My current favourite for the year? Café Hookah Lounge on St-Denis. You can catch me there every week or two enjoying a Green Apple + Mint combination, either with mint tea or a gin & tonic. The place is way too small, so make sure you go in early if you want to enjoy some hookah.

I haven’t been to every lounge on this list, so I welcome suggestions/corrections (including places I haven’t mentioned) to make this post up to date. In alphabetical order:

• Al-Dar
• Arabesque
• Café Al-Dar
• Café Boudoir (new)
• Café Gitana
• Café Hookah Lounge
• Café Le Notre
• Café Sphinx
• Chez Zaza
• Habibi Restaurant Café: I’ve been to this place once (first time). It was decent.
• Lordia (Laval)
• La Palma Resto-Café
• Les Mentheurs
• Les Nuits du Sahara
• Restaurant Adonisia (Laval)
• Rex Café
• Sequoia
• Sherazade
• Taouk du Québec (Longueuil)
• Toot Café
• Volluume (Laval)

The following places are no more:

• Kafein: I have no idea what happened, but they supposedly stopped serving shisha. If anyone has any news or clues, I would like to hear about it. My first guess is they weren’t licensed.
• Orienthé: mentioned in the comments below by Lauren, this place no longer offers shisha.

What is your favourite place hookah/shisha lounge in Montreal?

It is often a surprise to Montrealers when they discover that the CCA (Canadian Center for Architecture) is located in their own city. If you’re not an architecture buff and have no idea what I’m talking about, the CCA is “those three big stone buildings” on Boul-Rene-Levesque right across the entrance to the highway 720… and that weird floating chair.

The dying art of Architecture is an innovative, forward-thinking one that is best understood when analyzing it’s historical evolution. Exactly 20 years ago this year, the CCA was founded to promote the knowledge of architecture’s role in society in order to encourage design creativity and scholarly research.

The establishment makes this learning possible with one of the largest international research collections of models, plans, conceptual studies, and many, many other documents dating from the Renaissance.

The CCA has put into place Study centers, guided tours, exhibitions and an extensive library in order to create debate and a dynamic engagement with contemporary issues for people of all ages and levels of knowledge on this subject.

Along with the building (designed by Peter Rose with consulting architect Phyllis Lambert and associate architect Erol Argun in 1989), a large garden exhibiting landscape art is located across the blvd Rene-Levesque whose unique location allows its integration to the hustle and bustle of the city, while clearly defining a separation with a large open space. This helps create an ambiance of serenity and escape, while ironically having a location adjacent to a large highway.

Designed by Montréal artist-architect Melvin Charney, the CCA Garden is said to “restore the urban fabric of an area deeply scarred by mid-20th-century highway engineering.” – CCA

With all this information free and open to the public, I can only say one thing to those who have yet to visit and explore the CCA — Go culture yourself!!

Photos: Youssef

www.mysteryoussef.com

]]> http://www.montrealing.com/2009/10/the-cca-architects-do-it-with-models/feed/ 0 http://www.montrealing.com/2009/10/island-illusions/ http://www.montrealing.com/2009/10/island-illusions/#comments Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:38:06 +0000 clé de sol http://www.montrealing.com/?p=1524       Close your eyes, picture the beach, you lying on the warm sand, sun shining in your eyes and a delicious tropical cocktail in your hand.  “Aruba, Jamaica ouhhh I wanna take you to Bermuda, Bahama, come on…”  That’s the feeling you get at Tango… a taste of the exotic right here in Laval.

Your mouth will be watering just by reading the menu. The names of their dishes, healthy French crepes and cocktails are those of the most beautiful islands and beaches of the world: Mykonos, Cayo Blanco, Aruba, and so on. Their menu includes salads, salty and sweet crepes, cocktails, delicious fruit plates, gelatos, hot drinks, cold drinks and alcoholic drinks. The prices are affordable too.

The decor is very modern with a hint of the Carribean: orange colored walls giving the illusion of a sunset, bamboo covered sections, palm trees, and comfortable sofas with flat screens in the lounge areas.

In the summer, take advantage of the heat on their terrace under Hawaiian tiki umbrellas and enjoy your shisha. Did I mention they have shisha? (Only available on the terrace).

There’s more! Music playing all day long: lounge music during the day and house music at night. Plus, it’s 18 and over! We don’t have to drive to the W downtown to enjoy a lounge anymore.  

