DIY Shoe Couture

"Here lies Carrie. She had two loves, and lots-o-shoes." 

-Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City

Welcome back my femmes/hommes fatales!

First off, as you may have noticed, Mtl.D has recently been chic-ified. I hope you all ♡ it!! I really love sharing my thoughts and ideas with you, bloggies. So definitely don't forget to follow and let me know what's on your mind, or if there's anything you'd like to hear me blog about!

Now for your dose of fashion scoops. Ever dream of being the next Valentino or Lagerfeld? Well, shoe lovers, now we're literally just a click away.

I've always been somewhat of a do-it-yourself fashionista. But recently, I fell on a website that takes it to a whole other level. It's called www.shoesofprey.com/ and their system is literally a three step process:

Prices are quite high, but just for kicks (pun intended) I tried it out. You can choose textures (leather, patent, suede, etc) colour and heel height. It's quite phenomenal (or dangerous, depending on your spending-prone impulsivity).  Here are some examples of designs by others who have chosen to publish it on their website:

Fab, oui? 

Now, go get your design on! 

Mtl.D xo

My Thai Coup de Coeur

"Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity."

-Voltaire

Hello loves!

I like december for two reasons: the holidays, and my undeniable ability to reach pure winter denial. Some say denial is dangerous healthy, but for me denial is an effective tool to overcome the reality that my snow-shovelling, windshield-wiping, shearling boot-wearing, ice-fearing days are only beginning. Of course nobody knows winter like us Montrealers. Yes, we all know hibernation is the activity of choice for some 514-ers, but here's another option: make the best of winter. And what better way to start than introducing you to my newest spot du jour. 

Bloggies, I'd like to introduce you to a Laval gem called Soya.

Restaurant Soya

204 boulevard Saint-Martin Ouest

 Laval, QC H7T 1A1 - (450) 682-2882

My rating: ♡♡♡

For anyone like myself who enjoys a non-Thai Express, good quality Pad Thai, you are in luck. Moderately priced, authentic with luxurious decor and laid-back ambiance, Soya is just the ticket. It is a bring your own wine establishment, and has wonderful food presentations. Go with good company, as the service isn't at turbo speed, but the staff remains attentive and friendly. 

Mtl.D Tidbit: good spot for a date! The romantic setting and banquette dividers add a great touch!

Enjoy!! And be safe on those snow-abundant roads, bloggies

Mtl.D xo

Second Stylish Wishlist Item

Happy Monday, Fabulosies.

Here's my latest holiday wishlist item. An alternative to the Uggs, these badass Keds by Loomstate boots are totally adorbs and are relatively on the cheap for a pair of boots ($110. USD). Bonus: they're lined with some snuggly shearling and come in three colors; HELLO ♡.

Available on the Barneys New York website:

http://www.barneys.com/Womens/WOMEN02,default,sc.html?q=Keds

Happy spending, stylistas.

Mtl.D xo

On the Montreal Scene: Où Est La Couleur?

"It's a new era of fashion - there are no rules."

-Alexander McQueen

Listen up, Montrealistas! I need to get something off my chest: what is it about our fabulous city that just inevitably screams "practical"? Forget winters for just a minute. We're savvy cosmopolitans and a gorgeously diverse bunch, there's simply no excuse. 

Old Montreal; further proof of how tres chic our city is! 

Pic Cred: http://www.citified.blogspot.com/

..Yet come winter, we all seem to have this urge to revert to colour palettes about as exciting dull as the word "neutral". I have to admit, I'm guilty as well. When cold days strike, I drop my vibrant hues and opt for an overall all-black look that takes me all the way to April. 

Rudsak Winter 2010 Collection. All black everything. "Shocking".

..But not without a bit of self-disdain. I'm so over us having to forego individuality and colour in the name of practicality. Where's the creativity, the fun? We're already on limited sunlight, no need to reflect it in our wardrobes!

For those of you still afraid of taking the colour plunge, take a baby step with your nails. Here are my picks for the upcoming holiday scene. Be warned, I'm not even going down the red nail road (burgundy, crimson, yawn) and boring nudes. Enjoy! 

I'm usually an Essie nail polish girl. However, OPI colours are rather undeniable. Below, my first pick is by OPI in the Shrek Collection. Funky Donkey is purple done well. I like the pigmentation, but allow mayjah drying time. I'm talking 45 minutes to an hour with a double coat. Lasting time without chipping action is about 4 days. 

