Editor’s note:
This is the first post on Ici et Here. We thought it fun to begin with Allen Wightman, an ex Montrealer who also happens to be the Official Dad of FAIT ICI. Al lived in Montreal for most of his life. Once a teacher, he shifted careers and spent the last 20 some of his working years as a fundraising executive for various organizations, many in the hospital sector. He moved to Oakville, Ontario about 11 years ago to run the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital Foundation (since that time, he has been referring to Montreal as “Canada’s Greatest City”). Though he has eaten and enjoyed thousands of meals in Montreal, this is his first ever blog post.
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As someone who was born, raised, educated and worked in Montreal, it was something of a shock to take up a new career in Oakville, Ontario in 1999. As a committed foodie, I was pleased to discover a number of fine restaurants in Oakville and plentiful wonderful food experiences in Toronto (considered by some to be the Centre of the Universe) but….
I have returned to Montreal many times in the past 11 years, but my experience last Thanksgiving was new and different.
Imagine a long weekend where the sole purpose was to enjoy the culinary delights of my home town.
It began Thursday with dinner at Carolus in the Plateau. The Confit de canard was amazing. The restaurant is an “apportez votre vin” and I brought along a bottle of Burrowing Owl, a lovely Syrah from B.C. that is a perfect accompaniment to duck.
What better thing to do on Friday then visit the Atwater Market! Needless to say, a fresh crunchy baquette with a slice of one of Quebec’s organic cheeses, Alfred le Fermier, made for a great lunch. The market was abuzz with great energy and delightful smells of Fall produce, with the stalls overflowed with pumpkins, squash and apples.
Friday night meant a return to my favourite Italian restaurant, Le Piedmontais. After 30 years of patronage, I sometimes wonder if I am in a rut?! But their garlic and oil linquini seems to beckon me every time I go to Montreal.
Saturday is always a special day in Montreal for foodies. Where to begin? Of course, Fairmont Street for a bagel. People endlessly stream into this small landmark bakery! All those devotees of Tim Horton’s bagels should try one of these!
Moving up the “Main” (what a great street!), I entered the Jean Talon Market area. It is always a great place to visit but I think it is at its best around Thanksgiving. Snacking on exotic Moroccan treats with an Espresso I wandered around taking in the sounds, aromas, and displays of nature’s harvest.
Obviously some exercise was now in order. I knew I’d never be able to burn off all the morning’s caloric intake but I was ready to give it a go. A walk on Mt. Royal seemed like a good idea.
Before emarking on my trek, however, I realized that I couldn’t come to Montreal and not visit Schwartz’s Deli. Sadly the lineup stretches a mile down to the road. Oh well, Isaid ‘I’ll park near Fletcher’s Field and find something on Parc Avenue.’ Still upset about missing out on a smoked meat sandwich I walked into Kaza Maza, a Syrian Restaurant. What a gem! The Fattet Humus is a new experience. Creamy and garlicy, it will definitely make for a return visit.
In my younger days, I used to run on Mt. Royal. Not anymore! Nevertheless a great walk up and around the park with trees in full colour is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. The view of the city is fantastic.
Saturday night found me at the Tuck Shop. The chef is clearly under 30 years of age and already a magician in the kitchen. The “butcher’s cut” steak is perfect. I thought I was in a Parisian Bistro.
Sunday meant back to Oakville - a pound or two heavier, but definitely a happy camper.
I’m already planning my next “foodie” weekend. Where better to do it then in Canada’s greatest city.
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YAY the blog venture is off and running. And what a great first post by FAIT ICI’s dad whom I just met and was so pleasant to chat with. Now I am hungry again!
What a wonderful welcome to your new blog. I loved vicariously following you through the streets of Montreal. I look forward to the day that I too can eat the same savory morsels about which you so eloquently wrote. Congratulations on joining the blogging community.
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