Amour de Montréal

Pierre Belvédèrem - Warehouse Sale

2010-04-21T08:32:00.001-04:00

I have amazing news to share with you, especially to those who carry a bit of Martha Stewart inside them.

Pierre Belvédèrem is having a warehouse sale. For those who are unfamiliar with the company, they own Essence du Papier. There are three locations in Montreal; the basement of Ogilvy; Place Ville Marie; and on St. Denis Street.

The store offers a variety of items, such as fine stationary to gift cards, original agendas and blank notebooks, office supplies and so on.

Every so often when they want to get rid of old stock, they have a warehouse sale. Two years ago, I had gone to the sale, and bought loads full of amazing items for myself and as great gifts. Elegant wrapping paper was going 10 cents, normally the price would of been $3.00. Expensive pillar candles that came in a range of colour were going for 50 cents. At the end of the shopping experience, I spent about 20 dollars, give or take. I came out with bagfuls of fantastic items that I still use today.

Even though the sale is in LaSalle, it is still worth the trek.

Enjoy a good sale!

Amour de Montreal

The Atrium - Skating

2010-04-15T08:50:00.000-04:00

Is it me, have we just skipped Spring and on to Summer?

Ditching the boots for a pair of sandals is a dream come true for most Montréalers. However, like myself and quite possible others, winter has come and gone too quickly. Even though I prefer to sit on a terrace with friends drinking freshly squeezed lemonade, I cannot help to think that I did not take the opportunity to enjoy winter as I should have.

What would have I done to enjoy it? Skating, yes skating. This past winter, I only managed to wiggle my toes and feet into a pair of skates twice, yes twice. Gliding on the ice to the classical music that Park Lafontaine plays, is somehow magical and beautiful. It’s winter wonderland activity that I share with friends, following hot coco and some Baileys.

Even though spring has arrived, I would think twice before retiring the skates in your winter storage because what I love about this city is the Atrium. If you have never ventured to 1000 de la Gauchetiere, here is your chance to make up for lost winter time.

Surrounded by food outlets, is an indoor skating rink. The Atrium offers skating year round, despite the current weather conditions, you can happily skate along with other skating enthusiasts.

As sad as it is not to have our -30 degree weather not factoring the wind chill, you can still take the time to enjoy a bit of skating.

Love the city you are in.

Amour de Montreal

The Atrium
1000 de la Gauchetiere

Metro : Bonaventure

BIXI

2010-04-13T11:11:00.003-04:00

If you’ve noticed lately, BIXI stations have been popping all over the city. For those of us unfamiliar with the system, it’s time to get acquainted with it and saddle up. To get you started, BIXI has a new promotion, buy a year subscription before May 15 and get $10.00 off. That’s $68.00 for 7 months!

Last year, the BIXI system was launched in Montreal. There are two options on how to use the BIXI, either become a member (pay yearly or monthly), or for the traveller buy a day pass. To become a member, it’s quite simple.

Members pay a year fee of $78.00 or a monthly fee of $28.00, and receive a BIXI key. With the BIXI key, a member can take out a BIXI bike at any station. The first 30 minutes is free, anything after that is at your own cost.

A 24 hour pass will cost you $5.00, as well as a hefty security deposit on your credit card of $250.00. The same rule applies for the usage as a member, the first 30 minutes is free and anything after is at your own cost. If you do become a member, note that there is no security deposit fee.

BIXI bikes are expected to be rolled out on May 1st, however if the warm weather persists and the city is able to get their act together by cleaning up the streets, we may soon be BIXI-ing.

Love the city you are in.

Amour de Montreal

Fair Trade Coffee - Cafe Rico

2010-04-12T13:57:00.000-04:00

Like any other Saturday morning, you may find me sitting on my comfy chair in the living room, curled up reading the Gazette. Depending on the mood, I may have freshly cut toasted bread with wild berry jam, warm French Brioche, a crispy and airy croissant or a bowl full of oatmeal topped with yogurt and juicy local strawberries. Regardless of my mood, I always enjoy my Saturday breakfast with a big bowl of soy-latté.

