Montreal dining- inexpensive eats- Chez Lê
Chez Lê is a small and quaint family-style vietnamese restaurant situated in Mile-End, an artsy, bohemian and socially-conscious district. It is by far my favourite vietnamese eatery in the neighbourhood, not only because of the reasonable prices (the most expensive meal on the menu is 13.95$), but the food is very tasty. Because of its small size, no background music and favorable acoustics one often can often overhear very interesting conversations: women bemoaning their boyfriends (instead of realizing, they're just not into them), couples trying to mend their broken hearts (when to eavesdroppers it would seem better for them to go their separate ways) and my personal favorite, budgeoning professionals in various artistic fields brainstorming on collaborations (a priceless motivational seminar incuded with your meal).
The restaurant opened its doors in June 2003. Situated on Parc avenue (soon to be Henri-Bourassa) on the corner of Villeneuve, Chez Lê is not situated at the heart of the tourist district, but it is well worth the mini-trek. It is never jam-packed, thus giving off an intimate and familiar feel. In the evenings, you can even spot one of the owner's children doing their homework at a table.
On the menu: beef, chicken, shrimps or seafood grilled with either lemongrass, ginger, peanuts, curry or pineapple. Served with a choice of rice, vermicelli or crispy noodles. Also soups, springrolls, imperial rolls and salads. Evening special costs 13.95$ and includes soup, springroll, main course, dessert and coffee or tea.
Chez Lê- 5014 Parc ave. (514) 272-9953. Open 11:00-14:30 mon-fri and 5:00-9:30 mon-sun. Meals starting at 6.95$. Bring your own wine or beer.
