Montreal
My hometown. My sense of place. My forever home. The second biggest French-speaking metropolitan city in the world. And yet the people who live here forge ahead in embracing all cultures and languages ( despite at times the government's desire to curtail). Montreal is unlike any other city in North America and it’s immediately apparent as soon as you immerse yourself in the city. It’s old-world Europe meeting new-world technology. It’s old-world France meeting new-world Silicon Valley ( yes it’s now become the tech hub of Canada). It’s a small city in comparison to other major metropolises but carries itself with a big personality.
Montreal Top 10
Beauty’s and Arthur’s for brunch.
Le Meac for lunch, L’Express for dinner.
Drinks at the palm court ( or high tea) in the Ritz Carlton hotel. ( my absolute favorite place to stay in Montreal)
Walking along the snake path up to the top of Mont Royal to the lookout. For the best panoramic view of the city. ( Olmstead, who designed Central Park in New York City, designed this park as well) in the colder months, you can reward yourself with a hot chocolate in the chalet on the top of the mountain
I love Laurier Street and Greene Avenue for the shopping, the galleries the some delicious restaurants. It is the neighborhood haunt for the residents of Westmount ( Greene Avenue) and Outremont ( Laurier Avenue)
Foxy restaurant in Griffin Town… followed by drinks ( before or after at Atwater Social Club) I also really like the tuck shop. Macro and grinder are always fun.
try to snag a reservation at Joe Beef or Liverpool House… the McMillen brother’s restaurant that put the Montreal culinary scene on the map.
Everyone loves to make a pilgrimage to Schwartz Deli for the OG smoked meat sandwich on St Lawrence Bvld ( otherwise known as the main) or Boulevard St Laurent. Another alternative is Snowdow Delicatessen, which in my mind gives Schwartz’s a run for its money.
Take the time to make your way just up the street and around the corner to Wilenskys Grill for the ultimate OG sandwich. The apprentice of Duddy Kravitz was filmed here too.
Bar George in the St Stephen Hotel.
One of the best bars you’ll ever go to for a proper drink. They have great English pub fare as well. And a DJ who spins fabulous tunes on the latter days of the week.
Another cool spot for a drink up the street from Bar George, is a sneaky speakeasy, Cloakroom.
Try to see a concert or a hockey game at the Bell Center. The acoustics there are amazing and the crowds are electrifying. Drinks before or after at Marcus in the Four Seasons Hotel make for a perfect night.
Old Montreal for lunch at Olive and Gourmando, dinner at Nora Gray, Chasse et Peche is another great option, as is Garde Manger. Nightcaps at Fly Gin round out a fun-filled night.
Art gallery hop along the Golden Mile. Galerie de Bellefeuille is a particular favorite.
Vin Mon Lapin
