Montreal!

[Pegleg84]

Hi All,

I just got back from my first visit to Montreal in a couple years, and had to report back. STUFF IS HAPPENING THERE!

One word: Croissant.
CROISSAAAAANT!  Yes, the flaky exterior fluffy interior pull it apart in sheets melt in your mouth OMG I didn't think I'd ever eat anything like this again how is this even possible kind of croissant. I think I might have had a religious experience while eating it.

In any case, if you happen to be in La Belle Province, in one of my favourite cities as it is, run, don't walk (or better yet, hop on the metro to Jean Talon) to La Boulangerie Marquise Sans Gluten. The most beautiful gluten-free bakery I have even been in. Aside from the aforementioned croissant, they have beautiful cakes and pastries, pizza, quiche, tarts, fresh bread, bagels, etc etc... Only downside is that their products do contain soy (I cheated. It was worth it) and some contain dairy (again, worth it), so if you have serious problems with that, please stay away (cause if you step in there you WILL be tempted. For reals).

Aside from that, other places to go:
- Creperie du Marche - at Jean Talon market. They only do buckwheat crepes, and they are pretty good.
- Arepera du Plateau - not only the best arepas (cornbread sandwiches) I've ever had, but known as one of the best spots in the city. Get there early.
- Mais - my favourite spot for tacos. Most everything on the menu is usually gluten-free, but be sure to ask.
- Cookie Stephanie - another nice bakery in Old Montreal
- Luv - lovely new mostly gluten-free vegetarian spot.
(not listed as gluten-free but still amazing and very accomodating):
- Le Vin Papillon - hands down one of the most amazing meals ever. They asked me what my restructions were before I even said, and put together 3 amazing plates. Of course, the wine is amazing too.
- Lawrence or Larry's - have eaten at both and both very accomodating and lovely.
Generally, I find  knowledge of gluten-free (sans gluten) at most reputable Montreal restaurants is pretty high, so don't restrict yourself. Just call and ask beforehand.

And of course, don't forget to drink some GLUTENBERG! 100% gluten-free and pretty dang good beer. Pick from their blonde, IPA, red ale, very nice belgian white, and if you can find them, their special releases like Myrcene de Glace. (I may  have returned with a suitcase full of beers)

Closed since I was last there (RIP)
- Mi & Stu - I used to get bagels at this bakery up Rue Park, but they have since closed their Montreal location and moved to a commercial space. Bummer.

Have you been to or live in Montreal? Leave your suggestions here!

[tessa25]

You make me want to go to Montreal just to get croissants. I love a warm croissant with ham and swiss, melted, then lettuce, tomato and honey dijon mustard. Yum! I hear Schar sells croissants now. Will have to try once I get better.

 

[Pegleg84]

I can't image any kind of large scale bakery pulling it off. Probably would be a tough crumbly lump of disappointment.  Maybe more gluten-free bakeries will figure out the same magical formula as this place. Too bad its full of butter (I cheated on that aspect. No regrets).

Croissant or no, Montreal is a beautiful wonderful city and you should def. go if ever given a chance.