Montreal
January 20th, 2009
Polly Want A Tunic
We love our beau in crisp Daniele Alessandrini shirt, but when his duds start getting more compliments than our own, we know it’s time to step it up.
New on the Main, our latest go-to spot is am68. Emphasizing style over trend, this chic boutique carries an eclectic selection of Euro brands from Italy, France and the UK. And because it only orders a few in each size, you’re unlikely to run into your twin around every turn. We splurged on a silk parrot-print tunic ($235) from Paul & Joe Sister and, the perfect antidote to the winter blues, a down-filled cherry red bomber jacket from add, on sale at $295.
Phew! Now we can go back to being the glamazon, as it should be.
am68, 3632 St-Laurent, Montreal, 514-282-1991.
January 16th, 2009
Phoenix from the flames
Montrealers are notorious creatures of habit, so when Continental went up in flames last July there were collective cries of despair up and down St-Denis.
Now this beloved bistro has risen from the ashes in a new home down the street. Loyal customers will find the same green leather stools, cozy vibe, attentive staff and market-fresh food (by new chef Sophie Juneau).We recently enjoyed a delicious spot of lunch with owner Alain Rochard. While we savored a lovely glass of Le Régal du Loup red ($7.85) and beef carpaccio ($10.50), this charming foodie regaled us with stories of his Loire Valley vineyard and passion for his loyal customers—you’ll even find him serving meals on Friday nights.
Welcome back!
Bistro Continental, 4007 Saint-Denis, Montreal, 514-845-6842, www.lecontinental.ca
January 13th, 2009
ch-ch-ch-change purse
When the -20 wind gales are pushing us down the Boulevard, it takes something special to stop us in our tracks.
The other day it was a green tartan shopper by Vivienne Westwood sitting in a boutique window. The $880 price tag was a tad deterring, so instead we went for an equally charming VW patent-leather change purse (on sale at $180).It’s perfect for stashing all the money we saved.
Boutique U&I, 3650 St-Laurent Blvd., Montreal, 514-844-8788, www.boutiqueuandi.com
January 9th, 2009
cocoa craving
The days of gingerbread and eggnog might be over, but that doesn’t mean that we’re ignoring our sweet tooth.
When a craving hits, we’re dashing to Chocolats de Chloé for decadent handmade delights made from Valrhona chocolate. A box of six squares ($11) is the perfect after-dinner treat (be sure to include the fig and balsamic and citrusy lime). If we’re lingering in the new shop, we’ll also grab a spicy hot chocolate made with cinnamon and cayenne topped with homemade marshmallows ($2.75).Life is sweet.
Chocolats de Chloé, 546 Duluth St. W., 514-849-5550, www.leschocolatsdechloe.com
December 10th, 2008
just the ticket
What to buy the film snob in your life?
We’re going with Cinéma du Parc’s Super Movie Card. Tucked into the basement of La Cité, this gem of a theatre screens only critically-acclaimed docs and features. The programmers deal directly with international distributors so you’ll catch top-quality flicks never before seen in Québec.
We also love the choice of 15 annual festivals and the revolving art exhibit in the lobby.Butter on your popcorn?
The Super Movie Card includes eight movies and two sneak previews, $48.
Cinéma du Parc, 3575 Parc Ave., Montreal, 514-281-1900, www.cinemaduparc.com
December 2nd, 2008
leg warmer
Not much comes between us and our denim, but when cold winds blow, our legs turn into icicles.
No need to live in fleece pants all season: Montreal’s own Second has just introduced its Inspiration Jean line featuring six new cuts (including our fave, the elegant Kennedy trouser). The new line uses breathable Coolmax fibers that promote air circulation and ensure our legs stay toasty, no matter how mean Mama Nature gets.Snow angels, here we come.
Available at Boutique Rocco, 4321, St-Denis St., 514-845-0021, from $100.
November 12th, 2008
CULTURAL LIFT
It may not be the capital of big-budget theatre, but Montreal does offer some pretty unique options for local theatrophiles.
Last year, Sidemart staged a production in a bar basement, and now director Alain Goulem is setting his latest show in a working freight elevator.
Set in the 1930s, Hellavator is about three unlikely characters thrown together in an uncomfortable situation. Inspired by playwright Ned Cox’s own 11-hour stuck-in-an-elevator saga, this black comedy just might have you taking the stairs next time.
On until November 16, tickets $20, 3861 St-Laurent Blvd, 514-812-7722.
November 10th, 2008
COLOUR MY LOVE
When our longtime colorist went AWOL (and took our recipe card with him), we suffered through greenish-blonde streaks, screechy stylists and questionable zebra stripes.
Then along came Hugo Mainville.
Hed Salon’s russet-haired genius has our undying loyalty for his no-nonsense approach and natural highlights. Mainville’s strength is blending tones that make skin look radiant. But if you’re looking for wild-and-crazy, don’t even bother: “I tell them to go else where. After all it’s my name on their hair.”
You may need to book him two months in advance, but trust us he’s worth it…and so are you.
Catch Hugo on TQS’s Beauté Express (Tuesdays, 7 p.m.). Hed Salon, 4267 St Laurent, 514-845-0007, www.hedsalon.com
November 3rd, 2008
FIT TO BE TRIED
Going to the gym is supposed to be a priority, but one more stint on that elliptical machine might cause us to die of dullness.
We’re resorting to a little child’s play with a few sessions at X-Fit.
More like an adult playground than a gym, this tiny space is filled with medicine balls, ladders, hurdles and balance boards.
Whether it’s running obstacle courses or marching up and down stairs with sandbags, these quick-change workouts kept us so busy there was no time for boredom.
Personal trainers Eric Saulnier and Derek Della Rocca are so head-over-heels for their approach, they offer the first session for free.
#210-3863 St-Laurent Blvd., Montreal, 514-844-9348, www.x-fit.ca
October 30th, 2008
THAT SINKING FEELING
White is functional. White is clean. White goes with everything. But every time we look at our porcelain bathroom basin, we can’t help but yawn.
We’re spicing things up with a visit to St. Antoine Importations. Each year, the boutique’s owners head south of the border and return with bijoux, handmade Mexican sinks from local artisans. From leadless ceramic designs to onyx and marble or engraved copper, these colorful pieces are the exact opposite of hum-drum.
Precioso!
St. Antoine Importations, 271 Duluth Ave. E., 514-843-9041, www.st-antoine.net



