San Gennaro

Little Bakery in Little Italy

69 Rue Saint-Zotique E, Montreal, QC H2S 1K7

I could not imagine a more relaxing way to spend my lunch break, or a weekend afternoon than by lounging on a terrace in Little Italy sipping on an Italian coffee paired with some pizza and of course, canoli. Ladies and gentleman, a trip to Firenze, or Rome is not necessary to live this dream. Said magical terrace is only a drive, walk, or metro ride away at San Gennaro in our very own Little Italy.

Chock-full of Italian bakeries, restaurants, and cafés, deciding which to choose is often a difficult task. Let me make it a little easier for you. San Gennaro is stocked with traditional Pizza Al Taglio (baked in rectangular trays and served by the slice) with toppings to appease any pizza-lover. Their selection of baked goods is equally impressive: canoli (filled right in front of you), lobster tails, bombolone with nutella, apricot crostada, and homemade cookies line the display. I must have looked like a puppy eyeing the dinner table (staring and salivating at the line-up of yummy desserts).

It was around brunch time, so we decided to try out their breakfast pizza as well as the eggplant and mozzarella pizza. For dessert, the lemon ricotta lobster tail, a canoli, and latté (and of course a box of canoli to-go).

I could spend hours sitting on their terrace and enjoying their delicious pizzas and dolci. Now that they have begun serving gelato, I will definitely be back!

Mind, Taste, Love.

MTL Guide

3 NEW Activities to Entertain you in MTL this Summer

Montreal has a lot to offer come summertime: walks on Mount Royal, biking by the canal, or wandering through bustling Jean Talon market. Already covered all of those and looking for something new? Here are 3 activities you may not have thought of to entertain you and your friends!

1. Obsidem

305c-2025 Rue Parthenais, Montreal, QC H2K 3T2
514-523-2550 / info@obsidem.com

'Escape rooms' are trendy at the moment and they are popping up EVERYWHERE. The concept: you are put in a room filled with clues, keys, and codes, and need to link everything together in order to escape. Obsidem is just one of the few companies that have opened in Montreal. They haven't received as much media attention as their counterpart A/Maze, but they deserve it!

The room we did was called The Trap. I won't give away too much detail, but you find yourself in a very real-looking crime scene. In order to complete The Trap you need to solve the crime, and escape the room. You basically feel as if you've been dropped into an episode of CSI (who HASN'T dreamed of that). The Trap has a 5% completion rate, and we managed to escape! Such a rewarding and unique experience.

Just because you've completed one room, doesn't mean you can't return. They have multiple rooms and scenarios to choose from, so be sure to check out their website and reserve in advance! Prices range from $15 to $25 per person depending on the escape room chosen.

http://obsidem.com/EN/

2. Zip-Line MTL

Au Hangar 16, près du quai de l’Horloge dans le Vieux-Port de Montréal

514-ZIP-LINE (514-947-5463)

This uniquely Montreal experience is a bit pricey, but gives you some of the most amazing views of the Old Port you could find (and also quite a thrill). Directly across the water from Terrasse Bonsecours you will find a tall tower that will lead you to the adrenaline-rush you've been waiting for. At $19.50 (plus tax) per person, you could find yourself soaring over Bonsecours Island on a zipline 1200 feet high.

Two parallel cables allow you to zip at the same time as a friend. Follow it up with a Felix & Norton ice cream sandwich at their nearby food truck to congratulate yourself for taking the leap!

http://mtlzipline.com/

3. b.cycle

601 rue de la Gauchetière west, Montreal
(514) 393-1001 / info@bcyclespin.com

b.cycle is a brand new spinning studio located adjacent to the Old Port and Downtown Montreal. Often compared to FlyWheel and other well-known spin studios, b.cycle is taking the Montreal fitness community by storm. With summer approaching, everyone is trying to get fit in a hurry. b.cycle feels more like a party than a workout and is a great way to reach your summer body goals. Blasting music, dark room, colourful lights-  are you sure I'm not in a club?

The team and instructors at b.cycle are pros. They provide you with spinning shoes and show you how to clip-in and adjust your seat to the correct position for your body. Choose a screen name and watch how your performance fares (or pales) in comparison to others in the class. A little competition never hurt anyone!

The first class is free, so head over to their website, sign-up, and try it out for yourself! Your body will love you for it.

http://www.bcyclespin.com/en/

Mind, Taste, Love.

Notre Boeuf de Grace

NDG Welcomes NBG

5732 Sherbrooke W, Montreal, QC H4A 1W8

NDG, a family-friendly neighbourhood that is quickly becoming inhabited by a younger demographic, is facing one small problem. Aside from local hot spots like Lucille's and The Tavern on Monkland, where will these young and trendy NDG residents eat?

Enter Notre Boeuf de Grâce. Becoming better known around town as NBG. Nestled on Sherbrooke (west of Decarie), this spot offers everything you could possibly need for the summer: a terrace to chill on, grub to satisfy all of your cravings, soft-serve ice cream, creative cocktails, and the most delicious affogato to sip on in the sunshine.

