BEYOND TRACK LIMITS
THE RELAXED EVENING...
Montreal is a real foodie city, and every time I visit I discover new places to add to my must-visit list. A perennial favourite is Scarlet Exclusive, one of many restaurants in the Vieux Port but a relaxed environment in which to spend an evening relaxing with friends over wine and seafood. In the summer months, the terrace is lovely.
THE FOOD MARKET...
The Jean Talon Market is an open-air food market in Little Italy. Covering more than 200,000 square feet, there are up to 300 vendors in high summer, while the number drops to around 150 during the bitter winters. Spend a morning or afternoon wandering around, tasting samples, and picking up the makings of a picnic. The market is open daily.
THE LOBSTER POUTINE...
Poutine is everywhere in Montreal, from high-end to street food, and it's generally a pretty high standard. For something a little special, though, try the lobster poutine at Garde Manger. It's incredibly rich, so share one with the starters. As a restaurant, Garde Manger is dark and loud and rowdy in a good way, but not one to bring granny to -- even if the food is top notch. Expect heavier fare and stuff the diet.
Around Montreal
CANADIAN GRAND PRIX
A little pocket of Europe in North America, Montreal is a city that has enjoyed a walk on the seedier side since before there was a Hudson Bay Company. These days, the city serves its side of sleaze with gourmet cuisine. In the summer months, when the weather warms up, Montreal comes out to play.