Houston Avenue Bar & Grill opens new location on Peel Street

Downtown Montreal has a new dining experience just in time for the summer terrace season.

Houston Avenue Bar & Grill  -- which has 11 locations in Quebec and Ontario -- opened up a new location at 2042 Peel Street (between De Maisonneuve Boulevard and Sherbrooke Street) that offers tourists, businessmen or those who enjoy a night out for fine dining or getting together with friends, great food and drinks in an atmosphere that is classy, relaxing and festive.

At a special launch event that took place on June 16, invited guests got the opportunity to sample what the new Houston Avenue Bar and Grill Peel has to offer. First off, we were welcomed with a glass of J.P. Chenet Ice Edition, a sparking wine that was served on ice. Now available at SAQ outlets everywhere, this was a refreshing new way to enjoy a glass of sparking wine, especially with the hot weather now upon us. I was dazzled by the decor, in which patrons can choose between opulently set tables in the restaurant or the terrace overlooking Peel Street, comfortably-padded private booths, or the bar that is set practically in the middle of main floor of the restaurant, which is surrounded by a network of large flat screen TV monitors, which is always tuned into a baseball, football or soccer match. And that welcome feeling that emanates from Houston Peel is further exemplified by the charming hostesses who make you feel more than just a restaurant customer from the moment you enter the place and continues throughout your dining experience (and special kudos go to Gabrielle, the genial hostess who was manning the door, who greeted every guest with a warm smile and friendly greeting, and always made sure that our time at Houston Peel was enjoyable throughout the evening).

Gabrielle, one of Houston Peel's genial hostesses

And of course, the food was the star of the evening, as we got the chance to get a taste of what executive chef Joe Mercuri and his kitchen staff will be preparing for patrons. It ranged from lobster tacos and tuna tartare, mini filet mignon burgers, beer battered sticky chicken, and the item that was the hit of the evening, Oriental-style crispy ribs with BBQ sauce and covered in sesame seeds and challots.  As well, Houston Peel's varied menu  includes filet mignon, sirloin, seafood, rib steak, prime rib au jus, barbecued ribs and salads.

Tuna Tartare (left) and Lobster Tacos

So if you want a complete downtown dining experience for a businessman's lunch, a 5 a 7 after work bit of relaxation, a special occasion, or an intimate dinner for two -- indoors or outdoors -- Houston Avenue Bar & Grill Peel is the place to be.

For more information -- or reservations -- call 514-844-2121 or go to www.houstonresto.com.