The snow has melted into spring 2003 and Montreal blossoms with a new line up of excellent restaurants. Local restaurant goers, as well as our neighbours across the border, can only anticipate what will be new and happening this spring in fabulous Montreal. Anticipate no more, it’s hot…it’s happening…and the food is absolutely fantastic! VARGAS – Cocktail / Grille / Sushi has opened it’s newest location in the centre of downtown Montreal.
Vargas is one of the newest happening spots. A casually relaxed and upscale atmosphere, featuring an extensive menu and a large selection of wines make this a place to definitely be a part of. A glass cased wine cellar, a complete sushi bar, numerous booths and tables to accommodate any number of people set the mood for an incredible dining experience.

My guest and I, excited by the vivid culinary explanations, finally narrowed down our choices. We began with the Maki Tropical and the Tiger’s Eye from the sushi menu. The Maki Tropical came as a creation of fresh salmon, avocado, tempura, sweet mango and spicy sauce wrapped in nori. Our second choice, the Tiger’s Eye, was cooked salmon, carrots and shallots wrapped in lightly battered nori and served with a delicious creamy sauce. Both selections are highly recommended. Masumi, the head sushi chef, is responsible for both the buying and preparing of the sushi and the way she chooses the freshest fish and decorates her creations is truly wonderful.

Peter, one of the owners and a gracious host, prepared us a sampler of some of the many wonderful starters. Presented, was a beautifully arranged symphony of grilled vegetables, portobello mushrooms and sautéed shrimps in a creamy whole grain mustard sauce … wow, a hit!

Vargas has an exposed glass wine cellar offering more than 100 choices of wine from around the world, and a speciality wine list that changes weekly to make room for new arrivals. If you would like a suggestion on a bottle of wine, which will definitely enhance your experience, feel free to ask one of the helpful waiters. A fine Mondavi Chardonnay Reserve was recommended for us.

There is a Table d’hote menu, from which we chose our next hors d’oeuvres, offered as well as a sushi menu and an a la carte menu. A tower of tomatoes and bocconcini lightly covered with infused basil and balsamic vinaigrette and a very original and delicious boneless leg of guinea fowl, stuffed with apricots and thyme sauce were the next surprise treats to come. Perhaps you might ask yourself, “ How much more can two people eat…” Well, it was all so delicious and fun that we wanted to continue. Next was the Boston a l’orange salad… crisp and fresh and just perfect before settling into our main courses of Grilled Red Snapper Mediterranean style and Fresh Herb Crusted Roast Rack of Lamb, both beautifully presented with perfectly sautéed vegetables dancing in colourful accompaniment.

At Vargas, you won’t find a dessert menu. The waiter, in fine form and tone, comes to your table and describes each selection as though he is a poet. We chose the chocolate silk mousse cake that melts in your mouths and a coconut lovers delight…. a smooth cheesecake scattered with coconut flakes. We completed our meal with a hot and strong espresso. What a wonderful and delicious experience!

A perfect place to host private parties, Vargas has a capacity of 200 seats as well as separate dining rooms. Opened from 11:00 a.m. until midnight offering both a la carte and table d’hote menus. Reservations are recommended.

So, if you’re looking for a new vibe, great music, atmosphere and an incredibly fantastic selection of food – see you at Vargas!