We stayed at my brother Jason's in the West Island where I grew up. He was working days but we got to spend some evenings with him and my nephew Eli. My sister in-law was in Israel and my niece was at camp. Isn't my brother good looking?!
Their foster dog Daisey. She was a real sweetheart.
The food in Montreal is awesome. Rob and I did a lot of eating. We both appreciate fine food.
The first night we got there Jason took us out for dinner to a lovely restaurant Portovino's. You bring the wine, they supply the food.
Jason
Eli
Myself
My wonderful meal.
The next day Rob and I drove all along the lakeshore through the various small villages I loved so much.
We stopped to eat in Saint Anne du Bellevue where there's a row of outdoor patios next to the water. We had a Potabello mushroom and goats cheese dish that was to die for.
There were so many charming houses we passed on our drive.
The next day we spent with my long time friend Sue. In the evening we went to an outdoor concert at Stewart Hall, a cultural centre in Point Claire.
Rob, myself, and Sue.
The day after, we went down town Montreal and walked from one end to the other. We went through China Town, Saint Cathrine's St., Cresent, Saint Denis, and Old Montreal, all my old haunts.
This was a very interesting building. I assume it was some kind of dinner-theatre.
I love the architecture in the city. There are so many beautiful buildings and architectural elements.
This was a funky little store with very friendly staff. I wished I'd had more money. I would have shopped, shopped, shopped.
We went into
Thursday's for a coffee on Cresent St. My pictures do not do this restaurant justice. It's a magnificent place. Great art deco decor with tin ceiling tiles, stained glass, etched glass, and ceramic tiling everywhere. There were also some stunning light fixtures. This is definitely a must see if you visit Montreal. If you check out the web site, the restaurant section is Les Beaux Jeudis.
More great architectural elements.
A local busker.
There are many stunning gothic churches.
Place des Art
This was a very unusual club.
L'Absynthe on Saint Denis. I'm assuming they served absynthe. We never did go in.
The green fairy herself.
Don't ask, don't know.
Ofcourse we had to check out Steve's music!
Then it was into Old Montreal.
We ate at
Jardin Nelson. My favorite place in Old Montreal. We had maple smoked salmon, swordfish, and tuna. Yum!!!
Live jazz in the court yard.
This was a wonderful little artist's coop.
The famous artist's alley.
Horse and buggey rides will take you on the tour.
At the pier there was a sail boat with a woman and a man doing choreographed acrobatics in suspended fabric. I know there's a proper name for it but I haven't got a clue what it is. It was lovely.
I couldn't resist.
This was a charming open-air boutique down in the artist's alley. I bought two music boxes to use in my art. One plays "La Vie En Rose" and the other "Moon River".
A snack of Onion Soup for Rob. There were two young men playing mandalin and cello for our entertainment.
The next day we took it easy. We went over to the farmer's market, Marche de L'Ouest, to check out all the goodies. It goes without saying, we had bagels everyday.
This whole wall is balsamic vineger.
How much would you have to LOVE aged balsamic?!
We had a tastey breakfast at this little nook, Cafe de Luxe, and then were entertained by the owner.
My niece, Noam got back from camp while we were still there. Our last night we ordered in Chinese vegetarian food and chilled together with a couple of Eli's friends.
I had to get a picture of the "Boys" cleaning up.
It was a very enjoyable trip for both Rob and I. I think we'll be heading down there more often. You should definately go there someday if you haven't already been. It's like a mini Paris. I hope you enjoyed it vicariously through my post.
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