MONTREAL EN LUMIERE

Montreal has always been a city that had to be different from its other Canadian counterparts. If Montreal had a voice it would say, “show me your best and I’ll make it 10 times better!” and they do. Don’t get me wrong – there is no competition going on here but rather a touch of savoir-faire only a Montrealer can add to an outfit, an event, or even a lifestyle; and when it comes to Montreal’s 375 Anniversary you know they are throwing around their savoir fair like it’s pixie dust!

Evolutions by Yann Nguema, EZ3kiel - Lyon, France

This year Montreal went all out for their 18th edition of Montréal En Lumière. With over three weeks of festivities 1.4 Million people descended upon the city to partake in special cooking events, attend musical performances, explore the art instillations that adorn the city and of course stay up all night to enjoy Nuit Blanche! With over 200 activities on Nuit Blanche alone there is no way you were going to run out of things to do.

For this year’s edition of Montreal en Lumiere, Lyon, France (nicknamed the world capital of gastronomy) was the featured city and with it came their regional flare on French cooking! With over 29 guest chefs participating in 44 gourmet cooking events Montrealers and tourist alike came out in hordes to feast like kings at these unique tastings. For those who were unable to attend one of these special cooking events there were also 240 other food related activities going on throughout the three week long festival, some even free!


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 Some of the food related events I was able to attend included Le Bouchon Lyonnais at Balmoral where the restaurant was transformed into a traditional Lyonnais bistro to serve up incredibly tasty customary dishes that made you feel like you were transported in space to the capital of French gastronomy. Guest Chef Joseph Viola’s menu consisted of French specialties like ‘Le Pate en croute au fois gras de canard (pastry encased pate of duck foie gras and sweetbread) – a dish that takes approximately three days to make and won him a championship award in 2009! I also had to try the beef sirloin steak, flambéed with cognac and doused in a black peppercorn sauce (highly recommended by my waiter and happy that he did). This dish was quiet generous and was accompanied by thinly sliced fried potato’s, string beans and my very own side of mac and cheese!

The second food related event I was able to attend included a tasting at Montreal’s Ikanos restaurant where guest chef Neil Jewell teamed up with restaurant patriarch Constant Mentzas to develop a unique seafood menu just for the festival. Ikanos restaurant located in the Old Port of Montreal is housed within a brilliantly renovated and decorated old warehouse building. The ambiance alone would make me want to sit at the bar all evening eating and drinking. For a pre dinner palate cleanser I tried an item off their cocktail menu called ‘It's Spritz thyme!’ and as an appetizer I had their cured snapper with mountain tea gel, grapes, radish, horseradish and, lemon balm. My second dish was the samos and miso roasted black cod with turnips, porcini mushrooms and, mushroom flavored dashi. This dish was definitely my favourite! To add a little carb to my meal I also had the Saffron-butter poached lobster, chorizo, fennel, and orange tortellini in a bouillabaisse broth, rouille. Is it just me or was the red carpet rolled out for this special Montreal en Lumiere collaboration?!

Ikanos Restaurant - 112 Rue Mc Gill, 514-842-0867

Nuit Blanch, a one night event full of art instillations, music and drinking, attracts 350,000 (let’s say between 300,00 and 350,000) to the streets of Montreal alone. On Nuit Blanch you could have found me in Montreal’s underground exploring 77 different projects and exhibitions from various contemporary artist. Each exhibition or project varied from interactive instillations, video exhibits, special enactments and performances to photography and sculptures. With hours of entertainment you could spend all night running around Montréal’s underground while also benefiting from free shuttles to different neighborhoods, extended Metro service and last call hours!

As part of Montreal’s 375th anniversary Montreal en Lumiere also added Illuminart to this year’s event schedule. With over 25 works that fuse art, lighting and technology, these instillations were a must see! The urban installation spread over 3.6 km surrounding the heart of the festival, Quartier des spectacles. I ran around to discover some of the best pieces to show you below! Many of the artists that participated in Illuminart were actually from Lyon, which not so coincidently holds a big festival of lights annually that historically dates back to the 1700s called La Fête des Lumières de Lyon!

It doesn’t end there though! This year at Montreal en Lumiere came an eclectic assortment of musical acts ranging from DJ’s to Francophone to Jazz and Blues musicians. Even Vancouver’s own indie band Mother Mother and rock band The Tea Party performed during the festival. Needless to say there were plenty of shows to choose from, the hardest part being more about which ones to attend.