Nothing makes a weekend day, with a fresh brew. It doesn’t matter if its peculated, made in a French press or an espresso machine. The smell and taste of coffee is a perfect way to start the day. But what makes my morning special is the fact that I buy my coffee from Café Rico.

Café Rico is a fair trade company that supports its farmers and producers of coffee grains in Latin America as well as other countries. Café Rico coffee may be found in local neighbourhood grocery stores in Montreal. And if you can’t find it in your area, then you may have to make your way to their coffee house.

Café Rico can be found on the corner of Rachel Street and Boyer Street. If you’re not looking to buy coffee by the pound, don’t fret, it’s worth the trek to grab a cup of coffee and one of their freshly baked goods. Their coffee shop is a wonderful place to unwind and read a good book. Unlike other coffee chains, the atmosphere is warm and inviting.

Another thing to note is that if you are a student, you receive 10 percent off the coffee you buy.

So next time when you finish the last bit of coffee in your coffee container, fill it up with some Café Rico coffee. You’ll notice the difference in taste and also know that you are making a difference.

Love the city you are in.

Amour de Montreal

Café Rico
969 Rue Rachel Est

Metro : Mont Royal

Journal Entry

2010-04-03T08:45:00.001-04:00

I hope that all of you are taking time to enjoy the weather.

As for me I am catering to my guest for the long weekend, my mother.

Will return with blog entries this Monday.

WORN Fashion Journal

2010-04-01T12:14:00.000-04:00

Travelling.

It’s one of the most rewarding things to do in life, to see and to discover new cities. But the thing that I love most is the people that I meet on my journeys.

Two years ago, I took the Amtrak from Montreal to New York City and like most train rides, I always find myself meeting the most interesting and fascinating people. And that very Friday, I spent the next 12 hours chatting with Serah-Marie McMahon about life, fashion, style and business.

For those of you don’t know Ms. McMahon, she is the editor and publisher of WORN Fashion Journal which is published twice a year in Canada. Unlike other fashion magazine, such as Vogue, that publishes the latest trends, the primary focus of WORN is about Fashion, what makes Fashion, Fashion. Highlighting a few topics of the current issue, an article entitled “Beauty as Duty” that investigates the fashion of WWII propaganda campaign and another that discusses the history of Keffiyeh.

The journal itself is creative filled with fashion education and fashion pop culture. The nature of the journal is quite simple, but yet inventive and original. Does that make sense? Not sure. But it takes questions that are not usually asked about fashion, and makes you think twice. That’s what I like about it.

And returning back to that long train ride, we finally reached the end of the track, both of us going on our separate ways. Mine, to discover New York City, and hers, a fashion conference. Recalling our conversation on the train ride, I vividly remember her strong personality and most importantly her passion and dedication of the work she does. And those qualities still resonate each time I pick up a copy of WORN.

So when you are in that mood to pick up something to read, go to one of the shops that offer WORN. These shops are listed on their “Where to Buy” page.

Love the city you are in, and support our local publishers.

Amour de Montreal

WORN Fashion Journal

Francisation Program: Learning French

2010-04-01T08:18:00.002-04:00

http://www.csdm.qc.ca/EducationAdultes/Programmes/FrancaisLangueSeconde.aspxBonjour, Ca va?

Are you new to our city? Or been here a while and still have not mastered “la langue Française”.

Well I am letting you know that you can jump on the language wagon and learn French for the price of a week’s groceries, or a night of debauchery.

Long story short, in order to promote French language, the government of Quebec offers a Francisation program. The Francisation program is an intensive program lasting two months per level. There are 6 levels in total, then onwards writing classes. The program is subsidized meaning that when you enroll and take French classes, you need to pay an administration fee of $40.00 to your local centre that offers the courses and $10.00 for the course materials and photocopies. That’s it! Learning French has never been so cheap, compared to private institutions.

Classes usually run during the day Monday through Friday, from morning to mid-afternoon. If you work during the day, fear not, they offer intensive night classes Monday to Thursday. Time schedules differ from one centre to the next.

If you are coming out of a job, and have a certain amount of hours, you may be eligible for Emploi Quebec’s training program. They pay you to learn French!

For myself, it was a big change compared to university French; for once I was able to interact with other people and with the teacher. The daily interaction helped big time, and the improvement has shown. So take time learn French.

