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| - Well, it sure ain't the Skala. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Buvette Chez Simone wasn't the first wine bar to open up in Mile End, but it's boldly gone where no Mile End wine bar has gone before: that mysterious two-block stretch of Park Ave. between St. Joseph and Mont-Royal, where distinguished tuxedo purveyors like Waxman rub elbows with head shops, carpet stores, appliance retailers, and other curiosities. When Cocoa Locale opened up on Park a few years ago, I predicted that it marked the beginning of a renaissance for the strip. Well, let's just say that the renaissance hasn't exactly been explosive (and the ongoing construction on Park ain't helping). Buvette Chez Simone indicates that the desire is there, though: this joint has been jumping since the day they opened. And with good reason: the food, with an emphasis on mix-'n'-match appetizers, is generally very good, but, more importantly, the wine selection is very well chosen AND very affordably priced. In fact, I think you could safely credit Buvette with having started the New Wave of Montreal wine bars: wine bars that are affordable, young, and positively buzzing with excitement. Highlights: squash and rapini risotto, a good selection of charcuterie, and roast chicken in quarter, half, or full portions.
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