How to score with hardcore sports fans

This Week’s Best of The West industrious testers at the Chronicle, attempted the near-impossible last Friday, as they underwent the arduous process of trying to figure out the West Island’s Best Place to Catch the Game in, gulp, 1) Hockey’s off season and, double gulp, 2) the peak working hours of the afternoon, where the usual suspects, aka. sports venues, tend to turn into ghost towns.

One would think the opening ceremony for the summer Olympics in Beijing would draw a decent crowd of folks playing hooky from work towards a long-lunch hour of distractions, but somehow even the 2008 Olympics, an international event known to mankind since the time of Ancient Greece (with its gazillion of athletes vying for gold) did not necessitate the jam packed sports bars that are a basic fact of life when our beloved Habs come out to play.

Alas, this week’s Best of the West score boards are a combination of our testers’ collective memory of sportier times (at least in the “sports bar to fan ratio” sense) as well as a dash of acquired instinct for scoping out the greatest overall “whoot” “whoot” environment in the West (other then your derriere-imprinted couch) to cheer on your favourite sports team. Criteria considered were the view and size of the TV screens, the speed and friendliness of food and beverage services, and the atmosphere/fan factor.

Placing fifth overall, was McKibbin’s Irish Pub West (6361 Trans-Canada Highway) which may rock heavy with fans coming out to hear their favourite bands, but did not do so well to accommodate sport enthusiasts. Collecting only 184 points out of a possible overall 250, many of our testers attributed its low score to the awkward positions of its TV screens (a big no-no with sports fans that don’t want to strain their necks). An unfortunate phenomenon, because McKibbin’s certainly doesn’t lack in delectable pub grub and yeast based beverages.

In fourth place was Brasserie Hymus (177 Hymus Blvd) with a total score of 184 out of 250 points. The Chronicle’s Editor, Albert Kramberger was “pleasantly surprised that Hymus’ screens were at eye level with the viewers.”

Le Manoir (600 St.John’s Blvd) a reoccurring Best of the West feature spot, and winner of the best watering hole, place third in this week’s challenge, with 189 out of 250 points. While Le Manoir scored high amongst our baby boomer and Generation X testers, it lost points with The Chronicle’s not so enthused Generation Y-ers. The atmosphere just doesn’t attract the rowdy, painted faced, sport fanatics in their teen and early 20s, which may or may not be a good thing.

Coming in at a comfortable second was Jack Astor’s Restaurant (3051 Sources Blvd). It scored high, with 195 points out of 250, for its spunky sporty service.

In first place was Cage Aux Sports (6321 Trans-Canada Highway), the only finalist to break 200, with 214.5 points out of a 250 total. The place has a notable advantage, as its market targets every aspect of business success towards sports. But what the heck, it works! Can you really argue that le Cage is not a notorious sports resto-bar, when every waiter is wearing a jersey while dishing out your hot wings? Though beyond all its hype, a real sports fan will also dig Le Cage’s attention to details, “You got a view from any seat in the house” said editor Kramberger. When it comes down to it, isn’t that what really matters?

Nominations for best scenic view, best chicken wings and best hot beverage are still being accepted. Phone in or e-mail your suggestions to 514-685-4690, ext. 243, marc.lalonde@transcontinental.ca, editor@transcontinental.ca, and info.citésnouvelles@transcontinental.ca.

Restaurant Calzone, 3717 St. Charles Blvd. in Kirkland, 514-426-9000

Ristorante Fornello, 3360 Sources Blvd. in Dollard des Ormeaux, 514-421-1422

La Dolce Vita, 3776 St. Charles Blvd. in Kirkland, 514-695-3212

Brasserie Le Manoir, 600 St. John’s Blvd. in Pointe Claire, 514-695-2071

La Perle, 4230 St. John’s Blvd. in Dollard des Ormeaux, 514-624-6010

Cap St. Jacques, 20099 Gouin Blvd. West in Pierrefonds/Roxboro, 514-280-6871

La Roulotte, 10 Paiement St. in Ste. Geneviève, 514-626-2888

Delibee’s Restaurant, 24 Valois Bay Ave., Pointe Claire. 514-693-1163

Aug. 20

Aug. 27

Sept. 3