Roads Lead to Brome and Animals by Annika Melanson … P

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Eastern Townships Features MATERNALLY YOURS: Honey, Chocolate All Roads Lead to Brome and Animals by Annika Melanson … p. 1 WINE: Blanc de Montmorency, Cidre de Glace, Cuvée William by C. Price … p. 1 Brome Fair Welcomes A Whiff of Grape by C. McKenzie … p. 4 Montrealers for its Regular Stuff 150th Anniversary BOOK REVIEW: by C. McKenzie … p. 5 By Stuart Woods MOVIE REVIEW: An Inconvenient Truth by Catherine McKenzie … p. 10 RESTAURANT REVIEW: Au Pied de Cochon For most of the year, the village of and Patati Patata by Stuart Woods … p. 9 Brome is a quiet hamlet set in farmland. PRACTICAL POINTS: … p. 11 Unlike the neighbouring communities of Knowlton, Sutton and Bromont, Brome MISSION MONTREAL: … p. 12 has little to offer traditional tourists – no ski hills, boutiques or restaurants. For four days a year, however, this tiny community of 300 welcomes well over 40,000 visitors from across the province. With dozens of competitive categories, In Mansonville – 30 minutes east of Brome Village, but still in Brome County – you can see one of continued on page three Quebec’s increasingly rare round barns. Photo: Imprints II by Ray and Diana Baillie Townships Wine Maternally Yours Quebec’s Best Kept Secret Townships Honey, Chocolate By Carola Price and Animals As a Canadian sommelier, I am ﬁercely proud of our contin- by Annika Melanson ued effort to be recognized as a serious wine-producing country. I remember spending my summers and As a Quebecer, I hope that one day our province, too, can be rec- weekends in the Eastern Townships as a ognized for growing grapes and producing wine. Many people child. My parents loved being “out of the don’t know it, but we actually do pro- city” and my sister and I spent our duce wines in Quebec. Some are even continued on page six continued on page eight 2 – Vivva MONTREAL – September 2006

Happenings Vivva Montreal’s guide to what’s on around the island.

ឣ Shakespeare redux. Spearheaded by at Place des Arts for the fourteen season. Catch their final game against ឣ Townshippers Day. Free admission. theatre impresario Tony Palermo, the nights of the festival. Official program the Toronto Lynx on September 8 at At the Richmond Fairgrounds. For fourth annual New Classical Theatre can be picked up at festival box the Claude Robillard Stadium. The more information and directions Festival features six shows at four offices. Individual tickets are $10. Impact also host the Virginia Beach go to www.tday.ca. September 16. downtown venues. Two plays take For more information go to Mariners on August 27. Tickets are liberties with Shakespeare classics: www.ffm-montreal.org. August 24 $10-$20 and $5 for youths under 18. ឣ Have an event you know about Gayanashagowa is a re-telling of to September 4. Call 514.328.3668 or 514.790.1245 on or want to publicize for October? game-day or go to www.montreal Romeo & Juliet set against a backdrop ឣ From Montreal with Love. Fundraiser Send your idea to vivvamontreal@ impact.com. Claude Robillard of internecine Mohawk rivalry and for charitable group helping victims pricepatterson.com. If it fits in, Stadium, 1000 Emile Journault Hamlet (solo) re-works the eponymous of Hurricane Katrina. An evening of we’ll publish it. Avenue. play into a one-man show. The fest music with Colectivo, The Cock- also features the Montreal premiere of roaches and People’s Gospel Choir, ឣ The Alouettes have yet to lose a home Moises Kaufman’s Gross Indecency: among others. Tickets are $20. At The game and hope to continue their The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde, based Saints, 30 St. Catherine Street West. streak when they host the Calgary on actual court transcripts from the August 29. Stampeders and the BC Lions on trial that saw the great Irish wit August 24 and September 1. Tickets ឣ Music sur l’herbe. Montreal’s MEG incarcerated, as well as original works start at $21 and can be reserved by Montreal is teaming up with upstart by Montreal playwrights. For more calling 514.790.1245 or at admissions. Osheaga Festival Musique et Arts to information go to www.newclassical com. For more info go to www. offer the year’s most eclectic music theatrefestival.com. For tickets to montrealalouettes.com. shows at Monument-National, call festival. The twin-staged, two-day 514.871.2224. For all other tickets call event happening this Labour Day ឣ Fall registration. Registration for fall Vivva Montreal is a publication 514.540.0774 or reserve online at weekend at Jean Drapeau Park and winter activities organized by the designed to help its readers find features world-class talent (Lady city of Westmount takes place on [email protected]. August 15 things to do in Montreal and the to September 9. Sovereign, Amon Tobin, Sonic Youth) August 21, 22 and 23 between 6 pm beside home-grown artists like Wolf and 8 pm. Hockey and skating sign- surrounding area. ឣ Good news for film buffs. A balm Parade, Bell Orchestre and Kid Koala. up occurs August 21, with all other to Montreal film fans suffering Jean Drapeau Park. Tickets are $60 events scheduled on August 22 & 23. ɀ Distributed to 22,000 houses, the closure of Cinéma du Parc this each or $95 for a two-day pass. Call Go to http://westmount.org for a apartments and businesses in summer, the 1.800.361.4595 or go to complete list of activities. Victoria Westmount and eastern NDG Montreal World www.osheaga.com. September 2 & 3. Hall, 4626 Sherbrooke Street West. Film Festival is (H3Y, H3Z and H4A). celebrating its ឣ If you want to avoid the crowds at ឣ Ayer’s Cliff Fair, August 24 to 27 30th year. Jean Drapeau Park, check out MEG Ayer’s Cliff, www.expoayerscliff.com ɀ Quality content that people Coming during the run-up to the star- Montreal’s listings for club events. [email protected] will read and refer to. studded Toronto International Film A sure bet is Sunday night’s show at 819.876.7317 the Metropolis featuring dance-punk Festival, the Montreal event has ឣ Knowlton Duck Festival, September ɀ Authors who are experts in pioneers ESG. MEG Montreal. At always had a hard time attracting 23 to 24 and September 30 to October Metropolis, Sala Rosa and Zoobizarre. their fields and who are well marquee names. This year’s roster of 1 2006, Knowlton, QC Go to www.megmontreal.com. known in the community. films is no different, with 215 features www.cclacbrome.com September 1 to 4. from 76 countries and nary a familiar [email protected] Please call for an advertising face. But for film lovers the event can 450.242.2870 be both liberating and exhilarating Sports roundup rate card. since virtually none of the films are ឣ Montreal Impact are at the top of adulterated by pre-festival buzz. Free their division with five games Sherbrooke-Valois Inc. films will be screened under the stars remaining in the regular soccer 310 Victoria #110 Westmount, QC H3Z 2M9 Editor: David Price (514) 935-4537 Advertising sales: (514) 223-6138 Fax: (514) 935-9241 [email protected] Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Vivva Montreal is distributed by: Vivva MONTREAL – September 2006 – 3

