The Culinary Scene in Montréal

Earlier this year we journeyed north to Québec to experience a North American territory with a European flare.  We traveled to Québec City and the surrounding area, with its rich French heritage, and to Charlevoix, reminiscent of the French countryside with artisanal producers and beautiful landscapes. Our last stop on our trip through Québec was Montréal.  We walked the neighborhoods to experience the architecture, culture, and flavors and immersed ourselves in Plateau Mont-Royal.  This is Part 2: The Culinary Scene in Montréal. For Part 1, please click on this link.

Jean-Talon Market

Waddle out of Schwartz’s restaurant and grab a cab, or catch the subway, to the Jean-Talon Market in the Little Italy neighborhood, or alternatively start there first thing in the morning to enjoy a pastry and café au lait at Boulangerie Première Moisson, just outside the market. This spectacular market, one of the oldest in Montréal, and one of the largest in North America, is a destination in and of itself. With an impressive public market system in Montreal it’s hard to know which market to visit first, but food lovers will be in awe at the variety of local produce, meats, seafood, cheeses, oils, flowers, breads, and artisanal products from the Québec region and also the sheer size of this market.

* Entrance to the market

Boulangerie Première Moisson

SO many choices and not enough time!

Jean-Talon Market

The produce is spectacular at Jean-Talon

Beautiful mushrooms

These displays of produce go on forever

The tomatoes were beautiful

Squash Blossoms

A market within a market, there are indoor and outdoor venues where you can shop, eat, drink, and just meander to take it all in. Open daily year-round, make this a must-see while in Montréal. And when you’re most interested in finding the best butchers and meats along with farm fresh goods and local vendors, head to the southwest side of the city near Lachine Canal to Atwater Market, which is located in one of Montréal’s most architecturally beautiful art-deco buildings dating back to 1933.

The different types of flowers was impressive, too

There is an excellent selection of fresh seafood

So many oysters to choose from!

Fresh and prepared seafood and shellfish

Marché des Saveurs features regional products from Québec

We couldn’t leave without purchasing several items to take home

Fresh lavender