Sample home-style cooking in a garden setting

Jess Ciroi

September, 2010

One of the first things to come to mind when one hears Brasserie Le Manoir might be: “Oh, that beautiful stonework place near the shopping centre in Pointe Claire? It looks like such a nice place to eat.”

Brasserie Le Manoir, approaching 40 years this year, is perfect for solo diners, groups of friends and families with children. The dining room is spacious and open, with high ceilings that showcase Le Manoir’s unique architecture.

It’s a little dark at suppertime, which adds to the sensation of relaxing by a fireplace. The converted cottage has an old-time atmosphere and the home-style cooking makes you feel as though you’ve taken a trip to a friend’s cottage.

Le Manoir’s terrasse is far removed from rush of traffic at the nearby intersection. Photo: Jess Ciroi

Le Manoir has ample parking, a wide assortment of dishes and, best of all, a fenced-in terrace with a bar. The terrace is a little piece of country garden, with hanging plants and big evergreen trees surrounding it.

Le Manoir is at the intersection of three busy main roads (Hymus, St. Jean and St. Charles), but it doesn’t matter as you sit back and enjoy a meal in the glow of the setting sun.

There is no traffic noise, just the buzz of chattering, laughing patrons as the terrace fills up with diners young and old.

On a recent Monday night, the restaurant was alive and kicking. The staff was courteous and friendly, the service prompt but not rushed. Drinks are paid for separately in true brasserie style.

The table d’hôte is amazing. Recently sampled were pork chops, grilled until they were tender, even the sides cooked with care – not too much salt or too little.

Blueberry pie and tea – included in the $13.95 price – rounded out the meal perfectly. Also on the menu is a Monday to Wednesday steak special ($9.95) and 20-per-cent-off holiday and Sunday discounts, ideal for family outings.

Le Manoir opens at 5:30 am for breakfast and the view of the sunrise from the terrace will take your breath away. One can just as easily imagine coming here at night with friends and staying until closing (3 am) watching sports games on plasma TVs and just having a good time.

Brasserie Le Manoir, 600 St. Jean, Pointe Claire. 514-695-2071; 514-695-4083 for reservations. restomontreal.ca (type Brasserie Le Manoir into the search box).