montreal musings: cafe sfouf

It’s been a while since I shared some of my favourite spots in the city, but this spot is a definite go-to. It has a very bright and warm atmosphere, with floor to ceiling windows that open in the summer to passers by and the outside surroundings of Ontario street east. This quaint Lebanese-inspired cafe is perfect for a nice catch-up with friends, or some quality study time alone. The coffee is great, and on top of it all, each drink comes with a small piece of “sfouf”, a moist, almond cake. I highly recommend a visit to this cafe, it’s in a great location and offers great vibes.

joys of living juices

This past week, Tia and I ventured out to the St-Henri located juice and health bar of Joys of Living to test out their juices. This Montreal-born company had been selling healthy juices and juice-cleanse plans via their website for quite some time before setting up shop on the corner of St-Philippe and St-Antoine. The bar opened in April, and since then has done very well for itself. Cute decor, and a wonderful mantra advocating, essentially, the joys of living.

The juices did not fail to disappoint. They are freshly made each day right in the shop using local and organic produce. I had the Glam juice, made only of apple, carrot, beet, celeri and lemon. It had a beautiful burgundy color, and tasted wonderful! Plus, the glass bottle it came in is perfect to re-use – I fill it with either water or something from home and take it with me wherever I go!

There are a variety of different juices sold, serving different purposes. Some are boosters, others cleansers, and they are all packed with healthy produce. You can order online or discover more information on their website here, or go visit them in person here.

 

montreal musings: mile end

My “hood” here in Montreal is essentially the Mile End. I spend most of my days wandering around, picking up fresh bread at Lawrence’s, lunching at some of my favourite places, like Cafe Falco, Arts Cafe and Aux Vivres, devouring an endless supply of independent reads at Librairie Drawn & Quarterly, and scribbling in my notebook in the portugal park.

Cafe Falco, on ave. Gaspé, is a japanese-influenced weekday restaurant, with industrialized decor and a delicious chicken sandwich. It’s kinda off the beaten path, but it’s definitely worth visiting, and don’t let the strange outdoor facade stop you from stepping in!

Arts Cafe is another great lunch spot! It’s always nice to eat outside, and the atmosphere is great! The inside is filled with lights dangling from the windows, and the outside has a very L.A. vibe. The food is great too, especially the avocado and roasted pepper sandwich!

taking a breather

This past week, Tia and I visited the Ste-Antoine Breather on rue Lacasse. The space was adorable! Beautiful, large windows in an urban, loft. It was off the beaten track, in what looks like an abandoned building on the outside, though it houses art studios and other independent works.

I love the fact that Breather is a Montreal-born company. The company has plenty of other locations around Montreal, as well as New York City, Ottawa, San Francisco and Boston. It’s definitely a to-do list item!

museums and overalls

I adore art museums, and visiting new exhibits at the Montreal Museum of fine Arts is always a treat! The most recent exhibit was entitled Van Gogh to Kandinsky, and demonstrated the transition from Impressionism to expressionism in early 1900 Europe. Various works from Van Gogh, Cezanne, Gauguin, Matisse and more were presented.

At the other end of the museum was Andy Mania, a collection of some of Andy Warhol’s creative and intriguing advertisement and magazine illustrations and designs. I’m a huge fan of Warhol’s work,  and admire his boldness and his simplistic, yet outside the box thoughts.

I have developed an unhealthy obsession with my new black overalls from American Apparel. I found it fitting to sport them to the museum, seeing as how they have an artsy look, and I was going to look at art! Nonetheless, I find myself wearing them a little more than I should…

Places and Spaces No.1: The Belgo

One of my favourite places in Montreal, is this little nook here in The Belgo building. The place is full of history, and now holds many wonderful art galleries and office spaces. I love the worn hardwood flooring and the industrially rustic mouldings and window frames. The large windows that let out just the perfect amount of light. It’s truly beautiful. 



---