Early Christmas Wishlist

Too soon? Oh, who cares?

Calling all trend spotters: I just saw these sexy driving gloves on New York Magazine's website, and I just had to share them as the first official Mtl.D Christmas wishlist item (hint, wink, nudge, cough). They're called the Echo Touch Gloves. These technicolor cuties are a steal at 35$ USD per pair. Plus, get this: my fellow Iphone users and Blackberry Torch newbies are going to love that they're touch-screen friendly. Yup, now you can make the fashion cut without causing permanent damage to your fingers in sub-zero Montreal weather while texting your bff.

Available on the bloomingdales website: http://www.bloomingdales.com/

Happy shopping!

Mtl.D xo

An Homage to my Longchamps

"There's nothing to fear, but fear itself." -FDR

I'm willing to bet he wasn't anticipating a Montreal winter.

I can safely say with certainty the following: ask any Montrealer what would be among their top pet peeves, you'll most likely get a resounding: "Montreal weather is a (rhymes with witch)."

The best variety comes in the form of days that start off crisp and sunny, transforming into windy and cloudy, giving way to rainy and chilly, topped off with foggy and creepy. Besides the weather, comes the ever so delightful STM delays, ATM shortages, traffic, morning frost, never-ending construction, and more traffic hell.

We're tough skinned for a reason, friends.

Kudos: Some take a more optimistic stance. For example, there's the good people in charge of the Christmas decorations at Place Ville Marie, who are making the long stretch of McGill College a little less drab:

Aww, pretty.

And then there's the more bitter end of the spectrum. I'm somewhere in between. And I owe it to a piece of canvas and leather.

Around this time of year, my bag always looks more stuffed and stocked than a friggin' Costo supermarket. Among other items, it usually includes: an umbrella, leather gloves (of which I loose an average of 2 pairs per year), a scarf, a cardigan, 2 mini hand sanitizers, a reusable water bottle, a Starbucks portable coffee mug and Motrins (tough on Montreal pain). But amid all this anxiety and clutter, there is a silver lining: My trusty Longchamps Le Pliage "Shopping". These miracle tote bags have made surviving such a high maintenance 514 existence just a little easier. Yes, they're a tad pricy for student budgets, but they're also foldable, machine-washable, water-proof, sturdy, and best of all, come in a rainbow of colours. It's basically the bulletproof vest of the bag world. What else could anyone want?

Oh, I know! An end to the construction on Parc Avenue, maybe?

Hmm. I wouldn't hold my breath on that one.

Until next time! Mtl.D xo

Ps- I'm working on my last segment of Mtl.D takes over NYC. Stay tuned!

Eat, Shop, and be Merry.

Happy Friday, city slickers!

And welcome to November. Chillier days mean snugglier scarves. I refuse to fall into the fuddy duddy trap of late fall here in Montreal, which is why I tell everyone to spoil themselves with a new scarf in November. It just brightens up any look/coat/jacket.

Mtl.D tidbit: people always ask me where I get my scarves, and the answer is usually H&M. They have an amazing selection of scarves with a reasonable price range of 10-20$. Recessionistas, rejoice!

So welcome to part 2 of "Mtl.D Takes Over NYC", bloggies. First off, did you hear the news?? Apparently the beloved Rockefeller Center Christmas/Holiday Tree has arrived at the 30 Rock plaza today! How exciting! Check out the prettiest oversize load I ever did see:

The undeniable thing about Manhattan remains the energy. It gets me every single time. Thus while on my recent October trip to NYC, propelled by that very energy, I walked a leg scorching 32 blocks down Fifth, from our Blakely Hotel in Midtown to the Flatiron District.

Yes, friends, I headed straight to Eataly.

Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich have their genius chef hands full with this one, folks. What better way to bring Italian fare to the foodiest city in the world. Inspired by the original Eataly in Torino, it is a mega eatery. It is a high end trattoria, gelateria, supermarket/Italian restaurant all-in-one. I had to blink several times just to digest the mere size of it. Batali himself describes it as a grocery store with tasting rooms. I don't usually have the luxury of sipping my favourite Barolo while shopping for various Italian-imported cheeses, but at Eataly, it is possible. Manhattan regulars usually say it takes on average an hour and a half to get in. The line goes around the block.

But being Mtl.D, we had the timing down pat. We arrived on a thursday evening, right around quittin' time, and wow were we lucky. We strolled right on in, no fuss, no muss. We gawked like the giddy foodies we are at the endless labyrinth of stainless steel countertops adorned with fresh pastries, pastas, fish, cheeses, wine, meat, fruits, vegetables and finally found ourselves magically at their magnificent pizzeria.

