Happy New Year, Guys! A little late, I know – but I was busy inhaling croissants and poutine in Montreal. What a city! I spent 3 days wandering around old Quebec, taking in the sites and thawing out in the cutest French cafes. It certainly wasn’t enough time to tackle the whole city, but enough to have me fall in love with it.

Here’s what I did:

Where I Stayed: The W Montreal

• The Hotel is located right between the downtown and Old Montreal, so it’s walking distance to everything.
• Order the club sandwich from room service. It’s $28 (I know) but it’s sooo good.
• Try the Moscow Mules at the hotel bar
• The Hotel Restaurant (Ê.A.T) makes a really good Almond Milk latte. This is something I don’t joke about.

Where I Ate:

• Marche De La Villette – This was one of those adorable little french cafes, so adorable I went twice. Leave your diet at the door and order the Croque-monsieur. In fact order two. They taste better than skinny feels, Kate. Also, the servers here were legends, the kind of people you feel like your bff’s with by the end of your meal and who fill you in on the non-touristy hot spots. I now know the best place to get tattooed in Montreal (don’t worry Mum, I didn’t go) and where to find the best poutine (see below).
• Poutine La Banquise –  Ok, so I didn’t actually get to eat here. Instead the great Canadian winter graced Montreal with an ice storm and I was held captive in my hotel room drooling over the menu.
• Nolan Pizzeria – It’s walking distance from the W, so out of fear of starvation, I braved the ice storm and took an uber to it. I’m big on ambiance, and this place was like something out of a 90’s rom com. I sat at the bar and ate half the menu, while waiting for John Cusak to show up with my copy of Love In The Time Of Cholera. The meatballs and the Uova Pizza were my fave.
• Foiegwa – A diner-style, hipster joint. I love hipsters, and diners. Also, its right next door to a speakeasy that serves cocktails with names like Glitter Green and Dame Nature.
• Maggie Oaks – This is the one place I ate that I wasn’t impressed with. The food was decent, but the service was slow. And by slow I mean ‘snail’s pace’ is a generous description. Also, my steak came out with green beans, after I explained to our server that I’m anaphylactic to peanuts, peas and beans. Hmm…

What I Saw:

• I spent the better part of two days wandering around Old Montreal, getting lost in the European architecture, soaking up the culture and feeling like I should take up poetry.
• The Belvédère Camillien-Houde – one of the look outs atop Mount Royal. I got there just after sunset and watched the city light up.
• I had my uber driver tour around Mount Royal so I could creep the real estate. I do this in a lot of places. So many incredible homes!

Until next time, Montreal!

xo