Terrasses Meh-Secours

I have to start with stating the obvious. August is on its last breath everyone. And after a recent conversation with a friend of mine, I realized August feels much like a Sunday. It's a mix of anticipation, excitement and dread at the upcoming month everyone loves to hate and hates to love: September. Oh but the S-month is sooo underrated peeps. And what a shame, too. It is probably the nicest month (weather-wise) and always ALWAYS has Montreal buzzing with new events and spots to visit. Alas, August (aka-summer) isn't over yet. All this to say that I'm not trying to be a buzz-kill, au contraire! I just thought why not highlight the fact that with an end always comes a new beginning, and I for one am excited at the prospect. So heads up friends, it ain't over yet!

This week's review is about a spot that is on its second summer leg. I have mixed emotions about this one to be really honest. Terrasses Bonsecours is really all about celebrating the sexiness that is the Montreal skyline. Three words people: location location location.

Situated on an actual Quai in the 514's Old Port, off Rue de la Commune, this place is known for its 5 à 7 crowd. Unfortunately, I cannot provide you fabulosies with any commentary about decor besides the following: it was metal melange of industrial-chic, a rather interesting multi-level concoction meets a minimalist outdoor tent-ish feeling. All this came clumsily equipped with only one bar, and accessorized with a slightly confused staff at the velvet rope. Now, onto pragmatics. I gotta say it. Whyyyy oh why is it so far from De La Commune street? My crew and I took forever to figure out where it actually is! We eventually had to follow our ears to the house music thumps. Maybe what put me off was the fact that it was a tad chilly out, and being a terrasse and all, the last thing I wanted was to shiver in my patent-leather Michael Kors.

The crowd was casual. A tad young. The music was your typical mix of House-turns-into-new Hip Hop, but it worked.

On a balmy night, I might have come away with a better feeling. I might give it a second-go...or, maybe I can wait until next summer. That is, if I can manage to find it again.

Peace Out! Mtl.D

PS- I'm working on a rating system blog-o-lites. I'll fill you all in on my next post, but it should simplify things a tad in terms of providing you with the best I can in terms of reviewing Mtl's hot spots. Stay tuned! xo

Mile End: that's Amore!

Ciao Montrealers!

Welcome to August in the 514 blog-o-lites. I simply adore this time of year

in Montreal. Yes my friends, it is Italian week. The festivities run from the 6th to the

15th of August. I must mention that our city is home to approximately a quarter of a million beautiful people who claim Italian heritage. So whether you are heading out to Jean-Talon Market or enjoying a leisurely sabato mattina, take a few moments and sit back while you enjoy your espresso and biscotti, because do I have a treat for you.

I am in love.

...with the Mile End. And I also have a confession. After my wonderful discovery of Les Enfants Terribles last week, I went for a nice long stroll to walk off my wine, and magically fell on St-Viateur. Yes, I did not blog about it,

and the reason is this: I wanted to see the street in the light of day before I gave you my real impression. Well, the take-home is this: I am in love.

It never occurred to me to hang out in the Mile-End. In my head, I pictured St-Viateur street as a plethora of bagel shops with lineups galore and not much else. I was so VERY wrong. I wholeheartedly have to say I am enthralled by this area. There are boutiques, bookstores, eateries, terrasses, coffee shops, etc. Nothing chi-chi or pretentious by any means. A very jeans-and-t-shirt type of casual, with a lively array of anything your tummy is craving. I even spotted a Vegan resto.

My discovery can be effectively narrowed down to what I like to call my new favourite breakfast place. Yes, B & M is my current crush. The love affair started one (helluva-HOT) thursday morning. I arrived on St-Viateur street, a tad apprehensive about finding parking (a breeze) and wondering about parking meters (which was actually free in the spot we chose!). Once inside, I knew I had butterflies for a reason. It is a diner type of decor, only re-invented. It had beautiful white banquettes, flat-screen television screens tuned in to the Food Network, and the friendliest wait staff ever (on a side note, my good luck with wait staff these days has me worried that my streak will soon come to a crashing end, but that's just me).

The prices are very fair, with an average meal costing about 10$. Coffee was a-plenty, the food was carefully prepared (and in abundant portions) as well, they served some of the best crepes I've had in a while. They came in two (huge) rolls, which much looked

like wraps, only abundantly packed with mushrooms and scrambled eggs. It was so filling, we had to ask for the dish to be taken to go.

Another hit! Breakfasties, you will NOT be disappointed. I can't wait to go back.

Mtl.D