Montreal in December

[Ferris]

My wife and I are planning a quick trip to Montreal in early December, as part of our annual trip to Canada (my wife is Canadian, and we go to Napanee/Kingston each year to see her family). We're expecting to get to Montreal late morning on Friday the 12th, and leaving the morning of the 14th.

We'd like to know if anyone here has recommendations for restaurants (thinking about a place called Gibby's for our "upper crust" meal), hotels, things to see/do.....

[Lordsoth]

what kind of food u looking 4?

[cravnsn]

I hear they make a good steak

[Forrestandjen07]

Originally Posted by cravnsn

I hear they make a good steak

and bacon

[plowmanjoe]

Originally Posted by Forrestandjen07

and bacon

yeah except it's more like ham and not like bacon at all

[Forrestandjen07]

Originally Posted by plowmanjoe

yeah except it's more like ham and not like bacon at all

haha too true

[Belloche]

Schwartz's Deli makes a smoked meat sandwich that is out of this world.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Try Moishe's and my personal fave Ben's. Man, I gotta go back for a vist. Lived there for over 20 years, but haven't been back in a long time.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Reuben's Deli on St.Catherine St. is another great place.

I love Delis...it's one thing I miss most about Montreal.

[Johnny Vinyl]

LOL....I'm salivating here, but I have another suggestion!

If you're driving up from Ottawa (Hwy 417) be sure to stop in for lunch or dinner in HUDSON at a restaurant called Mon Village. They make the absolute best Garlic Bread and Steak Sandwiches. Both melt in your mouth! And the atmosphere is fantastic. Laid back and in November they should certainly have the central fireplace going.

Enjoy your trip!

[Ferris]

I definitely appreciate all suggestions, so far. I've heard about the smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz' Deli, and will defeinitely be trying that one out!

I've also heard of Moishe's, but not Ben's. Where is Ben's?

As for Mon Village, I'll be coming from a little further south than Ottawa (between Kingston & Belleville) and plan on taking the 401 all the way. So, when we visit Ottawa on a subsequent trip, I'll DEFINITELY be checking that out!

Also, on your Deli's comment... being from NY I'm naturally a tremendous fan of delis!!! We're really excited for our trip!

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by FriedEggs

Where is Ben's?

Ben's is right downtown! It's on deMaisonneuve between Guy and Peel, if memory serves me. But just ask anyone, they all know where it is.

Other than NYC, you'd be hard-pressed to find a town with more mumerous and excellent delis in North America.

Enjoy your time there! Salut!

[Lordsoth]

heres some great ones, if ur looking for something specific just let me know

-smoked meat : schwartz \3895 St Laurent
-hot dog : chrez ma tante \on fleury just east of st-michel, south side of the street
-ribs(brown sugar style) : bar b barn \3300, boulevard des Sources or 1201, -rue Guy
-ribs(bbq sauce style) : baton rouge \160 Ste Catherine west or 1050, rue de la Montagne or 7999, boulevard Les Galeries d'Anjou
-souvlaki : marven \880, avenue Ball
-burger : mr.steer 1198 Ste-Catherine west
-burger : dic ann \10910, boul. Pie IX
or 6110, boul. Louis-H-Lafontaine or 6224, rue St-Jacques
-bagel : st-viateur \263 St-Viateur west
-french pastry : patisserie belair \3913, rue Bélanger
-italian food : pizza villa \6672, avenue Papineau
-italian food : via pizza \4711, rue d'Amiens
-italian food : elio pizzeria \351, rue de Bellechasse
-szechuan : kam shing \6730 ch de la cote des Neiges
-roast beef : magnan \2602, rue Saint-Patrick

[CrabbyAzz]

I'vs stayed here a few times, very nice.

http://www.montrealmarriottchateauchamplain.com/

[Anthony P]

Ben's closed up years ago, it is on deMaisonneuve but on Metcalf, east of Peel not between Guy and Peel the building still stands but is abandoned and is slated to be demolished (though I think last I heard there where still some trying to keep it as a historic landmark).

I agree with Shwartz as the best smoked meat and that you must try a bagel either from St-Viateur or Fairmount, it is unanimous that Montreal has the best (tast test after taste test, there has been no contender) but there is still a battle between these two shops that are near each other for which one is king.

As for the rest, food wise Montreal is a good city, you would be hard pressed to find a bad place to eat so just don't fret about and go with what tantalizes you on the spot.

As for what to see, winter is not the best time to visit, but it would depend on what interests you.

shopping: must visit the "underground city" in essence a good chunk of the downtown buildings basement and ground floors form a convoluted maze of shops and food courts (and even the food in the food courts tends to be good).

religious: You don't need to be religious, but in the olden days people where and so they put their money and effort and art into these community buildings, I would pick
St-Josephs Oratory: It is built high on Mont Royal and is big and beautiful with a gorgeous view, it is a place of pilgrimage for many (Brother André who made it happened is on the verge of being a saint)

Notre Dame Basilica: inside it is just incredible, the detail and colours inside are just WOW.

