Girlfriends, Chicken and Waffles

by Kimberly Hickok

There are times in life when you just need to get away from all of the things going on in your life and just have a fun time with your girls. You know who they are. They’re the ones you can be yourself with. It may not always be pretty but it will always be real.

I’m lucky enough to have stumbled into a group of gals that have been friends since childhood and they have graciously allowed me into their circle. It seems like it was just yesterday but it was almost a year ago that four of us – trust me, there are MORE of us – piled into my car and drove up to Montreal for a weekend.

The conversation in the car was all over the place. We talked about everything – marriage, divorce, kids, stepkids, careers, pets, life, politics and more. We spent our time drinking wine, swimming in the hotel’s pool and shopping and it was bitterly cold that weekend. Temperatures didn’t go above 5F and the girls followed me as I ‘guided’ them from our hotel to Old Montreal to visit Montreal’s Notre Dame.

Montreal's Notre Dame de Bon Secours Chapel

Our ultimate destination, Old Montreal’s Notre Dame de Bon Secours Chapel.

I got us totally lost so Kelly took over. Within 10 minutes we were in Old Montreal – freezing and starving – and we walked by a cute little diner called Le Gros Jambon. Did I mention we were starving???

Le Gros Jambon - Old Montreal

Notice the cute guy mugging for the camera.

This is not a huge place. There’s counter service and a row of stools that line the length of the diner on the other side.

Small space. Big flavor.

Yes, it’s been a year but I remember *like it was yesterday* the breakfast I had there. Did I mention that breakfast is my FAVORITE meal to eat out? This is what I ordered. In Canada. Not in one of the southern states of the US. Canada. Got it?

I ordered Fried Chicken and Waffles. Another person might have been afraid to do order this but not me. And I’m glad I went for it. The waffle was the right amount of crisp and tender. The chicken was perfectly salted and VERY cripsy and the maple syrup was to die for. The geniuses at Le Gros Jambon added horseradish to the maple syrup. So there you have it, the perfect combo of crispy, salty, sweet and spicy goodness . . . ON A WAFFLE!

Chicken and Waffles at Le Gros Jambon

The typical Canadian breakfast is served with some sort of potato and ALWAYS baked beans. My attention, however, was totally focused on the chicken and waffles.

This was truly one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. If you are in Montreal, please visit Le Gros Jambon, 286 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, QC H2Y 1T6, Canada. By the time we left, there was a line out the door. Now I know why.

NOTE: I am sad to report that on a subsequent visit to Montreal in 2018, this lovely spot was closed.

You may also like

1 comment

Nita January 8, 2014 - 9:20 pm

I’ve never been to Montreal, but have a good friend who lives only an hour’s drive away and we have plans to get together sometime soon 🙂

Reply

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More