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Frais & Fresh*:

The F Trifecta

QUICK BITE SANDWICHES SALADS OLD MONTREAL CASUAL <$20

(*) This establishment is now closed.

Disclaimer: This meal was comped.

The Pitch

I find myself repeating the phrase "international flair" a lot in my reviews of late; as more and more eateries incorporate Asian/Mediterranean/Latin touches into "white people" food.  What was once exclusive to inventive fusion restaurants has found its way into the fast casual sector.

Today's lunch invitation to sample Frais & Fresh is a case in point; the prêt-à-manger counter suggests a healthy, "ethnic" twist on staples such as soups, salads and sandwiches.

The Mood

Mood image

The ten-month-old locale occupies a prime snug spot along Old Montreal's McGill Street, just above Rue de la Commune.  The sleek, botanically-inspired interior holds just enough space to fit a picnic table without feeling too tight.  We weren't expecting much of a crowd at one in the afternoon, but a steady flow of takeout customers kept things busy.

The Food

Frais & Fresh's menu reads like a who's who of superfoods boosted by intercontinental sprinklings.  Grains, legumes, veggies and fruits – without discounting meat and seafood – are enhanced with the likes of tandoori yogurt, harissa and chipotle.  Colors are bright, flavours bold, portions humongous; and those bowls are just gorgeous!

Beetroot Couscous & Tempeh Salad thumbnail (click to enlarge)

$11.99

$11.99

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Beetroot Couscous & Tempeh Salad

"kale, romaine lettuce, roasted green & red onions, lentils, baked pita chips"

Chicken in Naan Bread Sandwich thumbnail (click to enlarge)

$8.99

$8.99

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Chicken in Naan Bread Sandwich

"muhammara, marinated chicken, spinach, roasted onions, carrot, couscous, basil"

Poke Bowl thumbnail (click to enlarge)

$13.99

$13.99

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Poke Bowl

"marinated salmon, carrots, cabbage, avocado, sesame seeds, sushi rice, watermelon radish, cherry tomatoes, nori, wasabi peas"

tagged:  FEAST FOR THE EYES

The Verdict

In addition to the Old Montreal location, Frais & Fresh can be delivered via all the major channels – Foodora, Uber Eats and Just Eat.  A second location in Place Montreal Trust has also just seen the light of day.

With its triple F threat of fresh, flavorful and filling, the nascent concept is a sober reminder that healthy food need not be animal free and tasteless.

Price per person:  $17.49

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514eats

Montreal restaurant and bar reviews brought to you by two regular guys who like to eat and drink.  We will go anywhere and we will say it like it is.

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