BROME FAIR... continued from page one plastic bags, and I bet most people don’t Winston part of a veritable dynasty of gourds – unfailing crowd-pleasers at the even know how cheese is made.” greenthumbs. fair. Rhickard has personally raised a which include everything from handi- This year the educational role of the fair When I visited Rhickard at his modest pumpkin to 300 pounds. I was shown a crafts to horse-jumping, an $80,000 pot will be particularly important as organiz- spread overlooking the Brome fair- 17-pound Hungarian zucchini, a grotes- of prize money, a teeming midway and ers try to link the fair’s present to its past. grounds, I was impressed by his obvious que and unnatural protuberance still live nighttime entertainment, Brome Fair Participants in the artisanal competition commitment to his garden. attached to the stalk, that Rhickard hopes is one of the largest events of its kind in will be dressed in period costume and a Rhickard begins preparations in the will place first. Vegetables of this size Quebec. heritage display will showcase pioneers’ winter, comparing seed catalogues and aren’t good for eating; they aren’t good for The tactical nightmare of organizing farm equipment. placing orders for the spring. He sows his anything but the show or the slop bucket. the event rests on the shoulders of the To this day Brome Fair remains a vital first crop, red and white onions, around All told, Rhickard might take home as Brome County Agricultural Society, a six- forum for local farmers. The fair hosts April 1 and his last, green beans, in mid- much as $300 in prize winnings – hardly teen-member volunteer society. Its four- the largest showcase of heavy-duty farm July. The harvest occurs during the three enough to cover the material costs of his member executive works around the equipment in the region, and although days leading up to the event. garden, not to mention the hours spent clock to ensure the event goes off without most competitive categories are entered Rhickard divides his garden into two tilling. Each year, though, he finds him- a hitch. into in the spirit of fun, the livestock fenced-in patches. In the larger of the self planting again in the spring. “We work full-time 361 days a year and events are important in establishing local two, he grows as many as ten varieties of And what advice does he have for hope for good weather for four,” says prestige. Last year a deal struck at the fair squash. In a separate enclosure sprouts would-be gardeners? It’s quite simple, Ernie Banks, this year’s president. led to the sale of a cow for $25,000. an array of fruit and veggies, as many really: as a dozen different kinds, including “Look after (your garden). Keep it Oldest Fair in Canada More than Agriculture leeks, beets, cantalope, watermelon and watered and weeded.” He’s being facetious, of course: it Brome Fair has slowly evolved over the jalapeno peppers. Rhickard has a long-standing arrange- would take a lot more than foul weather years to become, first and foremost, a “My wife comes out to take the odd ment with the organizers of Brome Fair. to hamper the fair. This year marks the social event, an occasion when far-flung squash or zucchini,” says Rhickard, “but Each year, he gives over a small portion of 150th anniversary of the event, making family members and friends return to the she doesn’t take too many.” land to park cars and receives in turn a Brome Fair the oldest agricultural fair in Townships. A peculiarity of the competition is that pile of horse manure from the barns for the country. Diana Frizzle herself is a good example veggies aren’t always judged on quality or fertilizer. And as Ernie Banks points out, Brome Fair was established as a way of of the fair’s evolving social significance. appearance, but on total mass as well. “That grows big pumpkins.” bringing together farmers from the sur- Diana met her husband Larry at Brome This spurs the cultivation of preposter- Stuart Woods is the assistant editor rounding area who otherwise wouldn’t Fair 33 years ago and hasn’t missed one ous, oversized pumpkins, squash and of Vivva Montreal. meet during the rest of the year. Original- since. Each year, she says, her husband ly a cattle show held twice annually in buys her anniversary present from one of Knowlton, the event has changed little the farm equipment vendors. since moving to its current location on 18 Ask a Townshipper about Brome Fair Things that acres of farmland in the village of Brome and he’ll trot out any number of well- in 1890. worn yarns of country life. Gordon Ladd, Vivva Montreal recommends The fair remains true to its roots as an a renowned local artist, is an excellent - you do in September agricultural event. Visiting Montrealers source of local lore. Now semi-retired, 5 can expect to come face-to-face with the Ladd was a fixture at Brome Fair for 25 Check out Garde Manger, a new bar/resto in Old Montreal that opened realities of farm life. years, when, along with wife Phyllis, he managed a booth selling his paintings, 1 on June 1. The vibe is hip, low-key and rock ‘n’ roll. Their house specialty Focus on the Farm which portray regional subjects. cocktail is a giant Caesar (3 oz. of vodka) with all the trimmings and a “Agriculture gets first priority,” says for- Ladd remembers attending the fair as a giant crab leg sticking out. 408 St. François Xavier, 514.678.5044. mer Agricultural Society president Diana young boy in the 1930s, a time, he says, Check out Tim Dobby (20th century world guitar: music from Russia, Frizzle. “People are further removed from when an ice-cream cone cost a nickel and Japan and Brazil) as part of “Music in Cabot Square Park”. August 29, the farm these days. Now milk comes in was a once-in-a-year treat. One year, at a 2 time before tractors were commonplace, 12 noon to 1 pm. Cabot Square Park (corner of St. Catherine St. West Brome Fair a trailer sunk to its axles in mud. No man- and Atwater Avenue), 514.935.7344. ner of coercion, including a team of six September 1 to September 4 Check out the McCord Museum’s “Growing up in Montreal” before it Percheron horses, would cause it to ends on January 7, 2007. It is an exhibition that explores the daily lives For information, go to www.bromefair. budge. It wasn’t until an elephant was 3 of young urban-dwellers in the last century. 690 Sherbrooke Street West, com or call 450.242.2565. recruited from the rural circus that was www.mccord-museum.qc.ca, 514.398.7100. How to get there: then part of the entertainment pro- gramme that the trailer was unstuck. Take Autoroute 10 to Exit 90. Follow Check out the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts’ “Il Modo Italiano: Italian Route 243 south to Route 215. Brome Sowing Seeds and Winning Prizes 4 Design and Avant-garde in the 20th Century” before it ends on August Fairgrounds located in the village of 27. It explores how Italy became the prominent leader in international One man who’s as integral to the fair Brome. as horse manure and cotton candy is industrial design. 1379/80 Sherbrooke Street West, www.mmfa.qc.ca, When to go Winston Rhickard. Although neither a 514.285.2000. Sundays are busiest because of The farmer nor a member of the Agricultural Go for a bike ride on the Lachine Canal. That hot humid weather is Big Parade at 1 pm. Fairgrounds open to Society, “It’s in his blood to be in the fair,” 5 coming to an end – but there are still many snow- and cold-free days the public at 8 am. according to Ernie Banks. to enjoy! For seventeen of the last twenty-seven How much: years, Rhickard (pronounced ‘Rackard’) Buy some warm clothes. Fall is coming! (Docked a - unit for lack Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for has brought home the Charlie Horner -of originality and the less-than-welcome reminder.) children under 12 and seniors. A four Trophy for most firsts in the vegetable day pass is $25. Admissions include section of the fair’s competitive cate- Have 5- Things to recommend for October? entry to the grounds, midway rides and gories. Before that, Mr. Rhickard’s father, Send your idea to [email protected] entertainment. Parking is $4. Kenneth, dominated the field, making 4 – Vivva MONTREAL – September 2006 A Whiff of Grape A Wine Tour Gone Right (and Wrong)

