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 =)