 Events

• To continue with the Caribbean fever, every first Thursday of every month, you can enjoy the Cuban sounds of Ritmo Caribeño (yes! a live band) and dance the night away. Also enjoy the two for one special on all mixes and beers from 5 pm to 8pm.
• HOCKEY night just got better! Watch the game on their 200” big sreen tv. Three for two special on mixes and beer during the whole game (make sure you go early!)

   Flaws

Ya, so I’ve heard it too that the service tends to be a little slow, but EVERYTHING is made fresh the moment you order it. Can you blame them?

Whether you want to take a date, impress co-workers, or just hang out with friends, for a light healthy lunch, mouthwatering desserts, or just to grab a drink, Tango is the place to go.

If all this did not convince you, check out their website www.tangococktails.com and TRY IT OUT FOR YOURSELF!You can also look for Tango cocktails on facebook.

205 chemin Promenade Centropolis, Laval, Qc H7T 0B3

(450) 688-6588

Subletting homeowners in the city of Saint-Sauveur are battling right now to prevent the illegalization of short-term rentals in its residential sectors. This By-Law was actually put into place in 2005, at the moment of the fusion, but has been somewhat tolerated until now. The violation of the emitted level of noise is the primary reason for this stance. It is said that it will only be a matter of time for the nearby boroughs of the Laurentien area to follow next.

The obvious issue right now will be the impact on the region’s economy. If only long-term rentals are permitted, then all income provided to the city by students or lower-salaried workers can be kissed goodbye. This, of course, is added to the bourdon and inevitable financial troubles that chalet homeowners risk finding themselves in.

Thoughts?

The tables are placed in an auditorium-style arrangement, converging towards the stage as the focal point of the restaurant. I highly suggest you grab a seat facing towards the stage, because as beautiful as the music sounds, half the excitement is watching some of the most talented artists play this intricate music with such ease.

With daily performances, it’s no wonder their clients stick around for many hours at a time. The Taurrey Butle Trio, a band I had the pleasure of watching, blew my mind. As a musician, I’ve always had the utmost admiration for jazz performers for it is the hardest style of music to play.  I couldn’t take my eyes off the pianist’s fingers, which seemed to be moving at a speed of a thousand miles an hour.

These men share a chemistry that is reflected in their music; they play as if they’re the only ones in the room. The pianist raced his fingers up and down the keys with agility, the bassist held up some of the best tempo I’ve ever head, and the drummer jammed away like only someone with ADHD can.

Aside from the music, The House of Jazz serves an array of dishes you can easily enjoy while watching the show. I highly suggest ordering the plate of ribs if you don’t mind getting your fingers dirty.

Montreal’s lucky to be home of such an authentic jazz establishment, with amazing toe-taping beats and a service reflecting the New Orleans hospitality.

Wanting to do something a little different with my friends this year, I went online to search for a good apple-picking orchard. One that stood out was the Verger Labonté, located in Ile-Perrot. The website promised a variety of traditional activities such as tractor rides, a petting zoo, home baked goods, and, of course, a variety of apples, pumpkins, and squashes to pick. But what caught my attention were their “famous apple muffins” (among other baked goods made fresh daily) and their corn and sunflower mazes (that’s right, I said mazes!).

I was glad to find out that the self-advertised Verger Labonté does not disappoint! The aromatic scent of baked apple goods intoxicates you from the moment you walk into their homemade goods store! Their “famous” muffins really do melt in your mouth! One is compelled to buy at least one box of these delectable morsels to take home, or even a box of their delicious apple-crumble, as well as a carton of their superb homemade apple juice. One should take note however, that due to the fact that there are no additives in their products, the apple juice is not pasteurized and will only last one week of refrigeration.

You can feel good about encouraging this orchard as Verge Labonté prides itself on using as little pesticides as possible, if any. A bucket of apples will cost you 12$ and your pickings are to be shared with up to 4 people. However, if you intend to bake or cook with the apples that you have picked, you may want to research which type of apple will work best for your dishes. For example, Spartan apples will hold up better when baked, and so, are better to use when making desserts, while McIntosh apples are preferred when making applesauce.

Since 2006, the orchard’s corn and sunflower fields have been tended to create an intricate maze much to enjoyment of children and adults alike. This activity not only entertains, but also helps raise awareness for various causes. This year, the labyrinth is being used to educate the public about the hardships in Vietnam. Various clues about Vietnam are well hidden throughout the three mazes and a questionnaire is handed out at the beginning of the adventure. The mazes vary in level of difficulty and the most intricate one requires at least an hour and a half of your time, but I assure you that it is well worth your time and effort. It should be noted that a dollar of every ticket sold goes to a humanitarian organization that helps with the demining of yet-active mines hidden in the soils of Vietnam.

