As a young child, I had a real aversion to chocolate, to the point that I would see other kids eating chocolate and feel bad for them. As years gone by, chocolate cake and icing, fresh-out-the-oven cookies, fondants, brownies, truffles, hot chocolate, and white chocolate are fully welcomed by my palate and buds. The mere thought of 20 years without it makes me wince… (READ MORE…)
Societe Perrier presents: Laurent Greco and the Mixology by Perrier
On October 4th 2011, Ateliers et Saveurs hosted an event where journalists, restaurant owners, mixologists and friends gathered to experience the ‘Mixology by Perrier’ demonstration presented by Laurent Greco (the mixologist who created the official Perrier drinks). Mr Greco has a memorable energy, he just exudes a magnetic confidence! I must say that I was really impressed by the… (READ MORE…)
La Grande Dégustation de Montréal: where pleasure and discovery collide
“To discover the best that world producers have to offer in a more convivial format, beneficial to inspirational encounters and great tasting discoveries, is what we want for all who attend” - Daniel Richard, honorable co-president, import agent and the event’s initiator. Though nothing can compare to its beautiful scenery, it takes a lot of planning to embark on a wine trip. What if the trip comes to you and on a larger scale? From October 27 to 29… (READ MORE…)
To invite someone is to take charge of his happiness during the time he spends under your roof. ~Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin How could have I turn my back on the nicely presented invitation from Group Antonopoulos (owners of such places as restaurant Suite 701, Hotel Place d’Armes and Rainspa) that came with a bottle opener? A sweet touch that made me more eager in anticipation of the event’s day. And then it came… (READ MORE…)
4 RESTAURANTS. 1 SPECIAL NIGHT. THAT’S DISHCRAWL! #PART 2
Feature image credit: “Crescent Street” by Montreal painter Carole Spandau. Visit her website here.My first experience as a dishcrawler at the social dining event Dishcrawl MontrealExcitement was already flowing through my veins as I’m changing lanes on Sherbrooke St. to get to the first spot for Dishcrawl Montreal. I had had quite a hectic day, and finishing it off at a foodie event was like icing on the cake. (READ MORE…)
Gerardine heads to new Montreal eatery, ICEHOUSE for a mexican style culinary experience! Before I start my article I have to share something random. I was just eating a mango and I realized that there is no fancy way to eat this fruit. Just peel off, hold the fresh fruit in your hands and digg in with your teeth… get your hands and mouth dirty… the mixture of sweet and sour is beautiful. Next time you have a mango…..go all in! It’s a sensual experience… (READ MORE…)
________________
4 RESTAURANTS. 1 SPECIAL NIGHT. THAT’S DISHCRAWL! #PART 1
Feature image credit: (c) www.lusterstudios.comDiscover Montreal’s best eateries through the Dishcrawl events. By Myriam RichardBack when I attended design school, my classmates/friends and I called it hop-eating. We’d start our appetizers at a bistro, then hop, off to a chic restaurant to savor our main meal and hop again, ending the trip sipping on drinks and eating dessert at a nice resto-lounge. In one day, we’d discover three restaurants in the city. (READ MORE…)
Review of the new Montreal burger joint that opened in “resto-ville” aka Crescent street, Burger Bar. By Myriam ‘M♥’ Richard Finding the best in anything in this world is quite a task to undertake. One would need to experience the entirety of which it is to test out. When it comes to food, I’d rather put many on a pedestal so alternating between them is all but a joyride. That is how I go about burgers. Finding the best ones in the city and beyond. (READ MORE…)