Mary Queen of the world Cathedral (designed after St Peters in Vatican) is the Archdiocese of Montreal

Christ Church Cathedral (aka la Cathedral), Montreal is full of old churches (just take the UQAM building which used some of the old facades as entryways) but this one is interesting because in the 80's the Anglican church entered into an agreement with some developers and it was on stilts while a tower behind it and an underground shopping area where being built and it is connected to the tower and shopping area

Party:
Crescent street: is the place to go for a drink, lots of bars and clubs to choose from

Les 3 brasseur: it is a chain and a brewpub (with beer brewed at each location) the beer is good and the price is good (and the grub is good as well), it is where I tend to go (usually the one at the corner of Crescent and St-Cathrine)

Casino: it is on St-Helen’s island

Strip clubs: just walk around you will find them

Others:

Olympic stadium: build for the 78 Olympic, I still think it is one of the sexiest buildings and the other Olympic installations

Biodome: (the building was build as the velodrome for the 78 Olympics) it is a new and odd take on zoos (if you want to call it that) the building is divided into different ecosystems each one containing animals and plants from those areas living in them (i.e. tropical forest will have tropical animals, trees and flowers, the Antarctic will have penguins…) and it is up to you to pay attention and see the animals (i.e. no animals in cages, they are living in their habitat and behave normally it is up to you to look for them and find them) PS you won't see lions or tigers or elephants (which is why I said “if you want to call it that” after zoo

Botanical garden: right in front of the Big O, I think most of it would be closed but it does have green houses and an insecterium and I think those are open

Habitat 67, these are condos (or appartments) built in 67 for the expo, but the building, even though stark is elegent and

As for Museums, there are many, one of my favourites is the Pointe-à-Callière, it is a museum of Archeology.

[Ferris]

Originally Posted by Lordsoth

heres some great ones, if ur looking for something specific just let me know

-smoked meat : schwartz \3895 St Laurent
-burger : mr.steer 1198 Ste-Catherine west
-burger : dic ann \10910, boul. Pie IX
or 6110, boul. Louis-H-Lafontaine or 6224, rue St-Jacques
-bagel : st-viateur \263 St-Viateur west
-french pastry : patisserie belair \3913, rue Bélanger

What a list!! I thank you so much. I've narrowed down the list a bit to things that will definitely spark my fancy. I've heard Schwartz' is fantastic for smoked meat, that St-Viateur is best for bagels (which I love), and French pastries are a must!! So, thanks again!

Originally Posted by Anthony P

Ben's closed up years ago, it is on deMaisonneuve but on Metcalf, east of Peel not between Guy and Peel the building still stands but is abandoned and is slated to be demolished (though I think last I heard there where still some trying to keep it as a historic landmark).

Thanks for the heads up here. I'll be sure to check it out.

Originally Posted by Anthony P

As for what to see, winter is not the best time to visit, but it would depend on what interests you.

Most people tend to go south for the winter, but my wife (being Canadian) and I (from NY) love to venture north, as we live in Florida.... a bonus is that it's off-season for tourists in the north (aside from skiing), so we don't find ourselves in crowds, or waiting in line for many things.

Originally Posted by Anthony P

shopping: must visit the "underground city" in essence a good chunk of the downtown buildings basement and ground floors form a convoluted maze of shops and food courts (and even the food in the food courts tends to be good).

My wife has already stated we'll be checking out the Underground. I can hear the credit cards companies rubbing their hands together already!

Originally Posted by Anthony P

religious: You don't need to be religious, but in the olden days people where and so they put their money and effort and art into these community buildings, I would pick
St-Josephs Oratory: It is built high on Mont Royal and is big and beautiful with a gorgeous view, it is a place of pilgrimage for many (Brother André who made it happened is on the verge of being a saint)

Notre Dame Basilica: inside it is just incredible, the detail and colours inside are just WOW.

Mary Queen of the world Cathedral (designed after St Peters in Vatican) is the Archdiocese of Montreal

Christ Church Cathedral (aka la Cathedral), Montreal is full of old churches (just take the UQAM building which used some of the old facades as entryways) but this one is interesting because in the 80's the Anglican church entered into an agreement with some developers and it was on stilts while a tower behind it and an underground shopping area where being built and it is connected to the tower and shopping area

Will definitely be trying to get to all of the above. We're actually looking to attend Mass at Notre Dame Basilica Sunday morning.

Originally Posted by Anthony P

Les 3 brasseur: it is a chain and a brewpub (with beer brewed at each location) the beer is good and the price is good (and the grub is good as well), it is where I tend to go (usually the one at the corner of Crescent and St-Cathrine)

We may see you there then, if we don't go to the Habs game Saturday night. Look for the stupid people trying to speak French...

