Hotel Place D'armes Montreal

June 29, 2006

Hello from Montreal: Dining and a little jazz Modavie

After my initial introduction to Montreal through my turn to drive, my next step was to explore the city on foot. I put on my first walk through Old Montreal (Old Montreal). Literally five minutes from my hotel, the Place d'Armes, one of the most historic of Montreal, highlighted by the impressive Basilica of Notre Dame. I walked east on the Rue Notre-Dame towards Place Jacques Cartier, Montreal's main square, surrounded by historic buildings, with many restaurants, as well as the City Hall of Montreal, a excquisite Second Empire architectural beauty high on a ridge overlooking the port area on the St. Lawrence.

My own European heritage always makes me appreciate the historic architecture, and development of Old Montreal, with its narrow cobbled streets reminds me a lot of European cities. This is just the perfect place for a walk. The center of the square is home to many vendors selling flowers, souvenirs and 10 artists portrait minute. Thousands of locals and visitors to enjoy the atmosphere and the Place Jacques Cartier was very busy and the terraces of the restaurants were full of people.

I walked to the east of Marched Bonsecours, a former public market in Montreal. After its closure in 1960 due to the proliferation of supermarkets, the market housed municipal offices and exhibition, and since 1996 it now has a variety of merchants selling handicrafts. The late evening sun was reflecting off the silver dome of the market and the atmosphere has been created for a wonderful evening.

I walked along St. Paul Street, a narrow cobble stoned street with many restaurants, clothing stores, souvenir shops and galleries, one of the oldest streets of Toronto until at least 1 rue St-Paul I found my place for dinner the day: Modavie Restaurant, a two-storey dining located in a historic building at the corner of St. Laurent and St. Paul streets. I had the chance to spend time with Christine, Modavie manager, to learn more about this restaurant.

Modavie is one of the many restaurants and hotels belonging to the family Antonopoulos. Tony and Costa Antonopolous have won numerous awards for their contribution to the revitalization of Old Montreal. Their portfolio includes the host institutions Restaurant du Vieux Port, the Hotel Nelligan, Hotel Place d'Armes, the Auberge du Vieux Port, and Galianos. There are actually two places Modavie: one in Old Montreal and the other on the South Shore on the south side of St. Lawrence.

The building housing Modavie back to about 1890 and was originally an inn for seafarers mainly. Christine explained that the restaurant's name comes from "lifestyle" or "lifestyle." The building is located just steps from the waterfront of Montreal and the Montreal Science Centre is within walking distance to the south, Quai King Edward. Circque The Sun is also located in the port and will return next summer. They are conducting a new show in Las Vegas: "Love," a show about the Beatles.

Christine explains that Modavie is indeed well placed to look at some of the many fireworks that are launched in the port area of Montreal. I got lucky with one of the best in the house: first floor with a corner table to south and east, apparently a favorite painting of marriage proposals.

The decor is Mediterranean style with wood and a warm atmosphere. When you come into the restaurant downstairs you face the bar with tables right and rear of the restaurant. Christine showed me their wine cellar which features over 1,000 bottles from around the world, including wine.