Up and at it early for a Saturday of roaming around Montreal. Undoubtedly construction season, and it seemed that half the downtown was torn up for underground work and repaving. However, I got a great morning walk in and found myself hold up in a coffee shop when Andrew’s first text came in. We had an excellent stroll, eventually connecting with Janie and Lori for breakfast. We had a huge scoff at Universel Déjeuners et Grillades (Peel) with eggs benedict being the poison of choice. Great coffee, good food and company raring to go!
We started our day by trekking to Old Montreal. Very few places in North America (other than Quebec City) seem to have that European flair in style, culture and architecture. Our walking tour took us past Notre Dame Cathedral and towards the seaway through the old town. Gorgeous morning… enough to make a fella thirsty (or was it the Friday night carousing)! We made a plan for a “crawl” of sorts, with a one drink limit at each stop as a way to see lots of establishments, get our exercise, and enjoy a late summer day! Here’s the run down of what I recall on where we visited;
- We stopped first for refreshments at Pub BreWsky, on rue St Paul. Ciders and Caesars were ordered up street side, with excellent people watching opportunities and art galleries to hold our attention.
- Next stop was Terrasse sur L’Auberge, with fancy cocktails / drinks and a rooftop view over the seaway.
- Bistro License IV is a classic gin joint and we melted into the plush velvet booths for G&T’s, followed by charcuterie and oysters to keep the blood moving!
- Just down the street was an almost empty Parliament Pub & Parlour where more drinks and a cool mid afternoon seat.
- Via recommendation of the bartender at the Parliament, next stop was NYKS, where we snuggled in to the busy setting for ales.
- Getting a hunger on, we made our obligatory visit to Dunn’s Famous Smoked Meat for some huge smoked meat sandwiches and a cold beer enjoyed outdoors.
After a short trip back to the Delta to “regroup”, we made our way on foot (just a five minute stroll) to Place Des Arts for a special treat, Mark Knopfler in Concert. Although familiar with Dire Straits and some of Knopfler’s solo work, I wouldn’t describe myself as a huge follower! That being said, I was very much looking forward to the show, the collection of mega-musicians and his unique guitar style. The show didn’t disappoint. After marching up to “front row” seats we were treated to an up front and personal evening of Knopfler encircled by a powerhouse band and appreciative audience (those sitting around us knew every word). Our seats, positioned ahead of the house mix, left portions of the sound drowned out by Knopfler’s own stage mix… but the unobstructed view was well worth it!
Post show we relaxed room-side for an ale, waxed poetic after what was an excellent show, warbled about our ramblings street side, and quickly crashed after a day well spent! A big splurge, but over the top fun we don’t do often enough.