Date: Fri, 9 Apr 2004 16:12:32 -0400
Reply-To: Louise Hadden <louise_hadden@ABTASSOC.COM>
Sender: "SAS(r) Discussion" <SAS-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From: Louise Hadden <louise_hadden@ABTASSOC.COM>
Subject: Off the beaten track suggestions for SUGI29/Montreal
You won't find these in most tourist publications, but as a graduate
of McGill University (too long ago) I have some special recommendations
for your time in Montreal! (I don't cover smoked meat in this, because
almost everyone who has been to or lived in Montreal will tell you about
it.) If you are really lucky Mike Zdeb will post his favorites too--some
of them are close to the convention center!
Inexpensive Polish Food:
Mazurka
64 Prince Arthur St. E. (this is east of the McGill campus, north of
the convention area, in what used to be known as the student ghetto)
514-844-3539
Great authentic food, great prices, romantic atmosphere.
Best Bagels & Bistro (hand rolled, baked in brick ovens...)
St. Viateur Bagel & Cafe
1127 Mont Royal Ave. E. (this is substantially north of the convention
area--bus, cab, car or a LONG walk)
514-528-6361
Warning: these things are great hot, but don't travel well. Sigh.
Best (EVER) Czechoslovakian Pastry
Toman Pastry Shop
1421 Mackay St. (north and west of convention area, easily accessible
by Metro)
514-844-1605
It's not open Sunday or Monday. But it's well worth the trip--those
pastries are to die for.
Open Air Market (well, it's not as nice as the one in Seattle, but
better than Haymarket in Boston)
Jean-Talon Market
7075 Casgrain Avenue in "Little Italy" (must take the metro or car to
get here--it's really a hike)
513-277-1588
Weekends are best for this. It's a good place to get local Quebec
produced stuff like cider (alcoholic) and cheese. Not to mention fruits,
veggies and flowers!
Halal Middle Eastern Food
Basha Restaurant
150 St. Catherine St. W (near convention area and main shopping area)
514-843-6700
Great turnip pickle
Other experiences:
Even if you don't need to, take a trip on the Metro (subway system).
Going out to La Ronde (the old Olympic Village site) is a nice trip. The
nearby island is a great place to run/walk.
There are plenty of places in Old Montreal, but the tourist publications
cover this. Hopefully there will be a tour. Creperies are good, and Le
Caveau (french food). There are quite a few "boites a chansons" (drink and
sing) type places and the weather should be good for open air people
watching.
Mont Royal is a big park on the mountain in the middle of the city.
It's a great walk (incredible views of the city) and it is quite a bit of
exercise getting up to it. My dorm was on the "hill" so I know from
experience! I was never in such good shape! There's a big cross you can
hike up to, and a large park area on top. A destination is St. Joseph's
Oratory (on the other side of the mountain near Universite de Montreal)--
interesting church with lots of relics.
The McGill campus is worth a look--there are several museums and the
central campus itself is quite beautiful. It's pretty much on the way
to walk up to Mont Royal.
If you are into the party or chic scene, Crescent Street is the place
to be. Tourist publications should cover this too. It's pretty near
Toman's (and the Art Museum) if you want to combine.
The Botanical Garden is great, really a wonderful place (and if you
have kids, the insectorium which is close by!) It should be gorgeous in
May. It is pretty near some of the Olympic sites which are interesting.
Another walking tour (and this would be good combined with a trip to
Mazurka's) is Avenue de St. Laurent (or the "Main") It is full of
ethnic grocers, butcher shops, restaurants, etc. and is where the "natives"
shop. On the lower end (near Old Montreal) there are the traditional
"Steamies" shops, selling steamed hot dogs, french fries and cream soda
until all hours. (these are pretty tough on the old digestive tract but
definitely an experience!)
I hope everyone has a great time and gets to explore at least one of
these places. Montreal is a great city! See you in May.
