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Name: Jazz Poulin Sex: Male
Traveller Type: Travel Professional Age: 24 - 35 yrs old
Residence: Montreal, Canada Rank: 1 (3555 pts) +0 today

About me: So much to see, so little time! I hope our reviews will make your trip more enjoyable :)

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My Reviews



Scarlet - good spot for the trendy traveler

I’ve been to Scarlet once and enjoyed my experience there. When we first pulled up in our taxi I thought man, no windows, this place seems sketchy but the moment you walk in you begin to appreciate this trendy little restaurant.

The sushi entree was good, they played relaxing music and the dim lighting made for a romantic evening (I was with my lady at that time). The drinks came out quickly and were well presented. Scarlet was one of the few restaurants that stood out in my mind, everything just seemed to work well and I just couldn’t believe that I had driven by this place a million times and didn’t think about trying it out for dinner…..I’m glad I did.

Taste

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Atmosphere

Value

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60%
Review Score
Posted: on 16/4/09
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The chefs here are clearly experienced

Like most good places, you hear about it from friends. Monica told us about this restaurant so Guv and I decided to try it….it’s on Amherst, just up the street from where I use to live. I wasn’t disappointed…

Our waiter suggested this ginger drink, I did and still talk about it with friends. I love ginger, the mix was interesting because you thought you were drinking flavored ginger water but don’t be fooled…..she packs a punch (after a few). Next up the entrée and mains which scored very high in presentation and taste…the deserts were very creative and delicious. As the meal went on I wanted more….my only complaint was that the portions were a little on the small side. Maybe I was extra hungry that day, or maybe I was just really enjoying it all….the chefs here are clearly experienced.

Try to book in advance when supposedly once a month these 2 chefs go at it (not in the gay village way….yes, your in the village) but with a dramatic competition whereas everyone in the restaurant votes for the better chef after each round is served. Overall very creative, taste was great and the service completed the whole experience.

Taste

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Atmosphere

Value

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84%
Review Score
Posted: on 14/4/09
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Great coconut shrimp....fresh oysters too

My love for Maestro S.V.P. began one Grand Prix weekend when I walked by and noticed the fresh oyster bar, in particular this gentleman that was trying an oyster shot (yes, a shot….vodka, Tabasco, salt and a fresh oyster). I managed to convince the ladies to try some (I heard oysters were good for the mojo, I needed every bit of help that day) and they loved them.

I’ve been there many times since, always ordering the coconut shrimp and fresh oysters. It’s one of the few sea food restaurants in Montreal that I know of. They’re consistent with their service and the food seems fresh. With a few drinks you won’t be walking out of there without a bill in the $150 – $220 Canadian range (for 2 people) so be aware of this if you plan to take out a special lady…..fresh seafood isn’t cheap.

Take advantage of the location and stroll down St. Laurent where you can easily join your friends for a night out of dancing. Just make sure to pack some breath mints, clubbing with fish breath isn’t cool.

Taste

Creativity

Atmosphere

Value

Service

72%
Review Score
Posted: on 14/4/09
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Perfect for the Trendy Traveler

If you’re a trendy traveler, this is definitely a place you need to check out. Wednesday nights are big with locals, dress up and head out for a few martinis while enjoying some house tunes. I like Wunderbar, it’s small enough that you feel like you’ve been invited to a private party and the crowd tends to be a bit older which can also make for a great evening if you’re looking to meet young professionals.

Partying at a trendy hotel is nothing new for international travelers but in Montreal, not many hotels or the Casino, has truly invested in making their respective bars / lounges the place to be when going out. The W Montreal got it right with its Wunderbar….get your wallets out, it’s not the cheapest place to go out but it’s worth it once in a while….try the Wunderbar.

Sexiness

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Value

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68%
Review Score
Posted: on 14/4/09
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A boutique hotel worth staying at....loved those comfortable beds!

