Chez Jose is where people in the know in the Plateau congregate for reckless banter, delicious food, and a proper cafe au lait. The unpretentious, colourful staff make this the perfect weekend hangover spot.

There are three things you gotta try chez Jose:

1. The omelette sandwich custom – lots of home-made hot sauce on the side.
2. The colada freshly blended smoothie – and I recommend you stop by the nearby SAQ to spike your smoothie with a mickey of not-too-cheap rum.
3. Try and hop-on the owner Jose’s motorcycle, a classic American model, and go for a ride around the block (take a picture!)

This is a real neighbourly spot. Faithful to its Portuguese origins, it uses the big white bun familiar to those used to eating chicken sandwiches on the plateau, and some other typical ingredients like chorizo. On Fridays, they have the best fish soup around.

If you go there frequently enough, you might end up sitting right below a picture of you hanging on the wall. And you probably will, because Chez Jose is a small island of kite surfing lovers and beautiful people sipping fresh juices along the coast of hot Duluth pavements.