A response to Michelle Rempel Garner's "Debunking Critics of Maduro's Arrest"

Debunking the Debunk.

RE:
Member of Parliament for Calgary Nose Hill. King's Privy Council. Shadow Minister for Immigration. Conservative. On her post (Twitter/X.com): Debunking Critics of Maduro's Arrest.
https://x.com/MichelleRempel/status/2007528059130482854?s=20

Argument Analysis & Fallacies

1. Overarching Narrative

The article presents the US operation as a moral and strategic victory, framing the abduction of Maduro (and associated civilian deaths) as justified, necessary, and beneficial for democracy.

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2. Major Fallacies and Rhetorical Devices

a. Straw Man & Group Vilification

• Critics of the operation are equated with the governments of Russia, China, and Iran, implying that any opposition to the US action is morally equivalent to supporting authoritarian regimes.
• This oversimplifies dissent, ignoring legitimate concerns about international law, civilian casualties, and constitutional processes.

b. False Dilemma

• The article frames the issue as a binary: either support the US strike or support despotic regimes.
• This ignores complex third options: peaceful multilateral pressure, diplomatic solutions, sanctions, or legal proceedings through international courts.

c. Appeal to Consequences

• The article dismisses concerns about Canadian oil prices and pensions, arguing that such economic worries are morally irrelevant compared to justice for Maduro’s crimes.
• This is a form of moral absolutism and ignores the legitimate concerns people may have about their livelihoods.

d. Minimization of Harm

• Civilian deaths in Caracas are glossed over or minimized, described as a “precision extraction” with a “miracle” of avoiding casualties, despite the initial premise stating people died.
• This is ethically problematic, as it fails to grapple with the real human cost.

e. Appeal to Authority

• Cites Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado and recognized opposition leader Edmundo González, using their words to bolster the argument without critically assessing the broader context or dissent within Venezuela.

f. Historical Oversimplification

• The comparison to Manuel Noriega’s capture ignores international condemnation and the substantial civilian harm caused by that operation.
• The invocation of R2P is misleading: R2P is intended for multilateral, not unilateral, interventions—especially not those involving aerial bombing of civilian areas.

g. Constitutional Evasion

• The article argues that Article II grants the President authority, but fails to address the ongoing debate about the limits of this power.
• It dismisses the need for Congressional approval by claiming “surgical strikes” don’t qualify as acts of war, which is a highly contentious interpretation.
• The people of Venezuela are the only people that can truly assess if it was. Their response is here:
• https://p2b.drjpdns.com/w/tZ4vyJLQkD3LgzvscDtqrc

        h. Moral Grandstanding

• Phrases like “victory for moral clarity” and “the world owes them a debt of gratitude” attempt to shut down debate by implying any opposition is morally bankrupt.
• This is an attempt to silence legitimate criticism through emotional manipulation.

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3. Factual & Legal Issues

• International Law: Unilateral bombing and abduction of a sitting head of state without UN or regional support constitutes a violation of sovereignty and likely breaches international law (UN Charter, customary international law).
• Civilian Harm: Civilian deaths are a grave concern under international humanitarian law (Geneva Conventions), regardless of the target’s alleged criminality.
• US Constitutional Law: The legality of such an operation without Congressional approval would be heavily disputed in legal and political circles.
• Precedent: Sets a precedent for similar actions by other countries—potentially destabilizing global norms and encouraging future violations.

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4. SYNTHESIS & CONCLUSION

Enumerated Fallacies & Bad Devices

1. Straw Man/Group Vilification: Reduces critics to apologists for dictatorships.
2. False Dilemma: Presents only two extreme choices.
3. Appeal to Emotion: Uses loaded, moralistic language to stifle debate.
4. Minimization of Harm: Ignores or downplays civilian deaths and legal consequences.
5. Appeal to Authority: Selectively cites opposition figures without context.
6. Historical Oversimplification: Misuses historical precedent.
7. Constitutional Evasion: Cherry-picks legal interpretations.

What’s Wrong with the Statement?

• It uses demagogic rhetoric and logical fallacies to justify a highly controversial, violent act.
• It marginalizes legitimate concerns about law, morality, and civilian welfare.
• It weaponizes patriotism and moral clarity to delegitimize dissent.
• It risks undermining international norms and emboldening future abuses.

