Montreal Weekender: May 18 through 20, 2012

The Sun has finally started to bless the city of Montreal and everyone is in high gear ready to start fully enjoying it. Living in Old Montreal has been a fantastic experience for us so far. It is such a lovely, vibrant place with a big touch of history nestled in it. So many cool shops, restaurants and places to spend a night out can be found on every cobblestone corner. So here we go, a Montreal Weekender in the Old Port!

The Nelligan Hotel is not only known for its beautiful interior and fabulous rooms, but their rooftop terrace has become famous in the city.  The views of the port are stunning and accompanied by their fabulous cocktails (our favourite is their Pina Colada) just adds to the beauty that is Montreal.

The crowd is very mixed. You see business suits, models, hipsters and locals it’s definitely an “It” spot for the who’s who of Montreal minus the pretentious attitude (great bonus!). We spent our first sunny day there this past Monday, and will make it a habit from now on. Who says Mondays have to be gloomy?

After you’ve had a couple of sangrias and delicious chicken paninis, head over and get your party night started at Philemon conveniently located right across the street from the Nelligan.

Why do we love this place? The staff is amazing. You will find them dancing on the bar at the end of the night becoming part of the crowd. It’s a relaxed and very fun atmosphere. The good-looking crowd also helps so all you single ladies and gents this place is a great spot to meet and chat someone up.

For your last stop of the night, stumble over to Garde Manger, a staple on the Montreal night scene started by our very own Iron Chef Chuck Hughes. Just be prepared for a little wait outside as it tends to get jam packed in there and getting bottle service might be hard last-minute.

Saturday should definitely get started off at Olive & Gourmando. Once again, there is usually a line up frenzy and for good reason.

The food is amazing; the raw ingredients, the flavour combinations and the fact that everything is made from scratch makes this not just a healthy choice, but an exceptional one as well.

Afterwards, head over for a stroll on the Vieux Montreal Pier. You can rent a bixi bike and ride along it; people watch and even grab some ice cream at the numerous sweets vendors across the water. Stop by the Science Center of Montreal and catch the newest Star Wars exhibit or an IMAX movie if you’re feeling like taking in some shade and cooling off.

At night, head for appies and wine paired with indulgent cheese platters at the cozy Bocata located on St.Paul Street. The atmosphere is rustic, modern and very trendy. For a fuller meal, head over next door to their sister restaurant, Barroco. Our favourite on the menu? The short ribs…to die for!

If you have your party shoes ready, the new hot spot on Saturdays is Velvet Speak Easy on St.Gabriel Street. With an underground vibe downstairs, and table service for those who prefer to mingle instead of dancing in a hazy fog to progressive house, Velvet offers something for everyone.

Finally, Sunday. You can sleep in, rest up and go for a huge soy latte bowl at none other than Le Cartet. You can’t read a brunch review in Montreal without seeing Cartet engraved everywhere. The food comes prepared in a way that every Instagramer will snap a picture and upload it as a foodie post. We usually get the scrambled eggs with asparagus and goat cheese but the plethora of goodness to pick from is never-ending. 

Take a scenic walk along St.Paul and stop by the gorgeous little jewelry shops and art galleries to really get a feel of the talent and creativity that this city boasts. Don’t forget Celine Dion’s wedding stomping grounds and Montreal’s most beautiful treasure, the Notre Dame Basicilica, stunningly breathtaking even for those of you that might not be religious.

End the night at the place where everybody knows your name: L’Orignal.

The freshest, most buttery oysters that you will ever taste will be served to you with classic rock and all your favourite 80s tunes playing in the background. You will feel like you entered a chic, mountain chalet with vintage accessories placed everywhere including a beautiful little typewriter. This is where we always end our night it feels like home and a visit to the Old Port couldn’t be complete without it.

Ah, we love this city!

Photo: Nelligan Hotel Terrace, courtesy Experience Montreal.