Overall, this is another activity we are lucky to be able to experience in Montreal and since the season (and sunny days) are limited, I suggest we all take a day and go enjoy this wonderful, family-oriented experience!

Check out their website for more information: www.vergerlabonte.com

Premier stop: les tams tams du dimanche au pied du Mont-Royal. Fermez vos yeux un seul instant et vous vous retrouvez au milieu de l’Afrique. Ouvrez les et vous vous trouvez encore submergé par l’Afrique, mais cette fois en compagnie de l’Asie, des Amériques, etc.

Vous êtes à Montréal ! C’est joli et les gens s’amusent. Ils n’ont pas de soucis, ils sont même dans leur monde. C’est électrique!

Deuxième stop: le World Press Photo 2009, présenté du 4 septembre au 4 octobre 2009 au Musée Juste pour Rire, ouvert tous les jours de 11h à 22h, à seulement 5$ pour les étudiants! Et vous allez aimer, c’est sûr. Des photos sportives aux photos de tous les jours, en passant par les arts et les portraits. En marge de cette exposition principale, vous trouverez d’autres présentations très intéressantes aussi, dont Antrhopographia, une exposition de photoreportages sur les droits humains. Coeurs humains s’abstenir.

>Wu Xiaoling, China, Xinhua News Agency.

“Blood drops from the forehead of Haitian judoka Ange Mercie Jean-Baptiste, during the women’s 57kg preliminary round at the Beijing Olympics, on August 11.”

Troisième stop: le pikinik electronik. Un peu d’alcool par ici, un peu de drogue par là, mais beaucoup de danse partout! Les gens en veulent et redemandent!

party time

for and from the camera

puisque c’est mon premier article, me voici au milieu, pour que vous ayez une idée de la personne qui parle (écrit)!

Certaines personnes sont sur le site du parc Jean-Drapeau dès l’après-midi, et restent jusqu’à la fin de la soirée, voyant et entendant les DJs défiler un par un. La soirée est presque finie, les gens commencent à rentrer. C’est joli et les gens s’amusent. Ils n’ont pas de soucis, ils sont même dans leur monde. C’est rythmique !

Et vous, que faites vous dimanche prochain ?

First and foremost, the best answer I got was: “Montreal is great simply because we have you living here…” Ok, ok, so it wasn’t the best answer!

Our Diversity

Some said they loved Montreal because it’s the home of the infamous HABS! Others said they love it because of the poutine and the beautiful women. One thing almost everyone mentioned was that Montreal was great because of its multiculturalism and diversity. One said: “Montreal is a cultural melting pot where different cultures coexist together to give it its uniqueness”. Sure, it’s officially a bilingual city, but it is most probable that when you go to the bank, the teller will be able to answer you in Greek. When you go to the garage, the mechanic will probably be Armenian. If you need a taxi, the driver will probably be Arab. When you call to get some construction done around the house, the person who answers will probably be Italian.

The Food & Culture

Someone commented: “Wherever I’ve been in the world, I always wanted to get back to Montreal to finally EAT! You can eat your way around the world just by staying in Montreal.” Whatever type of food you are craving for, you will definitely find it here! Thai, Chinese, Lebanese, Italian, Armenian, Haitian, Afghan, Indian, Greek…something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. We all come from different places and backgrounds and we have different beliefs and cultures. One striking importance is that we are tolerant of each other and are open to new ideas, and to our advantage, we learn about different cultures without having to travel.

Our Lifestyle and Nightlife

Now how about the night life we have? HELLOOOOO! Do they not come from abroad to enjoy the night life of Montreal? Do we not hear it all the time that our night life rocks? People partying until 3 AM, running around on the streets, rain or shine, winter or summer. And how about the dozen or so restaurants that are open late so we can go fill up our breadbaskets after all that drinking? Montrealers do not sleep before 5-6 AM on weekends. In the mood for jazz? We have relaxing jazz bars. You want to sing? How about a karaoke bar? You just want to hang out with friends? How about a shisha lounge or a bar to frequent?

It is also important to mention the numerous events and festivals that we have. Just to name a few: Montreal International Jazz Festival, Montreal World Film Festival, Francofolies, Vues d’Afriques and Montreal Fireworks Festival.