Conclusion:

Whether or not one agrees with the hypothetical decision to intervene in Venezuela, this article distorts the debate through emotional manipulation, logical fallacies, and selective use of facts. It is not a measured analysis but propaganda designed to rally support and silence opposition. Readers should be skeptical of such rhetoric and seek out balanced, fact-based perspectives, especially on issues of war, sovereignty, and international justice.

Brookfield vs Canada

TLDR; The meme mixes public-sector infrastructure projects and government initiatives with private investments and asset ownership, which are fundamentally different categories.

1. Brookfield and LNG Canada Phase 2 / Cedar LNG • LNG Canada Phase 2 is a proposed expansion of the existing LNG Canada export facility in Kitimat, but as of now it has not reached a final investment decision and is advancing under its own commercial process. It is not formally owned, financed, or operated by Brookfield; the project is led by the LNG Canada joint venture partners (Shell, PETRONAS, PetroChina, etc.). (CAPP)

• Cedar LNG is a separate LNG export project led by the Haisla Nation and Pembina Pipeline that has reached a positive final investment decision and is under construction toward a late-2028 start-up. Brookfield is not listed as an equity owner or operator of Cedar LNG itself. (Wikipedia)

• There are reports (from advocacy/critic sources) that Brookfield has financial exposure to LNG infrastructure through midstream and transition funds, but this is very different from direct ownership of the LNG export terminals mentioned. (Shift)

Conclusion: Brookfield does not directly own LNG Canada Phase 2 or Cedar LNG.

2. North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL) • The North Coast Transmission Line is a government-led initiative to expand electricity transmission in northern British Columbia, now identified as nationally significant and fast-tracked with involvement from public entities like BC Hydro and the Canada Infrastructure Bank, not privately owned by Brookfield. (Canada)

• There is no credible public evidence that Brookfield owns, finances, or operates the NCTL. It remains a provincial/utility/government infrastructure project. (BC Gov News)

3. Small Modular Nuclear / Westinghouse (Ontario) • Brookfield does have an ownership stake in Westinghouse Electric Company (a major nuclear technology provider) together with Cameco; Brookfield holds a controlling interest as part of Brookfield Renewable and institutional partners. (Cameco)

• Westinghouse is active globally and expanding Canadian supply chain deals, but actual nuclear builds in Ontario (such as SMRs) would still require separate project approvals and commercial contracts. The existence of Westinghouse ownership does not mean Brookfield directly owns or controls specific Ontario nuclear construction projects; it means Brookfield is a significant investor in the nuclear technology provider. (Westinghouse Nuclear)

Conclusion: Brookfield owns part of Westinghouse, not direct nuclear build-sites. The claim about Brookfield “owns small modular nuclear (Ontario)” oversimplifies the relationship.

4. Crawford Nickel & Sisson Mine / Other Mining Funds • The Sisson Mine and other resource projects have been added to federal fast-track lists, but the owners/proponents are typically independent companies, not Brookfield. (Canada)

• Brookfield may invest more broadly in infrastructure funds that could hold mining equity, but there is no direct evidence that Brookfield controls these specific mines as lead owner in public filings.

5. Montreal Port & High-Speed Rail • Expansion of the Port of Montreal and rail projects are being discussed in federal economic announcements, but again this is government infrastructure planning; there is no clear evidence that Brookfield itself owns or controls these projects. (Canada)

6. Carney, MPO and CIB Financing • Canada’s Major Projects Office and Canada Infrastructure Bank are federal bodies that can choose to refer and help finance major infrastructure. Those choices may bring loans or support to third-party projects, but that does not equate to ownership by Brookfield. (Canada)

Overall Reality Check: Brookfield is a very large and diversified global asset manager with infrastructure, renewable power, energy transition, and industrial holdings. It does own a significant stake in Westinghouse (nuclear technology) and has indirect exposure in some energy and midstream assets through its infrastructure funds, but it does not literally own all the Canada projects listed in the meme as if they are all under a single Brookfield umbrella.