By Catherine McKenzie When he seemed amenable, I sent a- mentioned anything about role playing. I David had given up on our missing round a general email to make sure that was so shocked that all I could say when friends and joined us, but we were It all started, as so many of these things everyone was still on board. After receiv- she climbed out of the minibus was pleased to learn that they had called the do, as a suggestion after several glasses of ing eight to ten positive answers, a critical “You’re in costume!” tour company for directions and would be good wine at a friend’s house. Our friends mass necessary for maximum fun, I Everyone actually made it on time. joining us shortly. And join us shortly Phil and Annie had just moved back to began my investigation. Okay, all I really Except Phil and Annie, and they were not they did, to much cheering. We finished Montreal from New York. During the did was type “townships wine tour” into answering their cell phones. our lunch, and toured this much smaller course of the evening, they told us about Google and an early hit was for Wood & vineyard. I personally thought that most a wine tour they had been on while living Westland, a touring company located in The Bus Ride of the product was undrinkable, much in the Big Apple. It was all very posh: they Knowlton. At 11:15 we gave up waiting for them. too sweet and thick, but several of our had rented a limo to take them to several After a few phone calls with one of the David, who doesn’t like wine, agreed to friends purchased bottles of port. The vineyards and eaten in a four star restau- owners, a few things became clear: (1) wait behind for them until 12:00 and to property was lovely. rant to cap off the night. The fun they there wasn’t going to be a limo, and (2) meet us at the second vineyard. So we all Our last stop was Domaine des Côtes were describing turned into a general call there wasn’t going to be a four star restau- climbed into the minibus and headed off d’Ardoise (450.295.2020, www.cotesdard- to repeat the same thing here. rant. But … because of (1) and (2), the for L’Orpailleur, located in Dunham oise.com), located in Dunham, not far A Slip of the Tongue whole thing was going to be reasonably (450.295.2763, www.orpailleur.ca). We from L’Orpailleur. We were supposed to priced. This would get us into three vine- were all yapping away loudly when our go on a tour of the fields at this vineyard, I mentioned that there was something yards, a gourmet lunch, a minibus, a driv- guide began speaking. We quieted down but it was so wet, and we had now been called the Route des vins near our country er and a tour guide. Excellent. like school children and listened to her drinking for a few hours, that we opted place in the Townships. I had seen the The plan was this: David and I would filling us in on the local history, and the for tasting more wine than was originally signs for years and never given them head to the country on Friday night to get reason there were so many vineyards in foreseen. We must have tasted ten differ- much thought until now. This suggestion the house ready for the influx of guests. the area. I believe it has something to do ent varieties. Their bestselling white and was met with general enthusiasm. Every- The others (our friends Annie, Phil, with a microclimate, but if you want to red were excellent; my favourites of the one whipped out their Blackberrys and Tanya, Eric, Christie, Ryan, Michael and know more, you’ll have to take the tour. day. And reasonably priced too: I pur- Palm Pilots (no, yuppies are not dead, Candice) would arrive at our place by Just like school kids, whenever the chased two bottles. We tasted the wine they are just in hiding) and we settled on 10:30 am on Saturday where the minibus guide stopped speaking, we would all out on a covered patio that would, I imag- a date in October. We would drink wine, would pick us up. We were expected at start talking to each other again, but the ine, have a lovely view of the vineyard if see the leaves and stay at our place after- the first vineyard at 11:30. Knowing my guide persevered throughout the day. there had been any view to see that day. wards. And of course, we would do all of friends, I had built in a half-hour buffer. Kudos to her for trying to earn her fee. This vineyard serves meals as well, and this in a limo. Awesome! Somewhere along the way, Eric asked her we all agreed that it would be a perfect The next morning when I woke up The Group Arrives (Sort of) how red and white wine were made, just place to eat. (okay, it was afternoon), I had that taste Now all plans have a fatal flaw. The fatal making conversation. While her histori- on the brain. You know the taste. That flaw in our plan was expecting this many cal facts might have been accurate (I Post-Vino Post-Mortem feeling that you agreed to do something people to arrive at our place by 10:30 on a never checked), her wine knowledge was With the sun setting behind the clouds, under the influence, but you can’t re- Saturday morning. Oh yeah, and expect- a little lacking. She said that all wine (red we all piled back into the minibus (fol- member exactly what. The answer came ing that we would have a nice day to see and white) was made from red grapes. lowed by the unplanned caravan of David to me when I was checking something the fall foliage. We all looked at each other in disbelief, in one car, and Phil and Annie in another) else on my organizer. Wine tour, right, We woke up on Saturday to a steady but were too polite to correct her. back to our house. We clutched our pur- October. And I was pretty sure that I had rain, and cloud cover that seemed to chases as we let the tour guide tell us a agreed to organize it, not to mention host. hover about twenty feet off the ground. The Vineyards little more about the history of the Oh boy. The first vehicle to arrive was the minibus We arrived at L’Orpailleur around Townships. The Tour Company with its driver. And the tour guide. And 11:40, piled out into the rain and got a In the post-mortem that evening, we Since my husband, David, wasn’t there the tour guide was dressed like a cast tour from our guide. This vineyard is the decided that when we did it again the next that night, my first order of business was member from Little House on the Prairie. largest in the Townships, with a yearly year (because of course we are going to do to advise him of what I had agreed to. When I had arranged for a guide, no one production of approximately 100,000 it again!) we would: (1) go to Domaine des bottles. Part of the tour included a video, Côtes d’Ardoise only, (2) if possible, have which I remember as being hilariously dinner there afterwards, and (3) make awful (I’ll let you discover why for your- sure the guide wasn’t in costume. Hope- self). And after the video came the whole fully, we will have a nice sunny day so we Deborah Herman reason for our visit: the wine tasting. Ah, can see some of the fall foliage. And we M.A., ATPQ., BCETS, CCFS there’s nothing like a little wine before will make sure we give Phil and Annie a noon! Or a lot of wine. The tour included one-hour cushion! tastes of several varieties, white and red, The Route des vins is certainly worth tak- Psychotherapist all quite pleasant depending on your ing in: the vineyards are well situated and tastes. pretty, even on a rainy day, and there is Trauma Expert After about an hour, we piled back into some truly good product to be had. If you the minibus and made our way to the are driving yourself, don’t take in more 360 Victoria Avenue, Suite 301, Westmount second vineyard, Domaine du Ridge than one vineyard because you will not be (450.248.3987), located in Saint Armand, in any shape to drive yourself anywhere. (514) 482-1608 where we were to have our lunch before Despite the miscommunication about the Free consultation touring the facility. There was an excel- guide, Wood & Westland was profession- lent lunch, which we ate under an awning al and punctual and I would use their looking out over a bucolic river scene. services again. Vivva MONTREAL – September 2006 – 5