To say that Montreal en Lumiere surpassed my expectation would be a massive understatement. They pulled out all the bells and whistles this year and pretty much threw a three week long party! Even as a non French speaker I found it very easy to navigate through the festival activities and city. With lots of fun events both outdoors and in, taking your loved one, friends or even family will end up leaving you asking yourself why you hadn’t done this sooner


If you have any questions about the festival I encourage you to visit the Montreal en Lumiere website by clicking -> HERE

To see how else Montreal is celebrating their 375 Anniversary click -> HERE

Have you read my article about the newest boutique hotel in Montreal? You can now! Click -> HERE

If you have any questions you would like to ask me feel free to leave them in the comment section below!

HOTEL WILLIAM GRAY - MONTREAL'S NEWEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Montreal has always been a place I have held close to my heart. From Old Montreal’s charming 17th century architecture to the urban city feel of St. Catherine street and the Plateau, Montreal tastefully walks the line between keeping up with the times and appreciating its heritage.


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New to Montreal’s hospitality industry is the enviable Hotel William Gray. This newly opened (Summer of 2016) boutique hotel features 127 rooms and suites, a rooftop terrace, an upmarket grill restaurant known as Maggie Oakes, a multi functional living room lobby (an interior designers wet dream), a state of the art fitness center, 10,000 sqf of event space, a lifestyle boutique, and café. Located in the heart of Old Montreal overlooking Place Jacques-Cartier this luxury hotel is not only world class for its hospitality and spectacular views, but also for its timeless style!

The Hotel William Gray is part of the Antonopoulos Group who own and operate many restaurants, spas and boutique hotels in Old Montreal including the Place d’Armes. The namesake for this new venture comes from the acquisition and redevelopment of the Edward William Gray residence, one of the buildings the hotel is made up of today. Edward William Gray was an English merchant, notary, lawyer, office holder, and militia officer who settled in Montreal in 1760. His legacy and vibrant history in law and politics helped shape Montreal into the city it is today. The restaurant Maggie Oakes is named after Edward William Gray’s wife whose profile can be seen illustrated in the restaurants logo.

The hotel itself is exquisitely furnished to exemplify a warm and cozy haven. The rooms boost rich wood flooring, concrete ceilings and black metal light fixtures to create a minimalist modern setting that compliments the beautiful facade of the building itself. And if you are under the impression that there is nothing cozy about minimalist modern interiors, they have luxurious linens, plush pillow top mattresses, frette towels, and the coziest robes and slippers that will make you want to stay in and order breakfast in bed! A must!

The hotel’s restaurant Maggie Oakes is inspired by Montreal’s prevalent culinary scene and has modeled its menu after an American bistro and steakhouse. Chef Derek Bocking is known for his passion for garden vegetables and thick cuts of meat (the Tomahawk Steak featured on the menu is gargantuan!) which you can see on display in their impressive dry aged meat cooler and unique green wall of herbs and micro-greens. The restaurant itself was designed by Camdi and features a long gray marble bar which boosts an oyster and charcuterie station. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Maggie Oakes is the perfect spot and ideal location for a gathering of friends or a private event.

With plans to open a luxury spa and outdoor pool in Fall 2017 Hotel William Gray continues to expand on their luxury product and aims to provide their patrons with a dynamic and singular experience of world class hospitality. What lacks when it comes to Canada’s biggest city like Toronto can be found in this gorgeous remodeling of the William Gray house in Montreal. My weekend stay at the hotel was spectacular, I felt more at home then I do in Toronto. The concierge and staff made me feel so welcomed and presented me with handwritten notes, macaroons and recommendations of local bars and restaurants to venture to when I finally did decide to get out of bed! I am definitely happy to say that the Hotel William Gray will be my first and only recommendation for accommodations in Montreal and I cannot wait until I myself get to go back this summer.

To book a room at Hotel WIlliam Gray click -> HERE
To make a reservation at Maggie Oakes click -> HERE

 

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO, EAT, AND SEE IN TAMPA - RECOMMENDED BY LOCALS

I went to Tampa last month and asked 7 locals where their favorite spots to eat, drink and hangout were. This is what they told me.....