For more information, click here.

Love the province you are in.

Amour de Montreal.

Sample Sales in Montreal

2010-03-31T11:22:00.002-04:00

In Montreal, as much as we love to be foodies, we also like to look good. Wait, not just good, but fabulous. It doesn’t matter what style we are representing, we do it best than any other Canadian city.

As any fashionista will tell you, the best items in a wardrobe has a story to tell, and most of these stories root from a bargain. A bargain is found in vintage shops, annual sales, thrift shops and lastly sample sales. Sample sales are the epitome of the great lengths we are willing to do, to look good for a good price.

In Montréal, we have plentiful of samples sale offering brands at a lower price. Last summer, I recall sifting through bins of American Apparel clothing, until I found one of my favourite shirts. American Apparel’s massive sample sale near Namur metro station, created so much buzz that the line ups were ridiculous.

So where is one to go to know of these sample sales? Are there secret e-mails be passed from one shopper to the next? Most likely there are. However, I love Sample Sales dot com, offers a place for organizers to publicize their sales. Catering to 6 cities, Montreal can be found.

Clicking on the Event Calendar, you will see past, current and future sales. With a click of a button, you have access to the hottest deals in town. It doesn’t stop there; signing up on their mailing list will only get you exclusive first passes to some events.

Since summer is on its way, it’s time to start looking good, in any style.

Love the city you are in.

Amour de Montreal

Dépanneur Le Pick-Up

2010-03-30T09:10:00.003-04:00

Saturday morning, waking up you realize that it’s 12:30am. Getting out of bed, you’re still a bit hazy from the night before, standing in front of the bathroom mirror you gaze at your hang-over reflection.Your hair untidy, you realise that your skin no longer has its natural colour, and then, your tummy beings to grumble.

Realising that you have no food in the fridge, you must venture out for food. Then it hits you, knowing that it’s the afternoon, the old age question pops up into your head. Do I want breakfast, brunch or lunch? Eggs and toast or a burger?

If you are like any other artsy folk, then you know the secret to solve this old age problem. Tucked away in Little Italy, is a Dépanneur like no other. Disguised as a Dépanneur, is a hip artsy hang out serving scrumptious food.

Le Dépanneur Pick Up, which recently opened up last year, has been a success, especially with the art scene kids. The unique atmosphere is mixed with vintage décor, hipster-retro servers, innovative food made with the freshest ingredients and of course, art.

There are two specialties that I constantly hear about and have tested, their pulled pork sandwich (Vegetarian version also) and their daily brunch specials. Brunch at the Pick Up is creative, mixed with fresh spices and herbs. For example, their breakfast potatoes are mixed with regular potatoes, spices and sweet potatoes. Yes, I wrote sweet potatoes. Two words: genius and delicious.

It doesn’t stop there, their sandwiches such as the vedantanator, le post-reveillon, tapenade and club chipotle, serve up a yummy appetite. Spicy eggplant, spicy Mexican mayo, mango and cranberry spread are just examples of their fine ingredients.

So when you do wake up this Saturday morning or any other day, and have wiped out the contents of your fridge, head to the Depanneur Le Pick Up. Don’t feel intimidated by the environment, the friendly servers will treat you as their own.

Love the City you are in.

Amour de Montreal.

Dépanneur Le Pick-Up
7032 Rue Waverly
Metro : De Castelnau

747 Express Bus

2010-03-29T11:19:00.000-04:00

For all you travellers, ready to spread your wings and fly this Spring and Summer, get ready for 747 Express Bus!

Today, the new bus service by the STM begins. The service is 24 hours! Yes 24 hours!

Finally your Opus card can be used, with no additional fees. Those that do not buy monthly passes, the cost for one-way is $7.00.

Click here, for more information.

Global Warning: Scenes from a Planet under Pressure

2010-03-29T11:15:00.000-04:00

In the last decade there have been extraordinary developments in sciences and technology advancement. Every day we are steps closer in finding ways to combat diseases. Who would of imagined 30 years ago, that we would have wireless internet, let alone mobiles?

