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Even though my husband Jeremy and I met in New York through friends 13 years ago, it was our mutual love of Montreal that may have first brought us together.
After all, Jeremy was born and raised there and I attended McGill University as an undergrad, having grown up in Toronto.
But it's not just Canadian nostalgia that keeps us returning time and again.
It's the energy of the city, the quasi-Euro sensibility, and the independent rhythm that we find so alluring.
(So many other major metropolitan centres all seem to blend into one.) Oh, and Montreal has an incredible amount of good food.
We've compiled a by-no-means-inclusive list of some of our favourite places to taste and explore. And since Montreal is a city of vibrant contrasts – French/English, classic/modern, gritty/glam – we've picked options that exemplify both its traditional, old-school feel as well as the vanguard.
Chacun à son goût!
Beautys
Eat the legend: eggs scrambled with salami and onions, triple-decker sandwiches, Beautys special with Montreal bagel and lox, the best banana bread.
vs
Le Chien Fumant
French Canadian meets Southern gastropub with hearty breakfasts of eggs and pulled pork, crunchy pain perdu, and creamy crab cakes.
Wilensky's
A relic that still makes the best, simplest sandwiches in the city: beef bologna, salami, cheese, and mustard on a toasted bun with a side of kernatzel (kosher dried beef sticks, aka Jewish Quebec's answer to pepperoni sticks). No substitutions or tips allowed.
vs
Lawrence
Fatty, tasty beef tongue with lima beans and goat cheese, trout salad, and juicy burgers all served on a super laid-back hipster corner of Mile End neighbourhood.
or
Le Nouveau Palais
A barely converted old diner with simple, impeccably cooked food, like a perfect egg salad sandwich, meticulous matzoh ball soup, and the ever-Canadian Lumberjack Sandwich (bacon, egg, and cheese between two maple-soaked pancakes).
Café Olimpico
An old country coffee bar serving serious espresso, with stand-up tables and soccer blaring on the TV on a hidden corner of Rue St Viateur.
vs
Café Myriade
The new guard found a home on Rue Mackay near Concordia University. Award-winning baristas here do not take their brew lightly: every cup is made with absolute care and precision.
Jean Talon market
An indoor-outdoor food extravaganza that puts most urban markets to shame. You'll find the freshest seasonal Canadian bounty – cheese, meats, spices, and spreads of all kinds – all fresh from the farm. Not to mention a unique shop specialising in Quebec's finest maple butter, sugar, wine, microbrews, foie gras and confit de canard.
We could wax poetic about Au Pied de Cochon or Joe Beef (as so many people already have), both of which have positioned themselves at the epicentre of the French-Canadian gastro universe.
They deserve all the acclaim they receive.
But there is so much more to the city's dining landscape – and we are not even scratching the surface of the ethnic options available (that's another itinerary). Here are a few others that should share their glory:
Club Chasse et Pêche
A luxe, cavernous space on a quiet street in Old Montreal with a sophisticated hunting and fishing lodge menu that's always rich and satisfying, from snow crab to sweetbreads and impeccably fresh Arctic char from the icy waters of the Bay of Gaspé.
vs
Le Filet
Le Club Chasse et Pêche's new sibling in the Plateau neighbourhood is more seafood-driven, with a long list of quivering crudo (raw seafood), oysters, tartars, and an impressive selection of fresh fish, in addition to other carefully cooked amphibians.
or
La Salle à Manger
Modern Québécois bistro with an ever-changing chalkboard menu of hearty staples with a modern twist, like crispy fried frogs' legs with chipotle mayo, roasted bone marrow with asparagus and a warm porcini salad with poached egg, hazelnuts, onion purée, grana padano, and Swiss chard.
A glassed-in meat locker reveals their homemade sausages and dry-aged meats, and a massive farmhouse tub in the back holds their ice-cold raw seafood selection.
Le Bilboquet Handmade Ice Cream
The very best tire d'érable (maple sugar) ice-cream, bar none; creamy and rich maple syrup base with shards of maple sugar scattered throughout.
or
Patisserie de Gascogne
Beautiful viennoiseries and confections made just as the French intended, since 1957.
or
Duc de Lorraine
A refuge of traditional gateaux, tartes, and mille-feuilles, where you can quietly sip café au lait all day long.
vs
De Farine et d'Eau Fraîche (Of Flour and Fresh Water)
A beautiful, tiny new bakery devoted to miniature works of pastry art, including fabulous little cakes, cookies, and deliciously whipped frappé coffee.
or
Cocoa Locale (4807 Avenue du Parc, +1 514 271 7162)
An unusual little spot where one talented woman bakes a limited selection of very special pastries that changes daily, depending on her mood and fancy, from chocolate-chai layer cake to vanilla plum tarts and fudgy brownies with a hint of cayenne pepper. Call ahead to make sure she's open, as she sells out fast. (No official website, but Unique Boutiques blog gives lots of info.)