Feature image: Union Jack by EvionnOrganik D’va takes us to Old Montreal to get a good taste of UK’s best and most guiltiest culinary pleasure at famous eatery Brit & Chips. I have recently added a wonderful human being to my list of acquaintances and she introduced me to a new spot in the old port! First I must share that this woman is from Paris and have been in the city for about 4 months … (READ MORE…)
________________
ACCORDS RESTO + WINE BAR : FOR DELICIOUS HARMONIES
On a bright sunny afternoon, I am walking on the streets of Old Montreal on my way to chef Marc André Lavergne’s restaurant and wine bar, Accords, co-owned by TV host Guy A. Lepage, actress Chantal Fontaine and organic cuisine specialist Jean-Pierre Des Rosiers. (READ MORE…)
By Myriam ‘M♥’ Richard On featured image: Elyse Lambert, Sandrine Balthazard and Julien Martel. As an ode to vegetarian cuisine as gastronomic and a sound choice in one’s diet, marketing director at Vins Balthazard (Wines), Sandrine Balthazard and epicurian, wine fiend and magazine Santé Inc‘s editor-in-chief Julien Martel gathered their skills and visions towards the conception of recipe book Pas besoin d’être végé pour aimer ce livre (READ MORE)
I feel like Carrie Bradshaw right now. It is 9h26 and I am in a small and charming studio in downtown Brooklyn (15 minutes from Manhattan) , typing my next entry for the blog! I have a hot ginger tea steaming next to me and a view that just inspires you to dream big!!!! (READ MORE)
Feature image credit: www.hdlost.com After watching a video from renaissance woman and life-style coach Shanel Cooper-Sykes talking about cooking while wearing your stilettos, Gerardine suggested that we try it out ourselves. Cooking in stilettos. As we love to eat and cook, we thought “why not film it and post it on the blog”? (READ MORE)
This blog can be used as a reference to find where to eat, what to do or even what to wear to a certain extent but I must say that there is no place like home my dear readers! The weather is acting funny, a few day ago I decided to get rid of my winter coat! (READ MORE)
This week it was my mum’s birthday! We ( a few members of the family) decided to get together in a restaurant to celebrate! The idea popped in my head and I went on the website to check out the menu and pics of the restaurant. After a few seconds of reflection, I decided that us 9 were going to LE MILSA POISSON restaurant. (READ MORE)
This week I wanted to share with you a small place that I love to go to when I want a nice quick meal. I have to say that I am not a fan of sandwiches but this place takes it to another level! This lovely area is called MBCO (founded by the Morentzos Restaurant Group who also manage hot spots like Eggspectations, La Queue de Cheval…) (READ MORE)
Friday night after a get together with friends we were getting hungry. Our lovely M(heart) suggested that we go to La Banquise. While we were waiting, I turned to another friend who was with us and asked if he had ever been to LA Banquise and he said no! You should have seen our faces! We shouted: No!!!?? what do you mean no?! (READ MORE)
The artist: Ashley MacPhee, photographer The chocolate place: Le Maître Chocolatier, 1612, Sherbrooke West, Montreal, QC I’m at the Indigo bookstore on St-Catherine, browsing through notebooks. I am waiting for our first featured artist for ARTS & CHOCOLATE. Two emotions wave inside me as I’m flipping through the blank pages of a Pierre Belvedere book and going through some questions I’ve prepared, – excitement and nervousness. I’m nervous because the artist is also my friend. How do you interview a friend? It turned out that it’s not an interview at all… (READ MORE)
Montreal is invaded by breakfast places! Even regular restaurants have invested in opening earlier to serve the early birds, let’s face it, we just love to get together and eat! Personally, there is nothing worst than waking up early to go eat at a spot and the food is nasty! I always thought to myself, how can you mess up eggs and bacon, well my dear readers some people find a way to do so! (READ MORE)
