Montreal, in the province of Quebec, Canada is a city that is deeply rooted in European tradition. Dating back to the early 1600's, Montreal, a bi-lingual metropolis, demonstrates a distinguished cityscape featuring majestic architectural surroundings. Not only is the landscape something to marvel at but Montrealers themselves have a certain “joie de vivre” that few other North Americans understand. Their passion for food, art, entertainment, and fun is intrinsically felt at every turn. Eye contact is never avoided, kissing cheek to cheek is abound, and Montrealers have mastered the art of the lingering conversation. Coffee shops and restaurant terraces alike become private spaces for those who sit for hours with lovers, friends, or family discussing life over a cappuccino or a Cabernet sauvignon. Petite boutiques offer beautifully crafted items, charming restaurants entice you with mouth-watering menus, and although the weather is fierce, Montrealers make sure to never take a beautiful afternoon for granted. There is something terribly romantic about this divine city. I had the extreme fortune of living in Montreal while I attended McGill University. During my time at McGill, I became friends with people from literally all parts of the world. Montreal, as a city, mirrors this diversity and is evident in the multitude of languages spoken, cuisines offered, and cultural affairs. Today, I remain captivated by this exceptional place which is the perfect melange of french charm and canadian warmth.
Some highlights from my recent trip...
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts/ Musee des Beaux Arts de Montreal:
Currently exhibiting a magnificent installation of Chihuly, the museum also features an exceptional permanent collection installed in four separate wings of the museum. Obviously my favorite was the Decorative Arts and Design section. Light and airy, well designed and well curated, I was fascinated with pieces that ranged from a brilliant Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti secretaire to a recent Pieke Bergmans Desk with lamp. I also acquired a new obsession with artist Laurent Craste’s quirky yet dark porcelain sculptures.
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| La fin d’une potiche I (2012) Laurent Craste |
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| "Light Bulb" Pieke Bergmans |
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| Installation in Decorative Arts wing of the museum |
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| Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti, Secretaire Architecture |
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| Outdoor Chihuly Installation |
New wing of the Museum
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| Chihuly Exhibit
McCord Museum/ Musee McCord- Montreal History Museum
I happened to be in the city while the McCord Museum featured an exhibition on Grace Kelly. From Philadelphia to Monaco, the exhibit featured the woman behind the celebrity and traced her extraordinary life journey through some 100 objects and archives, testimonials, love letters, notes of friendship, photos, film clips and above all clothing and accessories from designers who helped shape fashion in the 20th century.
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Galerie LeRoyer
Known as the premiere contemporary art gallery in Montreal, Galerie LeRoyer is home to exceptional Canadian and International artists. Some of my favorites include Nick Veasey, Yoakim Belanger, Lyle Owerko, Claudio Napolitano, Martin Rondeau, and Andre Petterson.
My good friend and gallery director, Alexandra Conners, was also recently featured on Notable.CA as a Notable Young Professional to watch!
http://www.galerieleroyer.com
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| Andre Petterson |
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| Martin Rondeau |
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| Nick Veasey |
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| Yoakim Belanger |
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| Lyle Owerko |
Old Port
Cobblestone streets, divine cathedrals, and the St.Lawrence River all make the Old Port of Montreal a truly spectacular part of the city. Steeped in history, this area has in recent years experienced a revival which brought about chic restaurants, boutique hotels, and a plethora of sophisticated shops. You can easily spend your days wandering about the Old Port stopping into cafes, touring important Montreal monuments, and grabbing drinks amongst the fashionable set. There are even a few good spots to shake your groove thing into the wee hours of the morning if you are looking for some extracurricular entertainment.
To see...
Montreal Science Center
Place Jacques -Cartier
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
Montreal City Hall
St. Paul Street
To Eat...
Le Club Chasse et Peche
Barroco
Le Bremner
Garde-Manger
To Drink....
Santos Tapas Bar
Joverse Cuisine Bar
W Montreal Wunderbar
Hotel Place D’Armes Suite 701
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| Le Club Chasse et Peche |
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| Barroco |
Laurier Avenue
Tourists may not generally make it up to this local hangout but Laurier is home to some incredible dining and shopping. Peruse a sophisticated collection of lingerie, scope out the latest women’s fashions, or browse through arty home wares on this very francophone street. The vibe is extremely European and home to sumptuous authentic french cuisine at hot spots like Restaurant LeMeac.
Shop by...
Lyla
Michel Brisson
Boutique 5e Avenue
Fracas! La Table
Billlie
Agatha
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