So, day 2. Again, back to Vasco da Gama for breakfast. Starting with Cappuccino times 2, Omelet (chorizo and Quebec cheese), Bagel with Smoked Salmon. Once again it was very good. I am happy to suggest if you’re ever in Montreal, near Mount Royal, definitely come here for a bite. They are only open for breakfast and lunch, and they don’t do Sundays.
In an Uber for a trip to Old Montreal. Looking out the windshield I had to take a picture of this particular stallion. From the side it doesn’t look like anything familiar. However, it did make the appropriate noise when accelerating. This is the Ferrari Purosangue – the first four door, four seater model (FUV – Ferrari Utility Vehicle). v12, 0-60 (mph) in just under 3.5 seconds, 715 hp, tops out at around 193 mph. Starts at $400K (USD)
Having arrived at Old Montreal and slowly walking along the water front for a bit we came to Place Jacques Cartier. Really wonderful place to meander. While doing so, we happened across an artist who does really wonderful etchings. Which intrigued my dear wife immensely. What I found particularly interesting was a box that he had some of his things stored in. A few years back we actually went to a vineyard in Piedmont, Northern Italy, named Pio Cesare. Absolutely fabulous Amarone and also renown for their Barolo and Barbaresco. This one is from Umberto Cesari which is more east and a little south. They are well known for their Sangiovese di Romagna and Ripasso. Two families with similar names…but no affiliation at all. Which is totally meaningless in the grand scheme of things (just another tidbit from my abundance of useless information) because I would Very Happily enjoy anything from either of them. 🙂
Spent the morning just getting side-tracked around old Montreal.
Went to the old Montreal port to perhaps grab a boat tour of the St. Lawrence. Unfortunately, the one we actually wanted to go on only had one trip at 12:30 which we just missed. So, in order to rest our weary bones we decided to stop for a bite and a vin. The money we did not spend on the river cruise, was left at Jardin Nelson for lunch (with not a lot of money left over I might add).
Their frontage is no real indication of the restaurant in the back. It is quite large and on multiple levels. They grow their own fresh basil, and have live music as well.
Limoncello, Prosecco, and soda for a Limoncello Spritz. And a Pino Grigio for me. Our waiter…Really nice guy… Totally run off his feet. This place is extremely busy. With good reason. The food is fabulous. Slightly different preparations of similar things – lobster, shrimp and scallops. Yep…works for us. 🙂
A selection of Quebec cheeses for dessert. Seem a little more sensible than something overly sweet. 2 selections of Cheddar’s and a goat cheese. All different than we have at home.
So far, in Montreal in less than 24 hours, I have seen 2 Ferrari, 2 Lamborghinis, a really high-end Corvette and a Rolls-Royce. Remember what I said about no shortage of money in Montreal.
More viewing and pausing…
Enough walking for the day. Time to stop for a small bite and a beverage.
Niçoise salad that my dear wife had was great. My Caesar salad with chicken…not so great. I can handle the fact that the lettuce was cut so large I had to fight to get it in my mouth. That wasn’t the real problem. The real problem was the chicken was the driest, hardest chicken slices I have ever had in my life anywhere in the world. I brought this to our waiter’s attention. He all but snapped to attention, and said YES SIR (quite loudly I might add) then took it away. Another appeared in its place, edible sizes of lettuce and warm, very tasty, easy to eat chicken. I rarely complain but I couldn’t let this one slide, especially given that Montreal is a foodie’s go-to location. In the end, all was as it should be.
(Okay, okay… I admit it. If you’ve come here hoping for sweeping vistas and poetic odes to the virtues of eastern Canada, you’ve probably ended up with a detailed breakdown of sandwich architecture instead. But fear not! The scenic stuff is coming. I promise there will be breathtaking views, majestic landscapes, and maybe even a tree or two that isn’t garnished with bacon. Until then, grab a fork and stay tuned. The horizon is expanding—right after dessert. )
A very S L O W walk back to our hotel (just up the street and around the corner, literally). However, given the totality of the day’s strolling, my dear wife’s thigh began to cramp up. We made it back, and the rest is being well received.
Tomorrow’s adventure starts with a train ride to Quebec City (with the alarm set for 6:30). Train leaves at 8:30 (presuming it’s on time) and it is suggested we arrive an hour early. Factor in rising, shining, and just getting there…6:30 should be adequate. That also gives us a 4 hour (more or less) break from more walking, which will be another welcome relief. However, once our bags are dropped off at our hotel, the wearing-out of the shoe leather begins anew.
Like I said about the Alberta Transfer Payments to Quebec, they have to spend it on something!