I personally think that the problem is that and Dex end up together? Book Review neither of the main characters ever really I should have loved the main character does anything. They are observers, they in this book: she is my age, a lawyer, our wait for things to happen to them. And lives have followed similar tracks (though while that is interesting to read through not the fiancé stealing part!). However, I one book, and maybe even two, it is time personally found her perspective on life Chick Lit and Sophomores for Sittenfeld to change her modus operan- (“Woe is me, my friend Darcy is the lucky di. I want to see her write about a charac- one, I have always had to work for what I ter who makes things happen, rather have…”) to be grating. I wasn’t sure if I by Catherine McKenzie The Sophomore Curse than lets them happen to her. wanted her to get the man. I wasn’t sure It was because I enjoyed reading this if I thought she deserved Darcy as a Prep The Sophomore Cure book so much that I broke one of my friend. by Curtis Sittenfeld Emily Griffin has figured out how to rules and bought her next book, The Man Second, Blue and Better The Man of My Dreams of My Dreams, while it was still in hard- avoid the sophomore curse by writing the by Curtis Sittenfeld cover. The Man of My Dreams follows a same story from two different characters’ Something Blue picks up where Some- female character (Hannah) over a series perspectives in her twin books Something thing Borrowed left off, but this time from Something Borrowed of incidents, involving men of course, Borrowed and Something Blue. Although Darcy’s perspective. Darcy the lucky girl, by Emily Griffin that take place over twelve years. Something Borrowed was published first, I the beautiful girl, the shallow girl. Darcy Something Blue While I do think that Sittenfeld is a true actually read Something Blue first, and this is pretty and shallow and frivolous, but is probably why I think it is the better she knows she is and is unapologetic by Emily Griffin new talent who will be entertaining us for years, this book suffers a little from the book. about it. She is also generous with her This is not the first day of school, but “sophomore curse”. I personally blame These books tell the story of two best friends and truly cares about Rachel. She what I did on my summer vacation was the curse on having the money to become friends and the bad things that they do to is not perfect. We learn early that she had read, and these are the books that I read. a full-time writer. I think that when that one another. Rachel, the main character her own bad behaviour to apologize for (I I started by reading Prep, Curtis Sitten- happens, you stop having as many experi- of Something Borrowed, sleeps with her won’t ruin the surprise). But she is trying feld’s (who, despite the name, is a best friend Darcy’s fiancé, Dex. Can to improve herself as a person, she is try- woman) first novel that was a sleeper New Rachel and Darcy maintain their friend- ing to be true to her friends. York Times bestseller last year. Prep is ship? Were they as good friends as Rachel The ending of both of these books is about the main character’s (Lee) four always thought? Is their friendship even slightly cheesy, Hollywood-perfect, but years at a tony boarding school in New worth it? And because it is chick lit, the they are well written and addictive in their England. Lee is an outsider. She is not other theme in the book is: will Rachel own right. I recommend them both. blonde. She is not a Yankee. She is not from money. And while Lee might have been outgoing and scholarship-worthy in her hometown, at her new school, Ault (can’t you just smell the money?), surrounded by teenagers named Gates and Aspeth and Cross, Lee blends into the well-oiled woodwork and becomes an observer. Teen Memories Lee’s observations are spot on. Anyone who went to boarding school, or knows people who went to private school anywhere, will recognize the people in this book. This is probably in part because Sittenfeld herself attended a tony eastern boarding school and hailed from the Mid- west. It is also probably partly due to the fact that she wrote the book while an ences because you stop interacting with artist-in-residence at another boarding people in the way you always have. So you school. (There are boarding schools with have to mine your life experience up to artists in residence? Who knew?) But the that point. And you probably used most final element is Sittenfeld’s keen memory of that in your first book anyway, so you for what it felt like to be a teenager. How have less to draw on. Whatever the rea- teenagers interact, how they live, how son, this book is a looser book than Prep. they love and how they hurt. Sittenfeld Fewer pages, less structure, a less dense remembers and tells us in a way that (and compelling) story. Still well written, makes us remember too. still a good read, still recommended. I found this book addictive; I read the whole 400-plus pages in a few days. The Character Flaws only real weakness with the book is that On another note, it was reading The she occasionally tells the reader about the Man of My Dreams that made me see the resolution of a tense moment while in the biggest weakness in Sittenfeld’s charac- middle of the tense moment. Why build terizations. Some critics I have read pin up the tension in the first place if not to this on the fact that the main characters let it resolve naturally? in both of her books are not that likeable. 6 – Vivva MONTREAL – September 2006

WINE... continued from page one am sadly reminded that the consumer, vegetal and rich that it cries out for burg- There will be others enjoying the sites coddled by the purveyor, is also in the ers on the BBQ, and New York Muscat is with you, but remember there are plenty winning awards and most are a must on dark about the fantastic wines that are a delightful match with gooey, stinky lait of antiques and wine for everyone. any terrasse in the sweltering heat of made in this province. cru cheeses. Onward, wine explorers, and cheers to summer. you and your discoveries! Piece of Advice: Experiment More Advice: Take a Tour Vine and Vending Visionaries I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Here is the number one selling point: Dégustation Québec There are just over fifty wineries practice makes perfect. There is too much all of those beautifully shot movies with 15/20 De Lavoie Poitevin, Onir throughout the province of Quebec. The wine out there to be repeating what you people enjoying life amongst the vines SAQ#00741231 $13.15 Eastern Townships has the most vine- may have enjoyed previously. So what if and advertisements depicting an idyllic This easy drinking white is probably a yards, or domaines, and even have a wine Harry likes a Côtes du Rhone with his tour of wine country can actually be done blend of Vidal and Seyval and is light with country trail, the Route des vins des meatloaf? It may be time to introduce a within an hour of downtown Montreal. some peach and melon on the palate and Cantons de L’Est. Since the mid-1980s Maréchal Foch or De Chaunac made by Amazingly, the Eastern Townships are some pink grapefruit in the nose. Light wonderful, dedicated people – I may even artisan wineries from St. Pétronille to St. not only for skiing and antiquing. Boast- bodied, but surprisingly well balanced. say visionaries – have been experiencing Eustache. ing a rather large area under vine, it is the Don’t look for a blockbuster here, but a the frustration and joy of making wine in Hybrid grapes are grown in Quebec perfect place to begin a tour dedicated to refreshing apéro to wind down the day. this region. The current offerings are a and seem to thrive despite gruesome win- your palate. 