For almost 20 years, our family has been driving to Montreal to visit my husbands’ family. Those trips are quick. Very quick. I can tell you on ONE hand what I’ve seen of Montreal during those visits in the past twenty years.
-three restaurants
-the casino
-the Biodome
-a comedy club
Well all that has changed since I discovered Jean-Talon Market and Atwater Market.
Now I get up at 7 a.m. and sneak out to discover the markets before we get on the road. I feel as if I have “discovered A BIT of Montreal”.
However a friend asked me “Have you been to Ogilvy’s”
I said “Nope…maybe one day. I’ve heard of it, but never had the chance to go”.
Clearly I have not discovered shopping in Montreal.
This visit, I discovered a small catalogue from “Simon’s”.I asked my niece “Whats Simon’s?” She replied “a really nice department store”.
I then said “never been…maybe one day. Can I borrow the catalogue”.
I happen to love shopping. So why haven’t I been there? What’s wrong with me?
The answer is: NO TIME.
The markets are opened at 7 a.m…WHEN EVERYONE IS STILL SLEEPING…which is a great time for me to sneak out.
I had a huge cafe latte (served in a bowl) along with a chocolate croissant from Premiere Moisson. Life was good. Even at 7:30 a.m. on a Sunday.
I made great friends with the owner and cashier at Aqua Mare…who sat with me as I enjoyed a beer. Of course we chatted about fish and food!!
Again, I bought beer, bread, butter, rhubarb and morrels, as well as Australian Native Finger Limes.
At $69.00 a pound they were not cheap but I’m a sucker for something delicious and indeed they were delicious. I love discovering new fruit/new veggies/new anything. Thanks to the friendly clerk at Chez Nino who kept giving me samples!!
So if you are visiting Montreal….drop by the markets. Plus, If you happend to visit Ogilvy’s or Simons, please drop me a line to tell me what I’m missing!!
In the event you are wondering how quick was our visit to Montreal last weekend.
How’s this: we arrived in Montreal on Sunday at 3 p.m. and we were on the highway returning to Toronto at 9 a.m. on Monday. See what I mean. No time.