It’s true that our generation is advancing at a rapid rate, but with all the remarkable breakthroughs, somehow we are unable to find solutions for problems that can be easily attained. For example, global warming, scientists and researchers have discovered solutions to combat against it. And yet, many of us still do not recycle and governments balance these issues with costs.

Let alone global warming, we are also facing problems with nuclear proliferation and recent shifts of demographics. Particular in Quebec, we have “Reasonable Accommodation”. When each of these issues is compounded on top of one another, there is a realization that our world is under pressure.

The question is what can we do about it? How can I make a difference? The answer is to get informed and be aware of what’s going on.

The Montreal Museum of Fine Art’s recent exhibition in their Contemporary Art section is, “Global Warning: Scenes from a Planet under Pressure”.

Stéphane Aquin, Curator of Contemporary Art at the MMFA, has presented us with extraordinary works by various artists dealing with the issues that our world is crossed with. Each piece is placed with one another, creating a story unfolding the truth of our existence, how we treat each other and the very world that we live in.

Admission to the permanent collection is always free. And of course a donation is always welcomed.

Take time to get informed, and listen up!

Love the World you are in.

Amour de Montreal.

The Montreal Museum of Fine Art’s

1380 Sherbrooke Street West

Metro: Guy-Concordia

Another, and Hopefully Last Pause

2010-03-25T15:56:00.001-04:00

On March 21, 2010, I accidently deleted a word document containing posts that I had planned to use. Needless to say with several attempts to use numerous undelete program, I knew I needed to start over.

The last few days I’ve attempted to recreate the posts that I had written. However, it’s been an unsuccessful mission. It’s very hard to replicate work; it’s not quite the same as the original.

The plan is: start with a new slate.

I am hoping to get back to you all, this weekend.

Take time to enjoy the weather!

Les Chuchoteuese - The Gossipers

2010-03-20T11:31:00.001-04:00

Gossiping.

We all love to do it. Even though we do not like to say that we don’t, but secretly we all do. We love to hear what’s going on within our circle of friends, family and society.

There are those who look down upon gossiping. However, not all gossip is bad. In a recent study, it was shown that gossiping was a way of connecting with another. It was a tool to provide the basis of friendship and to create stronger ties. Gossiping about something and then being the topic of conversation are two different things. Nevertheless, those are the rules of gossiping.

When I think of gossiping, I think of my grandparents, especially grand-ma-ma. Sitting amongst her friends, playing bingo, muttering with one another of who’s doing what these days. “Is her colour real? Where is she getting that extra money?” Along with their continuous laughter, are often looks of astonishment, either sadness or happiness. At the end of the day it keeps these ladies motivated.

It’s often hard to capture the art of gossiping in works of art. However Rose-Aimee Belanger has been able to do. In her works “Les Chuchoteuese”, she draws upon three rounded woman to express the solitude of simple chatter, or as the English translation means “The Gossipers”. Her outstanding work is displayed in old Montréal, on St. Paul West across from the Galerie Sainte-Dizier. St-Dizier is Belanger’s official selling point in Montréal.

Belanger, from Temiscamingue County, Quebec, studied at l'Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Montréal in 1945. Residing in Ontraio, where her studio is, she continues to make sculptures that are made from sandstone, clay and bronze. Les Chuchoteuese is just one of her amazing works that captures life with humour.

Next time when you do happen to be in the Old port, take time to enjoy “Les Chuchoteuese”. Listen closely to what the ladies have to say, and I am sure that they will set off you talking for the day.

Love the city you are in.

Amour de Montréal.

What's Playing: Old Wicked Songs

2010-03-19T17:11:00.002-04:00

What do the 1996 Pulitzer price and our very own director, Martin Faucher, have in common? Joe Marans’s play “Old Wicked Songs” playing at the Segal Centre for Performing Arts, is the answer to that very question. Since March 7th Jean Marchand and Emile Proulx-Cloutier have been playing an amazing performance of this award winning play every evening.

Set in Vienna, Austria in the 1980’s, a young American piano prodigy studies with a Viennese music teacher. Both characters are troubled with their daunting pasts that prevents both from pursing what they do best, music. Together, their stories are intertwined, in a political backdrop of Vienna, with one another allowing both to confront their haunting pasts.

