I spent the past week in Montreal for training and thought it was a lovely city - at least the Old Montreal portion where I was. As I was looking through my photos, they fell into food, observations, and history. I'll cover the first two here.
Weather: it's still cold here. It was 45 and drizzly during the work week and sunny but cold yesterday. The first day I arrived was sunny and 60 and the city was out in Old Port where everyone was eating ice cream and remarking about how unbelievably beautiful the day turned out. Reminded me of Chicago a few weeks ago -- both the weather and the happy residents coming out of hibernation. There were still chunks of ice on the river. And I think Danger Chute de Glace! sounds so much more intimidating that the Caution Falling Ice signs we have around here. The tourguide on my walking tour actually pointed out how horrible French-style roof construction is for icy cities. That - and the fact that the parking meters are so far away from the street to allow for snow clearing - were totally worth the price of the tour!
My first "meal" in Montreal was Poutine de Quebec - traditional style poutine. It is freshly fried fries covered with gravy and topped with cheese curds. Hot gravy will eventually melt cheese curds. I thought it was good, but after about half my stomach said enough! During the week, I tried poutine at another restaurant. This one also added pulled pork. I didn't like the pork and the fries were a little soggy, so definitely not as good as what I got at the food court place.
Randomly saw the in the city. Made me think of the Walt Disney World Tower of Terror ride.
Canadians love their hockey! Lots of Canadiens (aka Habs) sweaters were on statues around the city. And this statute in the town square had tattoos on the faces. We went to a brew pub on our free night to watch the hockey game, and I enjoyed a Margarita Blonde (blonde beer, tequila and lime juice).
I couldn't go to Canada without visiting Tim Horton's, eh? There was one (along with a Starbucks) on the block of my hotel. Breakfast of champions right there. A friend also recommended Muru for crepes. Now THAT was a delicious lunch!