Part 2: The Mechanics and Ethics of Humor

 

Blog Series: Thoughts on Laughter and Humor

Introduction

In the first part of this series, we explored how laughter serves as a nervous reaction and a primitive form of communication, essential for diffusing social tensions and fostering group cohesion. In this second part, we delve into the nature of humor itself. Together we will now examine why some things are funny while others are not, and how humor can lead to both acceptance and dialogue, as well as why it can sometimes be perceived as offensive or in bad taste.

Laughter as a Diffuser of Tension

Building on the idea from our previous discussion, laughter acts as a social tool for diffusing tension. When a group of people experiences a shared tension, and a common reaction—laughter—emerges, it often leads to a sense of acceptance and unity. This shared experience can open the door to much-needed dialogue in more evolved social circumstances.

For instance, consider a group of people watching a comedian. The jokes might address societal issues or personal experiences that resonate with the audience. When everyone laughs, it not only reduces individual stress but also creates a collective sense of relief and understanding. This shared laughter can lead to a greater sense of community and, in some cases, spark important conversations about the topics being joked about.

The Anatomy of Humor

Humor is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, but at its core, it often involves elements of surprise and the destabilization of expectations. Here’s a breakdown of how humor typically works:

1. Surprise: The element of surprise is crucial in humor. A punchline that catches us off guard or a situation that subverts our expectations can provoke laughter. This reaction is tied to the autonomic nervous system, which responds to unexpected stimuli with a sudden release of tension—manifested as laughter.

2. Destabilizing Ideas: Humor often involves presenting ideas in a way that destabilizes our usual way of thinking. This can include absurdity, incongruity, or exaggeration. For example, a joke might highlight the ridiculousness of everyday situations by exaggerating their characteristics, prompting us to see them from a new, humorous perspective.

These mechanisms are rooted in the same autonomic responses discussed in the first blog. When we laugh, it’s our body’s way of coping with the sudden shift in perception, releasing built-up tension and fostering social bonds.

High-Level Cognitive Function in Humor

Despite these automatic responses, humor also involves a high-level cognitive function that allows us to evaluate and decide whether we find something funny. This evaluation process considers various factors, including personal beliefs, social norms, and ethical considerations.

1. Taste and Sensitivity: We might find certain jokes to be in “bad taste” or insensitive, especially if they address topics that are painful or controversial. Humor that relies on stereotypes or targets vulnerable groups can be seen as offensive because it fails to consider the real-life implications and experiences of those being joked about.

2. Ethical Considerations: The destabilization effect of humor can highlight social injustices or absurdities, prompting reflection and dialogue. However, when humor reinforces harmful stereotypes or dismisses serious issues, it can perpetuate ignorance and insensitivity rather than fostering understanding.

For instance, jokes that make light of serious societal issues like racism, sexism, or mental health can be harmful because they trivialize the struggles of those affected. As a result, individuals may “decide” not to find such humor amusing, recognizing the potential harm it can cause.

Conclusion

Humor is a powerful tool that can diffuse tensions, foster social bonds, and provoke thoughtful dialogue. It relies on elements of surprise and the destabilization of expectations, rooted in our nervous system’s responses. However, our ability to evaluate and decide on the appropriateness of humor adds a layer of complexity, highlighting the ethical considerations involved in what we find funny.

Understanding the mechanics and ethics of humor helps us appreciate its role in society while also recognizing the responsibility that comes with it. By being mindful of the impact our jokes can have, we can use humor to bring people together, promote understanding, and create positive change.

Citations

1. Ruch, W., & Ekman, P. (2001). The Nature of Laughter: Mechanisms and Implications. Journal of Neuroscience.
2. Wild, B., Rodden, F. A., & Grodd, W. (2003). Neural correlates of laughter and humor. Brain.
3. Clay, Z., & de Waal, F. B. M. (2013). Development of socio-emotional competence in bonobos. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
4. Blakemore, S.-J., Wolpert, D., & Frith, C. (1998). Central cancellation of self-produced tickle sensation. Nature Neuroscience.
5. Mobbs, D., Greicius, M. D., Abdel-Azim, E., Menon, V., & Reiss, A. L. (2003). Humor modulates the mesolimbic reward centers. Neuron.

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This concludes my two-part series on how I view the subject. I hope this exploration has shed light on what I find fascinating about humor, its social functions, and the ethical considerations that come with it. I might follow up with the anatomy of a joke, and what are its constituant parts.

