Five restaurants to try this fall

Grumman ’78 headquarters. Photo by Tracey Lindeman

Fall is always a great time of year to eat out. The local produce is still amazing and abundant, the cooler weather brings with it a hearty appetite, and I want nothing than to drink big-ass glasses of red wine while wearing a cable-knit sweater. With so many new restaurants to check out, here are my picks — which, by the way, Cult MTL will be reviewing in the coming weeks.

Grumman ’78 headquarters
The Grumman ’78 food counter at the Faubourg recently packed up and left the food court due to a growing problem with cockroaches that the landlord would not rectify. But, as they say, when one door closes, another one opens — and this door just happens to be the incredible Grumman Headquarters on de Courcelle in St-Henri. Usually reserved for private parties and events, they now do a dinner service with a full menu and bar from Wednesday to Friday starting at 6 p.m. With an open, airy atmosphere and white lights strung across the high ceilings, there is no better place to warm up, sample some of their infamous tacos and, especially, get down and dirty with their incredible fried chicken.
630 de Courcelle; 514-290-5125

Maison Publique
After chef Derek Dammann and his business partner and friend Alex Cruz left their restaurant DNA in Old Montreal, everyone was eagerly awaiting word on what they would do next. With a little investment from Dammann’s former boss Jamie Oliver, Dammann set out to build his dream spot — a tavern in the Plateau serving a more relaxed style of food in an accessible, inviting environment. Although they just opened to the public this Wednesday, there is no doubt that this will be the hottest ticket in town. Why? Although the quality of Dammann’s food is the same, the prices are way more affordable, and the place itself is stunning. 4720 Marquette (corner Gilford); 514-507-0555

Blackstrap BBQ
It would be an understatement to say that Blackstrap owners Clara Barron and Dylan Kier love barbecue. Not only were they named the Grand Champion at this year’s Festival Mondial du Grill, they even took a 10-day trip down south to eat their way through several states, sampling some of the best grilled goods on offer. Formerly of the restaurant Griffintown in Little Burgundy, they’ve now set up shop on Wellington, in Verdun, with  a more laidback, minimalist approach where you order at the counter from a menu offering combinations of pork, brisket, turkey, chicken and ribs, either to eat in or take out. Though Blackstrap opened recently, it already boasts a devout following of lovers of all things smoked and meaty. This is one barbecue joint worth checking out. 4436 Wellington; 514-507-6772

Hotel Herman
Located on St-Laurent, in what were once La Montée de Lait’s digs, Hotel Herman looks simple but stylish, with the perfect combo of industrial and inviting. From the soft statement lights to the room’s centrepiece, a horseshoe bar, the place is nice. Its owners, Dominique Goyet, Ariane Lacombe and chef Marc-Alexandre Mercier, are no strangers to Montreal’s restaurant scene. With a simple menu of smaller dishes meant to be shared, an emphasis on seasonal produce and a carefully chosen wine list, it’s the perfect setting to sit at the bar, have a nice glass of wine, start with a couple of oysters and take it from there. 5171 St-Laurent; 514-278-7000

Furco
This new bar and restaurant gets its name from the location — smack dab in the middle of the fur district, on Mayor, just off of Bleury. With seven owners, including some from Buvette chez Simone, Furco is open until 3 a.m. for drinks but also serves up a variety of dishes — everything from a 5-à-7 snack of tartares and Asian-style rolls, to a full dinner meal. With the kitchen open from 6 p.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday, this location is sure to draw the after-work crowds as well as the late-night scenesters. 425 Mayor St.; 514-764-3588 ■