Ateliers & Saveurs: Eat, Drink, Cook, Socialize and Have Fun

With Christmas just around the corner, my siblings and I were at a loss to find a gift for the parents. This has been a constant struggle year after year. Shoes, bags, hats and even gadgets are the usual solutions, but they do not create any lasting memories. Before long these material gifts become obsolete and forgotten.

This year we wanted to create these lasting memories. We wanted to share moments, laugh together and maybe even learn together. With that in mind we decided to schedule a culinary course at Ateliers & Saveurs in the Old Port with the whole family.

Because we were a five person group, we were combined with other amateur chefs in the making. Indeed at first the conversations were a little awkward and few and far between, but as the night developed, and the wine flowed, we got a chance to know each other.

We registered for the "Food & Coach" Class "POUR UN RÉVEILLON GRANDIOSE !", where on the menu we would learn and cook:

1. Cœur Fondant au Chocolat et quenelle de crème glaçée à la vanille
2. Filet mignon de bœuf angus "Rossini" avec escalope de foie gras poelée, haricots verts Kenya, purée au vieux cheddar et à l'ail
3. Tartare de saumon à l’huile de truffes, tuile croustillante de Grana Padano

Before the start of the class, we ordered a bottle of fine wine.(They also have a Wine class and therefore can definitely recommend some of the best wines for you winer lovers out there.) Our chef came in full of energy and excitement to introduce himself, a graduate of the famed Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, and assigned each one of us to one of the available stations inside their state of the art kitchen.

For the next hour and an half, we were each given specific tasks and instructions to prepare the meal together. As such, everybody did something different. Some of us were slicing bread, others marinating the meat while others were grating cheese. Everyone was included and contributing. By listening closely to the Chef, you could even learn a few tricks to try back home.

In the end, we all had a lot of fun participating in this group cooking class and, to my surprise, the food that we cooked was quite tasty ! However, I can not say that I am a better cook because of it, but I can assure that we had some good laughs, some great times and some lasting memories.

If you're looking for a fun social events with friends and family, I highly suggest you look into an evening at Ateliers & Saveurs. 

They also offer Wine Tasting and Bartending courses :)

http://www.ateliersetsaveurs.com/

Come Experience Snowmobile

It’s almost spring and you are wondering how you could have some fun before the end of Winter time? You must try snowmobile!

Some snowmobile rental centers offer you the opportunity to do up to 2 days of snowmobile tours. However, for people with an eye for adventure who only have a day to spend on this activity, please follow the guide!

I’ve been to an amazing snowmobile rental place two weeks ago called RANDONNEIGE. It’s located in Saint Agathe des Monts (Laurentians), just an hour away from Montreal.

We can appreciate two totally different experiences, either you choose to go with a bunch of friends and enjoy riding on track and off roading, or you can decide to savour Laurentians landscapes and trails as a couple.

For those of you who want to enjoy the outdoors or are beginners, half day or even 1 or 2 hours rental are also available. Speed lovers and those who take pleasure driving will also not be disappointed !

If you don’t necessarily have snow suits at home, don’t worry, RANDONNEIGE provides you with all the equipment needed during your activity. The equipment is well taken care of and the team is very professional and welcoming.

The only extra you will have to buy is the hood that costs 9$. This can be bought for 1$ at a dollar store, so you may even be able to save on this one!

Hopefully the winter is almost over, but this may be one of the last opportunity to try snowmobile this year, so take your phone and book a tour!

Enjoy and share your experience with us.

If you want more information, check the website:

http://www.randonneige.com/

Burgundy Lion

Looking to enjoy pints of beer at a happening British Pub just off the beaten path?

Tired of how young the Crescent Street Scene has become?

Look no further than the Burgundy Lion on Notre Dame just East of Atwater (2496 Notre Dame W.). Situated on two levels, it is adorned with British paraphernalia to give that authentic British pub feel.

This pub has a varied selection of beer on tap including traditional british beers such as Smithwicks, Bottingtons, Guinness, Harp, and even such local microbrewers such as Bierbrier and Blanche de Chambly.

It also has a full selection of mixed drinks in case beer is not your poison.

If you are hungry don't hesitate to try to the blue cheese poutine, unique to Montreal. They also have some traditional British meals such as Burgundy Roast, or Steak and Frites.

The crowd is typically 25+ and predominantly well educated. Top marks goes to management for hiring attractive and friendly waitresses. They appear to be enjoying the place just as much as the patrons.

Be forewarned however this place gets busy. If you are hoping to get a table there for dinner on a Friday night I would recommend going at 6:30. I've been there a couple of times after 7 and already it was packed.

We sincerely hope that it doesn't become a victim of its own success and suffers from "Nobody goes there anymore, it is too crowded" - Yogi Berra. Perhaps they will just have to figure out a way to expand.