Page 89 - June-July23

FOOD & BEVERAGE

and unique gifts with a French touch.
In the heart of the Little Italy, Jean Talon Market,
one of the oldest public markets in Montréal and one
of the largest open-air markets in Canada, is an
unmissable Montréal experience for food lovers.
The market, which consists of small shopkeepers,
bustles with activity year-round. You will find local
fruit and vegetable growers, butchers, bakers,
fishmongers, grocers and restaurateurs.
It’s hugely popular with locals and tourists, and if
you are looking for old-world charm, there’s nothing
better.
When I visited the market, it was maple season in
full bloom (maple syrup may last for ever but the
maple season is very short i.e. typically from mid-
March to mid-April). Not surprisingly, the
marketplace was overflowing with a wide variety
maple products from maple syrups to toffees to
dressings to popcorns to, yes, whiskey made with
maple.
The Mile End is yet another spot you cannot miss.
Full of reminders of its working-class, industrial past,
this so-called ‘hipster capital of Canada’ will remind

you of Brooklyn, New York.
It has been shaped by Greek communities and
Jewish ones, and is known as a major arts hub. As one
might expect, this artsy area offers great choice of
food. Once here, go for bagels either at Fairmount or
St-Viateur, but a special at Wilensky’s is arguably
more of an experience.
If you are chocolate lover, another must-do thing is
to take a chocolate tour and meet the most passionate
people working with chocolate including bean-to-bar
chocolate makers, retailers, chocolatiers or
confectioners.
If you are not, try the Chinatown tour. This guided
walking tour explores the evolution of Montréal’s
Chinatown from its pre-Chinese beginnings to its
current mix of people, food and businesses, giving one
a taste of its best-kept culinary treasures.
Whether you are looking to explore nature in its
parks or sample from its many cuisines, there’s plenty
to fill any itinerary. If you ask my recommendation, I
will say take it all in bit by bit – there’s always another
chance to come back and see more.
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