The bf and I rarely get a chance to get away together in the summer with everything going on re family commitments and traditional friend activities.
Last weekend was the first weekend that one of us didn’t have a commitment that didn’t take up at least one full weekend day. So when my man suggested a long weekend where I got to leave the country and go to a place where French is spoken, I was all about it!
We headed North and took a roundabout way, stopping in Lake George for a quick lunch, where it was pouring and then became slightly overcast before we left. We agreed to come back when it was nicer.
We made it to Montreal before dinner, and the weather was actually gorgeous. Our hotel was a block off of the Rue St. Catherine and right near the bustling Rue Crescent.
My man let me choose the restaurant, and guess what I picked? FRENCH! I liked the menu at L’Autre Saison. We got to sit outside patio area under umbrellas, and it was the closest to experiencing French dining that I have come in a while.
I ordered Escargot, which came with a puff pastry and a tons of mushrooms. The snails were cooked perfectly, and the sauce was insane. There was ham in there, which I had to pick out, but overall it was a great take on a classic. 
My main course was petoncles giants Digby- large scallops with wild mushrooms and spinach puree. Everything was cooked to perfection, and it was mushroom-tastic. Not cheap, but so worth it! 
Our only plan on Saturday was to wake up and hit our favorite crepe place, Chez Suzette in the Vieux Port. We stumbled upon this last time and chose it because of the amazing crepe-y smell. My boyfriend got the la delicieuse- a crepe with bananas, toasted almonds, toffee cream and a scoop of ice cream! Same as two years ago and just as good.
I choose La Symphonie with fresh fruit and maple syrup. I made it through about half- partially due to my reduced food intake, and partially due to me eating tons of almond and other goodness off of his plate.
After brunch, we went for a long walk, because the weather was perfect. We stumbled upon a Montreal Expos tribute exhibit and walked through some gardens. 
We then walked down to the water, where there were food trucks, including a lobster one. 
While we were down there, I was given the choice of taking a boat tour or going to the biodome. As much as that fascinates me, of course I chose the boat option, because I wanted to ride on a Bateau Mouche!
The ride was enjoyable and we learned a lot about Montreal. I wouldn’t do it again because you don’t need to, but I am glad that I did it this time. 
After a hotel recharge and dip in the pool/hot tub, we headed back out for my boyfriend’s pick- a cute little Italian restaurant where we ate on the patio area again.
I don’t really order pasta any more because its not on my healthy living plan (don’t knock it, dropping 20 plus pounds and keeping it off during summer while still enjoying my favorite things on occasion has been wonderful)!
But, I ordered Branzino with lemon and capers with vegetables, and it came with a pasta appetizer! I scraped it up!
The fish and vegetables were both fresh and delicious!
We were full after dinner and tired after being out all day, so we grabbed some dessert from Juliette et Chocolat. This place was adorable, and the dark chocolate bomb with raspberry confiture inside was -well- the bomb.
I got more sleep than I usually get in two days, and I chose a yummy brunch place called Le Cartel with dishes that I knew would make both of us happy before a long drive home.
We walked around for another hour and a half and then we both sadly admitted it was car time! But not before I got a few more snaps, some loose tea from a random Chinese tea shop near Notre Dame. and my boyfriend got a croissant au fromage for the road.
A la prochain fois, Montreal! 
Bisous,
Preppy Francophile
