LODGING
Novotel Montréal Centre, moderate, (514) 861-6000,
www.novotelmontreal.com. The Canadian dollar is no longer a
bargain, but the Novotel still is. Its budget-friendly digs
are comfortable and convenient, and it's near the
intersection of Rue Sainte-Catherine and Rue Crescent,
where clubs, restaurants, and shops abound.
Opus Hotel Montreal, moderate to expensive, (514) 843-6000,
www.opushotel.com. If you were a touring rocker with a
touch of fame, you'd probably stay at this slick, modern
downtown hotel. It would be a smart move. The Opus offers
its style at a discount, compared with prices at Montreal's
other sleek digs.
DINING
Au Pied de Cochon, moderate to expensive, (514) 281-1114,
www.restaurantaupieddecochon.ca. You will be fighting for a
reservation with foodies from around the world at this
simply decorated eatery, where pork and foie gras are the
main attractions. Yes, they cook them together.
Banquise, inexpensive, (514) 525-2415. Located in the
Plateau neighborhood, largely a French-speaking area of
town, this diner-style restaurant serves more than a dozen
different kinds of poutine. That's a Quebec specialty
featuring, when at its most basic, french fries topped with
cheese curds and gravy. C'est magnifique!
Le Réservoir, inexpensive to moderate, (514) 849-7779. This
neighborhood joint is just off what Montrealers call the
Main - Boulevard Saint-Laurent, the old dividing line
between the French- and English-speaking sides of town.
Celebrate the détente with international snacks, and drink
house-brewed beers until the last call, at three a.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Casa del Popolo, (514) 284-0122, www.casadelpopolo.com.
Maybe you'll get lucky and catch the next Arcade Fire
performance at this venue, which is popular with the
indie-rock set.
|