Bao Eats World : 24 Hours In Montreal: Where To Eat & Drink

9am: Fairmount Bagels [Bagels $]
Montreal-style bagels are different from New York-style bagels. Montreal bagels are smaller, sweeter, denser, with a larger hole, and is boiled in honey-sweetened water and always baked in a wood fired oven. Both Fairmount and St-Viateur Bagels are both raved about bagel shops in Montreal. I only had time to visit one and made it Fairmount since St-Viateur is a chain and supporting solo outposts > chains for me, always. Grab some freshly made poppy seed, sesame, “everything” bagels (like ~1CAD each) for a cheap, wholesome takeaway breakfast. Schmear of Philly cream cheese optional since they are good on their own. Takeaway only.

Fairmount Bagels
74 Avenue Fairmount Ouest
Montreal, QC H2T 2M2
(+1) 514-272-0667
Open 24/7
http://www.fairmountbagel.com

12pm: Le Cartet [Brunch $$]

Brunch places in SG could learn a thing or two from Montreal. Somehow they manage to elevate weekend brunch into an art - gourmet yet casual, stylish yet not trying too hard. Le Cartet is located in a townhouse in old Montreal, and it is part café, part gourmet deli. You won’t go wrong with the brunch des cantons, their version of big breakfast but with roasted potatoes in duck fat (beat that!) served in a hot pan; or the brunch de Atlantique, a smoked salmon tribute which comes with scrambled eggs and salmon salmon, half a smoked salmon bagel, and a salmon and sweet potato cake amongst other sides. Like many Montreal brunch places, they serve a small serving of assorted fresh fruits, which I think is a lovely touch. Expect communual dining tables, a well lit airy space, a young couple crowd, hearty portions, and a boozy brunch (add a mimosa to your set for just additional 6CAD).

Le Cartet
106 Rue McGill
Montreal, QC H2Y 2E5

(+1) 514-871-8887
Open Mon to Fri: 7am to 7pm, Sat & Sun: 9am to 4pm.

http://www.lecartet.com

3pm: Juliette et Chocolat [Dessert $$]

For a foolproof stop to satisfying your cravings for something sweet and sinful, Juliette et Chocolat is a dessert cafe that will not disappoint with their range of chocolate desserts and drinks. The signature hot chocolate drink is very rich (think: Angelina Cafe in Paris but a little less), made of real chocolate and none of that powdered, mass-produced crap posing as hot chocolate. I also liked their sweet crepes, like the one with caramelised banana, salted caramel and vanilla ice cream. It’s a popular place but there are a few outlets.

Juliette et Chocolat
3600 Saint Laurent Boulevard
Montréal, QC H2X 2V4
(+1) 438-380-1090
Open Mon to Thu, Sun: 11am to 11pm, Fri & Sat: 11am to 12am
http://www.julietteetchocolate.com

7pm: L’express [Traditional French $$$]

If you're looking for a classy French meal without the hassle of flying across the Atlantic and putting up with surly Parisian service, L’Express on Saint Denis is a stellar traditional Parisian bistro and a Montreal institution. The moment I stepped in, I felt as though I was transported into old world Paris, just like in Woody Allen’s Midnight In Paris – from the black and white checkered flooring to the slickly dressed and steadfast waiters. I came for a very late dinner since I didn’t make reservations (they close at 2am almost everyday, how amazing is that?) and sat at the long and gorgeous bar counter. The quail on wild rice was absolutely delicious, and the bone marrow and steak and frites are other popular dishes. Reservations are a must (online system available on their website), unless you go late.

L'express
3927 Rue Saint Denis

Montreal, QC H2W 2M4

(+1) 514-845-5333
Open Mon to Fri: 8am to 2am, Sat: 10am to 2am, Sun: 10am to 1am

http://restaurantlexpress.ca

3am: Resto La Banquise [Poutine $]

You cannot leave Quebec without trying poutine, a Quebecois dish of fries slathered with brown gravy and topped off with squeaky cheese curds. It tastes as good as it sounds, and is the perfect post-clubbing or what-to-eat-when-you’re-hungry-and-cold meal. Resto La Banquise is diner that sells poutine with different toppings, such as sausages, mushrooms and peppers. Go for the La Elvis, which has ground beef, green peppers and mushrooms. Wash it down with a couple of craft Canadian beers and you’re ready to continue partying like a rock star. La Banquise is a fun, 24/7 kind of place (they NEVER close - say what?!), full of tattoed, good looking, hipster Montrealites who make everyone else look uncool, even though they aren’t even trying. Baoeatsworld fun fact: In SG, we don’t get legit poutine since AVA doesn’t allow the import of cheese curds. So usually they are substituted with other cheese like mozzarella.