Photo Credit: Ashley Reams Mistretta

RYAN BROWN - BEVERAGE DIRECTOR AT ANISE
EDGE @ THE EPICUREAN HOTEL - Epicurean's rooftop bar is the perfect spot for guest and locals to enjoy uniquely crafted cocktails.
ROOSTER AND TILL - Enjoy small plates of Modern American cooking in a rustic atmosphere
MISE EN PLACE - Refined Modern American cooking.
CIRO'S SPEAKEASY - A speakeasy and supper club featuring hand crafted cocktails true to the prohibition era.
FLY BAR - Tampa's pioneer urban bar and restaurant.
CENA - simple and fresh Italian food in a contemporary setting
HOTEL BAR - crafted cocktails in downtown Tampa
DONATELLO - Fine Italian cuisine
BRICK AND MORTAR - Rustic atmosphere American fare in St. Pete's
IL RITORNO - contemporary Italian
MANDERINE HYDE - Retro cocktail bar

STUART - BARTENDER AT HIDDEN SPRINGS BREWERY
ANGRY CHAIR BREWING - Micro brewery in Seminole Heights
MERMAID - Craft brews, diverse wines & eclectic fare
FIRST CHANCE LAST CHANCE - Bar and courtyard
RESERVOIR BAR - Dive bar in historic Ybor
INDEPENDENT BAR AND CAFE - Cafe/bar open for breakfast. Music/movie night and a beer garden.
FLY BAR - Tampa's pioneer urban bar and restaurant.
HAVEN - modern Mediterranean dishes served in a stylish, refined dining atmosphere
DIRTY SHAME - Dive bar in historic Ybor

COUPLE IN FLY BAR
THE COLUMBIA - Traditional Spanish restaurant in historic Ybor
ULELE - Rustic-chic site for native Floridian fare, with barbacoa grilling & house-brewed beers
BERN'S STEAK HOUSE - Tampa's famous refined steakhouse with the largest private wine collection in the world
SOHO (SOUTH HOWARD) - a popular street in south Tampa for drinking (college kids hotspot)
ACAPULCO GROCERY - hole in the wall restaurant but the best taco's in Tampa
MIGUELITOS TAQUERIA Y TEQUILAS -  Voted Tampa's best Mexican restaurant.
JANNUS LIVE - Outdoor music venue in St Pete's
HYDE PARK - upscale open air shopping district with lots of dining and entertainment
GASPARILLA PIRATE FESTIVAL - Tampa's Mardi Gras, pirate style!

GEOFF CRAIN - BARTENDER AT HOTEL BAR
BERN'S STEAK HOUSE - Tampa's famous refined steakhouse with the largest private wine collection in the world
BODEGA ON CENTRAL - Cuban sandwiches & other Latin American street foods in St. Pete's
CROWBAR - downtown bar and beer garden with live music
NEW WORLD BREWERY - Indie pub and brewery with live music
THE RITZ, YBOR - Tampa's premier special events and concert venue
HAVEN - modern Mediterranean dishes served in a stylish, refined dining atmosphere
THE HUB BAR - Laid-back 1940s-vintage bar with strong drinks and jupbox
BONEYARD - Dive bar in historic Ybor
FIRST CHANCE LAST CHANCE - Bar and courtyard
ROOSTER AND TILL - Enjoy small plates of Modern American cooking in a rustic atmosphere

MIKE - INSTRUCTOR AT URBAN KAI
BERN'S STEAK HOUSE - Tampa's famous refined steakhouse with the largest private wine collection in the world
ROOSTER AND TILL - Enjoy small plates of Modern American cooking in a rustic atmosphere
BOCA - Farm-to-table eatery serving Californian-Mediterranean small plates
SOHO SUSHI - Upscale eatery offering specialty sushi rolls & cooked Japanese fare
THE GETAWAY - Tiki bar in St. Pete's
FLY BAR - Tampa's pioneer urban bar and restaurant.
ELLA'S - American comfort food
 OXFORD EXCHANGE - European-inspired space featuring a restaurant, bookstore, coffeehouse & shop with decor & gifts.
MISE EN PLACE - Refined Modern American cooking.