Second pick is again from OPI. It's part of the Burlesque Collection in light of the movie coming out starring Christina Aguilera and the one and only Cher. Behold Extra-va-vaganza. Not at all boring, I've never gotten so many compliments than with this sparkly number. I have a word of caution: polish remover barely does the trick when taking it off, so save up some excess patience. Still, well worth it in my opinion. Double coat is required.

Finally, my third fave polish is a sexy blue. Drying time is a dream with this Aruba Blue by Essie. I got this one a year ago and was afraid of looking like a teenager. Far from it, I'm in love. Wear this azzure look with square tips and you're sure to be a hit.

And there you have it for my current colour crushes. The moral of the story is this: just have fun with colour, seriously. Show winter who's boss, and forget about practical. Life is too short, and Montreal winters are too long, for boring. 

Happy painting!

Mtl.D xo

Mtl.D Takes Over NYC: The Final Cut

The last Mtl.D takes Over NYC segment is finally here! And it's a doozie! We'll be doing it award-style today friends, so I'll be comparing spots and giving you the 411 on exactly what makes (and breaks) these NYC gems. For the local restaurant dwellers, I've also included my version of the best noodle soup in the 514. Read on!

First off, you all know how much I love brunch. Sunday brunch. Monday brunch. Any brunch. It's my favourite meal, and Manhattanites do it best for a reason: their city is brunch central.

Contenders: BALTHAZAR vs PASTIS

VS

And the winner is *cue drum roll*

...........

PASTIS!!!

My rating: ♡♡♡♡1/2

9 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10014, United States
(212) 929-4844

This charming Chelsea neighbourhood dig is brunch perfection. A lively scene, it is not at all like its French bistro speakeasy counterpart. I was beyond impressed by how well we were treated. First off, Pastis has a terrasse (Hello!) and yes, sunday brunch gets rather crowded with New York socialites, who are out in full force recovering from their saturday night champagne overdose. Still, I adored it. Overflowing with glamorous groupings of impeccably dressed New Yorkers, not to mention being greeted by the sweetest New York City hostess I've probably ever met, arrogance was not on the menu. The service is a far cry from the pretentious-ladden hipster-esque Balthazar in overcrowded Soho. In fact, my last recall from Balthazar conjures up a sad image of me waiting 20 minutes past my reservation time sitting at the bar unimpressed, without even being offered so much as a mimosa. Tisk tisk barman! Not good.

Plus, Balthazar's runny eggs benedict were pedestrian and nothing compared to my delish French Toast over at Pastis. Yum. An added bonus? Celeb-spotting. I saw the one and only Kanye West flanked by a bevy of models over at Pastis. Sorry Balthazar, but next time you overcharge and serve lacklustre food, at least compensate with a celeb! Gosh!

Mtl.D tidbit: reserve a minimum of two to three weeks ahead of time.

Next up, nominees for best deli:

Contenders: CARNEGIE DELI vs KATZ DELI

The winner is

..........

KATZ!!!

My rating: ♡♡♡1/2

205 E Houston St
New York, 10002, United States
(800) 446-8364

There really is no explanation needed here to define my life-altering experience at Katz. It's a landmark, an institution, and a goldmine for a reason: it is the best deli in the city. Don't care about the monstrous line or the crowded, kill-me-now, where-do-I-even-order counter. This is New York City, baby. Just roll with the punches, and trust me, you'll enjoy the best motza-ball soup and pastrami sandwich with dill pickle you've ever had. 

Mtl.D tidbit: Go at lunch for an even bigger sensory overload (not for the faint of heart).

Betcha didn't know: When Harry Met Sally shot a historical scene there. 

And finally, the best sushi: 

Contenders: BUDDHA BAR vs NOBU 

(yes, it's a dead give away)

The winner is

..........

NOBU!!!

My rating: ♡♡♡♡♡+

40 West 57th St # B
New York, NY 10019-4001, United States
(212) 757-3000

Out. Of. This. World. Nobu has a reputation in NYC: if you can make it into Nobu, you can make it anywhere. Nobu 57 especially, as there is not even a sign outside the bulding, so you have to know it's there to go. Typical New York. But that's what I'm here for, bloggies!

