Continuing with our TTT theme from last week, I thought I would round-out my Canadian destination recommendations from my recent trip. Well, if October is recent. Seems like it was just yesterday!
There is so much more to do, so many more choices of areas to stay and places to eat. The area is a mix of Manhattan meets Europe. But here are my favorites.
Where to stay?
Montreal is pretty big city. There are many diverse sections of the city that each offer a different vibe- similar to New York City. Since we were in an Old World Europe state-of-mind, we chose to stay in Old Montreal. It offers lots of shops, cobbled streets, calache, restaurants and it happens to be the closest area to the waterfront.
We chose the Auberge Bonaparte, partly because of its location, but mainly because I scored a deal through Travelocity that also included breakfast in their fabulous restaurant every morning and a large discount off the advertised room rates.
The rooms were large, with wood floors, large comfy iron beds, an armoire, a desk, cable TV and a brand new tiled bath, with room enough for five.
The breakfast was top notch, with lots of options, including crêpes, French toast, omlettes and oatmeal/granola.
Where to eat?
My favorite and easiest to recommend was Lucca. Delicious Italian food in the Little Italy section of Montreal. Everything was cooked to perfection and the wines on offer were excellent and very reasonable. Choose from a menu or blackboard specials. It isn't exactly a budget place, but the food and service is worth every penny.
Got a hankering for crêpes or chocolate? Head to the Latin Quarter to Julliet et Chocolat. Service was spotty here, but since you can drool over chocolate and the staff making crêpes, it really wasn't terrible. The savory and sweet crêpes are so devine, you'll think you are in Paris! Try a Canadian favorite-a maple and sugar crêpe.
Olive and Gourmando is a favorite hot spot, right in Old Montreal. Huge bowls of cafe au lait, croissants, fresh-fruit tarts, baguettes and other varieties of baked goods are all made on premises. This place has a cult following, so expect long lines, crowds, long waits. Your reward will be fabulous pastries, soups, salads and sandwiches!
Right across the street is a wild, convivial joint called Marche de la Villette, that is part market, part butcher shop, part bistro. The lively waitstaff are known to break into song and fake hams hang from the ceiling, but you can get great homemade food at downright cheap prices. Pate, terrine, sausage, charcuterie and cheese are on offer. Order from the table d'hote on the blackboard for the best deal.
Kashmir is a wonderful Indian restaurant located right in the cobbled streets of Old Montreal. Come here for the decor as well as the food. It is upscale with dark tables on wood floors and exposed brick walls and candles add a touch of romance. Grab a table in the back room for a view that faces the waterfront. The dishes are served in classic copper bowls. The seasonings here are spot on and the prices more than reasonable.
And if a picnic is more your style, don't forget, you can head to the Jean-Talon Market, in the Little Italy section of Montreal. You'll be able to find anything your foodie heart desires!
Have you been to Montreal? What kind of food would you like?
And unfortunately, due to an unexpected emergency in Cherrye's family, she will be taking some time off from Travel Tip Tuesday. I hope you will join me in wishing her and her family well!