I can try to use words, but they won't do my meal justice. I ate the most delectable, air-light, bubbly pizza I think I've had since actually being in Italy. Doused in extra virgin olive oil, arugula and four different cheeses, I was floating. It was a party in my southern-Italian mouth, and I was sad when it was over.

All I can say is don't miss out on Eataly, trust me. Just walking into the store itself is an experience on its own.

Mtl.D tid bit: I mean it when I say it gets jam-packed. Go on a thursday around 4h30, just before people get off work. If thursdays are impossible, try fridays between 2h-4h, or saturdays (if you dare) around 2h30.

Mtl.D tid bit #2: If your belly isn't too full from the food fest you just enjoyed, head on over across Union Square to (one of) the best kept secrets in Manhattan shopping. Nordstroom Rack is Century Twenty One's worst enemy. The designer mark downs are incredible.

Nordstroom Rack

60 East 14th Street
New York, NY 10003, United States
(212) 220-2080

Ciao for now, amores! Much more to come, so don't forget to "follow", it's worth it I promise.

Mtl.D xo

My rating: ♡♡♡♡♡+

Eataly

200 5th Ave

New York, 10010, United States

(646) 398-5100

eataly.it‎

In a New York Minute

I'm convinced New York City has me under some crazy spell.

If you haven't gone yet this year- or ever- do yourself a favour and GO.

So here's my first of many Mtl.D Takes Over NYC segments. There'll be more to come, so don't forget to click "follow" and stay tuned.

I visit New York every year, but this year was extra special. Everything was beyond any expectations I had. Maybe it's because I know the city like the back of my hand now, and I can recommend anything from the best parks (other than Central-P, of course), hoidy-toidy spots to avoid, the best pizza in town, locating the best noodle soup, the must-eat breakfast/brunch spots, finding the best bellinis in the city, and (duh) some must-visit shopping districts.

First off, my hotel this year was great. Spacious (ish) - as much as Manhattan usually allows, with a very Sinatra/Monroe-glam feel to it. Located midtown on 55th, between 7th avenue and 6th, the Blakely Hotel in Midtown is great because A) Breakfast is included, B) you're a stone's thrown from shopping Mecca of Fifth Ave, C) service is so friendly, there is nothing the staff wont do to make your stay perfect, and D) you're so close to the Subway, you can say good bye to fast-driving, maniac cabbies for good (although this year the cabbies we encountered were so friendly...something was off. In a good way.)

Bonus- Complimentary New York Times.

Mtl.D tidbit- Ask for a 55th Ave facing room, and stay clear from the first 4 floors, 55th gets busy pretty early.

My rating: ♡♡♡♡

Stay tuned, globetrotters. I have more goodies to share.

Mtl.D xo

Ps- HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

The Blakely Hotel, NYC

136 W. 55Th St
New York, NY 10019

http://www.blakelynewyork.com/

Burgers and Makis and New York, Oh My!

I'm back, city slickers!

And fresh from NYC. I have so many spots and juicy tidbits to share with you guys, I don't even know where to start. Stay tuned for my travel blog called Mtl.D hits Manhattan coming soon, I think you'll really enjoy!

Also, I am so sorry for going m.i.a. School has me in a dizzy tizzy. Many of my fellow geekies are probably feeling the crunch, too. But alas! I'm back with some good news.

A Deserving Gold Star ☆

First off, I have to send a special shout-out to restaurant M. Brgr. I was there about a month ago, and left with such disdain for the uncharacteristically slow service, that I felt compelled to leave my criticism on the comment card (of which I thought nobody actually ever read). To my delight, I received an email a few weeks later from the restaurant manager, offering her sincere apologies. Very classy and much appreciated. Kudos!

In other news:

Sushi-lovers and BYOB aficionados will be happy with this one. It's Okïa time!

Ever wonder what to do with that bottle of sake you bought impulsively at the SAQ? Or perhaps you Laval-dwellers are as fed up as I am of Mikasa sushi at Centropolis, promising just-okay sushi with over-the-top, what-the-frig price tags?

There's nothing just-Okïa about this one, bloggies.

Situated in Laval on Des Laurentides boulevard, this is my new go-to for local sush. The food is Japanese fusion, with oodles of different sushi rolls to choose from. The fish is fresh, and the rice is not too abundant/overcooked (all-you can eat sushi lovers know what I mean). And regardless of white tablecloths, casual is the name of the game. Prices are crazy reasonable, and the service was soooo friendly I was wondering what was the catch.

No catch. Just quality sushi for a fair price (take notes, Mikasa). Just don't forget your favourite Pinot.

Ps- Reservations won't hurt.

Enjoy, my little wasabis! -Mtl.D

Perfect for: date night, girls/guy's night out, family din-din, you name it!

MTL.D's Rating: ♡♡♡1/2.

