Be adventurous and explore! That’s what travel is all about, isn’t it? All the eateries listed below are choice excerpts from a unique guidebook called Secret Montreal. Most of these spots are found off the beaten track in Montreal’s neighbourhoods. We suggest dining out at lunch hour when the prices are down and service is much more attentive. Hop on the bus or Metro and for under a $2.00 fare you’re guaranteed a delightful cultural and culinary experience. P.S. This is a perfect opportunity to practice your high school French. But, don’t worry. Most people speak English as well.

Secret Indian
Taj Mahal de l’Ouest (5026 Sherbrooke West, just east of Decarie, tel: 482 -0076) features cuisine from the north and south of India. Calcutta-trained chef Sadeq Choudhury serves up consistently excellent fare. Try it for dinner, or the very well-priced lunch specials. A particular favorite is the chicken tikka dinner, a succulently tender chicken breast braised in the unique tandoori style.

Secret Italian
La Cucina (5134 St. Laurent, between Laurier and Fairmount, tel: 495-1131) is a bistro-style eatery serving pasta, pizza, and calzone. Conveniently, pastas are available in half portions, so you can mix and match, sampling a variety of flavors.

Secret Japanese
The upscale Soto Restaurant Sushi Bar (3527 St. Laurent, north of Sherbrooke, tel: 842-1150) is located smack in the middle of the hot St. Laurent nightlife scene. If you’re a sushi gourmande, or if you’ve been anxiously awaiting the occasion to get in on the craze, you’ll find a complete selection of these delicate morsels as well as a full menu of other Japanese specialties.

Secret Greek
Restaurant Hermes (1010) Jean Talon West, west of du Parc, tel: 272-3880) offers authentic Greek cuisine, including all the classic dishes, homemade in the traditional manner. It’s like eating in your mother’s dining room. As seems to be a requirement in Greek restaurants, the portions are overly generous.

Secret Vegetarian
Le Commensal (2115 St. Denis; 1204 McGill College; 3715 Queen Mary across from St. Joseph’s Oratory) offers imaginative and extensive dining. The chefs work wonders with tofu and seitan. The food is served buffet-style, but while you’re heaping food on your plate, keep in mind that you pay by weight.

(Source: Secret Montreal, Tod Hoffman, Publisher ECW Press. For further info, please click here)

Food...

Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian; wine and tarragon make it French. Sour cream makes it Russian; lemon and cinnamon make it Greek. Soy sauce makes it Chinese; garlic makes it good.
(Source: Alice's Restaurant Cookbook, 1969, The New Beacon Book of Quotations).

If you enjoyed this Secret Eateries Guide, Journeywoman suggests browsing through the following articles:

• 100 Travel Snacks Under 100 Calories
• New York-- She Eats Out
• Hong Kong Women Share Their Favorite Restaurants
• Her Paris -- Five Budget Meals With Personality
• Female-Friendly Food Stop in Antwerp
• Dining Solo in the Big Apple
• Solo-friendly Eats in Chicago
• Know-Before-You-Go Noodle Guide