A close, longtime friend was in Montréal for his birthday and we were trying to decide where to meet for breakfast, a walk, a visit. He was downtown and I was at home in Rosemont. I suggested that we meet near Parc Laurier because it’s one of my favourites and it would take each of us about the same time to get there (him on his roller blades, me on foot). We were both open to wandering about and trying somewhere that we’d never been, so, when we came across Le Sain Bol, in we went.
The rustic wooden tables and large windows make the small dining area of Le Sain Bol bright and warm. The open kitchen (pictured above) is where, with local and organic ingredients, chef and owner, Frédéric Houtin, creates his weekly and weekend menus. My friend and I had the French toast with fresh fruit compote and maple syrup (absolutely perfect) as we caught up on life and talked about what had been filling our days and thoughts (as old friends do).
It was following our curiosity, rather than a recommendation or a review, that led my friend and I to our breakfast that morning. If you read the reviews, though, Le Sain Bol does come recommended, with one review offering this description: “a meal here is like eating at Houtin’s house“. After having been to Le Sain Bol, what I can tell you is this: I think we should all go to Frédéric Houtin’s house for breakfast.
a few words ... from Montréal 