This vegetarian’s favorite Montreal restos

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As a vegetarian of almost a decade dwelling in Montreal, I’ve been interacting with the restaurant scene lengthy sufficient to witness it change. It felt arduous to search out someplace veggie-friendly to eat at first, when it appeared like you could possibly rely well-known choices on one hand.

With the rise in reputation of plant-based diets got here an inflow of vegan/vegetarian eating places throughout town, and veggie-friendly choices at different eating places, too.

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It’s loads simpler to navigate now than it was again then; I barely fear about checking menus upfront anymore even when they aren’t particularly vegan/vegetarian. Odds are, except you’re going to a steakhouse, there will likely be just a few choices — and never only a home salad! Yay!

I nonetheless love a completely veggie choice for extra selection. There are additionally so many tasty vegan eating places these days that I can deliver my omnivore family and friends alongside with out having to do a lot convincing.

So, with that, I’d prefer to share the highest three vegan locations (in no explicit order) I’ve come to adore:

Aux Vivres

(vegan, numerous influences)

Aux Vivres has been my go-to from the beginning (it was the primary vegan restaurant within the metropolis) and has remained considered one of my go-tos ever since.

(Disclaimer: I labored right here for 2 years. Nevertheless, I cherished it for years earlier than then — therefore why I utilized — and I actually do find it irresistible nonetheless.)

I discover it tough to resolve what to order as a result of I genuinely take pleasure in all the things, however my favorite is unquestionably the dragon bowl — principally as a result of the sauce is to die for. I’m additionally an enormous fan of the wraps (Mekong and gyro are my favourites) and the appetizers (pakoras, tempeh satay!)

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Aux Vivres might be finest identified for its bowls, composed of rice, lettuce and a wide range of greens with considered one of many signature sauces, however there are additionally plenty of hearty choices like chana paratha and chilli. There’s one thing for everybody, I promise. In the event you’re bringing a skeptical omnivore alongside (or if you’re one), I recommend the chilli!

Open every single day, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., 4631 St-Laurent Blvd., 514-543-1267 or 4896 Sherbrooke St., Westmount, 514-842-3479; auxvivres.com

Shushu Haru

(vegan sushi)

Shushu Haru got here into my life lower than a 12 months in the past and it’s already the restaurant I’ve been to most frequently this 12 months.

I’ve by no means really been a fan of fish, so I’ve by no means ordered any of the mock-seafood choices, however I’m a giant fan of the vegetable rolls. I’ve tried many and have cherished all of them. My favourites are the tempura asparagus with truffle and the tempura candy potato.

It is a place the place I get overly enthusiastic about appetizers — specifically, the miso soup, gyozas, and, in fact, edamames.

There’s a spread of choices — along with sushi, they’ve plates like Basic Tao (additionally to die for).

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I’d additionally prefer to shout out the employees right here as a result of they’re so extremely candy (no shade to the employees on the different locations on this checklist).

Open Thursday to Monday for lunch and every single day for dinner, 2602 St-Patrick St., 438-380-9388, shushuharu.ca

Mimi and Jones

(vegan diner)

I nearly forgot about Mimi and Jones whereas making an attempt to recollect my vegan go-tos, which is absurd as a result of I commonly exit of my option to get to this one.

I’m obsessive about the hen burger, and likewise the vibes. It has an old-school diner really feel (full with a jukebox!) that I’m notably hooked up to for Moe’s-related causes.

The Caesar salad and fries are additionally scrumptious.

I haven’t really tried the rest as a result of I’ve no cause to stray from my order, however my accomplice has tried a bunch of stuff and has cherished all of it. The menu consists of diner-inspired meals, so burgers and sandwiches and fries. Additionally they have scrumptious vegan milkshakes, which is enjoyable for the hypocrite in me who will eat cheese however not drink milk.

Open Wednesday by means of Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m., 5149 Parc Ave., 438-375-4646, clubvegangels.com/mimi-jones

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Honourable point out: Chains with veggie choices

Now, this can be controversial … however I wish to shout out chains like A&W for going out of their option to embody mock meats in order that we herbivores can have regular human experiences, like while you’re on Freeway 401 and must get meals at a relaxation cease and don’t wish to spend $15 on grapes from the comfort retailer.

I’m additionally simply obsessive about the Past Meat burger from A&W particularly. I order it so typically that it could be deceptive to not embody it as an honourable point out. It’s what I order on Uber Eats in a pinch (OK, fantastic, possibly additionally NOT in a pinch) and I’m at all times glad (besides once they overlook to incorporate my chipotle mayo.)

KFC has additionally added plant-based hen burgers to its menu, as has Pizza Pizza. I’d clearly take a Mimi and Jones hen burger over one from a series any day, however alas, typically you’ve acquired to accept a fast-food choice.

I stay up for extra well-known chains providing veggie choices sooner or later.

Your transfer, McDonald’s.

kthomas@postmedia.com

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