16.5/20 Domaine Royarnois, Blanc de delicious example of what pride and per- ter conditions. A hybrid is a cross be- (For one consumer’s journal, check out Montmorency SAQ#00741215 $12.25 severance can deliver. tween a European and North American “A Whiff of Grape” on p. 4) The grape is And the true visionary is, of course, the grape. In the early 1900s, a pesky louse Start the morning off on the right note Vandal-Cliche and provincial liquor commission, committing changed the wine world forever by being with a tour of Domaine du Ridge in St. it tastes of freshly time and money to a marketing program a killer of certain vines. The Europeans, Armand. This winery has few labels, picked crab apples that will encourage residents of the province desperate to keep their habit alive, trav- which makes it a perfect place to whet the and white peaches to buy wine from their own backyard. eled to North America to graft their vine appetite. Next stop is L’Orpailleur, and with some al- Unfortunately, the previous sentence des- onto our stronger and louse-resistant what a great place to learn about Quebec mond and bark cribes what is happening in Ontario. root. The result is what we drink today. viticulture. In business since 1985, this aromas. It is also light and refreshing and Alas, in reality, the SAQ is in the dark Grafting has introduced us to new vari- winery knows how to cater to the begin- matches well with Mamirolle cheese and when it comes to regional products – or is eties that are proving to be a great success ner and the connaisseur. The views are ﬁsh with citrus and fresh herbs. it that they are so in tune with the con- outside of Europe. Vidal is a hybrid used magniﬁcent, the restaurant delicious and sumer who loves French and Italian in several award-winning icewines. the museum a delight, not to mention 18/20 Domaine wines above all else? As I peruse the shelf Seyval Blanc makes a light and refreshing the wines. Must-haves are the Cuvée Pinnacle, Cidre de Glace (that’s right, one shelf) of my local SAQ, I summer sipper, Maréchal Foch tastes so Spéciale, l’Orpailleur Blanc and the Brut SAQ#00734269 $24.45 de Brut. Down the road is Domaine des This apple wine is an Côtes d’Ardoises. They have been farm- amazing match to blue ing in Dunham since 1980 and make an cheeses from St. Benoit incredible Alsatian-style Riesling. Try the or runny Fourme port-style wine for a real treat. Then get d’Ambert. Don’t forget back in the car and drive on for a visit to the nuts and grapes with Vignoble la Bauge in Brigham. You must the cheese plate. Also sample their cheeses and terrine de sangli- holds up to some lighter We help clients achieve their life goals. er with the wines. A tour of the animal fruit mousses and lairs and it’s on to the last stop. chocolate. By now, your tastebuds have had a 16/20 Vignoble de la Rivière du Chêne, workout and you may not be able to tell We succeed when you do. Cuvée William the differences in the wines you taste. SAQ#00743989 $13.50 Retreat to the terrasse of Vignoble le Cep Made from Baco Noir and Maréchal d’Argent in Magog for a nice lunch and a To learn more about our personalized Foch, this wine has a very fruity discussion of the matches these types of and slightly bell pepper nose investment management approach wine have with food. I should stress that with cassis, green and black a wine tour is the best time to practise pepper, and some baking spice Visit our web site: www.3macs.com your swirling and spitting technique. (nutmeg) on the palate. A Wine in this setting, especially when cars medium-bodied red that are involved, can lead to over-indulgence. matches well with sheep’s milk John H. Bridgman Spit in the buckets provided, buy the cheeses and light meats wines and be free to enjoy them another Director & Portfolio Manager whether they are roasted or time, without having the burden of driv- [email protected] grilled. William is an amazing ing home. match to grilled asparagus and Robert A. McKenzie, C.A., CFA The Best Time of Year is Now eggplant with goat cheese and olive oil. Director & Portfolio Manager August and September are perfect [email protected] months to enjoy wine country. The grapes Carola Price is a sommelier, chef and co- are full on the vines, you can walk around author of the bestselling Montreal from MacDougall, MacDougall & MacTier Inc. (514) 394-3000 on the tour and learn about Quebec viti- Bread to Wine. She is a member of the culture in person and the end result is a Canadian Association of Professional Member of Bourse de Montréal & Toronto Stock Exchange, guided wine tasting. All this on less than Sommeliers and The International Investment Dealers Association of Canada & CIPF. half a tank of gas appeals to me as well. Sommelier Guild. She can be reached Enjoy one of the most beautiful regions at [email protected]. in our province at the height of summer. Vivva MONTREAL – September 2006 – 7

Spotlight on Montreal Fiction: ‘This sweeping portrait of the St. Lawrence … is overdue. ... The text is crisp, well-organized and tells you everything you need to know about the St. Lawrence...’ Sheila Kindellan-Sheehan – J. D. Gravenor in the Montreal Gazette (June 30, 2006)

Montreal native and three-time Gazette drunk driver seventeen months ago, she bestselling author Sheila Kindellan- made up her mind not to waste the life Sheehan is launching her third novel, she was lucky enough to have. An Easy Mark, this September. An Easy … Mark is the third book in the Caitlin ‘Good morning!’ Caitlin said, smiling, Donovan series. The first two titles, The as she walked quickly to the wooden podi- Sands Motel and Cutting Corners, were um of her Concordia class, picking up a both Montreal Gazette bestsellers. Here felt pen as she laid her papers on the desk is a sneak peek at the first chapter: nearby. ‘Three weeks from today, at four Caitlin Donovan knew she had caught o’clock, in this classroom, you’ll write that a break. The sun was warm, dimpling on all-important first mid-term.’ the colouring leaves. On the second of A collective groan made it to her ears. October, it was 21 degrees Celsius. Mont- … realers had begun the traditional count- At the end of the class, the students down, knowing that such days would filed out of the room quietly, brows tight change to cold November winds and, with concern. Because she was packing worse, snow. She wheeled her mountain up, she did not notice Kevin Leary at the bike out the front door, lifted it door until she almost bumped down the three steps of her into him. ‘Kevin, you look home on Wood Avenue, awful! Did you sleep last climbed on, cycled up to night?’ Now in stores! Sherbrooke Street and turned ‘No, I had trouble. May I see right. At the corner, she said a you for a few minutes, Miss?’ silent prayer for her brother Caitlin felt she knew Kevin Chris. Weaving in between Leary, better than most any- traffic and hopping onto side- way. ‘All right, Kevin,’ she said, A brand new look at walks and back onto the road walking back into her class- again, her blonde shaggy hair room, ‘but leave the door open, Montreal’s bar scene, with curled with the breeze. please.’ something for everyone: … ‘You got it.’ She might have been pulled She noticed that he’d left dance, gay/lesbian, singles, under by the sad events of the the door ajar, not open. past four and a half years, but Sophia Leary sat in the third seat, where a neighbourhood bars, dives. Argento, who worked for Caitlin’s par- passer-by would not notice him from the ents, was much more than a cook. She corridor. Great for finding places to was a wise old woman who knew of both ‘See, Professor Donovan, I need a solid go – or for casual, curiosity- tragedies in Caitlin’s life: the deaths of A on this exam, but there is no way I can her husband and brother. One afternoon, make that grade. I stayed up all night driven reading. she had taken her hand, smiled warmly studying and trying to figure out a plan. and said simply, ‘For their sake, live My father already feels disgraced that I’m bravely and well. Every minute counts.’ not at McGill. His plan is for me to go to The words stuck. When she thought of all Harvard Law School. He has a connection the life her brother had lost to a callous there or something. The hitch is that I have to produce straight A’s to get a shot at it.’ A #2 Montreal A great job for the ‘The only route I know is study, Kevin.’ Gazette bestseller ‘I’ve come up with something better I right person. think. Just hear me out, please. You can really help me here. If you write out the An opinionated Price-Patterson Ltd. essays for me and say, give them to me by is looking for a the end of the week, I can memorize look at the part-time bookkeeper. them and reproduce both the day of the Montreal dining mid-term. To me, that’s the simple way of Needed: numeracy, accuracy, getting around this problem.’ scene, along with computer literacy. ‘Why would you ever feel I’d do some- descriptions Not needed: experience. thing like this for you?’ ‘Think of this as helping a friend. I’d Please call David Price: like for you to think of it that way. But if of hundreds 514.935.4537 you can’t, I guess I’d have to go to the of restaurants. cops with these photos and my story… 8 – Vivva MONTREAL – September 2006

MATERNALLY... continued from page one you, it’s a good idea to call ahead to Bromont and are a chocolate lover (who using Jello ... talk about using a non-toxic, ensure being there at the right time. isn’t?), this is a fun way to spend half an delicious substance, not to mention a days exploring, walking in the woods, The visit wraps up with a visit to North hour or so and have lunch, since the great way to stimulate your baby’s senses! feeding hay to the neighbouring farmer’s America’s largest replica of a beehive – museum also hosts a restaurant. Choco- Once their pièce de résistance is finished, cows, horseback riding at the Knowlton complete with surprisingly realistic bee- late lovers of all ages will enjoy an expla- babies can take their work home with Pony Club, and embarking on the occa- puppets – and, of course, a sampling of nation of how chocolate is made and par- them. The workshops will be given every sional excursion to the Granby Zoo or the delicious honey! There are many dif- ticipate in a free dégustation of chocolate. half-hour between 1 pm and 3 pm. A salle across the border to Vermont. Whether ferent varieties of honey to sample, each a There is a short guided tour and there is d’allaitement (breastfeeding station) as you have a home in the Townships or are different hue and made from a different no fee, but a voluntary contribution is well as a diaper changing area will be set simply planning a day-trip for your fami- type of flower: clover, buckwheat, blue- appreciated. Tours are offered every hour up to accommodate workshop partici- ly, this area has an abundance of activities berry flower, wildflower and strawberry on the hour from 11 am to 4 pm daily in pants. Independent activities are also for all ages! flower. This is an ideal day-trip for bud- English, French, Spanish and Italian. available in the permanent exhibition: ding naturalists and inquisitive children Opening hours are from 9 am to 6 pm boxes containing different objects to Sweets and Stingers (and parents!) of all ages. daily, year-round. From Montreal, take stimulate the senses, such as furry or tex- A fantastic and educational day trip is The complete visit takes about an hour Exit 78 off Autoroute 10. Le musée du tured objects to touch, and plants and the Ferme Lune de Miel, a bee interpreta- and a half and is definitely worth the trip. chocolat, 679 Shefford Street (across the herbs to smell. These activities will be tion centre, where children and adults From Montreal, take Exit 150 off Auto- church in the “old town” of Bromont), available from 10 am to 6 pm the same can learn all about bees: their lives, socie- route 10. Figure on about an hour and a 450.534.3893, www.bromont.com/choco- days as the workshops. Reservations are ty and how honey is made. Visits are half drive from Montreal, as it is located lat. not necessary; just show up and enjoy! available and each tour is preceded by a in the town of Stoke, just outside of Sher- Specify that you are there for the baby short, informative lecture and video pres- brooke. This family-run business is open Animals and Water workshops, as this particular activity is entation, after which visitors are invited year-round from 10 am to 5 pm. French Open since 1953, the Granby Zoo has free. The workshops will be held on to observe the inner workings of an actual guided tours are offered every hour on undergone extensive renovations and August 30, September 27 and every last live beehive. Three times daily, a master the hour and English tours are at 11:30 now hosts more than 1,000 animals. My Wednesday of the month from 1 pm to 3 bee-keeper answers questions as he am and 2:30 pm. Admission fees are $8 daughter and I always especially enjoy the pm. The McCord Museum also organizes opens up one of the bee farm’s 400 oper- for adults, $6 for children 4 to 16 and ad- monkeys and the gorillas and there is a children’s birthday parties. McCord ational beehives. Although one hive mission is free for kids under 3. The rec- little petting zoo where children can buy Museum of Canadian History, might house as many as 60,000 bees, ommended age for this activity is 4 food for the farm animals (25 cents for a www.mccord-museum.qc.ca, 690 Sher- you don’t need to worry about getting and up. www.fermelunedemiel.com, 819. handful of grub) and feed and pet them. brooke Street West, 514.398.7100. stung: it’s all witnessed from the safety of 346.2558. Another main attraction is seeing the hip- a screened-in observation deck. This par- pos underwater through a huge glass For Next Year ticular part of the tour is only available More Sweets aquarium. The Amazoo water park, also As I write, I am looking forward to the weather permitting and only three times Just thinking about the next activity on the premises, includes a giant wave eighth annual Fête des Enfants (children’s daily, so if this is of particular interest to makes my mouth water … and no, it is pool, water slides and a wading pool for festival) to be held on August 19 and 20 at not the wine tasting tour. It’s a visit to Le little ones. Rides are also available and Maisonneuve Park – and my first year musée du chocolat. If you happen to be in mostly geared towards young children: a attending. There will be shows, multicul- carrousel, bumper cars and a Ferris tural singing and dancing performances, wheel. There are six diaper changing a train ride through Maisonneuve Park in facilities on-site: one at the entrance (con- collaboration with Via Rail and a chance nected to the public bathrooms) and the to meet Caillou (my daughter, Amel, is a rest are scattered throughout the zoo. huge fan and can’t wait!). The Réptico Pick up a map on your way in. Everything team will be on site with all sorts of scaly- is well-indicated. For breast feeding, the skinned creatures to give children a diaper change area is your best bet. Open- chance to “socialize” with lizards, alliga- ing hours are from 10 am to 7 pm every tors, turtles and more. Amel and I are day until August 27. From August 28 to looking forward to our first time at the fête Hospitality Corner Gift Shop September 4, the zoo is open from 10 am and I will report back for next year! to 5 pm daily, but the water park closes for Montreal General Hospital the season on August 27. From Sept- News Update 1650 Cedar Avenue Entrance (6th Floor) ember 9 to October 9, the zoo is open on Newsflash to all ice cream lovers: a new weekends only from 10 am to 5 pm. Ad- Ben & Jerry’s has opened at 1200 McGill mission fees are $24.99, $15.99 for chil- College Avenue, 514.392.1226. dren 3 to 12, and free admission for the The Enfants du quartier café familial is Most self-publishers end “under 3 gang”. Admission includes still closed due to a flood in the restaurant up unhappy. access to the Amazoo water park, the upstairs. The owners are planning to re- Flawed end-product • jungle gym, rides and parking. Take Exit open mid-September. 