In the Ahuntsic borrough on Montreal, specifically on Fleury street, corner Papineau sits one of my favorite places to brunch in the city, Zagrum. The name derives from the french word for citrus fruit, agrume. I was introduced to it by one of my best friends and since, I’ve been hooked…(READ MORE)
Last week I stumbled upon an article on La Presse that really amazed me! They did a research and asked their readers who they thought made the best Croissants in Montreal and 800 people responded! I was automatically hooked on that article because , I myself am a fan of croissants! I once went to a bakery and the lady behind the counter told me ‘if you knew how croissants were made you would never eat them again’! (READ MORE)
RESTO #1: AIX CUISINE DU TERROIR For the 4th year, several Old Montreal’s restaurants offer Montrealers and visitors a chance to dine at their tables at a fraction of the price, for the month-long food fiesta Happening Gourmand. Eight restaurants take part of this event offering 3-course meal table d’hôte menus ranging from 18$ to 37$. (READ MORE)
Although I’m a sucker for productions for dinner (thought-out recipes, full table setting and plate decor), with kids at home (my two beautiful nephews), often these productions need to be traded with the basics: one plate-for-all, utensils, drinking cup, paper towel, salt-and-pepper shakers and most importantly… quick quality cooked meal. (READ MORE)
I am excited to share this wonderful news with you. Last Wednesday I was driving in Laval and I noticed a restaurant that had a huge ad saying ‘Every Thurdays after 5pm men eat for FREE’! I was flabbergasted! I am so inspired by this concept! I was sharing the news with a friend and she was not impressed! She asked me when was the ladies night?! She didnt see the point of it! (READ MORE)
“Have you tried the fall collection? Oh my God… can’t wait for the winter one to come – I believe I’ll go bonkers over it!!” You might think I’m talking about a designer’s or fashion label’s latest collections? Well no… I’m talking about tea, dear readers. But not any kind of tea tea… Young Canadian-born, quickly becoming Montreal’s fave tea shop and label, Davids Tea. (READ MORE)
Last week after a long day, I wanted to sit back and relax at a nice restaurant. That is exactly what I experienced! What is the trick to receive what you ask for!? Well you have to be open and attentive! My ‘openess’ directed me to the restaurant ‘La Buvette chez Simone’. (READ MORE)
I was recently on Parc St. looking for a place to sit back, eat a light meal and shelter me from soon-to-fall rain. After passing many a-restos, my girls and I stopped at tapas bar Taza Flores. Needless to say, as a spontaneous choice, there was nothing to regret. Though each plate and servings are small, the quality of the food is remarquable. Try the lamb cigars with citrus sauce, delightful! (READ MORE)
I was cordially invited to a dinner party in the recently opened ever-so-well-located restaurant F Bar, Restaurant Ferreira’s baby sibbling, which sits right in front of the Quartier des Spectacle’s esplanade. Can you imagine, having a candlelit dinner and admiring the esplanade’s water fountain bursting out of the ground with different color lighting as your vista? Breathtaking, indeed.(READ MORE)
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN MONTREAL? CITY LIFE: Montreal en Lumière Festival - Feb. 16-26, 2012 www.montrealenlumiere.com It's the 13th edition, and still going strong. Montreal en Lumière is THE festival to enjoy the city in winter. As the largest winter festival in the world, visitors can enjoy hundreds of activities, from fine dining to to cool concerts, and many of these activities are free. Have you been yet? If so, tell us about it!
GASTRONOMY
Have yourself an organic chocolaty binge!