I visited on a night that was a tad too cold to sit on the terrace (of course there were people eating outside anyways.....Oh...Montrealers.....), so we grabbed a table inside. The space is casual, but wooden tables, and a large central lighting fixture add some ambience. Bold red and black writing on a statement wall gives the room a rock and roll vibe.

Start off with the Devils on Horseback: Dates wrapped in bacon that are deep fried and served with hot sauce. An unlikely combination that just works.

Devils on Horseback

Wedge Salad

Customize your burger, or choose from one of their suggestions that are even offered with the perfect drink pairing.

Vegetarians have the option of a veggie burger. Non-beef eaters can go for a chicken burger. And those of you on a health-kick can opt for a lettuce wrap.

The burgers themselves are thin, tasty, and juicy- as they should be. There are plenty of toppings and sauces to choose from, so go wild!

Beef Burger / Tandoori Mayo / Etc.

Chicken Burger / Lettuce Bun

Beef Burger / Lettuce Bun

Beef Burger / Salami / Fried Egg

The potato skins are crispy and topped with a combination of sauces and chives. Think loaded baked potato in finger-food form. And of course fries and poutine are always a good option as a side. P.s. coke is served the classic way- with syrup (cherry coke is available!).

Potato Skins

Fries

Poutine

You should definitely go if you live in the neighbourhood. NBG is the only of its kind in NDG, and I predict it will be a hit with locals and Montrealers alike this summer!

Mind, Taste, Love.

Bois et Cuir

St-Hubert Street....Not Just for Wedding Dresses

6320 rue Saint-Hubert, Montréal T. (514) 270-7444

There are certain areas of the city known for furniture stores- St-Laurent street, St-Henri, and Griffintown to name a few. Of course there are also larger chains like Structube and even some stores from the US that are popping up around the city.

What if I told you that a 16,000 square foot furniture store filled with tons of industrial and vintage-style pieces is located on St-Hubert street. You would probably respond with: "Isn't that where you're supposed to shop for wedding dresses?"

Well this decorator's dream does in fact exist in the form of Bois et Cuir. Us bilingual Montrealer's know that Bois et Cuir translates to Wood and Leather, and you will see an abundance of these two materials throughout the store. If you're more of a suede guy or gal, I suggest you stay home. Find two floors of wooden/leather desks, couches, headboards, coffee tables, and a selection of head-turning lighting fixtures. You will also find pop art, metal skulls, and other unique vintage items to set your sights on. Pricing is variable depending on the nature of the item, but I was impressed with how affordable many of the pieces were!

Even if you're not looking for furniture, there is still reason for you to visit. Have you ever been to a dinner party and envied the host/hostess for their adorable serving platters, cups, or cheese boards? They may have found them here! Chalkboard cheese boards, adorable place mats, beautifully painted mugs (my favourite are the toile), and other home décor items make great gifts for dinner parties, or house-warmings (I LOVE the Archipelago diffusers and scented candles). Stop by to pick-up an item to warm up your home, or invest in a unique piece of furniture that will transform your space.

Check out their Facebook Page and Instagram for cute gift ideas and décor-inspo!

https://www.facebook.com/boisetcuir/timeline

@BoisEtCuir


Mind, Taste, Love.

Escondite

Cerveceria, Tequila, FIESTA

1206 Avenue Union, Montréal, QC H3B 3A7

Downtown now has an actual selection of diverse and trendy restaurants to choose from. Escondite (which translates to hiding place) has recently been added to the roster and is bringing a totally fresh concept to Montreal. We're used to basic tacos served at whole-in-the-walls, and the odd cute Mexican establishment, but this spot is chic in every way and serves up tacos and other Mexican-inspired dishes with flair.

From the outside, you expect to walk into an ordinary and casual restaurant, but step inside to find a dimly lit space with ornately painted walls, interesting art, and neon signs that all work together to create a hip atmosphere. This is THE taco restaurant Montrealers have been waiting for.

Ok, so the restaurant is beautiful...but what about the food and drinks!?

Papi Chulo's pork ribs are a must-  sticky and sweet in a black cherry chipotle sauce. And if you're a truffle lover, you need to order the truffle and cheddar cheese quesadillas. I would go for the shrimp ceviche over the beet ceviche-  more zing and flavour. 

Papi Chulo's Pork Ribs

Quesadilla Sincronizada de Hongos

Beet Ceviche 

Shrimp Ceviche

All of the tacos we tried were great. My picks are the crispy cod and cauliflower tacos. The smoked meat tacos (a Montrealer's dream) were good, but not my personal favourite.

Crispy Cod Tacos

Crispy Cauliflower / Vegetarian Taco 

Smoked Meat Taco

Of course you should end your meal with CHURROS-  coated in cinnamon sugar and served with nutella for dipping.

Churros

Drinks were flavourful and colourful. I always love a good Michelada (basically the Mexican version of a Caesar with beer). The La Papaya with gin and papaya purée was another favourite. 

Michelada

Mojito del'King

Cartel de Santa (with Hibiscus Flower syrup and Hibiscus Foam)

La Papaya

Escondite is a real "hidden" gem. The restaurant is a good size allowing for bigger parties and they take reservations. Perfect for your next Mexican fiesta with friends or a date!!

Mind, Taste, Love.