68 off Autoroute 10. www.zoodegranby. Inadequate editing • Too Available Now! With research from Stuart Woods. much inventory • Unrealistic Yummy in my Tummy – creating a life- com, 877.472.6299. Annika Melanson is the author of expectations time of good eating habits from your Back in Montreal… baby’s first bite. A complete book and The Montreal Pocket Parent and We might publish your book with For the city slickers who plan on stay- Le bottin des Bambins. She was born our money, but we can certainly DVD on feeding your baby and intro- ducing solid foods. ing in town, there are always fun things and brought up in Montreal. In a past life, help you not waste yours! going on in Montreal for kids. The Mc- she spent most of her time travelling and From the Montreal-based makers of the Cord Museum of Canadian History is working as a flight attendant. She now Price-Patterson Ltd. award-winning newborn care DVD offering workshops for parents and their enjoys exploring parent- and child-friendly www.pricepatterson.com Bringing Baby Home. babies ages 6 to 18 months. The activity Montreal with her three-and-a-half year 514.935.4537 Chapters • Indigo • Coles for August and September is “jello paint- old daughter, Amel. ing”. Babies will paint aboriginal masks Vivva MONTREAL – September 2006 – 9 Restaurant Review Simple Food through Chef Scot Woods’ Tastebuds

By James Fischer Doing it Wrong in Toronto … Chef Scot Woods can reduce the requi- “There’s a lot of people trying to do that sites of a good meal to a few basic ele- now in Toronto, but they don’t do it right. ments: “Does it have enough salt and They think homey food is cheap and you pepper, is it hot enough and does it gen- just throw it on a plate, but that’s not erally taste good?” he asks equally of a what it is. You still have to have the same hamburger and a terrine de foie gras. passion, care and technique to do very At Au Pied de Cochon, to eat well means to eat amply. Scot’s frankness might come as a sur- simple things right, because there’s noth- single green item on the menu, unless change pricing policy, is on a diminished prise if you consider his credentials. ing to hide.” you count the bottle of Chartreuse behind scale: with hamburgers for under $2 and Head chef at Toronto hotspot Habitat … and Right in Montreal the bar. a $4 poutine, it is possible to eat a full Dining Lounge, he cut his chops with Dieting diners beware. If a menu in meal at Patati Patata, with dessert and a name-brand chefs in New York, San This summer I followed Scot’s lead to Montreal is controversial, this is it. small glass of beer, for around $10. Francisco and Toronto. He’s now consid- some of his favourite restaurants on the It all stems from the steadfast vision of Most of the menu has been cribbed ered a leading young talent by influential island. My mission was two-fold: to expe- head chef and owner Marc Picard, bête from La Belle Province, with a few vege- Globe and Mail critic Joanne Kates, who in rience Montreal through the tastebuds of noir of the Montreal dining establish- tarian-friendly exceptions. The restaurant a column last December raved, “This guy a pro, and to uncover simple, authentic, ment. Picard is the trailblazing, headline- specializes in miniscule burgers and can cook the pants off most Toronto straightforward – and above all, well-sea- grabbing chef who at the turn of the mil- sandwiches, wafer-thin beef, feta, tofu or chefs.” soned – food. lenium coupled foie gras with poutine fish patties on Portuguese buns, served à 21st Century Dining Au Pied de Cochon and attached it to a $20 price-tag. The la carte or beside a mound of golden fries “The suit-and-tie restaurant is slowly 526 Duluth Street East resulting concoction is an unabashedly and an always fresh, always colourful dying off,” Scot says. “That’s part of a cul- 514.281.1116 earnest rendition of the familiar dish. salad. tural change as well. You might want to www.restaurantaupieddecochon.com Picard’s poutine sauce is a textured and More than half the floorspace of this go someplace on a whim, without having Open for dinner Tuesday-Sunday at 5 pm well-balanced blend of pork stock, egg tiny restaurant is given over to an open to dress up. There doesn’t have to be a At Au Pied de Cochon every dish is yolks, foie gras and a touch of cream. His kitchen where a dexterous staff of two whole bunch of pomp and circumstance epic, from great hunks of smoldering cheese curds, imported from a local farm, takes orders, prepares meals and works just to have a good meal.” pork (the Au Pied de Cochon ‘cut’ is a lit- are nested in a pile of top-notch golden the register. With a seating capacity of From all-day bacon and eggs at L’Ex- tle over a pound), to the slow-cooked, lit- frites. Although it can be ordered as a side only ten, surprisingly few diners are press to foie-gras poutine at Au Pied de erally named, duck-in-a-can ($36). Foie dish ($7.50), Au Pied’s poutine is best as turned away for lack of space. Cochon, Montreal’s top eateries are serv- gras is dispensed like a condiment, and a main, when it comes garnished with What Patati Patata shares with Au Pied ing the once scorned dishes of the casse appears in unexpected guises – from the pieces of foie gras. de Cochon is a conviction that good food croûte. And according to Scot, it’s some- foie-gras hamburger ($21), a lopsided Part of the pleasure of eating here is in is a relatively straightforward affair. The thing that comes naturally to Montreal- affair in a floppy brown bun, to foie-gras- the transgressive act of dropping $100+ revelation here is that refinement can be ers. stuffed grilled cheese ($23). There is not a on a roster of guilty pleasures. The conjured in humble circumstances, the strength of Au Pied de Cochon, though, is product of care, attention to detail and its frank embrace of deep-seated, uncul- hard work. tured gastronomic impulses. The joy of James Fischer is a Montreal writer. eating, like other carnal pleasures, is not always in good taste. Chef Scot Woods on his Patati Patata 4177 St. Laurent (at Rachel) favourite Montreal restaurants: 514.844.0126 Toqué! Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. One of the best dining experiences Monday to Friday 9 am to 11 pm; I’ve had in a long time, although it Saturday & Sunday 11 am to 11 pm “ was a large price tag. Their service pro- If Au Pied de Cochon is a boisterous gram and the way the restaurant is set attention-seeker, then Patati Patata is its up is pretty much flawless.” demure but no less attractive cousin. Whereas Au Pied de Cochon wants to Schwartz’s convert wayward diners to its cause, I love the simplicity of that style of Patati Patata makes modest claims on our “restaurant. I’m always searching out hearts, minds, bellies. the best corned beef sandwich, and The two restaurants are in many ways a Schwartz’s definitely ranks up there. world apart. Everything at Patati Patata, It’s far better than anything we have in Patati Patata: Fast Food deluxe from three-bite burgers to its spare- Toronto.” 10 – Vivva MONTREAL – September 2006 Movie Review The Top of the Charts

An Inconvenient to the global problem. That being said, we Truth can all follow the suggestions that pop up at the end of the movie. We can all do a lit- by Catherine McKenzie tle to maybe change the course of history.

