We’d love to take a trip down south, but since its hurricane season in the Caribbean, we’ll stay in Montreal and play staycation with our tastebuds.

From the August 25 to September 25, 15 restaurants, including La Coupole, Lustucru, and will be participating in Martinique Gourmande, a festival celebrating the flavours of Martinique.  Serving up the mix of french and creole techniques and exotic ingredients including breadfruit, cassava and christophine, Montreal chefs will put their own spin on the spicy fare.

Did we mention there would be rum? There will be rum. –Jennifer Nachshen

www.martiniquegourmande.ca

In search of dinner spots off the beaten path, we discovered Restaurant Kiano, just a few steps off frantic St-Catherine Street. 

This cozy Antillean and Caribbean joint serves up handmade dishes like Creole and Jerk chicken (from $7.95), curry rum raisin salad (from $6.95) and perfectly tart ceviche with tender crab, lobster, shrimp and red snapper ($9.95).

If you just can’t break away from the beat, wash down your rum cake dessert ($6.95) with spicy ginger beer whie you listen to live steel music on the breezy back terrace.

Ya mon.

Kiano, 1433 City Councillors St., Montreal, 514-845-6845, www.kianorestaurant.com

The sand is tinged with specks of pink coral and the houses are painted lilac, yellow and aquamarine. With its lush green vegetation and crystal blue waters, colour reigns on the island of Bermuda.

stay
The new Tucker’s Point Resort oozes colonial charm. Large, airy rooms are decorated in bold florals, soft stripes and pastel ginghams. Sip Rum Swizzles poolside, play crocket or have your fingers and toes painted pink at the spa. From US$300 a night, 60 Tucker’s Point Dr., Hamilton Parish, Bermuda, 441-298-4000, www.tuckerspoint.com

do
Rent a scooter and explore the island’s glorious beaches; Horseshoe Bay, Elbow Beach and John Smith’s Bay are the best along South Shore for powder-soft sand and stunning waters. Tobacco Bay near St George’s is good for snorkelling.

eat
The Lobster Pot (6 Bermudiana Rd., 441-292-6898) is a local institution with a nautical décor and some of the best seafood in town, while the elegant Seahorse Grill at Elbow Beach (441-239-9303, www.mandarinoriental.com) is perfect for a romantic dinner à deux. Tip: Bermuda is pure old-world charm and locals love to get dressed up when they go out. Some restaurants have a dress code so pack a pretty frock or two.

shop
Don’t forget to stuff your suitcase with bottles of pink sand, Bermuda rum cake and Outerbridge’s famous Original Sherry Pepper Sauce.