I had the opportunity to see the play last Wednesday evening. I truly recommend each and one of you to take the time to see and to sink in the astounding performances. The music itself, which I believe to be another character in the story, is transcending and mesmerising.

Joe Maran’s, Old Wicked Songs, continues to play at the Segal Theatre until March 21st, that’s this Sunday.

Love the city you are in.

Amour de Montréal.

Segal Theatre
5170 Côte-Ste-Catherine

Metro: Cote-Saine-Catherine

I'm Back

2010-03-19T17:01:00.002-04:00

As you are all fully aware of, the last month I have been absent from my exceptional and thought provoking blog. I write this with a large smile on my face. I’ve had visitors coming and going, stopping the projects that I have been working on.

That is no excuse, they’ve been gone for more than a week. Procrastination is a thing of the past I say to you all, however we’ll see what time will tell.

However though I return to you all and full of amazing ideas to present to you all in the next weeks to come. So stay tuned, bookmark this page, or better yet make it your homepage destination.

Love the city you are in.

Amour de Montréal.

A Piece of History - Berlin Wall

2010-02-19T11:53:00.008-05:00

Childhood.

Innocence.

As children we are taught the concept of right and wrong, values beyond, we often cannot grasp. Running on the open fresh cut yard, historical events are being made. Unable to understand the outside world, we continue to run.

However one day, when we finally understand that there is more to life than our back yards, we realize that the world isn’t as perfect as we thought. We are able to learn and to adapt, and hope that one day the world will become a better place for our children. Moving forward, we learn from our mistakes, appreciate those that we have lost and do what we can to share our knowledge.

On November 9 1989 marked the fall of the Berlin Wall. Not only was it the end of East German’s communist regime, but the beginning of something new, freedom.

In 1992, the city of Berlin gave a segment of the Berlin wall to the city of Montreal for its 350th birthday. Today it stands on display in the Centre de Commerce mondial de Montréal. Many Montréalers do not realize that a piece of history is in our reach. When you plan to take a walk to Old Montreal, take the time to visit. An information panel is mounted discussing the events of the Berlin wall. When you do visit, you will be happy that you had a chance to experience history.

No longer running in the open fields, I take time to appreciate history.

Centre de Commerce mondial de Montréal
747, rue Square Victoria

Metro : Square-Victoria

Chow's Pastry Shop

2010-02-18T08:44:00.015-05:00

In the last year, a growing number of pastry shops in the heart of Chinatown have emerged. Wonderfully displaying their deserts in their trendy cafeteria style setup, have won the hearts of visitors and Montréalers. Who wouldn’t want to venture in and try a bright pink filled cake or one of my favourite treats, an almond cookie.
The next time you are in Chinatown, I am recommending you not enter these “high-end”, as I like to call them, Chinese pastry shops. Rather continue to make your way at the very end of Chinatown on De la Gauchetiere Street (East), where you will find Chow’s Pastry Shop. Situated at the front of the entrance, it is easy for many of us to pass it by not knowing that a pastry shop exists. However those who do stumble upon the shop are lucky.

Walking inside Chows, it can be easily mistaken for beings in someone’s kitchen. Behind the till, are family members and friends of the Chow gossiping about the latest news and stirring ingredients to make scrumptious desserts. Always peaking at those who enter and leave, their welcoming smile offers a genuine Pastry shop without the frills.

Against the wall are an array of pastries and desserts. Don’t hesitate to ask for their favourites. I often grab the almond cookie I crave, as well as becoming adventurous by try something new.
For as long as I can remember, Chow’s Pastry Shop has been around forever. Their presence is what Chinatown is about. A family owned shop, creating baked goods in the background. You will not be getting a stylish cafeteria, rather delicious inexpensive desserts made with tons of love and the latest gossip.

Love the city you are in.

Amour de Montréal.

Chow's Pasty Shop
16 de la Gauchetière St. W
Metro : St-Laurent

Book Club – The Year of the Flood

2010-02-17T11:01:00.014-05:00

A month ago, I took a walk into Indigo, downtown on St. Catherine Street. Like any other Indigo day, I first made my way upstairs to the bargain section. Filtering through the piles of novels, I did not find anything. Turning toward the amazing coffee shop, where I ordered a black medium coffee, I spotted a discounted notebook for 2 dollars. Grabbing the notebook and not satisfied in finding a novel, I managed to head toward the fiction area. Clearing my way through the busy crowd, I saw in front of me, The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood.

