A couple weeks ago, AC and I traveled to Montreal for five days of Québécois food and culture. While we certainly enjoyed our fare share of excellent meals, Québécois and otherwise (not to mention excellent coffee), one of our best meals was a 30-second walk from the door of our room.
Our bed and breakfast, the Heritage Victorien, served up one of the best (probably THE best) B&B breakfast we've ever had. First, let me say that two of the things AC and I love the most are freshly squeezed juice (pretty much any kind), and bread. And if we had to tailor a meal that perfectly showcased these two items, this would be it. Each morning, we came down to a spread of at least five fresh organic breads, including buttery croissants, a cherry/chocolate loaf, organic whole wheat bread with baked-in Gruyere cheese, and kamut (a very large grain, related to wheat) bread. Additionally, a bowl of fresh white cherries, two pots of homemade jams, freshly melon-balled cantaloupe, and a warm onion-apple tart were among the extra food items at our disposal. If we wanted to (and we kind of did), we could have eaten for three straight hours.
It's also worth mentioning that the B&B itself is far and away one of the most elegant we've patronized—and we have stayed at many, as it is our preferred method of lodging when we travel. We feel like we get a more "staying with a friend" experience, and in many cases (not all!), the proprietors have often been a good local guide and/or just interesting people to meet. Plus the interior was above and beyond anything we've seen (especially for the very reasonable price). The proprietor, Denis, bought and renovated two Victorian-era buildings. Each of the rooms is painstakingly designed with a mixture of antiques and new furnishings and fixtures. Case in point: our room was outfitted with an relatively old bed, an antique dresser and side table, a couple of old chairs, a beautiful oriental rug, and ... an refinished old-school claw foot bathtub IN the room, along with a new sink, all with new fancy fixtures. And for AC, who is not always keen on bathing where he sleeps, there was a standalone shower in a small room where the toilet also was. So-two bathing options, a sink, and toilet, all en suite. Did I mention there was a full suite of cable channels? Yeah, this place was awesome.
If you visit Montreal, please stay here:
Heritage Victorien
311 East Ontario Street
Montréal Québec Canada H2X 1H7
(514) 845 7932
—AK
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