Mike’s Resto Notes: Porto Poulet serves up great Portuguese chicken 

Every now and then I discover a terrific restaurant in an unfamiliar location. Such is the case for Porto Poulet at 1612 Fleury East in Ahuntsic, which specializes in Portuguese chicken. It is called Porto Poulet. There is limited seating inside and a nice terrasse which can accommodate 30 diners.

We started off with some delicious grilled calamari and unquestionably the best cod croquettes I have ever tasted. For the main course, one of my friends and I went directly for the house specialty: the half chicken served with fries and home-made salad complemented by a special house sauce. And speaking of sauce, owner Johnny’s secret recipe Piri Piri sauce is a culinary delight. The third member of our party was eager to try the poutine, along with the house salad, and he was not disappointed. For dessert there a choice of tiramisu, flan pudding and the nata, Portuguese custard tarts. We each opted for the latter. The nata here bursts with a rich, creamy sweetness, balanced perfectly with a hint of caramelized goodness and some cinnamon on the top For more information call 514-507-1217 or log on to www.restaurantportopoulet.com. It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm.

Costa Angelis and Angie Tourgelis are new owners of La Belle Province on Decarie

LA BELLE PROVINCE:  I have been among the many regulars at the La Belle Province franchise on Decarie Blvd. for many years. Well, it was recently sold. Costa Angelis and Angie Tourgelis are heading up the operation. The interior was completely renovated, from an attractive and colorful paint job, new booths, washrooms and outdoor patio tables. Not only are there now hotdogs for 99 cents (except for delivery), there are  also foot long Nathan’s kosher hotdogs and breakfast on weekends from 7am to 11am. I recently dropped by and tried the new addition from Nathan’s, as well as a smoked meat sandwich and those great fries. You can also get poutine, salads, spaghetti, club and submarine sandwiches, chicken burgers, grilled cheese and more. There are people from all walks of life eating here. That’s what makes it so successful.

ROYALMOUNT NEWS:  When the new Royalmount complex opens in late August, there will be a trendy European-style food hall called Le Fou Fou. Designed as a gathering place where gastronomy meets ambiance and innovation, Le Fou Fou  will welcome Eva’s, an all-day à la carte café featuring an inventive mix of Americana. Le Lucky Belly Comptoir Asiatique will serve Southeast Asian cuisine; Tiramisu, Neapolitan-Style pizzas. Claude Pelletier is bringing Italian fare and artisanal pasta to the table with fan favorite Il Miglio. The Torres brothers (Hogar Steakhouse) will turn up the heat with a Mexican “taqueria modern. For those looking for a healthier and lighter offering, Jessica Power and Olivia Farruggia are bringing the vibrant fare from Spirulina with a menu of smoothies, salads, toasts and fresh juices. Also look out for Kishu, a sushi bar; Bayswater, a raw bar; and Shio Ramen, a slurp-worthy ramen bar. Finally, Lenny Lighter of Moishe’s fame will present Prime Bar à Boeuf.