I have a great group of friends who no matter how busy and crazy our lives get we always seem to find time to go for a quick dinner, grab a wine, explore a new store or restaurant...................... to CELEBRATE!
We all like to shop and discover new things, so it was no wonder when I told them I was working on a “Shop Your Neighbourhood Project” with a few local shops and that I was going to spend the day shopping in the hood… they all said, need company?
Like any good planner, I anticipated and I did a little prep set up before I headed out for the day.
The Grey & White Holiday Glitz Theme paired nicely with the brands that we highlighted.
We all like to shop and discover new things, so it was no wonder when I told them I was working on a “Shop Your Neighbourhood Project” with a few local shops and that I was going to spend the day shopping in the hood… they all said, need company?
Like any good planner, I anticipated and I did a little prep set up before I headed out for the day.
The Grey & White Holiday Glitz Theme paired nicely with the brands that we highlighted.
With the Holidays fast approaching and our neighbourhood shops all a glitter to welcome the season, it was easy to say yes when asked to highlight a few of our neighbours and to remind everyone to shop their local stores and support the brands they carry.
I love the charm of local shops and Montreal has many great pockets of interest but if we don’t actually spend our time shopping and spending money in those shops they will suffer and can easily disappear and we will lose that wonderful feeling of knowing the shop owners and making a difference when we make our purchases.
I love the charm of local shops and Montreal has many great pockets of interest but if we don’t actually spend our time shopping and spending money in those shops they will suffer and can easily disappear and we will lose that wonderful feeling of knowing the shop owners and making a difference when we make our purchases.
We hit Montreal's famous Sherbrooke Street in NDG & Westmount. Both districts have great shops and most are locally owned and include everything from #culinary delights, #pet treats, top clothing brands to hardware.....we easily completed our shopping lists.
One of our favorite shops was Ben & Tournesol.
Founded in 1993, owner John created this marvelous shop so that people who needed the perfect something with a unique twist could find it here. He has carefully curated his collections of gifts that include brands like #Waterford, #Arte Italica and #DesignersGuild. John named the store Ben & Tournesol after his dad and his dads favorite flower…the sunflower (in French Tournesol) This great shop has friendly knowledgeable staff happy to help you find your desired gift and a few dogs kicking around eager to be pet.
One of our favorite shops was Ben & Tournesol.
Founded in 1993, owner John created this marvelous shop so that people who needed the perfect something with a unique twist could find it here. He has carefully curated his collections of gifts that include brands like #Waterford, #Arte Italica and #DesignersGuild. John named the store Ben & Tournesol after his dad and his dads favorite flower…the sunflower (in French Tournesol) This great shop has friendly knowledgeable staff happy to help you find your desired gift and a few dogs kicking around eager to be pet.
 Ben's Grandma's Famous Christmas Cake served to shoppers every season. |  |
Continuing west via NDG, there are the necessity shops like pharmacies, office supplies and of course manicure shops (yes they are a necessity!) but... it was the baked goods and treats that we took time for. There are many cute bakeries on each block all with their own specialties and signature treats and Mouton Vert was no exception.
By the time we got to this fabulous shop that makes home-made vegetarian and vegan take out we were ready to plan “Cocktails & Tapas”. Mouton Vert’s menu is based on a Mediterranean diet and believe me, the vegan / vegetarian part is simply a bonus, if we didn’t tell you…you would know!
You can drop in for a coffee and sit at the quaint high top communal table while you wait for the best sandwich in town or grab a slice of what the owner Maggie Bakarakis calls a
“Breakfast Cheesecake” ha!
They carry their own brand of “Bakarakis” Oils and Olives imported from Greece that seem to make everything feel healthier.
When you stop in here make sure to come hungry and with time on your side as there are so many delicious options it can be an activity just deciding.
We left with our dinner which included fresh baked bread, dips, spanicopita and more.....a picture is worth a thousand words.
By the time we got to this fabulous shop that makes home-made vegetarian and vegan take out we were ready to plan “Cocktails & Tapas”. Mouton Vert’s menu is based on a Mediterranean diet and believe me, the vegan / vegetarian part is simply a bonus, if we didn’t tell you…you would know!
You can drop in for a coffee and sit at the quaint high top communal table while you wait for the best sandwich in town or grab a slice of what the owner Maggie Bakarakis calls a
“Breakfast Cheesecake” ha!
They carry their own brand of “Bakarakis” Oils and Olives imported from Greece that seem to make everything feel healthier.
When you stop in here make sure to come hungry and with time on your side as there are so many delicious options it can be an activity just deciding.
We left with our dinner which included fresh baked bread, dips, spanicopita and more.....a picture is worth a thousand words.
Mouton Vert's #Spanicopita, Hot #Peppers, #OliveTapinades, #Pestos and fresh baked sesame #bread.
MC2 Ginger Spice Martini 1 1/2 ounces PUR Vodka 1 ounce Prosecco 1 ounce Gingerale splash of Lemon juice and muddled fresh ginger and nutmeg and finely grated lemon 
Enjoy your neighbourhood.
Cheers, Marina
MC’s Art of Life.
Cheers, Marina
MC’s Art of Life.