This is an article from our Guardian Travel Network. To find out more about it,click here
This article originally appeared on guardian.co.uk
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Living in Manhattan, Daniel Rootenberg looks forward to that special time of day or night when he can leave the office and de-stress with a good sweat.
He has no use for that stuffy square box they call the neighborhood gym and could care less about the latest state-of-the-art elliptical machine. All he needs are his two legs and a good route to jog—which, in his home city, means the pathways skirting the East and Hudson rivers, or through the urban oasis of Central Park.
Little surprise, then, that when this vice president of finance at Shutterstock travels, he packs his running shoes. Rootenberg typically asks his hotel concierge for a route and a map, noting his preference for varied terrain and safety (as much as he enjoys exploring the streets of a new city, he doesn’t want to jog through crime-ridden or congested areas). Often, he says, he’s able to take in some of a city’s noteworthy sights while on his run.
“On my last trip to Chapel Hill, the concierge mixed historic buildings with less populated sidewalks,” he says. “It was perfect.”
More and more business travelers, it seems, can be found taking to the streets in the cities where they take their meetings. Not only is it liberating for these travelers to run after hours stuck in airport terminals and conference rooms; sometimes, jogging is the only chance they have to see some of the city they’re visiting. Taking a run also gives them an opportunity to share a common activity with local residents—and experience a camaraderie they’d never find on a lonely treadmill inside a hotel fitness center.
While running is perhaps the most accessible of workouts—all that’s needed are shoes and a route—the gentrification of many cities in the past two decades has made urban jogging even easier. New developments have created running trails that offer a slice of tranquility in otherwise highly energized hubs. In San Antonio, for example, the popular waterfront River Walk has extended both north and south of the city in recent years, giving joggers an additional 15 miles to explore. Similarly, both the Eastbank Esplanade in Portland, Ore., and the Hudson River Park in New York City have unveiled paved trails that offer both riverside and city-skyline views.
So, whether your next business trip brings you to the Financial District in Boston or the massive San Diego Convention Center on the harbor, make sure to throw your running shoes into your suitcase. And check out our list of great urban running trails for more inspiration.
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Chicago is a city with an awesome and towering skyline—and this 18.5-mile path along the shore of Lake Michigan gives you ample opportunities to appreciate it. Start at the Navy Pier, then turn south along the paved lakeside trail. You’ll pass Buckingham Fountain, the Shedd Aquarium and Soldier Field, home to the Chicago Bears.
When you turn around for the return trip, you’ll be treated to a fabulous view of the city’s skyscrapers, including the Aon Center, the John Hancock Center and the Willis Tower (currently the tallest building in the United States). The trail north of the Navy Pier will lead you to Oak Street Beach, a good place to rest after your run.
Boston’s most cherished running route, this 17.1-mile path lines both sides of the Charles River in Boston’s Back Bay and Cambridge.
A favorite four-mile stretch starts at the Esplanade (a historic park that’s home to the Boston Pops’ Fourth of July concert and fireworks extravaganza), then heads west to cross the Charles at the Mass Avenue Bridge. Turning east then brings you to the Museum of Science, and across the river once again to return to the Esplanade.
In spring and fall, you’ll likely see the Harvard and MIT crew teams sculling in the river; but even in the middle of a winter snowstorm, you’ll be sure to see other joggers (since the city hosts the world-class Boston Marathon, it takes its running very seriously).
Manhattan’s urban oasis offers two great options for runners to choose from. Those looking for a short, scenic jaunt (or a warm-up) can start at either of the park’s 86th Street entrances and run the 1.5-mile dirt track around the reservoir (the scenery here is especially lovely in early spring, when the surrounding magnolia trees are in bloom).
For a more strenuous workout, there’s also a six-mile Outer Loop that leads through the entirety of the park—a highlight of which is the sight of the city skyline rising above the wide lawn of Sheep Meadow.
Central Park Resevoir and Outer Loop
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The booming cosmetic treatments industry is facing a wide-ranging crackdown over an array of dubious practices that exploit, pressurise and pose a danger to often vulnerable patients who are hoping to improve their appearance.
Tough regulation is likely after a government-ordered review heard sustained criticism of aggressive promotional tactics, salespeople rather than doctors advising on procedures, and patients being abandoned after a treatment went wrong.
New laws are looming after the review, headed by the NHS's medical director, Sir Bruce Keogh, was told that existing controls were weak and ineffective and did little to stop unqualified practitioners and to protect patients. It uncovered strong support for a ban on free consultations for cosmetic surgery, an end to two-for-one offers and time-limited discount deals on procedures, and for those considering surgery to undergo a two-stage process of written consent so they do not feel rushed into going under the knife.
