Au Pied de Cochon - French Bistro Restaurant in Montreal

Au Pied de Cochon, Montreal, Overview:

Under the leadership of culinary rebel, Chef Martin Picard, Au Pied de Cochon has become one of the most famous Montreal restaurants.

Au Pied de Cochon's celebrity status hasn't changed Chef Picard's no-nonsense approach to food though. Unimpressed by delicate, high-end cuisine that is big on presentation and multiple courses, Picard's approach is more primal: "I want people to see the reality of food," he has said.

The menu is unabashedly tailored to carnivores and favors locally grown, seasonal and natural ingredients.

Be sure to call ahead for a reservation (514) 281-1114

Au Pied de Cochon Menu Highlights:

Au Pied de Cochon may not be the best restaurant choice for vegetarians and vegans. Known for its meats cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection, Au Pied de Cochon also serves up foie gras in numerous, inventive ways.

Highlights include:

• Duck in a can - half a mallard duck, foie gras, garlic and balsamic demi-glaze, canned, cooked and ceremoniously opened a the table and poured over bread and celeriac puree
• Foie gras-topped poutine
• Venison tongue in tarragon sauce
• Pigs feet
• For dessert try Pouding Chomeur - cake topped with a mixture of cream and maple syrup and baked.

Au Pied de Cochon - Be Warned:

The dinner I had with a group of friends was tempered by two things:
1. The air conditioning was on so high, my six friends and I were all uncomfortably cold.
2. Two people in the party ordered a deep fried foie gras appetizer. The waiter advised them to "wait a minute" for it to cool down. Even after waiting two minutes, both women badly burnt the inside of their mouths and could not thoroughly enjoy the rest of their meals.

Price:

Two people can expect to pay at least Cdn$100 (tax and tip in) for an appetizer, main course, shared dessert and half-bottle of house wine.

Getting to Au Pied de Cochon / Contact Au Pied de Cochon:

Address: 536 Duluth Avenue East

Neighborhood: Plateau Mont-Royal
By subway: Get off at Sherbrooke.
Phone: Call (514) 281-1114 to confirm hours or make reservations (recommended).

Hours :

Tuesday to Sunday, from 5 p.m. to midnight.

Au Pied de Cochon Tips:

Make a reservation. Au Pied de Cochon is a popular place. Don't be discouraged if you can only get a late reservation - the restaurant gets quite animated and is a lot of fun as the night goes on.

Other:

Au Pied de Cochon is wheelchair accessible.