I’ve stayed in the Nelligan twice and usually stop by a few times during the summer to grab a bite to eat at Verses Sky, their rooftop restaurant. What I remember best about the Nelligan is how comfortable their beds were….maybe it’s because both times when I decided to stay there I was out partying late so they seemed “extra” comfortable but I loved them. I’m also a big fan of boutique hotels that have exposed brick walls, so much so when I purchased a loft in Montreal I made sure it also had exposed brick.

The hotel is in the heart of Old Montreal so you’re within walking distance to several art galleries, restaurants, and of course place Jacques Cartier which is always nice to see…..even if it’s a tourist thing to do  The staff was friendly but I was very disappointed to have to pay full fare when I checked in one late night after a snow storm (and yes, I was drinking….our company party took place at the hotel) and didn’t want to drive home. It was 3 am……I guess rules are rules but man, you would think I would have received a discount after we hosted our company party there! So I paid and took 2 apples….not one.

Overall, a great boutique hotel and I would suggest this to trendy, middle class and maybe the business traveler who wants to be near some Old Montreal action but yet not too far from where most conferences are held. Enjoy your stay!

PS. Make sure that you don’t book a room near the rooftop terrace during the summer, gets busy with restaurant clients and the hallways are small.

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68%
Review Score
Posted: on 13/4/09
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The Big "C".....great place to start the night

Ahhhh yes, the Big “C” as we call it with the boyz. There’s nothing like hoping in the Mustang with your best boyz and heading to the Casino prior to partying downtown. The valet parking ensures a quick entrance, head to the second floor where I suggest you have a warm up drink at the “Le Carre” bar. FYI….Unlike Vegas, you can’t walk around with booze so I’ll usually tip the bartender and kindly ask him for a cup of coffee…..with no coffee  A triple rum and coke. If dealers ask you if there’s alcohol in that drink just say “it’s only coca cola”

I’ve been to many casinos around the world and overall I haven’t had much luck in Montreal….break even (The Wynn in Macau, China was very good to me). The Casino de Montreal now includes Texas Holdem Poker and features all the games a conventional casino offers. Friday / Saturday are fun nights…other times can be depressing as you’ll see older people gamble their pensions away, unable to hide their bitter faces. It’s a sad sight.

Ideally you’re out of there by 11pm and your heading downtown (15 mins by car) to spend your winnings. I wish they had built the casino a little closer to downtown but maybe it’s slightly isolated location is a good thing for us. If you play Roulette, I suggest always putting a little on 0….black 11 is my number…..good luck!

Sexiness

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Value

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60%
Review Score
Posted: on 9/4/09
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Will be in town for a BP from the 1st to the 4th of October, lots of activities planned, dinner at Q de C, a little golf...and of course hitting up the casino is a must...I like it all poker, roulette, blackjack, craps...do you know if they have the bonus texas hold em table game? It's not the regular texas hold em you play in the poker rooms, it's a table game played against the dealer similar to 3 card poker...the tables have little maps of texas where you place your ante, flop, turn and river bet...anyway I can't wait!

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Dance away baby

I’ve been to Rouge many times, maybe too many. I respect the no sausage party rule which means if you show up with a bunch of guys, there’s a 95% chance you won’t make it in. It’s an older crowd, 23 – 30ish and people here are generally pretty laid back.

The music bounces around, a variety that will make most people happy. It can get pretty busy but there’s usually enough room to dance….head upstairs for more room. Getting a booth usually isn’t a problem if you show up early and order a bottle minimum.

Rouge in my mind is an older version of Tokyo, it’s not too fancy, a solid average if that makes any sense? Maybe it’s because my true love is more house music, open air clubs we see in Playa, Budapest, etc….but if you’re coming to Montreal and you want to mingle with locals, this is a good spot. Oh…..did I tell you that women in Montreal are beautiful?