It’s unfortunate up until that point that I never had read any literature written by Margaret Atwood. After reading the flap and her rave reviews from her previous novel, Oryx and Crake, without hesitation I took a chance in purchasing it. At the cash, the staff also raved about the Oryx and Crake, as well as The Year of the Flood. Mind you, I truly put my trust in the reviews of Indigo’s staff, I have never once been disappointed.

During my busy schedule I made time at night to read the novel. Truth be told, I was a bit apprehensive. Atwood throws you into this grim-future of how the world ended. Her vividly and wild imagination transported me from my comfy couch to an apocalyptic future. Needless to say, the time I spent with her characters, Ren and Toby, as well as the Gardeners, made January’s coldest days fly by.

This is an amazing read. It has so many layers of themes and beautifully well-written that your mind will continue to clatter and reflect.

It makes perfect sense at this point to recommend this after persuading you to go to the library. At the library, they have 8 available, waiting to be read. Feel free to leave comments about the novel.

Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec

2010-02-17T09:08:00.004-05:00

I would like to introduce you all to the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. It’s rather funny that my first recommendation would be a library. However, I am always surprised to find that there are so many people that never have actually passed the full-size revolving doors to the library.

Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec is a staple in my weekly activities during the winter. During the cold winter days, it’s a perfect weekend getaway. I come and go, each week carrying a bag full of music, books and DVDs to discover. The brilliant thing about the library is that it is free. Yes free! Bring an id and a proof of address. That’s it!

Every week, I stand on the forth floor in front of a sea like vast collection of music. Walking through the aisles, I always take chances by grabbing discs of unknown artists. My latest discovery, Oscar Peterson: Stephane Grappelli quartet vol. 2 from the Jazz in Paris series. Making my way pass the countless discs, I stand in front of a herd of film lovers flipping through stacks of DVD’s, all contemplating their next viewing. I recommend going to the television series section where you will uncover several surprising finds as well as some unexpected classics.

Last but not least, saving the best for last, I roam throughout the rest of the floors engulfed with volumes amount of paper that’s been inked to make wonderful past times experiences on my cold winter days. Lately I have been wondering the arts section, reading the works of Van Gogh.

I recommend taking a walk around the building, to discover every nook and cranny. The building itself is nicely built. Take time to discover the National Collection, if not to discover, then a quiet escape to read or study. Do not be turned away by the security guard, she or he will provide a locker for you to stash your belongings.

I hope that this weekend and the next, I will pass each and one of you.

Love the city you are in.

Amour de Montréal.

Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec
475, boulevard De Maisonneuve Est, Montréal (Québec) H2L 5C4
Opening hours :
Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 10 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
Metro : Berri

A Gift to Montréal

2010-02-16T17:58:00.002-05:00

I have spent the last 2 hours trying to debunk the art of writing an introduction for a blog. However with unsuccessful attempts on my Word processor, I have decided to succumb to a defeat. However, as I pondered of what to say in the initial paragraph, I was too preoccupied with the possibilities and main intent of this blog.

Montréal is a city that I fell in love with. It’s very simple why: the architecture, the people, the food, the music, the arts, and so on. I can sit here for the next 30 minutes listing the reasons why I fell in love with Montreal. However, I won’t because I believe that this city deserves more than 30 minutes of my time.

For the next year, my mission is to share the secrets of Montréal. I want to embark on a blog journey depicting what Montréal is about such as where to go eat, hang out and so forth. This is not to give reviews of what places I prefer to the next, but the places that I cherish and would like to share. Along this journey, for those who will follow, I will also share local Montréal artisans works and promote the diversity that Montréal has to offer. One thing to let you know right now is that I am big supporter of local development in our community.

Those who will follow me for the next year, I encourage you to take the time to comment on my daily blogs. Share and express your thoughts. I look forward to our new kinship relationship.

Love the city you are in.

Amour de Montréal.