sunshine in montreal: sights at sites

One thing I loved about Montreal is that there are so many awesome tourist sites that I would visit regularly if I lived in the city. Unlike Toronto, where some of the biggest tourist attractions, Hockey Hall of Fame, CN Tower, or a really weird double decker sight seeing bus, are sights that Torontonians never go to.

A typical day of the trip:
1. Wake up.

  

2. Decide to take the subway, or walk it in the cold.. 

 3. Despite the freezing cold -20 C temperature, the walking option usually won. This is Jon's footstep, next to mine. I think this might be two left feet... lol.

 

But check out the cool architecture of the city. It's a refreshing change from Toronto's mishmash, right. These photos are all on a walk to Mont Royal.

 

4. Then finally get to the location!
Traveling is funny... most of the time is just spent trying to get there, but it's always worth it.

 

5. Sort of rinse and repeat. The images below are from the Notre-Dame Basilica, apparently, among the most dramatic in the world. It did not dissappoint. 

 

 

6. Often, we'll end the night in Old Montreal for some delicious food. 

 

 

 

sunshine in montreal: food

Sad confession: (story of my life?) as a Canadian citizen for over ten years, Montreal is the first major city I've visited outside of Toronto. I mean, I went to New York City before Montreal. So I was extremely excited about the mecca of Canadian comfort food. Jon and I dedicated a day to sampling amazing food since it was all clustered around one area. Although I didn't try the poutine (sacre bleu!), I experienced first-hand the well-deserved hype over Montreal smoked meat sandwiches, bagels, desserts, and unexpectedly, SUSHI. (whaaa, sushi?)

Let me say that the Jewish people have perfected smoked meat.  Schwartz's is a classic, and cluttered deli, established over 80 years ago on Rue St. Laurent. Their simple sandwich of bread, meat, and mustard just melts in your mouth - like your tongue is being tickled and kissed by deliciousness.There is always a line up, so I recommend heading in before the lunch hour rush. Also, Montreal is much colder than Toronto, which is all the more reason to go early and avoid the nippy weather.

Jon waiting in line at Schwartz's deli

 

Jon and I. The 'tall' waiter laughed after the photo was taken. He told us he jumped up just to appear taller in the image.

Beauty's: Beauty's is also an old school diner, very much like Franz in Toronto, with a narrower menu of breakfast classics. They offer an amazing Montreal bagel, which is smaller, denser, and more delicious versions of Toronto's bagels.

Graphic menu cover

Maple syrup.. irresistible

Montreal bagel, toasted and buttered

 

Juliette et Chocolat:
It's an entire bakery and dessert shop dedicated to chocolate. Yes. Below is the fleur de sel brownie, covered in caramel with a cafe au lait. Best brownie of life - because it was soft, dense, and not cake-like at all. Jon took a small bite of the caramel sauce, and felt an immediate sugar headache. Sigh, I'll miss this place. But it's best not to have the crack house near your home.

A cool gift idea - chocolate in lipstick casing.

 

  

Cheers!

Oh, and of course, happy new years eve! Sending you great vibes for 2013 =)

mochi - puppy: a woman's best friend

My friend Linna has a one year old puppy named Mochi, who has an awesome personality. In celebration of the holidays, she has a dog bell collar. I'm not a dog owner, but I really appreciated Mochi's enthusiasm when she saw me, and she kind of makes you feel like a rock star. She's super clever with a cool repertoire of tricks. And so cute, being the real reason these pictures are posted.

Mochi's standing still, a rare capture:

Linna: Mochi...

Linna: BANG! (and it'll play ... dead!)

Mochi high five!

 

It was her birthday, so you have to celebrate in style. In a hat that she wanted to eat. 

But she really likes to chew on mint.

And hates oranges.

Linna and Mochi. Best friends.

luxury chocolate show at roy thomspon.. yum

When I saw tickets for the Luxury Chocolate Show at the Roy Thompson Hall two months before the event, I jumped on it like an amazing Groupon. Attending the show was like a crack addict going to a crack convention, and I did feeling a bit crazy after one too many samples. While chocolate bars, bark, balls, and beautifully packaged gifts are classics, below are some of my favorite holiday gift ideas. Or just regular day to day gift ideas because everyday is a blessing.

=D

A chef showing off how chocolate is cooked, and shaved on marble:

These are the samples I was talking about. This is chocolate peppermint bark from Saxon Chocolates. They are only found in major retailers like Chapters, Second Cup, and Whole Foods. 

 Nutcracker Milk Chocolate Truffles because it's like both an ornament, and a gift

Laura Slack's chocolate skulls covered in a bronze shell - Amazing!

 

 This is my favorite chocolate of all times - Chocosol's Dark Chocolate. They focus on making 'chocolate food', compared to over processed chocolate-sugar mismashes.

 

  And this is pretty awesome too: chocolate fondue set.

 Happy start of the holiday season!

Jen.