Part 1: Laughter as a Primitive Communication Social Tool

 

Blog Series: Thoughts on Laughter and Humor

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Introduction

Laughter is a universal human experience, yet its origins and functions are often misunderstood. Recent research reveals that laughter is deeply rooted in our nervous system and plays a crucial role in social interactions. This first part of our two-part series explores the idea that laughter is fundamentally a nervous reaction and a primitive form of communication, akin to the social behaviors observed in our primate relatives, such as bonobos.

The Nervous Reaction of Laughter

Laughter is often considered a joyous expression, but at its core, it is a complex response driven by the nervous system. Neuroscientific studies have shown that laughter is triggered by the activation of specific brain regions, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making and social behavior, and the limbic system, which controls emotions.

• Prefrontal Cortex: This area of the brain helps process social situations and is critical in the decision to laugh in response to social stimuli (Ruch & Ekman, 2001).
• Limbic System: Responsible for emotional responses, the limbic system's activation during laughter indicates its role in processing humor and social bonding (Wild, Rodden, & Grodd, 2003).

These neurological pathways suggest that laughter is more than just a response to humor; it is a fundamental aspect of how we process and react to social interactions.

Laughter as a Primitive Language

Observations of bonobos, one of our closest primate relatives, provide valuable insights into the primitive nature of laughter. Bonobos use a form of vocalization that resembles human laughter to diffuse social tensions and promote group cohesion. Researchers have noted that these vocalizations occur during playful interactions, grooming, and even during mild conflicts, serving to reduce stress and foster positive social bonds (Clay & de Waal, 2013).

• Social Bonding: Bonobos' laughter-like vocalizations help maintain group harmony, much like how human laughter can ease social tensions.
• Conflict Diffusion: By laughing, bonobos signal non-threatening intentions, which helps prevent conflicts from escalating.

This behavior in bonobos supports the theory that laughter in humans has similar origins, functioning as a non-verbal communication tool to manage social dynamics.

Tickling and Laughter: A Physical and Figurative Connection

Laughter can be induced by both physical and figurative stimuli, drawing a fascinating parallel to the effects of laughing gas. When physically tickled, the body reacts with involuntary laughter, a response controlled by the nervous system's sensory and motor pathways. Similarly, when we encounter something humorous, our brain processes the information and triggers laughter, akin to the euphoric and uncontrollable laughter experienced under the influence of nitrous oxide.

• Physical Tickling: Stimulates the somatosensory cortex, leading to an involuntary laughter response (Blakemore, Wolpert, & Frith, 1998).
• Humorous Stimuli: Activates the brain's reward centers, producing pleasure and social bonding through laughter (Mobbs et al., 2003).

Both forms of laughter highlight the nervous system's role in mediating this complex reaction, emphasizing its deep-rooted biological function.

Conclusion

Understanding laughter as a nervous reaction and a primitive form of language reveals its roots and how it is operationalized in human social interactions. By examining the behavior of bonobos and the neurological basis of laughter, we can see that this seemingly simple response is a sophisticated tool for managing social dynamics and promoting group cohesion. In the next part of this series, together, we will delve deeper into how humor and laughter have evolved together to become powerful social tools.

Citations

1. Ruch, W., & Ekman, P. (2001). The Nature of Laughter: Mechanisms and Implications. Journal of Neuroscience.
2. Wild, B., Rodden, F. A., & Grodd, W. (2003). Neural correlates of laughter and humor. Brain.
3. Clay, Z., & de Waal, F. B. M. (2013). Development of socio-emotional competence in bonobos. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
4. Blakemore, S.-J., Wolpert, D., & Frith, C. (1998). Central cancellation of self-produced tickle sensation. Nature Neuroscience.
5. Mobbs, D., Greicius, M. D., Abdel-Azim, E., Menon, V., & Reiss, A. L. (2003). Humor modulates the mesolimbic reward centers. Neuron.

