Tango a no-go?

No no, not the dance. Although one day, maybe!

I'm referring to Laval's

approximately one year old rookie of a lounge/eatery named Tango. I've been going occasionally to this place for about a year now, with more frequent visits in the summer months. It's a chilled-out spot, doted with modern couches, earthy colours and dark wood decors. All this is rounded off with loud-as-hell XM radio house music. The crowd is fairly young, with a staff to match. The waitresses are friendly (for the most part) while others lack the whole filling your glass with water thing, that is if they are even offering you any, period.

There are two terrasses, both always packed. They serve everything from crepes, gelato, smoothies, cocktails, whole-fruit cocktails (the Calvi being my personal favourite!) etc. And shisha lovers unite! You'll be able to smoke to your heart's content on their outdoor terrasse.

However, it's not all "smoothie" sailing. The prices leave little to be desired. Simple example: about a month ago, I ordered coffee with a hazelnut gelato, only to be slapped with the bill and realize they charge 6 dollars a cup (for filter coffee?!) The waitress explained this was because they had been "taken advantage of by a bunch of kids the previous summer", yet she never forewarned me before I ordered. To boot, I was never offered a refill once, and the coffee came lukewarm. Not good.

Also, I could do without the room-temperature strawberry-kiwi smoothie (comically named the Waikiki) which cost an infuriating 8 dollars before tax, only to find out their ultra secret ingredient is (wait for it!) sparkling mineral water. Genius.

If you have nothing better to do on a weeknight, it actually has quite the pleasant atmosphere, and they do serve up a mean sangria. Also, their gelato selection really is quite impressive (that is, if they have any of your favourite flavour left) !

Just make sure you ask for a re-fill of that six dollar coffee! It's all about bang for your buck, apparently.

Tootles! -Mtl.D