Chrisser

cheap decent hotel: http://www.hotel-saint-malo.com/site.htm

snackhappy

... and he's still pronouncing Limon incorrectly after hearing it properly 100 times. Unreal.

^^ was JUST going to post that very same thing. You don't even have to get off the highway. Seems like a logical first stop in Quebec.

you will learn to like it. that area in the summertime is lively and fun. welcome to city living.

it sounds to me as if OP hasn't seen inner-city Montreal during the summer. I find it so beautifully urban and green, and I can't imagine thinking that that area isn't a good strolling area.

^ agreed. gee, overreact much?

what looks dark and gloomy to you right now will look beautiful come summertime. The inner-city never looks great in the winter. Little Italy is very safe, by the way, most of the city is. Since you seem to be a little picky, maybe the lower Westmount area might suit you better. Food-wise, there's pretty good shopping, and the area itself is definitely upscale. It will also be a shorter drive to the west island than something further east, like Mile End or Little Italy. There are some great buildings overlooking Westmount Park that may interest you. Take a drive around Sherbrooke St., between Claremont and Greene Avenue.

the casse-croute du coin, aka Moe's, at lambert-closse and de maisonneuve, is a favorite diner haunt of mine. also love Decarie hot dog for fries.

YES! The chopped liver. It's the only way I can eat organ meat. They serve it with rye and mustard on the side. I also prefer Snowdon Deli's smoked meat to Schwarz'. It's less chewy, IMO. Maybe due to the good long steam.

I'd do breakfast on the Plateau instead. La Binerie or Beauty's both have a ton more atmosphere than Eggs, and the same average breakfast.

OF COURSE THEY WILL!!

Hi Chantal, I googled out of laziness, but this version, minus the sugar (??) is pretty much what I've made at home succesfully. I use low sodium chicken stock instead of water as well. French Canadian Pea Soup

They also have Persian baklava at Akhavan on Sherbrooke W.

Identifiler, I would hardly call Olive et Gourmando ghetto! More of a casual pastry-sandwich shop and highly recommended if you have kids in tow.

After a visit to the cheese shop, an Italian dinner: Penne, carbonara-style with a touch of curry powder (gives an excellent richness to the sauce) fresh bacon lardons, and portobello slices.... Reggiano of course. Afterward, a salad of frisee, gorgonzola, grape halves, and tart balsamic vinaigrette. Espresso and biscotti for dessert. Yesterday, grilled shish-taouk-marinated brochettes, with homemade arabic-style tzatziki, and flatbreads. More salad. FINALLY, spring has arrived.

Indulged an intense, PMS-fueled potato craving yesterday by making scalloped red potatoes with cubed ham, corn niblets, and 4 yr. old cheddar. Skin-on potatoes, sliced by hand. Also in the past week, a cheap blade pot roast with yukon gold potato wedges, carrot, celery and whole cremini mushrooms turned out GREAT. My budget right now is frustratingly restricting!

Wealth in Montreal does not mean foodie. A large portion of our wealthy neighbors are family-minded, practical, either French or Kosher-eating, and not into experimenting with food. Most of them couldn't care less about GOOD Mexican or Indian (too weird!), creme fraiche, or the best foie gras.... It saddens me too, but it's the truth.

Yes carswell, sorry... Not homemade but a vast selection of both types. I'd call or get there soon, though.

I don't know much about them (have Italians in the family and never liked the stuff!), although I do have a suggestion on where to find 'em. Cavallaro, on Sherbrooke near Victoria has a HUGE selection of both.

MMMMMM Belle-Vue Kriek, with chocolate. At first I too had a tough time with hops, quickly discovered I prefer a maltier, more molasses-flavored brew. As you're into Belgians, can you suggest a dark ale on the sweet side for me to try? As I mentioned earlier, my favorite beer is Smithwicks. (Former Irish Pub employee) OK, OK.... YOU're friendly.

Those are excellent points and thanks for not being rude! Read back you'll see I never intended to "fight". Staying away from your beer snobbery threads, thanks.

WOW how snotty. My Corona suggestion was aimed at the non-beer drinker, and I think you're all crazy to suggest someone start with a heavy Belgian brew. I'm Canadian and I can't do coors light and bud, my favorite beer is Smithwicks personally. AND I don't care what the mexicans call it, it is a good starter beer!

I think a great starter beer is nice cold Corona with a wedge of lime. It'll get your taste buds ready for the heavier stuff.