By Myriam Richard
As a young child, I had a real aversion to chocolate, to the point that I would see other kids eating chocolate and feel bad for them. As years gone by, chocolate cake and icing, fresh-out-the-oven cookies, fondants, brownies, truffles, hot chocolate, and white chocolate are fully welcomed by my palate and buds. The mere thought of 20 years without it makes me wince… (READ MORE…)
Societe Perrier presents: Laurent Greco and the Mixology by Perrier
by Gerardine ‘Organik D’va’ Jeune
On October 4th 2011, Ateliers et Saveurs hosted an event where journalists, restaurant owners, mixologists and friends gathered to experience the ‘Mixology by Perrier’ demonstration presented by Laurent Greco (the mixologist who created the official Perrier drinks). Mr Greco has a memorable energy, he just exudes a magnetic confidence! I must say that I was really impressed by the… (READ MORE…)
La Grande Dégustation de Montréal: where pleasure and discovery collide
By Myriam Richard
“To discover the best that world producers have to offer in a more convivial format, beneficial to inspirational encounters and great tasting discoveries, is what we want for all who attend” - Daniel Richard, honorable co-president, import agent and the event’s initiator. Though nothing can compare to its beautiful scenery, it takes a lot of planning to embark on a wine trip. What if the trip comes to you and on a larger scale? From October 27 to 29… (READ MORE…)
Taverne Gaspar : New kid in the old town
By Myriam Richard
To invite someone is to take charge of his happiness during the time he spends under your roof. ~Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin How could have I turn my back on the nicely presented invitation from Group Antonopoulos (owners of such places as restaurant Suite 701, Hotel Place d’Armes and Rainspa) that came with a bottle opener? A sweet touch that made me more eager in anticipation of the event’s day. And then it came… (READ MORE…)
4 RESTAURANTS. 1 SPECIAL NIGHT. THAT’S DISHCRAWL! #PART 2
By Myriam Richard
Feature image credit: “Crescent Street” by Montreal painter Carole Spandau. Visit her website here. My first experience as a dishcrawler at the social dining event Dishcrawl MontrealExcitement was already flowing through my veins as I’m changing lanes on Sherbrooke St. to get to the first spot for Dishcrawl Montreal. I had had quite a hectic day, and finishing it off at a foodie event was like icing on the cake. (READ MORE…)
________________
NOTHING COLD ABOUT THIS PLACE…
________________
4 RESTAURANTS. 1 SPECIAL NIGHT. THAT’S DISHCRAWL! #PART 1
By Myriam ‘M♥’ Richard
Feature image credit: (c) www.lusterstudios.com Discover Montreal’s best eateries through the Dishcrawl events. By Myriam Richard Back when I attended design school, my classmates/friends and I called it hop-eating. We’d start our appetizers at a bistro, then hop, off to a chic restaurant to savor our main meal and hop again, ending the trip sipping on drinks and eating dessert at a nice resto-lounge. In one day, we’d discover three restaurants in the city. (READ MORE…)
________________
AT THIS BAR… WE EAT BURGERS!
By Myriam ‘M♥’ Richard
Review of the new Montreal burger joint that opened in “resto-ville” aka Crescent street, Burger Bar. By Myriam ‘M♥’ Richard Finding the best in anything in this world is quite a task to undertake. One would need to experience the entirety of which it is to test out. When it comes to food, I’d rather put many on a pedestal so alternating between them is all but a joyride. That is how I go about burgers. Finding the best ones in the city and beyond. (READ MORE…)
________________
CHIPPER IN OLD MONTREAL!
by Gerardine ‘Organik D’va’ Jeune
Feature image: Union Jack by Evionn Organik D’va takes us to Old Montreal to get a good taste of UK’s best and most guiltiest culinary pleasure at famous eatery Brit & Chips. I have recently added a wonderful human being to my list of acquaintances and she introduced me to a new spot in the old port! First I must share that this woman is from Paris and have been in the city for about 4 months … (READ MORE…)
________________
ACCORDS RESTO + WINE BAR : FOR DELICIOUS HARMONIES
By Myriam ‘M♥’ Richard
On a bright sunny afternoon, I am walking on the streets of Old Montreal on my way to chef Marc André Lavergne’s restaurant and wine bar, Accords, co-owned by TV host Guy A. Lepage, actress Chantal Fontaine and organic cuisine specialist Jean-Pierre Des Rosiers. (READ MORE…)
________________
35 CHEFS. 60+ RECIPES. 1 BOOK.
By Myriam ‘M♥’ Richard
By Myriam ‘M♥’ Richard On featured image: Elyse Lambert, Sandrine Balthazard and Julien Martel. As an ode to vegetarian cuisine as gastronomic and a sound choice in one’s diet, marketing director at Vins Balthazard (Wines), Sandrine Balthazard and epicurian, wine fiend and magazine Santé Inc‘s editor-in-chief Julien Martel gathered their skills and visions towards the conception of recipe book Pas besoin d’être végé pour aimer ce livre (READ MORE)
________________
SALUT FROM NYC!
