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MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL PHOTO BY BENOIT ROUSSEAU

MONTREAL F ROM M I L E E ND TO GO L D E N S QU A R E M I L E

dumplings or a light soba salad with taro chips, then move to the truly spectacular General Tao Poutine. The entrée combines Montreal’s signature dish of poutine– French fries with cheese curds and gravy–with the deep- fried glory of a favorite Chinese meal. The lacquered duck mac ‘n’ cheese is another excellent option. History buffs will enjoy strolling through the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhood, home to the Olympic Stadium. Take a tour of the Château Dufresne, a stately home whose imposing architecture resembles a British country manor. Its stunning wall paintings, full of classical allusions, could have easily been displayed in Versailles, while settings of exquisite Murano glassware make you wish for an invitation to an aristocratic dinner. Mingle with splendid roses and vibrant herbs alike while perusing the nearby Montreal Botanical Garden, before sating your appetite at Le Valois Restaurant et Bistro. Refresh by visiting

F rom its broad avenues to Baroque Revival buildings, Montreal encapsulates North American innovation and chic Parisian tradition. It’s a sprawling city, and first-time visitors should book a private tour to understand each unique neighborhood’s full scope. Give the brilliant Gabriel Morissette a call (514-756-9942); his boundless enthusiasm for his city is positively infectious. Gabriel’s deep knowledge of the best bagel shops in Mile End,

Bota-Bota, spa-sur-l’eau: a spa, complete with hot and cold pools and steam rooms galore, located on a ship docked in the river. Start off your final day with a filling brunch at Le Marché Italien Le Richmond. Pick up some antipasti for the road before calling up an expert–Christian Siregar–to tour the Quartier du Canal. (Book your tour with Christian: 514- 222-1396). Alternatively, start at the cozy Les Enfants Terribles Restaurant, then explore the

Little Italy’s open-air markets, and the city’s best street art is second to none. Stay at the epitome of Canadian luxury: Le Mount Stephen Hotel. Located in the heart of Montreal, the Golden Square Mile, the five- star Le Mount Stephen, ( member of Leading Hotels of the World) offers breathtaking neoclassical architecture, elegant wood paneling, and sweeping staircases,

PHOTO BY EVA BLUE

complemented by 90 plush and modern rooms. Dine at Le Petit Mousso, the sister restaurant to the acclaimed Mousso. Each dish, an orchestration of colors, flavors and textures. Experience gastronomic artistry at work; it’s a Montreal must! Music fans won’t want to miss the annual Montreal Jazz Festival each summer. It doesn’t matter where you are–the festival has scheduled performers across the city. Top off your evening with a fabulous meal at the tapas-style Restaurant La Bêtise in Verdun, which fuses Canadian and Asian cuisine. Start off with robust lamb

Golden Square Mile’s many cultural institutions. In 2020, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts will exhibit post-impressionist masterpieces and Riopelle’s artistic interpretations of indigenous culture, while the nearby McCord Museum offers fascinating insights into Montreal’s social history. A mere hop and a skip from the New York metro area, visit Montreal any time of year. Customize your trip by visiting mtl.org which offers every type of travel experience–from architectural tours to culinary hotspots. –C.S.

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