Honestly, its unsurpassed quality and outstanding service. Decor is stunning and sexy with dark wood panels, chandeliers and high ceilings. Astronomical prices are to be expected, and so is the tedious task of having to reserve one month ahead to make sure you even stand a chance at getting in. Annoyances like this aside, it serves by far the best sushi and Japanese dishes you'll ever have. 

Mtl.D tidbit: use the online reservation site called Open Table. And I mean it; one month adead, minimum. Also, make sure you go to Nobu 57, and not Nobu Next Door. The latter is allllll the way down in the Meatpacking district and is crowded. Not my shtick.

Finally, (no contest here, just obvious regaling) you HAVE to hit Momofuku Noodle bar. It is the best noodle spot in the city! Chef David Chang (of the pricier chi-chi spots Momofuku ssam and Momofuku Ko) opened this East Village eaterie due to his booming popularity with the NYC crowd. Eat at the bar. Order the Pork noodle soup, and expect to strike up a conversation with the stranger sitting next to you, as he or she will be sitting very, very close.

Momofuku Noodle Bar

My rating: ♡♡♡♡

171 1st Ave
New York, NY 10003, United States
(212) 777-7773

And finally, for Montrealers keeping it local and craving a piping hot Vietnamese noodle soup these frigid days, you must try Nugyen Phi on Cote-des Neiges. Very authentic, and nothing fancy by any means, but perfect  on a cold winter night.

My rating: ♡♡♡

Restaurant Nguyen Phi

6250 CH DE LA CÔTE-DES-NEIGES, 

MONTRÉAL, QC H3S 2A3

Phone: 514-344-1863

Phew!!! What a list! I'm hungry now...

Bon Appetit, bloggies! 

Mtl.D xo

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Hello my little holiday shoppers!

I hope everyone in Montreal is loving the first snowfall. For my non-canadians, happy Thanksgiving! I hope you enjoyed your Black Friday super sales! Here in Canada, we give thanks to some department stores having their very own faux-black friday sales, which I'm sure are unrivalled to the American version of non-stop shop 'til you drop and call the cops 'cause that biznatch stole the last $49 Blue-Ray player outta my hands.

I have much to share in this post, bloggies, so let's get started.

My latest reviews here will include yummy Japanese fare and a French bistro dessert. Part 2 of my review will include the best BEST noodle soup in Montreal at a drop-jaw price, and my last segment of Mtl.D takes over NYC. PHEW! Let's get this party started

First, any time I can see food being cooked right in front of me, I'm hooked. Toyo Grillades A la Japonaise casually provides just that. With locations in Laval and downtown Mtl (nestled right on De La Montagne) this place is so much fun to go with friends. Keep in mind it isn't cheap, about $22-$36 per person, which includes a soup, an appetizer of grilled shrimp, steamed rice, yummy grilled veggies, and mounds of meat (or more shrimp) of your choice including chicken, beef and tender Fillet mignon. To end, your meal includes tea, sorbet or ice cream. The only hiccup was the slow service, but my group of fabulosies was excellent company, so time flew regardless.

Mtl.D Tidbit: Make reservations. It won't hurt.

My rating: ♡♡♡♡

Toyo Grillades

2155, Rue de la Montagne

Montreal, QC H3G 1Z8

(514) 844-9292

Onto the next one. Last week, a friend and myself were craving dessert after one of our late-night lectures. We were literally stuck in the downtown core without a sweet-spot in sight. How is that possible? Where to go for dessert besides the ever-so usual/boring/same old Rockaberry's? We finally came across Chez Alexandre on the bustling Peel Street. Now listen up foodies, I wouldn't go out of my way to go to this spot, to be honest. I've heard things such as "overpriced" and "overrated" when it comes to this French bistro brasserie, and how it's just a happy hour mecca for middle aged business men (it's next to Club Funky Town for a reason). But we really just wanted our chocolate molten cake. So, we walked in, and what hit me immediately was the stained mirrored walls, and cigarette smoke smell embedded in their bankettes. How Parisian! The service was alright, our little waitress in her even tinier dress was to-the point and a tad nonchalant, the poor thing must have been tired. At $14 big ones, our chocolate molten cake hit the spot. Whatever. It was nice to feel like we were in old-Paris, and we REALLY wanted dessert. Stale-cig stench and all.

My rating: ♡♡1/2

Alexandre 1454 Rue Peel, Montreal, Qc H3A 1S8 (514)-288-5105

I'll post my noodle/NYC review in jiffy!

Mtl.D xo