Young Galaxy’s City Guide To Montreal

Have you ever wanted to go somewhere amazing but had no idea what to expect? Me too. Below you will be able to read about the hippest places Montreal has to offer, according to the band members of Young Galaxy. This is traveling made fun. Be sure to pick the bands new album Shapeshifting up at your local record shop when it comes out this spring!

Schwartz’s Deli:
(Stephen R.) There aren’t many quintessentially Canadian culinary experiences, I suppose, but Schwartz’s Deli on St. Laurent Blvd. is definitely one of the few. It’s famed for it’s kosher-style smoked meat sandwiches, which are just loads of smoked meat and ballpark mustard on rye bread. Have it with a kosher pickle, a side of fries and a cherry cola. Do not deviate from said menu. Delicious. Plus, the décor has pretty much remained unchanged in it’s 80 years of being open – there are elbow grooves in the bar from people leaning on it, and surly, hilarious waiters who appear to have worked there since day one. It’s one of the true Montreal experiences, without a doubt.

The Sparrow:
(Catherine) With long hard winters every neighbourhood needs a local, a warm drinking hole of communal comfort – The Sparrow is ours. Dimly lit, with a shining bar, lots of wood, and stories from every picture slung on the walls. Murad Meshgini, owner and gregarious host, provides a great drink list and warm and wonderful menu and atmosphere. The combined experience is one that transcends winter and makes The Sparrow a year round hub of hang.

Les Etoffes:
(Stephen R.) Les Etoffes is a clothing store on St. Laurent Blvd. run by Chris and Diana, two very friendly, knowledgeable and passionate clothing aficionados. They deal in classics with a twist – it’s mostly new clothing, but with some select consignment items as well. The décor is great – kind of a futuristic Scandinavian hunting lodge. I like it because they put as much emphasis on the men’s lines as the women’s lines, and everything is hand picked and beautifully crafted.

Parks/Outdoor hockey rinks/Picnics:
(Stephen R.) There are many free outdoor rinks in the parks of Montreal, where you can play shinny if it’s cold enough for ice. Don’t even bother living in Montreal unless you’re willing to play a little ice hockey. It’s a religion up here! Coming in the summer? These rinks are dismantled and replaced with water parks. Interesting fact: you can drink legally outdoors so long as you have food to accompany it. Boozy midday picnic anyone?

Cocoa Locale:
(Catherine) Cocoa Locale is a … cupcake boutique. The shop is every bit a manifestation of the treats it bakes daily and the woman who bakes them, owner Reema Singh. A tiny shop – dark wood and pastel colours, antique teacups and chrome, floral patterned boxing gloves and a rope swing – you’d swear you walked into a scene from the movie Amelie. You step directly into the kitchen once through the door, enveloped by the scent of chocolate chai cupcakes or red velvet cakes in a convection oven. Between the branches of an abundant display of fresh flowers you are served with a big smile and twinkling eye by Reema herself, laying down a spatula and bowl full of icing. The cakes, cupcakes, cookies and brownies are often sold out within hours of opening, as they are timeless, sinful and delicious as the best home baked delicacies from any era.

Coffee Shops:
(Stephen R.) Olympico, Caffe In Gamba, Club Social and Italia are just a few of the myriad coffee shops in Mile End and Little Italy, the neighbourhoods we live in and spend most of our time. We like Olympico, where the hilarious baristas Vinny and Vito (who is a second generation barista at this establishment) only need to take your order once before they memorize it. A highly trained barista friend of ours came from the west coast to visit once and was perplexed at how good the coffee is here – apparently they break a lot of rules for how to make espresso ‘properly’ – but hey, it’s in these guys’ blood! Have an allonge – a type of long espresso that seems exclusive to Montreal (if you don’t believe me, try ordering one anywhere else)… it’s rich, smooth and packs a satisfying kick. Enjoy the people watching too, as people of every description shuffle in at all times of the day for their caffeine fix.

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