We did the tourist thing in Montreal this past summer and we also went to two of the restaurants you mentioned.

Glad we were not the only ones that thought the Au Pied de Cochon was a tad salty but the portions were huge. We were lucky for we went without a reservation and got in at 6:00 pm. It was packed and the line up soon after was quite long.

Our favorite meal experience in Montreal was Torque as well. When we went, it was not very busy. We had the tasting menu with the wine paring as well.

Nice way with words, I wish I can describe food like you do.