by Gerardine ‘Organik D’va’ Jeune
I feel like Carrie Bradshaw right now. It is 9h26 and I am in a small and charming studio in downtown Brooklyn (15 minutes from Manhattan) , typing my next entry for the blog! I have a hot ginger tea steaming next to me and a view that just inspires you to dream big!!!! (READ MORE)
________________
PILOTS IN THE KITCHEN S1E1
By Myriam ‘M♥’ Richard
Feature image credit: www.hdlost.com After watching a video from renaissance woman and life-style coach Shanel Cooper-Sykes talking about cooking while wearing your stilettos, Gerardine suggested that we try it out ourselves. Cooking in stilettos. As we love to eat and cook, we thought “why not film it and post it on the blog”? (READ MORE)
________________
STAYING AT HOME…
by Gerardine ‘Organik D’va’ Jeune
This blog can be used as a reference to find where to eat, what to do or even what to wear to a certain extent but I must say that there is no place like home my dear readers! The weather is acting funny, a few day ago I decided to get rid of my winter coat! (READ MORE)
________________
MARCH 2011
SEAFOOD FEST!!
by Gerardine ‘Organik D’va’ Jeune
This week it was my mum’s birthday! We ( a few members of the family) decided to get together in a restaurant to celebrate! The idea popped in my head and I went on the website to check out the menu and pics of the restaurant. After a few seconds of reflection, I decided that us 9 were going to LE MILSA POISSON restaurant. (READ MORE)
________________
HAVE A ‘EURO’ STYLE EXPERIENCE THIS SUMMER!!!
by Gerardine ‘Organik D’va’ Jeune
This week I wanted to share with you a small place that I love to go to when I want a nice quick meal. I have to say that I am not a fan of sandwiches but this place takes it to another level! This lovely area is called MBCO (founded by the Morentzos Restaurant Group who also manage hot spots like Eggspectations, La Queue de Cheval…) (READ MORE)
________________
INDULGE FROM TIME TO TIME!!!
by Gerardine ‘Organik D’va’ Jeune
Friday night after a get together with friends we were getting hungry. Our lovely M(heart) suggested that we go to La Banquise. While we were waiting, I turned to another friend who was with us and asked if he had ever been to LA Banquise and he said no! You should have seen our faces! We shouted: No!!!?? what do you mean no?! (READ MORE)
________________
ARTS & CHOCOLATE:
By Myriam ‘M♥’ Richard
The artist: Ashley MacPhee, photographer The chocolate place: Le Maître Chocolatier, 1612, Sherbrooke West, Montreal, QC I’m at the Indigo bookstore on St-Catherine, browsing through notebooks. I am waiting for our first featured artist for ARTS & CHOCOLATE. Two emotions wave inside me as I’m flipping through the blank pages of a Pierre Belvedere book and going through some questions I’ve prepared, – excitement and nervousness. I’m nervous because the artist is also my friend. How do you interview a friend? It turned out that it’s not an interview at all… (READ MORE)
________________
FEBRUARY 2011
JUST LIKE HOME!
