Aloha! A restaurant with cheap, delicious crepes... who could ask for more?
Although Aloha so blatantly looks like a cheesy attempt at a Hawaiian tiki-bar smack in the middle of arctic-climate Canada, it’s desirable prices, scrumptious crepes, seasoned shawarma and extremely late hours might make you disregard your first impression.
Once you step through the front door and into the peach-coloured, tropical tourbillion of a décor which overwhelms the small eatery, all questions escape you and the only thing that remains is the alluring aroma of sizzling batter on the hot-plate behind the counter, destined to be covered with the toppings of you deepest desire. It’s also very likely that it’s the freshly made shawarma sending its savory seasoned smell all the way to your nose, making it very difficult to refuse.
Alas, those under-paid students like you and me might have to think twice before purchasing such mouth-watering delicacies, as they often come at a price – not at Aloha. Although their variety extends from gourmet coffees and fruit cocktails, to full breakfasts, sweet crepes and waffles, and savory Lebanese dinners, their most expensive option is a mere eight dollars. A breakfast consisting of generous portions of eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes, fresh fruit and toast would cost $5.90. Out of the crepes, my personal favorite – the Jamaique, which is filled with nutella, strawberry and bananas – costs only $4.75. It’s no surprise that the more expensive platters are the meat dishes, but you can still get ample dinner for a mere $3.50. Pitas and burgers are the cheapest, ranging between three to five dollars, while full plates and trios that come with side orders range from six to eight dollars. As a struggling young student, I know what it’s like to contemplate buying a delicious meal because your heart says yes but your wallet says no… and consequently end up buying a bagel at muffin plus.
When I went to go take a look at this Lebanese wonderland of fantastic smells and astoundingly beautiful prices, I have to say that they surpassed my expectations. The kind sir who served me on that fateful evening when I was craving a good calorie-filled crepe, was wearing a cheerful Hawaiian t-shirt and a smile to match (I know it’s cheesy, but it’s true!) When I told him about the review, he not only let me ask him an interminably large number of questions, but he also eagerly shoved a spoon into a mound of white stuff resembling chunky whipped cream, topped it with some suspicious green crumbs and then poured honey on top of it – it’s understandable that I was a bit nervous when he excitedly handed it to me for a taste. What is this concoction, you might ask? I had no idea, but I did not want to insult the enthusiastic seller – and plus, I was pretty hungry… and when I’m hungry I’ll eat just about anything you put in front of me. I quickly ate the potential disaster-on-a-spoon, only to discover that it was probably one of the best tasting food mixtures I had ever had. It ends up that the white stuff is a soft, sweet Lebanese cheese, and the suspicious green crumbs were not suspicious at all, but rather crushed pistachio nuts. I learned that this spoonful of heaven was more commonly referred to as Achta, and is a delicious topping to put on your crepe.
Aloha can bring you a bit of warmth on a cold day, and delicious food at a fantastic price. If you want to try it out, head to 4919 Boul. Des Sources in Pierrefonds between 8a.m. and 6 p.m. for Lebanese dinner dishes, or until midnight for dessert crepes. If you live to far away – or are just plain lazy – they offer free delivery! Give them a call at (514) 683-5550 between 3p.m. and 9p.m. if you’re craving a hearty meat meal; but if your sweet tooth is longing for a sugar-fix, you have until 11p.m. to get what you need delivered straight to your door.