Some negative points to consider…..they often want people to pay cash which is ridiculous in my opinion. The bathrooms are tiny as hell, there’s nothing more awkward then peeing with a wasted guy swaying close to you…..touching your arm…..and poor ladies, there’s always a massive line up. Overall though, try it and let me know how your night out at Rouge went.

Sexiness

Atmosphere

Excitement

Value

Service

64%
Review Score
Posted: on 9/4/09
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Try the sushi on Thurs + Fri nights

Guv and I were driving in our ultra cool mini moke trying to find this place, I was desperate for sushi which Café Luna offers Thursday and Friday nights. Access to good sushi on my new home island was tough to find so I was very pumped when Christine and the ladies suggested we meet up for sushi night.

Café Luna is located at Little Arches hotel….on your drive there you’re going to say “are we lost?” but trust me, it’s there. The restaurant was busy, I could tell this is where guys bring their ladies for a nice dinner. The crowd varied from young guys like me to a family or two with kids….one thing was for sure, everyone was excited for sushi.

Coming from Montreal my expectations are pretty high when it comes to eating out. I’m a sashimi guy and with most sushi places that I travel too in remote countries, the pieces are small, not always fresh, and disgustingly expensive. When my plate came out I was very surprised to see large fresh pieces of sushi / sashimi…..wow, I was impressed.

I haven’t tried Zen which is suppose to be the sushi place in Barbados but Café Luna was good, actually, it was great for a small island of 275,000 people. The service was good, meals came out pretty quickly, lighting was good, lots of fresh air, a little on the pricey side but hey….sushi is never cheap right?

Taste

Creativity

Atmosphere

Value

Service

64%
Review Score
Posted: on 9/4/09
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Steps away from the Sandy Lane hotel

I’ve visited Landfall villa on 3 separate occasions in the last 5 years. It’s one of the few large villas in Barbados that’s located directly on the beach. One of its strongest points is its location……literally steps away from the Sandy Lane Hotel which for you that don’t know, it was an old historical hotel that received a $1 billion USD extreme makeover……also where Tiger Woods was married.

The water is calm on this beach, you can snorkel out to a sunken ship from the villa which is cool. Like most villas in Barbados, Landfall includes full staff so you don’t have to stress out about making meals….or keep your eye out on the kids, there’s a team in place to ensure you chill out.

I think this villa is ideal for families. Clients from the UK tend to like this style vs. the Cove Spring House which is more “North American”. You’re close to Holetown if you want to venture out for a dinner…..although as most villa rental clients quickly learn, once you grow accustom to the staff, you don’t want to venture out. If you’re looking for prime West coast location and want to be near the Sandy Lane hotel and it’s facilities….Landfall is the villa for you.

Disclosure: I’m a shareholder in Luxury Retreats International which rents the Cove Spring House.

Cleanliness

Rooms

Amenities

Value

Service

68%
Review Score
Posted: on 9/4/09
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A special villa for a special time

How could I ever forget this place. When we first started CaribbeanWay in early 2000 we were fortunate enough to fly everyone to stay at the Cove to experience what villa were all about. Since then I’ve seen the villa several times, had dinner there a month ago with the owner and his beautiful girlfriend who did a great job with the interior design.

The Cove Spring House is pretty much the largest villa you can rent in Barbados. Renovations on a new sushi bar and dinning area on the terrace were almost complete. Lying out on the day beds while one of several staff kindly asks how you would like your bloody Caesar…..spicy or not (they knew Canadians love Caesars).

I have visited many villas in my young life and Cove is one of the few WOW villas. It’s not just the service, or fact that you have a small beach to yourself (it’s small) or even the high tech home cinema, it’s the look on peoples faces when you bring them back to the villa for dinner or after a hard night of drinking and dancing. Make magic happen at the Cove and invite your family, friends or seal the deal with that special lady….a special villa for a special time.

Disclosure: I’m a shareholder in Luxury Retreats International which rents the Cove Spring House.

Cleanliness

Rooms

Amenities

Value

Service

88%
Review Score
Posted: on 9/4/09
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