The Beauty

Onto the beauty of Montreal, one of my favorite places is the Old Port. I can go there for hours every day and not get bored of just walking around and sitting near the water. So many different activities and terraces to enjoy. It is always full of people and music. Also, how wonderful is the view from the top of Mount Royal and how relaxing is it to lie down on the hill after a barbeque at Beaver Lake? Just picture it; long romantic walks, watching the sun rise from the top of the mountain, taking a break from a busy life, reminiscing with friends…

Social and Political Aspects

An important point that was brought up is our freedom. Our voices can be echoed throughout the world, not just Montreal, with the amount of power we have here as individuals.

Other important facts that we can not forget are our free healthcare system and our amazing education system. We can all agree that both are cheaper than in the States and it is very easy for students to get financial help from the government. As a matter of fact, you can get financial help for any type of personal or professional project. In Montreal, where there’s a will, there is always a way!

One person said: “sure we pay a lot of taxes, sure people screw with our tax money and yes people who shouldn’t be on welfare keep getting it, but on the other hand we can all agree that those who really need help also get it.” We have shelters and many different wonderful organizations that help the ones in need, making sure that people are not starving or sleeping on the streets.

International Recognition

Finally, as someone mentioned: “Give these few words to anyone on the planet with a half brain and they will say hey that’s Montreal! St-Catherine street, Crescent, Peel pub, the Old Port, hot sesame bagels 24 hours a day, poutine, smoked meat, the Jazz fest, and last but not least… hockey!”

So yes we have a ton of pot holes on the streets and sure we pay a lot of taxes, but for all the amazing points brought up here…Montreal is great nonetheless and it’s our home!

This borough is considered by many to be one of the coolest neighborhoods in North America. With the many restaurants, cafés, bars and eclectic shops, it’s definitely a place to get together for all hours of day.

The Plateau Mont-Royal consists of three main busy streets:

• Mont-Royal Avenue
• St-Laurent Boulevard
• St-Denis Boulevard

Each one brings a different character to the city, and their proximity to each other is what makes the Plateau such a great area to live in.

St-Denis Boulevard

It’s the perfect “summer” street. A must visit whether it’s for a quick bite, shopping at small shops or walking aimlessly for hours. Tourists especially love this area for its predominant French-speaking clientele, as opposed to say, Ste-Catherine’s or Crescent street which attract a more English crowd.

IMO, the people seem friendlier, and it’s a spot most representative of the French community of Montreal. A European vibe to it with the dense spacing, the eclectic architecture and sizes of buildings. (uneven) And the nature f the stores are generally drawn to a more healthier, simpler lifestyle

Mont-Royal Avenue

Although very similar in style to St-Denis, Mont-Royal is where you will find the shops selling recycled clothes and a multitude of used CD and book stores. You’ll notice the lack of judgmental stares and arrogance from the locals, as opposed to tourist who stand out wearing flashy colors and don’t know the art of using your “indoor voice”.

For our fans with voyeuristic tendencies, check out the live feed on the webcam on Mont-Royal Avenue.

St-Laurent Boulevard

It has won the battle when Ste-Catherine relinquished its role of the “clubbing” street of Montreal. St-Laurent also boasts some higher-end restaurants and supper clubs worth checking out.

Things you will see:

• Tons of traffic
• Tons of pedestrians
• Endless line-ups into clubs
• Fancy close
• Mini-skirts
• Maybe a fight or two

Here at Montrealing, we consider the Plateau to be one of Montreal’s best kept gems that tourists should know about. Montrealers, what do you think?

The bikes cost the city about two thousand dollars and are claimed to be theft proof due to innovative technology. Get this: the bikes are tracked through GPS and if you don’t return it on time, they will slow down on there own. So if you spot a guy looking like he is climbing a mountain with his BIXI even on flat pavement, chances are he is trying to steal it, or his credit card maxed out. There are 3000 BIXI bikes with 300 different stations. The annual membership fee to have access to the bikes is 78$ which is good for 365 days between the month of May through November. There are also monthly memberships for 28$ and a 24hr access for 5$. Usage is free under 30 minutes and exponentially rise for every 30 minutes used. This pretty much means that people are encouraged to use the bike for short runs. To give you an idea, if you’re thinking of doing the Tour de l’Ile de Montreal with a BIXI, it will cost you around 40$, in other words, go buy a used bike from a garage sale.