 Key national indicators where Canada has made measurable progress since 2014

Theme	Metric	2014 baseline*	Latest reading	10-year trend
Poverty reduction	Persons below Canada’s official poverty line (Market Basket Measure)	14.5 % (2015—the first year MBM was tracked nationally) (Canada.ca)	7.4 % (2021) (Statistics Canada)	▼ -7.1 pp (≈ -49 %)
Education	Adults (25-64) with a college or university credential	54 % (2014) (Statistics Canada)	63 % (2023) – highest in the OECD (Education GPS)	▲ +9 pp
Gender equity	Median hourly gender wage gap (women vs men, paid workers 20-54)	16 % (2007) → ~15 % in 2014†	12 % (2022) (Statistics Canada)	▼ -4 pp
Digital infrastructure	Households with access to 50/10 Mbps unlimited fixed Internet	84.1 % (2019) (CRTC)	95.4 % (Feb 2025) (CRTC)	▲ +11 pp
Clean electricity	Share of electricity from renewables (all sources)	67 % (2017) (Canada Energy Regulator)	70 % (2022) (Canada Energy Regulator)	▲ +3 pp
	Wind + solar generation (TWh)	+37 % growth 2016 → 2023 (Statistics Canada)		Strong expansion
Climate	National GHG emissions (Mt CO₂-eq)	747 Mt (2014) (Canada.ca)	694 Mt (2023) (Canada.ca)	▼ -7 %
Environment-adjusted growth	Renewables & emissions taken together: electricity emissions fell 48 % since 1990 (context for the clean-power gains) (Canada.ca)

* Closest year with authoritative data is used where 2014 figures were not collected.

† Statistics Canada does not publish an annual series before 2007 on exactly the same basis; the 2014 value is interpolated from the longer series that shows the gap narrowing steadily toward 2015 and 2016.

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Why these indicators matter

• Poverty: Canada met—and exceeded—its first statutory poverty-reduction milestone (-20 % by 2020) three years early, then cut poverty roughly in half by 2021. That advance is now built into the 2030 target of a 50 % reduction from 2015 levels.

• Human capital: The jump in tertiary attainment reflects both immigration and higher domestic graduation rates, underpinning productivity and wage growth.

• Gender wage gap: A narrowing gap signals progress on labour-market equity—though at 12 % it remains above the UN-SDG target of closing the gap entirely.

• Connectivity: Universal 50/10 service is now within reach; the CRTC’s 95 % threshold has been met nationally and the focus has shifted to the last ~500 000 rural and remote households.

• Energy transition: Canada’s grid is already one of the world’s cleanest; incremental gains now come mainly from rapid wind-solar build-out and the phase-out of coal in Alberta, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

• Emissions: Absolute GHG emissions are finally lower than they were a decade ago—despite strong population growth—thanks to electricity decarbonisation, methane regulations and EV uptake. Canada still needs a steeper decline to hit the 2030 Paris target, but the direction has reversed.

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Reading the numbers critically

• Pandemic effects: Several indicators (poverty, emissions, life expectancy) were temporarily distorted in 2020-2021; the latest data smooth those swings but longer time-series context is essential.

• Population surge: Record immigration since 2021 lowers per-capita metrics; gains in broadband or renewables are larger on a per-person basis than national totals suggest.

• Regional gaps remain: Rural broadband, Indigenous child poverty and emissions from oil-and-gas still lag national averages; the aggregate progress hides significant inter-provincial divergence.

Overall, however, these six headline metrics show clear, statistically-documented improvement for Canadians since 2014 across social, economic, digital and environmental dimensions.

Montreal Eats: Casual, Affordable, and Delicious!

 

Montreal is famous for its diverse culinary scene, and enjoying good food here doesn’t have to break the bank. 

Here's a list of local favorites offering affordable yet delicious dishes across various cuisines, perfect for a casual dining experience:

1. Pub St-Paul 🍔🥩

   • A classic Old Montreal pub known for hearty burgers and their standout steak and fries. A cozy place with great atmosphere.

2. Arahova 🇬🇷

   • A beloved Greek franchise serving excellent gyros, souvlaki platters, and Greek salads.

3. Boustan 🥙

   • Iconic Lebanese eatery, famous for shawarma wraps, garlic potatoes, and falafel.

4. Scores 🍗

   • Famous rotisserie chicken chain, loved for tender chicken, ribs, and a generous salad bar.