The review was ordered by then health secretary Andrew Lansley in August after the PIP breast implants scandal, in which about 47,000 women in the UK received French-made silicone breast implants which turned out to have a higher than usual risk of rupturing. That led to calls for an overhaul of a business that has been criticised for years for its hard sell tactics for everything from removing unwanted hair to banishing facial lines through injections, weight loss procedures, breast augmentation and nose improvement operations.
At that time, Keogh said there was "a cacophony of concern across society" about the industry's behaviour and voiced worries that there were "some pretty grubby practices going on". He also stressed that "there are some parts of the industry that we need to clean up".
A summary of more than 180 submissions from doctors, patient groups and industry representatives to Keogh's review of the regulation of cosmetic interventions, published on Monday by the Department of Health (DH), paints a picture of an often irresponsible body image enhancement business more interested in profits than patient welfare or safety.
The responses "send a clear message that the current regulatory framework doesn't do enough to support consumer rights or patient safety," Keogh says in his foreword. "The supply and demand for procedures in this fast-growing sector has outgrown the existing legislation around the products used, the people providing treatments, and the information and advice available to the public."
While the evidence does not bind Keogh in drawing up his recommendations, which are expected in March, they do tally with his thinking on how to "deliver a cosmetic interventions industry that will lead the world in terms of patient care without stifling consumer choice".
Ministers are likely to be left with little choice but to legislate to ensure an industry estimated to be worth more than £1bn a year cleans up its act.
The summary of evidence reveals that many respondents back a two-stage consent process for surgical procedures and want medical professionals rather than sales advisers to undertake consultations. Respondents also support a ban on financial inducements or time-limited deals, which are used to persuade patients to go ahead with procedures. Some are offered discounts if they introduce a friend to the provider, or offered two procedures for the price of one – deals which surgeons and consumer groups have branded completely unethical.
Respondents also demand fuller information for patients, including them being shown photographs of the bruising and scarring that can occur, and more detail on the risks associated with surgery.
Vivienne Parry, a medical and science journalist who was on the review committee, said: "Aggressive marketing techniques are often used to maximise profit. This may be the right approach for selling double glazing but not for people having or considering whether to have surgery."
Dr Rosemary Leonard, another committee member, said: "It is wrong that the first consultation is with a salesperson rather than a medical professional. Surgery – indeed any cosmetic intervention – is a serious step and a patient must be told about the immediate side-effects after surgery as well as any potential long-term effects on their health."
Peter Walsh, chief executive of the patient safety charity Action Against Medical Accidents, which has long urged ministers to act, said: "The cosmetic treatments industry is a murky industry which preys on people's insecurity or vanity and is badly in need of better regulation.
"The suggestions for clamping down on aggressive and misleading marketing and requiring proper consent are very sensible, but the government must not shy away from the need to bring in statutory regulation of all treatment which can cause serious harm, and a guaranteed compensation scheme for those who have been harmed by negligent treatment or faulty products. It is a scandal that treatments such as cosmetic laser treatment, Botox or dermal filler injections are unregulated."
Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the Patients Association, said the rise in cosmetic surgery for non-medical purposes in recent years meant the report was welcome but long overdue: "The life-changing consequences of cosmetic surgery make it important that vulnerable and frequently ill-informed people are not victim to aggressive marketing techniques. For patients and the public to have confidence in those providing services, they require meaningful information they can understand and relate to. They need to make sure they understand the medical professional looking after them has the appropriate skills and latest techniques, and paramount to the safety of the patient is written consent."
Sally Taber, the director of Independent Healthcare Advisory Services (IHAS), which represents many major cosmetic treatment providers, said aggressive sales techniques for cosmetic surgery "are not appropriate". She also backed a ban on free consultations and supported consultations with medical professionals.
Taber added that IHAS guidance already outlaws two-for-one deals and procedures being offered as competition prizes – another suggestion from the evidence.
This article originally appeared on guardian.co.uk.
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Happy New Year 2013 to all our fellow Pursuitists. Many happy wishes to our readers – we hope you celebrate a fun yet safe New Year’s Eve. If you’re looking for ideas to usher in a very happy New Year’s Eve 2013, here are our favorite destinations and recommendations for dining and parties:
RAYA New Year’s Eve
at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Ring in the New Year at RAYA. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Raya with a five-course a la carte menu presented by Chef de Cuisine Marissa Gerlach. Seating begins at 6pm, and costs $150 per person/
The Bar at Four Seasons Hotel New York
One of New York’s most desirable destinations after work, The Bar welcomes – with lofty ceilings, gentle lighting and fascinating people. Birthplace of the martini renaissance, The Bar features an extensive menu of innovative martinis and bar snacks.
