It's not hard to imagine that a city whose current economy is mainly fueled by innovation and creativity first flourished on the backs of agriculture and manufacturing.
Vestiges of Montreal's humble beginnings are still ever present and have made the city into the cosmopolis it is today. They're apparent in the cultures, the languages, the openness and tolerance and, of course, the food.
Nowhere is this more evident than along Saint Laurent Boulevard. It is the main thoroughfare to which many of Montreal's cultural neighborhoods, as well as its eclectic, long-thriving food scene, are anchored.
Save poutine for last. First, let's take a stroll along the famous street's northern stretch through charming Plateau Mont-Royal, hip Mile-End, and bustling Little Italy.
While we go, we'll sample the foods of the world and feast on cuisines from some of the best foodie destinations. The beauty of Montreal's gastronomy is not only in its local delights but also its ability to take you places:
Le Plateau Mont-Royal
We start our food tour of Saint Laurent Boulevard's northern section with morning fuel. Montreal has its share of great independent coffee shops, but Caf Melbourne (4615 St Laurent Blvd) brings that legendary Aussie caffeine culture to the city. Pop in for a coffee and avocado toast fix.
Right next door is another important stop:Aux Vivre (4631 St Laurent Blvd) is possibly Montreal's first vegetarian restaurant and a favorite among Montralais, even the carnivorous ones.
Their rice bowls, smoothies and gourmet chapati sandwiches are all worth sampling.
While Aux Vivre's baked goods are also a must try, feasting on luscious desserts at Seraphin Boulangerie (5008 St Laurent Blvd) is a better idea. Though three blocks away from Little Portugal and not originally a Portuguese bakery, it does make some of the best French and Portuguese pastries in the city.
The addicting pasteis de nata (custard tarts) and the white bean tarts are not to be missed.
Mile-End
Walk farther up the block and make a left on Laurier Avenue where one of the best neighborhood pubs in the city sits. Dieu du Ciel! (29 Laurier Avenue) is a good spot for a drink or two. The pink and refreshing Hibiscus Dew is great for warm, summer months while the heartier, coffee-infused Imperial Stout is the perfect choice on cold days.
Soak up that alcohol with Wilensky's (34 Avenue Fairmount O) special-made bun. The family-owned Montreal institution on Fairmont O Avenue started as a cigar store and barbershop. However, for 85 years now, they've been making some of the best meat sandwiches in town. A must try is their five-to-one salami and bologna creation aptly called the Wilensky Special.
Or we could stop at Fairmont Bagel (74 Avenue Fairmount O), one of Montreal's two legendary bagel stops. Whether it's the sesame or the poppy seed coated bagel you eventually decide on, you'll realize that this city's faintly sweet, slightly sticky, golden brown bagels are a revelation and an entirely different experience.
Try to pace yourself as there are more shoulder-dropping, sigh-inducing stops left.
Jump in line, (even a particularly long one), for a couple of scoops of ice cream at Kem Coba (60 Avenue Fairmount O) next door. Known for their great flavors and textures, they serve some of the best ice cream in Montreal.
An Italian dessert is called for after a hearty meal under the same flag, so make a quick stop at Pasticceria Alati-Caserta (277 Rue Dante). The 49-year-old pastry shop has been creating some of Italy's sweetest delicacies.
Try the cannolis, amaretti cookies or their signature almond cake.
From Rue Dante, turn left on Henri-Julien Avenue and head up to Jean-Talon Market, the most important stop on any Montreal food tour. Set in a repurposed lacrosse field, it's one of the biggest outdoor markets in Canada and perhaps Montreal's most well-known gastronomic institution.
Two of the market's must-stops are Caf Saint-Henri (3632 Notre-Dame St W) for house-roasted coffee and Le Marche des Saveurs du Quebec (280 Place du March-du-Nord) for iced ciders and cheeses.
Hungry yet?
Or, better still: Full yet?
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