first harvest

Last week, the rain finally cleared, and when the sun came out there were things ready to be harvested in the garden. I made a salad of spinach and french breakfast radishes - tastes like spring!

street art

One of the things that I love about Montreal is the street art. Every alley hides something new.

spa scandinave

Every once and a while, we all need to feel truly taken care of and relaxed. That might mean a yoga class, pizza delivery and a good movie, staying in bed on a sunday morning.

This past year I have discovered the spa scandinave. By cycling between hot (hot tub, steam room, and sauna), cold (ice cold, frigid dunking pool or equally cold shower), and rest, the circulatory system is spurred into action and a feeling of deep relaxation sets in. I admit, I don't exactly understand why it works, but trust me, it does! After perhaps the third cycle, it feels like mint is flowing through my veins and my mind is incredibly peaceful. They recently opened a location in Montreal - there are others in Mont-Tremblant and elsewhere in Canada. 

things that make me happy

delicious things in a bowl - lettuce, radish, avocado, feta, pumpkin seeds, tahini dressing, mmm

this baby orchid

 postcards of paintings on my walls

Montreal love

We will probably not live in Montreal forever. However each year we spend in this city, the more I realize how much it is our home. It is the place I met my husband, the place I made so many important friendships. No matter where I am, Montreal will be such a special place for me. Having my sister visit recently reaffirmed how much I love it here - just walking around with her and a camera was such a delight.

a night out

While my sister was visiting us, my husband and I took her out to a restaurant in our neighborhood, Plateau Mont-Royal. We have been to La Salle à Manger a few times now, and we always have a great evening!

Since we were celebrating, we enjoyed an apéro ... two kir royals for us and a manhattan for him.

Lots of interesting things on the menu...

 We were so glad we started with the smoked salmon - it was amazing! It was served on a salad of shaved fennel and dill with yogurt sauce.

After a long dinner we ordered a dessert to share. We asked for a sparkler while the husband was away from the table, just because!

La Salle à Manger is a great place to go in the Plateau area of Montreal, especially if you don't mind waiting a while for things to come out of the kitchen. They have lots of interesting wines, and in fact it would be a perfect place to come for a date or late night drinks and snacks. The atmosphere is boisterous and relaxed, and the food is good. What a great night out in one of my favorite cities with two of my favorite people!

a visit

One of my two sisters is visiting this week, and it has been so nice having her here! We have been exploring the city, but we've also been spending a lot of time catching up in our pajamas. It is such a comfort spending time with someone who knows you so well - some things never change (thank goodness!).