The Olympic Stadium and Biodome are musts for us. Thanks again for all of the recommendations!

[Ferris]

Originally Posted by CrabbyAzz

I'vs stayed here a few times, very nice.

http://www.montrealmarriottchateauchamplain.com/

Very nice. Thank you. This was one on our list as well.

We're looking at the following:

Marriott Chateau Champlain
Chateau Versailles Hotel
Le Saint Sulpice
Hotel de la Montagne
Hotel XIX Siecle
Hotel Du Fort

If anyone has any input on these, I'd certainly appreicate it!

[silversnake]

Originally Posted by FriedEggs

Very nice. Thank you. This was one on our list as well.

We're looking at the following:

Marriott Chateau Champlain
Chateau Versailles Hotel
Le Saint Sulpice
Hotel de la Montagne
Hotel XIX Siecle
Hotel Du Fort

If anyone has any input on these, I'd certainly appreicate it!

Hotel de la montagne is quite nice , as is the Marriott. Saint Sulpice and hotel du fort i've walked by them countless times. Looked good and "cosy" from the outside.

As for food

Schwartz for the best smoked meat ever (metro st-laurent)

Cafe el dorado (metro mont-royal) is awesome for sunday brunch. the restaurant that is also right in front of cafe el dorado makes one of the best club sandwhich ( massive as well) The other place is la banquise

Reubens deli (st catherine)

Weinstein and Gavinos (favorite italian place, fresh pasta daily) (Crescent st)

The best sandwhich place ever is Kilo Cafe. Crazy sandwiches and ingredients you wouldn't think about putting in a sandwich and relatively cheap ( metro berri-uquam)

The keg great steakhouse , good atmosphere (metro square victoria)

the casino also has very , very fancy dining experience at their restaurant. Quite expensive but incredibly good food. I was invited once and probably one of the best dining out experience i've ever had.

Make sure you visit le Mont-royal , le vieux port, st catherine street and all the underground shopping. Make sure you visit parc Lafontaine ( metro sherbrooke) If you go to the botanical garden you can make a whole day of it by visiting biodome , olympic statidum, planetarium , etc. Lots of things to do

Have fun and don't hesitate to PM me if you need any other information

oh and i forgot. IF you can find HABS ticket without having to mortgage your house, you have to go

[Bigdog]

I remember going to Montreal once when i was about 12 or so and going to this church with a outdoor escalator that went up a huge hill were the church was located. Ok silver does this place exist or has years of beer abuse clouded my memory?

[Anthony P]

Most people tend to go south for the winter, but my wife (being Canadian) and I (from NY) love to venture north, as we live in Florida.... a bonus is that it's off-season for tourists in the north (aside from skiing), so we don't find ourselves in crowds, or waiting in line for many things.

but you do miss a lot, no festivals going on, walking the streets downtown and shopping is not as much fun, can't sit on a terrace, not much to do in the old port.... there is a reason some places have high and low seasons.

My wife has already stated we'll be checking out the Underground. I can hear the credit cards companies rubbing their hands together already!

well there are a lot of boutiques and clothes galore, but there are all kind of stores, you can go to Metro video in the Industrial Alliance building or Archambault in the Eaton Centre and get some BDs , or Dumoulin in Place Montreal Trust and look at TVs and other electronics or the megaplex in the Industrial Alliance building and watch a movie for a few hours while she shops, there is not much that can't be bought "underground" there is even a car dealership in PVM (OK, it is actually at ground level but PVM was where the whole underground city concept started when the guy building the office tower decided to connect it to the Queen Elizabeth hotel and central station)

We may see you there then, if we don't go to the Habs game Saturday night. Look for the stupid people trying to speak French...

well it is my usual Thursday place and I don’t think I have ever been there on a Saturday but who knows

-----

PS I did not think of this the first time but if you never been to Brazil or had Brazilian food and you like meat, then there is this place called Le Milsa on Bishop street (just beside Crescent), there are three items on the menu (some kind of fish, Chicken and all you can eat meat). The all you can eat meat (comes with salad and stuff) for 30$ and is is a different experience (if you never been to a Churrascaria) waiters come around with different types and cuts of meat on big skewers that look like swords or forks and either take stuff off (like sausages) or shave the meat (like roast beef) in your plate)

Marriott Chateau Champlain
Chateau Versailles Hotel
Le Saint Sulpice
Hotel de la Montagne
Hotel XIX Siecle
Hotel Du Fort

Chateau Champlain is located near the Bell Centre and in front of a park and close to the underground city (not sure if it is connected)

Hotel de la Montagne is connected (basement/lobby) to Thursday's, a bar on Crescent street, there is a guy I know that always stays there for that reason.

The rest, I don’t know anything about them