Most places I do still call and see what's available, but some places are still impossible to get. I once wasn't even able to get Bill Murray into a resteraunt. He did ask at 6:00 at night for a group of 6 people at the top place, but it took me 3 places to get him in. I still call most places, but on a Friday night when everything is booked, Open Table is your best friend for finding something. If I cash in the gift cards, I would most likely wan't to do it in another city where I don't have any relationship with the resteraunts.

I didn't realize how rude the people in Montreal are. I have always been a Hockey fan and wanted to experience the European culture and try the Foie Gras. But if I wen't to Montreal, being such a foodie city, I would likely go with a friend and just use the gift cards to pay for the whole meal each night. It's only if I wan't to go to another international city that dosen't except it I would want to have cash to go towards the trip.