The Library Bar in London
Designed in the style of a Regency Library with bookcases lined with leather bound books, subdued lighting, and deep leather wing chairs, the Library Bar boasts an outstanding collection of ‘liquid history’ vintage cognacs, highlighted with display cabinets and bespoke cocktails. Enjoy your drinks while a roaring fire creates a warm intimate atmosphere.
Odyssey Fireworks Dinner Cruise in Chicago
Make a magnificent New Year’s memory aboard Odyssey’s elegant New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise. It’s the perfect, most sophisticated celebration on the lakefront. End the year and welcome 2013 with butlered Hors d’ oeuvres during boarding, special plated dining featuring lobster and filet mignon, premium bar package, champagne toast at midnight, fireworks by the City of Chicago at midnight, live band, and our signature chocolate fountain for dessert. Make New Year’s Eve truly special.
Scarpetta at Montage in Beverly Hills
Come and find Italian cuisine that’s modern, earthy and refined at Scarpetta, at Montage in Beverly Hills. This unexpected blend mirrors the fresh and inspired approach that acclaimed Chef Scott Conant brings to Scarpetta Beverly Hills. Scarpetta delights patrons with soulful Italian dishes that boast the finest seasonal ingredients.
FIX Restaurant & Bar at the Bellagio Las Vegas
FIX Restaurant & Bar in the Bellagio is one of the hottest restaurants in town where people flock to experience the “scene and cuisine.” The stylish hot-spot pulses with an eclectic mix of tantalizing American cuisine and distinctive atmosphere guaranteed to be a prime destination this New Year’s Eve.
Il Palazzetto Restaurant & Wine Bar in Rome
Il Palazzetto Restaurant and the adjacent Wine Bar offer a quiet haven in the middle of Rome’s busy city center where clients can savor Chef Vincenzo di Tuoro’s elaborate dishes, featuring a surprising balance between innovative style and classic Italian flavours – always using the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Black Tie Affair at Fairmont Scottsdale
Ring in 2013 at one of Scottsdale’s most vibrant hot spots. $25 per person and includes a champagne toast at midnight and for $15 guests can purchase a glass of Diamond Champagne which will also include entry into a drawing to win a stunning jewelry package by Kendra Scott. The night will also include cigar rolling, exclusive room rates starting at $199, specialty cocktails, live entertainment and party favors at midnight. Private Fire Pit Tables and Reserved VIP seating with bottle service are available featuring Dom Perignon and Belvedere by calling Stone Rose Lounge at 602-501-8500.
ART Lounge in Seattle
Executive Chef Kerry Sear offers a Pacific Northwest menu, combining the highest quality market-driven ingredients with global influences. ART is inspired by the Hotel’s collection of works by the Northwest’s foremost contemporary artists, its proximity to Seattle Art Museum and Chef Sear’s creative flair.
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Revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is a focused performance vehicle unlike anything the automaker has ever made. Time-bomb of a 622-horsepower, 6.3-liter normally aspirated V-8 that will launch this 3,400-pound car from zero to 60 m.p.h. in 3.5 seconds. This is the most extreme amplification of the basic 563-horsepower SLS. But no matter how much extra horsepower AMG can find, it seems there’s always more just around the next corner, waiting to be discovered. The Mercedes-Benz 2014 SLS AMG Black Series will arrive at dealerships next summer, with the price-tag of $200,000.
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It's true that everything rolls around again.
I sometimes wore my mother's old poodle skirts when I was in high school and, well, we've all seen the Flashdance look on today's middle schoolers.
There are some things that become symbols of an era's misguided choices, a shorthand for bad style. Avocado appliances immediately bring to mind '70s suburbia. And not in a good way.
But even those things that end up as the butt of jokes about decor delusions can make a comeback. And even things you were happy to see go (forever, you thought) can have a rebirth that makes them beautiful. In the '80s Eichlers were considered cheap and boxy. Now they are vintage treasures selling for millions.
Here are seven design throwbacks that have made a triumphant return.
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My Houzz: Tour a Groovy 1970's Retro Pad
You might not go wall to wall in green shag anymore, but a long-fiber shag is definitely in. This grass-green area rug is a stylish nod to the abomination of the '70s.
Pictured: A beautifully textured neutral shag is warm, stylish and modern in this room. No Brady Bunch here.
Not too long ago wood paneling was an automatic rip-down. It was dark and dated and screamed "1970s rec room." Not so fast. Wood-paneled accent walls are back. But this time they are lighter, often horizontal and real.
What was once an obsolete piece of technology is now a retro design statement.
Pictured: The old-fashioned kitchen-wall rotary phone looks charming and vintage in this eclectic white room.
