SHIP to SHORE
OCEANIAʼS GUIDE TO MONTREAL
Bernie Carter, Oceania Cruisesʼ resident gourmet traveller, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, shares his picks for where to eat in Canadaʼs island city
Named after Mount Royal, the triple-peaked hill at its heart, this city to the south-west of Quebec province is a medley of modern skyscrapers and ancient wonders settled on an island beside the mighty Saint Lawrence River. Here, French heritage meets top-notch North American dining, and there’s infinite opportunity to taste it all. Join one of Oceania Cruises’ Canada and New England voyages, sailing from New York to Montreal for 11 days aboard the elegant Insignia, and disembark to an epicurean experience in Canada’s capital of culture.
Montreal boasts a vibrant, fusion cuisine, and if there’s one place that does it best, its Modavie, a romantic jazz bar in the historic district of the city. Among exposed stone and warm, wooded interiors, find French classics along the lines of escargots, onion soup and charcuterie boards full of bold flavours, with ingredients like truffle, garlic and lemon at the forefront. The hearty filet mignon, grilled octopus linguini and rack of lamb with sesame crust hold a special place in my heart.
Past the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica, through boutiques and art galleries nestled in 19th-century buildings and towards the charming Little Italy quarter, you’ll find the Jean Talon farmer’s market. Despite being one of North America’s largest openair markets, it’s got a real village-like atmosphere – a buzzing cornucopia of authentic specialities, it’s the place to go for local cheeses, maple syrup, fresh seafood and meat and the very best of Quebec’s seasonal fruit and vegetables.
On the way back to the harbour, make a stop at Ma Poule Mouillée for Montreal’s traditional poutine – a delicious concoction of chips, cheese curds and gravy – or grab a chewy, hand-rolled bagel fresh out of the oven from the famous StViateur Bagel bakery. The rosemary and sea salt ones are my favourite; I always stock up for the journey ahead. bit.ly/oceaniamontreal