by Gerardine ‘Organik D’va’ Jeune
Montreal is invaded by breakfast places! Even regular restaurants have invested in opening earlier to serve the early birds, let’s face it, we just love to get together and eat! Personally, there is nothing worst than waking up early to go eat at a spot and the food is nasty! I always thought to myself, how can you mess up eggs and bacon, well my dear readers some people find a way to do so! (READ MORE)
________________
ZAGRUM RESTAURANT… MORE THAN JUST ORANGES
By Myriam ‘M♥’ Richard
In the Ahuntsic borrough on Montreal, specifically on Fleury street, corner Papineau sits one of my favorite places to brunch in the city, Zagrum. The name derives from the french word for citrus fruit, agrume. I was introduced to it by one of my best friends and since, I’ve been hooked… (READ MORE)
________________
JANUARY 2011
TO ALL CROISSANTS LOVERS
by Gerardine ‘Organik D’va’ Jeune
Last week I stumbled upon an article on La Presse that really amazed me! They did a research and asked their readers who they thought made the best Croissants in Montreal and 800 people responded! I was automatically hooked on that article because , I myself am a fan of croissants! I once went to a bakery and the lady behind the counter told me ‘if you knew how croissants were made you would never eat them again’! (READ MORE)
________________
HAPPENING GOURMAND
By Myriam ‘M♥’ Richard
RESTO #1: AIX CUISINE DU TERROIR For the 4th year, several Old Montreal’s restaurants offer Montrealers and visitors a chance to dine at their tables at a fraction of the price, for the month-long food fiesta Happening Gourmand. Eight restaurants take part of this event offering 3-course meal table d’hôte menus ranging from 18$ to 37$. (READ MORE)
________________
DECEMBER 2010
IN MY PLATE : PEPPER CHICKEN
By Myriam ‘M♥’ Richard
Although I’m a sucker for productions for dinner (thought-out recipes, full table setting and plate decor), with kids at home (my two beautiful nephews), often these productions need to be traded with the basics: one plate-for-all, utensils, drinking cup, paper towel, salt-and-pepper shakers and most importantly… quick quality cooked meal. (READ MORE)
________________
OCTOBER 2010
ON THURSDAYS, GUYS EAT FOR FREE !!??
by Gerardine ‘Organik D’va’ Jeune
I am excited to share this wonderful news with you. Last Wednesday I was driving in Laval and I noticed a restaurant that had a huge ad saying ‘Every Thurdays after 5pm men eat for FREE’! I was flabbergasted! I am so inspired by this concept! I was sharing the news with a friend and she was not impressed! She asked me when was the ladies night?! She didnt see the point of it! (READ MORE)
________________
PINKIES UP ! FOR DAVID’S TEA
By Myriam ‘M♥’ Richard
“Have you tried the fall collection? Oh my God… can’t wait for the winter one to come – I believe I’ll go bonkers over it!!” You might think I’m talking about a designer’s or fashion label’s latest collections? Well no… I’m talking about tea, dear readers. But not any kind of tea tea… Young Canadian-born, quickly becoming Montreal’s fave tea shop and label, Davids Tea. (READ MORE)
________________
AUGUST 2010
GOOD TIMES!
by Gerardine ‘Organik D’va’ Jeune
Last week after a long day, I wanted to sit back and relax at a nice restaurant. That is exactly what I experienced! What is the trick to receive what you ask for!? Well you have to be open and attentive! My ‘openess’ directed me to the restaurant ‘La Buvette chez Simone’. (READ MORE)
________________
SOLO, DUO, OR GROUP, TAZA FLORES IS FOR YOU
By Myriam ‘M♥’ Richard
I was recently on Parc St. looking for a place to sit back, eat a light meal and shelter me from soon-to-fall rain. After passing many a-restos, my girls and I stopped at tapas bar Taza Flores. Needless to say, as a spontaneous choice, there was nothing to regret. Though each plate and servings are small, the quality of the food is remarquable. Try the lamb cigars with citrus sauce, delightful! (READ MORE)
________________
WANT FINE DINING? DISCOVER THE CITY’S F-BAR
By Myriam ‘M♥’ Richard
I was cordially invited to a dinner party in the recently opened ever-so-well-located restaurant F Bar, Restaurant Ferreira’s baby sibbling, which sits right in front of the Quartier des Spectacle’s esplanade. Can you imagine, having a candlelit dinner and admiring the esplanade’s water fountain bursting out of the ground with different color lighting as your vista? Breathtaking, indeed. (READ MORE)
________________
More coming soon…
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CITY LIFE: Montreal en Lumière Festival - Feb. 16-26, 2012
www.montrealenlumiere.com
It's the 13th edition, and still going strong. Montreal en Lumière is THE festival to enjoy the city in winter. As the largest winter festival in the world, visitors can enjoy hundreds of activities, from fine dining to to cool concerts, and many of these activities are free.
Have you been yet? If so, tell us about it!
BLOGS WE LOVE TO READ