Q: I love these guys! I've been to The Parlor over 20 times and each time have had exceptional service and food. Their mushroom pizza is one of my favorites! Highly recommended!!

A: positive

Q: I wish Big Wong is still here... but instead its Thai ESan. After my bad experience at Thai Lhana I thought I would redeem the Thai cuisine by checking this place out for dinner. The parking lot look busy but when I got inside, there were maybe 5 couples seated. There were only 2 servers so we waited a bit before being seated. The place was scary quiet, library quiet. I couldn't figure out but then I had an AH-HA moment... the tables were GINORMOUS. I felt small sitting in the chair and the round marble tables normally seat 6-8 but are used for couples. Everyone was seated so far away, screaming would have been a good conversation level. The two servers seemed pretty busy so it was a while before we were able to put in our drink orders. We both ordered an iced thai mil tea which was good, standard. We ordered a Thai Sampler Appetizer: wontons, fish cake, chicken satay, egg rolls and Thai Toast, pad thai and red curry (spice level 4 of 5). It was about 45 min before our appetizer made its way out. I would normally be understanding if they were busy but there were only 5 other couples in there... and its just a plate of deep fried goodies. I think that should have taken 10 mins. The egg rolls were probably the best. The wontons needed more filling, I pretty much ate deep fried wonton skins. The fish cakes were good but overwhelmingly seasoned with lemongrass. It was almost too much to eat. The chicken satay were alright, a bit dry from the grill. The Thai Toast is battered tofu and deep fried, of course... would have been better if I had some maple syrup. It was deep fried beyond recognition. The pad thai noodles were mush. The noodles were overcooked and just stuck together in a huge ball and was hard to separate. And while I wanted to taste it, I honestly believe Thai ESan cooks season all their dishes with a huge heap of chili powder. Every part of the noodle was covered in the chili powder. I'm actually still flossing out chili flakes from my teeth. It was too hot to even enjoy. The red curry was good. I liked the coconut flavor and fresh basil. Never had curry with green beans and bamboo shoots before but it was good. Also another dish with a generous heap of chili powder added to it. I couldn't have anymore because my lips were on fire. I know Thai food is spicy but damn... let me taste the other flavors too. All I tasted was HOT. I couldn't finish the curry or the noodles. I thought Thai ESan would convince me that Thai food was amazing again but it was too hot to handle.. and not in a good way either.

A: negative

Q: What a wonderful place!!! My only gripe is that there was no sign coming out of the Jean Talon metro station to point you the right way to the market. Easy for locals but a little confusing for visitors like me. Thankfully nice folks pointed me the right direction. It was about a 10 minute walk to the market and I didn't expect it to be so huge! Love the fruits and vegetables selection, everything looked beautiful and even laid out perfectly! The flowers were gorgeous too. There were all these little cafes for a leisurely lunch. I was really impressed with the "rent a bicycle" station next to the market. There's no such thing in California, at least not a do-it-yourself type of thing. Montreal keeps impressing me over and over again!

A: positive

Q: Here's the deal - we are locals and like to support locally owned establishments. We starting going to the El Cortez a few years ago, on occasion. We have enjoyed the fact that they sometimes have live music. The Elvis impersonator is fantastic, but it's hard to know when he will be playing, as the schedule often changes. My husband likes blackjack and they still have some $5 tables. I like to play 3-Way Action video poker. They have 5 or 6 of these machines. I have won a few jackpots on these, so when hubby wants to play I am happy to go along, just to play these machines. Well, after last night I will NEVER go there again. About 6 weeks ago we visited and ALL of the 3-Way Action poker machines were "out of service." I asked a supervisor why and was told they were being held for some people on their way in from California. It was late afternoon. He did not know when they would arrive. I asked if he would unlock just one until they got there and I was emphatically told no. So, we left. Last night we visited again. One was "out of service" and all the others were occupied by people who looked like they were there all day - plastic bags full of junk food. Chairs up against the machines while they wondered around. Dirty tissues and ashes everywhere. Again, I asked a casino supervisor if I could play one of the machines. He told me they were "reserved" for the people there and that when they went to eat they were put "out of service" until their return. He said his "boss" told him that he could not disturb these people and no one else could play there. They were playing very low stakes. I don't get it. And, they won't get any of my money again. Don't waste your time at this place. Rude. Stupid.

A:
negative