Montreal - good for business travel, but much better when work doesn't intrude

Over the years I have had occasion to travel to Montreal several times for business. I have had major clients based there (still do, in fact) and I used to have staff there. But when you are travelling on business, there is only so much you will likely see. Oh sure, after hours you can go exploring and see a bunch of sights. In theory. In practice, you will probably be so tired by the time you are actually done work that you will want a quick bite and then head off to bed, hoping for enough rest that the next day will be bearable.

But when you are in Montreal just to enjoy the city, then it really becomes special. If you don’t speak French, don’t worry about it. I don’t, and it has never been a problem.

There is so much to see and do in Montreal that it really deserves a travel guide of its own. I will probably put one together when I get caught up. (It’s tough when there are so many things you want to do! Only 24 hours a day, and I have to spend at least 5 of them sleeping).

One little gem that is worth checking out is Garde Manger. This is a restaurant owned by celebrity chef Chuch Hughes. When I was in town (for pleasure, not work) we went here for supper. This is a restaurant that you will not find unless you are really looking for it. Seriously - here is the view from the street when we went.

It’s like they don’t even want you to find it.

But once inside - this is worth the effort. The food was incredible, the service top notch. I was completely ready to be totally disappointed by a ‘celebrity chef’ restaurant. I was not ready to be impressed, but impressed I was.

Of course, this is just one restaurant. There are many, many more. One thing about Montreal - there are so many excellent restaurants! I don’t know if I have ever been anywhere with so much good food. Maybe Rome. It is worth going to Montreal just for the food.

Maybe it’s time to go back….