Brasserie La Residence: great food at great prices

Brasserie La Residence has been the go-to spot for a quick beer and fantastic ambience for West Islanders for as long as this reviewer can remember – but what you may not know is that inside of that brasserie lies the heart of a four-star restaurant.

Knowing full well La Residence's signature chicken wings are still on the menu and are as good as ever, we went another way and tried some different dishes for our meal.

My companion opted for the French onion soup,($4.50) while I opted for the sautéed mushrooms ($3.75) and a fresh vegetable platter ($4.75). Both were scrumptious, while my companion savoured every last bit of her onion soup. Other appetizers on the menu include a nacho platter, garlic bread, shrimp cocktail and a trio platter that's sure to please groups of diverse tastes.

I would be remiss were I not to mention the casual, yet homey ambience of 'the Rez.' It's old-world-style décor, blended with liberal use of leafy plants, lends the place the feeling of being at your own dining room table at home – except with better lighting, better food and more televisions.

In fact, the more time I spend in the West Island, I find that everybody has their own favourite La Residence memory; mine was watching the Canadiens defeat the Los Angeles Kings in Game 3 of the 1993 Stanley Cup finals, and it's been home to a warm place in my heart ever since.

Back to the narrative. For the main course, I opted for La Residence's famous 16 oz. Baron Dotovitch ($18.95) grilled boneless prime rib served with fries and vegetables while my companion decided on the chicken brochette with rice ($13.25). We were both blown away by the quality and attention to detail in the grilled meat, and the French fries came out hot, crisp and chewy. One word: Wow! The dishes were impeccable, the service stellar and the ambience was fantastic. One thing to keep in mind is that most dishes on the menu can be had for under $10, especially at lunchtime. For diners who are looking for quality and value, La Residence is definitely the place for you.

Brasserie La Residence is located at 4705 St. John's Blvd. at the corner of Anselme-Lavigne in Pierrefonds and is open seven days a week. Children are admitted in its solarium, and a children's menu is available at $3.99, including dessert.

For more information, contact them at 514-626-6803 or visit them on the web at www. www.brasserielaresidence.com.