 Super Sandwiches is not a glamorous place. But it's perfect for those weeks when work is piling up, you spend more time at the library than anywhere else, and your fridge and cupboards are barren because neither you nor your roommates have time to grocery shop. Having fallen victim to these weeks many times in my couple years at McGill, Super Sandwiches is a little home away from home that I am quite familiar with. It is located just a block from campus, in the basement of the Cartier building at Peel and Sherbrooke. While it may look like a regular dep to the untrained eye, anyone who's been there before (or reads this blog) knows that it actually sells delicious, CHEAP sandwiches. These sandwiches aren't anything to write home about - they're quite simple and you don't get to choose from elaborate toppings and sauces like at subway. That being said, they are perfect for what they are and I would (and do) choose them over subway any day. These sandwiches are big, tasty, and cheap. Types include ham and cheese, chicken salad, salami and many others, and prices range from 3.50 to 5 bucks. I find that the bread makes the sandwiches - it's always freshly baked and still warm when they hand you your sandwich in their trademark brown paper bag. To make it a full meal you can add a bag of chips and pop for only $1.75!

Smoked turkey and mustard. At my lowest point, I had this for breakfast....

 

 It's obvious to see why students love this place. This dep, though small and hidden, has generated a lot of interest around Montreal. Here's a link to a McGill Tribune article praising Super Sandwich: http://www.mcgilltribune.com/supersandwich
Just a warning: since it is so well loved, there is often a lineup that extends all around the dep at lunchtime. But don't be disheartened by this - the staff are so efficient that I've never waited for more than 5 minutes.