The dark, cluttered basement of La Belle Tonkinoise (rue Jean-Talon) has been transformed during the pandemic and is now home to a joyful snack bar that promises to be. On the menu at Mange in my Hood: smash burgers, homemade fries, poutine, and a guaranteed nostalgia atmosphere!
We will have understood that we are far from the Asian cuisine with Quebec ascendants to which we have so far been accustomed by the “two Michels”, Mitch Nguyen and Michel Lim, behind the fusion concept of La Belle Tonki (rue Beaubien Est). Think more of a canteen kitchen, like in our childhood. With a reduced menu, of course, but no less comforting. Turnstile stools included.
The smash burgers, these little balls chopped twice, gently crushed over the heat, for maximum flavor (and crispiness), are here served twice in a soft bun that melts in your mouth. The filling is reduced to its bare minimum (slice of cheese, onion, tomato, lettuce, pickle), and it works very well that way. Special mention to the homemade sauce which gives a hell of a taste of coming back. To wash it all down, a small selection of natural wines, microbrewery beers and other exotic soft drinks to discover.
Good to know: we kept, for the “tribute”, the old poster of La Belle Tonkinoise in the front of the restaurant. Don’t look for any mention of MDMH on the outside, you won’t find any. On the other hand, and as soon as the good weather allows it, terraces at the front and at the back should attract enthusiasts. Besides, that’s the goal: to make it a gathering place, “without having to go to the Old Port”. “Like a kind of Place Jacques-Cartier, in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie”, confide the two co-owners, accomplices and friends.
