This week Montreal's food scene is introducing some unexpected combinations. A Chinatown restaurant is serving rice burgers that reimagine the traditional bun. Kraft Heinz is making sure no bowl is left behind with new plant-based and gluten-free versions of Canada's favourite comfort food. And when it comes to spring desserts in the city, you can definitely put all your eggs in one basket. Mini egg treats are making a seasonal comeback.
Here are the tasty highlights:
Sugar shack ice cream
Where: Multiple locations
Reason to Try: For those waffling between spring warmth and cool refreshment, the new sugar shack-inspired drink from Gaufres et Glaces might be the perfect middle ground. You can get a maple-infused milkshake or soft-serve cone, complete with a classic maple cookie and donut garnish. The shop also offers extensive customization options with 21 Belgian chocolate dips, 12 toppings, nine flavours of soft serve, and even homemade gelato, crêpes, and fondues.
Chinatown rice burgers
Where: 1050, rue Clark
Reason to Try: Montreal's Chinatown has a new Japanese fusion restaurant serving street food. Their signature rice burger swaps out the conventional bread bun for a crispy rice patty. The buns are toasted to give a light smoky flavour and a satisfying crunch. Fuji Corner's karaage fried chicken is also highly recommended, described by one reviewer as "simply divine."
Customers praise the quick service and friendly staff. If you dine on the second floor, you'll be surrounded by large windows that let in plenty of light and offer a good view of the area.
Plant-based KD
Boxes of dairy-free KD.
Kraft Heinz is stirring the pot with a new vegan-friendly line: KD NotMacandCheese. It's the first plant-based version of classic KD, which they say "looks and tastes like the original" without any dairy. You can find it in Original and White Cheddar Style at local grocery stores.
There's also a new gluten-free version of KD. The launch follows a major consumer push, with over 15,000 Canadians signing a viral petition to get a more inclusive version of the comfort food. If you were one of the signees noodling for change, the new offerings show where there's a whisk, there's a way.
Mini egg treats
Montreal's spring dessert scene is hopping into action with mini egg-themed treats. Each spot puts a unique spin on the seasonal candy favourite. You can get colourful mini egg cheesecakes from Buono Bites, or egg-ceptional frozen scoops from Wild Willy's.
Atelier Biscoui is baking gooey, Easter-themed cookies, and Calem Creamery is stocking its customized ice cream with mini egg mix-ins. Rustique Pies is bringing back their mini-egg triple chocolate chip cookies, and Rockaberry is serving up a special Easter egg pie.
The treats won't be around for long, so better hop on pre-ordering before they vanish like the last snow.
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