GREG WHITE - SOCIAL MEDIA AND BRAND MANAGER AT E2 MEDIA LLC
THE MILL - Inventive New American food with a Southern spin joins craft cocktails in farmstead-chic surroundings in St Pete's
ROOSTER AND TILL - Enjoy small plates of Modern American cooking in a rustic atmosphere
FODDER AND SHINE - Locally sourced Southern comfort fare, craft beer & cocktails in modern, country-inspired digs.
ULELE - Rustic-chic site for native Floridian fare, with barbacoa grilling & house-brewed beers
CHOCOLATE PI - French patisserie and sweet shop
ON SWANN - Creative New American cuisine prepared in an open-concept kitchen of this chic, lofty eatery.
BOCA - Farm-to-table eatery serving Californian-Mediterranean small plates
BERN'S STEAK HOUSE - Tampa's famous refined steakhouse with the largest private wine collection in the world
WAT MONGKOLRATANARAM - a Buddhist Thai temple known for its Sunday food market
WHISKY JOE - Rustic hangout with a party vibe that serves casual American chow & booze right on the beach.
YOLK, WHITE & ASSOCIATES - Sandwiches, Breakfast, Coffee etc.


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LANGDON HALL HOTEL AND SPA - CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO

Have you ever had something great and completely unexpected happened to you? Did it make you pause for a moment in disbelief before cloaking you in happiness and gratitude? In June it happened to me. I won! I woke up one morning still dazed, nursing my morning coffee as I perused through my new emails when I saw the subject line, Congratulations! You're the Winner… Winner!? What did I win? What a great way to start of my day. A gift certificate to Langdon Hall from Branding and Buzzing's July giveaway! One of the most prestigious spas in Canada! Are you kidding me! Is this a joke? Is someone playing a huge trick on me? Is Ashton Kutcher going to jump out of my closet and punk me?

I literally had to read the email three times.  I have never won anything. ANYTHING. My next immediate thought was – who am I going to invite? Friends? NAW! Think Soheila, think! Family? Getting warmer. My mom!? Ding Ding Ding!!!!  I mean I owe the women my life. Not to mention she has probably invested a bazillion dollars in educating me, feeding me and making sure I have clothes on my body and a roof over my head. I think it’s safe to say she deserves a little getaway to Langdon Hall, especially with her favorite person in the world. Or at least I will be after this!


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So off we went last week! We jumped in the car and within an hour and a half we arrived at Langdon Hall! The Cambridge property is gorgeous and although it was my first time to the hotel and my mom is practically a regular, we still were blown away by the beautiful property and landscaped grounds.  Once checked-in we were also very happy to hear that the spa had recently been moved into a newly renovated space and our spa services would give us access to all their new amenities including a comfortable indoor sitting room, a sundeck with lounge chairs, an indoor exercise room and a whirlpool and sauna.  Wow!

After my mom and I indulged in much needed massages we continued onto our mani, pedi spa services. Now one thing that I am going to point out about Langdon Hall Spa that I absolutely loved was their product line. They have a variety of products and scents that make services easy to customize to your preferences! Weather you prefer citrus or frankincense or only like vegan/organic products, they‘ve got it! I was especially impressed with their SpaRitual line of products and nail lacquers that are completely vegan and free from 5 of the most harmful chemicals found in nail polish. Not only do they use such great products, but if you get a mani/pedi they send you home with two SpaRitual nail lacquer bottles! What!? Talk about the gift that keeps on giving!

Once our spa services were complete and there was time for a small pause before dinner I took the opportunity to wander around the property. Curiously enough, as I poked my nose around the property I came across this gorgeous little secret garden door, a green house to die for, tennis courts, a pool and an expansive vegetable and flower garden I could of spent hours exploring.

However, I wasn’t about to keep my hungry mom from dinner. Back to the main house I went – very excited because Langdon Hall’s Executive Chef Jason Bangerter is known for combining ingredients that are grown and foraged on the property to create dishes and experiences so grand and captivating that they are impossible to forget. From the black trumpet mushroom amuse bouch to the summer fruit and foie gras appetizers (yes, I had two appetizers) my meal could not of started off on a better foot. To conclude the meal I chose the beef tenderloin –  so moist and flavorful it could make a vegetarian crave meat! To finish off my mom and I each ordered a desserts – the Chocolate Ganache and the Peanut Butter Sable with some Langdon Hall Honey Mousse. A symphony of flavors! Great dishes on their own but even better combined together!

It’s definitely safe to say that after the experience I had at Landon Hall, winning a Langdon Hall gift card is one of the best things that happened to me this year and the absolute best way to celebrate my one year blogiverssary! I definitely recommend anyone looking to celebrate an upcoming milestone or interested in a relaxing weekend getaway to look into Langdon Hall. Although I did not stay overnight they do offer many packages that include a mix of accommodations, spa services and dining options you should definitely consider checking out before booking your reservation.

If you are interested in visiting Langdon Hall or making a reservation visit their website -> HERE