(450) 668-8878

1091 Boul. Des Laurentides

Laval, QC H7G

Why Suburbia Rules

Things are heating up! Indoors, that is.

How is everyone's september coming along? Spotted any changing leaves, or gone apple picking yet? Discovered any new hot-spots worthy of a re-visit?

I have!

Okay so I was all revved up to give you a little glimpse at a brunch spot I was intending on visiting today, but plans fell through. It is adorably called Fabergé, and I was stoked. But worry not bloggies, I intend on seeing what this place has to offer in the near future, so I'll keep you info-ed.

As for another worthy discovery, all you North Shore peeps are going to like this. Previously called Matti/Mattissimo, my newest discovery is a Rosemere staple that has been on my to-taste list for quite some time. Therefore, I am proud to announce that Ristorante Piatti has answered my prayers about finding a fantastic local spot for a delicious pizza cooked in a wood-burning oven. To boot, the restaurant is far from boring; it has beautiful eclectic art displayed, massive stone walls and beautiful red chairs. Now that's what I'm talking about.

Even more reasons to go: it is easily accessible from either Cure-Labelle Boulevard or Autoroute 13 North. It is about 15-20 minute drive (tops!) from Montreal and about a 7-10 minute drive from Laval. Also, the owner is well established as far as reputation, as he is the product of some of Montreal's well-known Italian restos such as Quelli Della Notte and Il Fornetto, so you just know this will be good.

First off, I have to mention that the service was a tad slow in the beginning. However, our waiter was quick to apologize. From then on my table was attended to and the service was very courteous. I began with a minestrone. Nothing ground-braking, but pleasant enough to warm me up on a chilly night. Then, our calamari was fresh and tender, accompanied by coucous and sundried tomatoes. Unconventional, but it worked. Then came the ever-so light-as-air pizza. The toppings were so delicate and the dough was mildly salty. Perfect.

To top it off, the tomato linguini came nice and al dente with probably one of the best-tasting tomato sauces I've tasted in an italian resto in a long time. The veal is also a hit, soooo tender it practically melts in your mouth.

Reservations will get you a perfect table, try not to get pushed close to the wall as we did, because you might feel a little cramped.

So calling all those adventurous types who feel like taking a break from trying to find parking in the city will love this place. And their ridiculously huge parking lot (located at the back, bloggies!)

See you there :)

Mtl.D xo

ps: good news peeps! Brand NEW to Montrealista Diaries, I now have a rating system (top right of the page!)

It'll be based on:

-Service (Courteous, speed of service, politeness, etc)

-Food (Quality, freshness, presentation, etc)

-Restaurant Appeal (design, music, look, decor, etc)

-Other (Location, parking, etc)

I give Piatti: four hearts out of five.

Price range: 10-40$

2 Grande-Cote

Rosemère, QC

QC J7A 1G8

(450) 430-1380

2010 fall must-have: Spontaneity.

Wake me up when september ends? Nahhhh!

Welcome back, bloggies! Okay so it's september time. The month I was so ecstatic to have among us is quickly becoming a (hate to say it!) nuisance. And all this because the weather can't decide what side of the hot-and-cold spectrum it wants to hang out on. Much like us, actually. So maybe mother earth is onto something?

Or maybe, we just live in Montreal.

Alas, onto to the next one. I've decided that with back to school/work/reality, practicality becomes king. Not boring. Here is a positive thought: there is something exhilarating about being back to a routine. It forces you to re-evaluate. This means: that lunch spot you go to every day for the usual is now unacceptable. Yeah, the guy behind the counter might know your name, marital status and condiment preference, but why the dullness?

Hence, I propose a challenge.

It is time for a lunch revolution. Venture out, and try a new spot every week. I'm not saying break the bank, I'm just encouraging you all to be adventurous. For example: I

myself am in back to school mode. Which means downtown isn't just a playground for me anymore. I have to find ways to keep it exciting. In fact, just the other day I had a pre-lecture bite with a friend, and she told me about this must-stop shop called Iki Iki Sushi. Nothing glam, so you pretentious types must be weary. Truly authentic and friendly, nonetheless. It is a tiny place, with absolutely amazing variation and very fresh sushi. In fact, you get a Miso soup and a free drink with your sushi by showing your student ID, so fellow nerds rejoice! And the best news? All this for just under 10$.

To top it off, McGill metro is a stone's throw from the place. Finish off your meal with an espresso right next door at Van Houte, and you're ready for class/work fully fed and caffeinated.

Give it a try. And for the love of lunch, pleeeease give the Eaton Centre food court a rest.

Happy September friends!

Mtl.D

Sushi Iki-Iki

2020, Rue University
Montreal, QC H3A 2A5