Local Expert
Olga
Olga works as a freelance proofreader and translator. A Montreal native, she enjoys taking advantage of the city’s host of activities, including concerts, theatre, and comedy.
Olga works as a freelance proofreader and translator. A Montreal native, she enjoys taking advantage of the city’s host of activities, including concerts, theatre, and comedy.
All Articles
You've probably danced on an outdoor terrace or even pooliside, but have you partied outside midwinter, bundled up in your winter get-up? If not, now is your chance. Igloofest is a series of high-energy parties held in the open air in the coldest of months. It may seem a little crazy, but nothing gets in the way of Montrealers having a good time -- not even below freezing temperatures.
It won't be hard to stay entertained (and warm) all night long as local and international DJs keep the crowds moving. Expect entrancing beats, flashing lights, not to mention retro one-piece snowsuits and hot pink bandanas.
Igloofest is happening on January 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31. Tickets cost either five or ten dollars, depending on when you purchase them. For more information, visit www.igloofest.ca (French only) or www.oldportofmontreal.com.
1
Club Soda
1225 St-Laurent, Montreal, PQ, H2X2...
Almost every club, bar and restaurant in Montreal is hosting a New Year's Eve party, but if you pick the wrong place you'll be stuck in an overcrowded room with never-ending bar lineups. One event that places the partygoer first is Fluid New Years. Its limited ticket availability, large dance floor and 20+ bartenders are just some of the features that make this party a success. A Montreal favourite, it has been delivering New Year's Eve bashes without fail for the last ten years.
For $99 you'll have an unforgettable night without having to spend a penny more. Your ticket will include entry, coat check, open bar and even tips. Flowing straight from the bottle will be vodka, rum, gin, tequila, whiskey, wine, beer and more. DJs from Montreal, New York and Toronto will be spinning music of all types until the the early morn. Packages are also available, which include tickets and a stay at a four-star hotel just minutes from the party.
For more information, visit www.fluidnewyears.com
It's obvious that no expense was spared when designing the new, all-you-can eat sushi restaurant Odaki. Sleek booths, imposing light fixtures, and sky-high ceilings, Odaki's ultra-modern décor is pleasing to the eye. The room's focal point is its conveyer belt, a novelty in this city. Plates of sushi are scrutinized by diners as they make their way 'round and 'round and are nabbed if deemed worthy.
Unfortunately, this restaurant is only a feast for the eyes. While the menu is more extensive than other all-you-can-eat places, the food itself is uninspired. The sushi is just OK, like most of the other dishes. With so many options on the menu, perhaps the trick is to go back several times and discover the ones that shine. At $26.99 for dinner, however, this sushi-go-round may not be hypnotic enough for some.
Most Quebecers will agree that poutine is the king of fast food. For those who are unfamiliar with this local indulgence, it consists of three simple ingredients combined to make a glorious dish. First, you start with a plateful of hand-cut fries straight from the deep fryer. The fries are then topped with a generous portion of fresh cheese curds, also known as "squeaky cheese." Finally, steaming hot gravy is poured over the concoction, slowly melting the curds to form a plate of greasy goodness.
Poutine is served throughout Montreal, but beware: despite its simplicity, the dish is not always prepared successfully. It is kind of like pizza in the sense that it is hard to make a bad pizza, but easy to make a mediocre one.
One place where you're guaranteed a delicious poutine is La Banquise, which claims to serve the best one in Quebec. This restaurant has added its own creative twist to the classic poutine and boasts 25 different kinds. Some are pretty basic, such as the "Bacon Poutine" (just add bacon, of course), while others are more complex, such as the "Elvis Poutine" (minced meat, peppers and sautéed mushrooms). You should opt for the classic poutine if you've never had one before, but with such imaginative choices available you might have to return for a second round.
La Banquise is open 24 hours a day, which means you can drop by at the crack-of-dawn after you've danced yourself hungry. For more information, visit www.restolabanquise.com.
Instead of giving a gift that was made by the thousands (by little elves, of course), here is where you can purchase hand-made gifts that are truly special.
Stewart Hall is a stunning mansion with a rich history, home to a community cultural centre. Its boutique features items made by talented local artists. Choose from jewelery, pottery, cards and other beautiful objects made by hand.
Sequoia sells all-natural beauty and bath products that are inspired by Native legends and herbs. The shop is 100% Native owned and operated. Its products are made by hand in small batches by Mohawk women. Everything is made using top-quality ingredients that smell fabulous.
The Boutique des métiers d'art du Québec is housed in one of Canada’s most beautiful heritage buildings, the Bonsecours Market in Old Montreal. In this boutique you’ll find the impressive work of 100 of Quebec’s professional artisans. From practical to purely decorative, these items will surely impress.
For an elegant gift, stop by studio/boutique Gogo Glass, which is also in the Bonsecours Market. Here you’ll find hand-blown glass pieces such as vases, paper weights, sculptures and more. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll get to see the glass-blowers at work in their studio.
Andy Warhol's art is instantly recognizable. Like popular culture itself, his work is ever-present in our consciousness. Show someone a wildly colourful print of Marilyn Monroe or of a Campbell's tomato soup can, and chances are this person has come across it countless times. This is because Warhol drew inspiration from American mass produced images, which he transformed into unique, imaginative pieces. Suddenly, objects and celebrities that were all too familiar to us could be seen from a fresh perspective. This revolutionary work can now be admired up-close through the exhibition Warhol Live.
This exhibition presents Warhol's work from the angles of music and dance. Visitors will quickly realize how these two art forms were a motivating force in Warhol's own art. From Elvis Presley to Mick Jagger, some of the artist's famous portraits of music icons are on display. Also on display are album covers, illustrations, photographs, videos, and many more objects that encompassed Warhol's numerous interests and talents.
Warhol Live runs until January 18, 2009, at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Note that on Wednesday evenings admission is half price. For more information, visit www.mmfa.qc.ca.