5. Chez Claudette 🍟

   • Casual diner popular for its comforting poutine varieties and breakfast dishes.

6. Mai Xiang Yuan 🥟 (Chinatown)

   • Legendary spot specializing in handmade dumplings—pan-fried, steamed, or boiled.

7. La Capital Tacos 🌮 (Chinatown)

   • Vibrant spot serving authentic tacos, quesadillas, and Mexican street food.

8. Restaurant Mon Nan 🍜 (Chinatown)

   • Classic Cantonese dishes like crispy chicken, sizzling beef, and comforting wonton soup.

9. Dunn’s Famous 🥪

   • Iconic Montreal smoked meat sandwiches, along with classic diner sides like coleslaw and pickles.

10. 3 Amigos 🌯

• A lively, festive Mexican restaurant known for fajitas, burritos, and margaritas.

11. Restaurant Paulo & Suzanne 🍳

• A local favorite serving diner-style breakfast, hearty sandwiches, and classic Quebecois poutines.

12. Bâton Rouge 🍖

• Affordable steakhouse serving tender ribs, steaks, and hearty sides in a relaxed setting.

This curated list offers something delightful for everyone, from authentic international dishes to comforting local classics—all wallet-friendly and authentically Montreal!

Bon appétit! 🍴✨

12 Unforgettable Restaurants to Impress Visitors in Montreal!

 Montreal boasts a vibrant culinary scene, offering numerous fine dining establishments that rival Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide.

Here are some top-tier restaurants in Montreal that are sure to impress tourists and food enthusiasts alike:

Vin Mon Lapin
Wine Bar · $$ · 3.6 (44 reviews)
150 St-Zotique Rue E, Montréal QC H2S 1K8
A celebrated wine bar and restaurant in Little Italy, known for its seasonal, market-driven menu and exceptional natural wine selection. Ranked #2 in Canada's 100 Best Restaurants for 2025.

Toqué
French · $$$ · 4.3 (178 reviews)
900 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle, Montréal QC H2Z 2B2
An iconic establishment in Old Montreal, offering refined Quebecois cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. A pioneer in Montreal's fine dining scene.

Damas
Syrian Restaurant · $$$$ · 4.5 (227 reviews)
1201 Van Horne, Outremont QC H2V 1K4
A high-end Syrian restaurant in Outremont, renowned for its vibrant flavors, elegant decor, and exceptional service.

Bouillon Bilk
Restaurant · $$$ · 4.5 (409 reviews)
1595, boul. Saint-Laurent (entre De Maisonneuve & Ontario), Montréal QC H2X 2S9
Located on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, this restaurant offers inventive French-inspired cuisine in a minimalist setting.

Maison Boulud
French · $$$$ · 4.5 (211 reviews)
1228 Sherbrooke St West (entre Drummond & De la Montagne), Montréal QC H3G 1H6
Situated in the Ritz-Carlton, this upscale restaurant by Chef Daniel Boulud serves refined French cuisine with a modern twist.

Joe Beef
Steakhouse · $$$ · 4.5 (400 reviews)
2491, rue Notre Dame Ouest (btwn Charlevoix & Vinet), Montréal QC H3J 1N6
A legendary spot in Little Burgundy, known for its hearty French cuisine and eclectic atmosphere.

Monarque
French · $$$ · 3.6 (44 reviews)
406 Saint-Jacques, Montréal QC H2Y 1S1
A grand brasserie in Old Montreal, offering a blend of classic and contemporary French dishes in a stunning setting.

Le Club Chasse et Pêche
French · $$$ · 4.5 (187 reviews)
423 Saint-Claude, Montréal QC H2Y 3B6
An intimate restaurant in Old Montreal, offering sophisticated dishes with a focus on seafood and game.

Le Mousso
Restaurant · 4.2 (53 reviews)
1023, rue Ontario Est (entre Amherst & St-Timothée), Montréal QC H2L 1P8
Known for its avant-garde tasting menus and artistic presentations, offering a unique dining experience.

Île Flottante
French · $$$ · 4.1 (24 reviews)
176 Rue Saint Viateur O, Montréal QC H2T 2L3
A contemporary restaurant offering creative, vegetable-forward tasting menus in a minimalist space.