If you haven’t heard, An Inconvenient Gore-as-Politician Remains the Story Truth is a documentary of sorts starring I never really understood the Al-Gore- the former vice-president of the United is-boring and George-Bush-is-charismatic States (and almost president in 2000) Al comments that dogged Gore during the Gore. It is essentially a monologue that 2000 campaign. He might have lacked tracks a talk that Al Gore has apparently the pure charisma of Clinton, but I given hundreds of times to thousands of always found him well spoken, intelligent people around the world. and fairly sincere for a politician. This is the way he comes across in this movie, The Future is Yesterday and he kept my attention through the The monologue is about global warm- film. ing. Al Gore’s message is simple: global Now apparently, Al Gore is not running warming isn’t happening, it’s already for president again. This is what he says happened. To convince us of this, Gore as he tours the talk show circuit promot- takes us through a compelling Power ing this movie. We’ll see. But the only Point presentation (never thought I weakness in this film is that it occasional- would write those words!) full of charts ly feels like one of those videos they pro- and graphs and data demonstrating tem- duce about the Democratic or Republican perature fluctuations through time and candidate-elect to play at the national con- how they correlate with levels of carbon vention. Especially egregious in this dioxide (five points for guessing they fol- regard is a shot of Gore in profile at the low a perfect trajectory). And while we podium, which was clearly stolen from have had hot periods, and cold periods, in the opening credits of the West Wing. the past, we have never had carbon dioxide levels as high as there are now. We are Hindsight in unknown territory; we can only guess On the other hand, this movie also how hot it is going to get. made me think about something that may or may not have been intended by Consequences and Solutions the filmmaker. It made me think what the And if it gets hot, and the ice caps melt, world would be like now if Al Gore had it could set off a chain reaction that could been named the president in 2000 (I use flood a lot of the populated world or – par- these words intentionally; I think history adoxically – send us spinning into an ice demonstrates that he did win the elec- age. Or we could do something, we could tion). In particular, how different the all do something small, to reduce our car- Middle East might be. As bombs contin- bon dioxide emissions and stop whatever ue to drop and create rubble, and soldiers is going to happen. and civilians continue to die, and Iraq Gore’s message is mostly directed at an falls into civil war, I thought of the power American audience. We can feel smug of that office and truly understood it for here in Canada being a small contributor perhaps the first time. One person can make a difference, particularly if that person sits in an oval office in a certain white The indispensable Do you want to sell house. a great product? I don’t know if what Al Gore thinks is guide for parents happening really is or what the conse- And participate in quences will be for all of us if we don’t do in Montreal. the upside? anything. I just know that he convinced me that something is happening, and I Soon available in French! Vivva Montreal is looking enjoyed being convinced. Go and see, and for an advertising salesperson. decide for yourself. Please call David Price Catherine McKenzie 514.935.4537 is a lawyer in Montreal. Vivva MONTREAL – September 2006 – 11

WET... continued from page 12 nation (back to school everybody!), after Practical Points which you will be a certified sailor. Approach it in the right frame of mind If all that sounds too much like hard and it’s one of the very best ways to appre- work (and expensive), skippered cruises ciate the wonderful fall colours of the are available. If your ambitions don’t Tremblant region. extend beyond the next case of beer, that’s Kayaks or canoes are widely available to fine, but landlubbers who want to get Wireless Round-up rent. If you really enjoy yourself, you their hands dirty, without investing in a could invest in your own kayak and a course, can fulfil their ambitions, too. Cafés in Westmount and NDG: Java U paddle: then all you’ll need is a stretch of Me? I suffer from seasickness, am Price, Quality and Peripherals 5511 Monkland Avenue river. prone to sun and windburn, couldn’t nav- Free internet access? Yes Tight for space? Inflatable kayaks are igate my way out of a cul-de-sac and get By Nexus Price of a small coffee: $1.79 now available, which pack into the trunk nervous around very deep water. And yes, Food served? Yes Second Cup of even the most compact car. I loved every minute of it. Java U’s atmosphere is more that of a 5550 Monkland Avenue See reviews at www.kayakonline.com Of all watersports, sailing is most restaurant than of a coffee house: the prone to being cancelled due to weather, Free internet access: No front of the restaurant and the outdoor Sportyaking Price of a small coffee: $1.55 so be prepared for last-minute disap- terrace are often packed with lunching Sadly, sportyaking doesn’t involve yaks. pointments. A local suggestion: Food served? Yes couples and groups enjoying the diverse The service at this café is impeccable, It’s a more extreme version of kayaking Ynot Sailing food items on the menu and sampling and the atmosphere isn’t your typical for people who actually enjoy getting wet. 514.622.3397 wine and other alcohol. The back of the Second Cup café: this one has opted for a Only experienced kayakers need apply: www.ynotsailing.com restaurant has a quieter area replete with paddling for half an hour, before breaking unique Texan-Latino décor. There is plen- Ashley Cotter-Cairns leather banquettes, a comfortable area for for an all-day picnic, probably won’t have ty of seating available, with comfortable is a freelance writer from England people working on laptops or reading prepared you for the shock. chairs for prolonged work and cushioned currently residing in Hudson. He has quietly. This area, however, is right beside Life vests, recommended for standard banquettes. It’s also a good place to get written for a number of publications, the kitchen and the audible clanking of kayaks, are mandatory for sportyaking. work done: clients are not rushed to drink including In Camera magazine, dishes can make it difficult to work. Wire- You’ll also be required to wear a hard, full- their coffee and leave. On the contrary, UK Maxim, TheNet, International less internet access is simple: your laptop head helmet. Five seconds into the first patrons are often seen relaxing, playing Traveller, Business Life and will automatically detect the connection. section of rapids will make you forget chess, and generally enjoying the experi- En Route. In collaboration with his how daft you look. ence. The only drawback is the internet Shaika Café wife, Carolina Pla, he has also written Sportyaking is a thrill. The boats are access, provided by Hotspot, which cus- 5526 Sherbrooke Street West and sold a screenplay, The Witch and self-bailing, so – in theory – they won’t fill tomers have to pay to use. You can either Free Internet access? Yes The Famous. He can be reached at with water. Be prepared to get up close connect to your service provider (Bell, Price of a small coffee: $1.50 [email protected] Fido, Rogers, Telus, etc.) and include the Food served? Yes and personal with rocks, gravel banks, fee on your monthly bill or pay by credit The clients at Shaika are a nice balance submerged tree roots and other sportyak- card ($6/1-hour session or $13/24-hour between those having relaxed conversa- ers. Serious injuries are rare, but you will session). tions and others working on their laptops. probably sustain bruises to both body and KNOWLTON This café doubles as an art gallery, and ego. CONDO – Great Starbucks the beautiful original paintings add a dis- I’ve been more scared before. Sport- location near 5526 Monkland Avenue tinct touch to the décor, as do the leather yaking is not an all-out thrill ride, like a theatre and shops. Free internet access? Yes chairs and banquettes. Customers can bungee or rollercoaster experience. It’s 3 bedrooms, 2 Price of a small coffee: $1.70 enjoy a tranquil coffee or meal without more like interval training in terror. baths, fireplace, Food served? Yes feeling under pressure to clear their Minutes can pass without incident, then garage, $215,000. The atmosphere of this Starbucks is spots, and many of the patrons remain in seconds you can be tossed about like a more typical of a chain: there is plenty of for long periods of time to use the inter- voter in a separatist referendum. seating available, but it’s a little bland: 80 ACRES non net and enjoy the view of the park across There probably is some kind of skill mostly wooden chairs that are uncomfort- loin de Knowlton, the street. Access to the internet is easy: involved. Experienced sportyakers would able for long stays. However, the café has vue surplombant any wireless laptop will connect to it auto- manage better than I did. For sure, a pleasant atmosphere in which to work. le Lac Brome. matically. though, anybody with guts and a sense of Droit de construire The music is mellow and you’ll find many adventure will have an absolute blast. A other patrons reading or working on their With over 10 years of technical experience une écurie et Laurentians suggestion: maison. laptops. Access to the internet through working for medium-sized and Mont Tremblant Resort their provider, Videotron, is very simple: multinational corporations, Nexus helps 888.738.1777 A PERFECT you open your web browser and are asked individuals working from home and small www.tremblant.ca for a username and password (both of offices. Email your technical questions to COUNTRY PLACE – which are provided to you on the same him at [email protected] or visit Sailing Quiet cul-de-sac, 3 acres, great page). www.nufrontier.ca. Like so many watery pastimes, sailing view. Well- can be different things to different peo- decorated Viceroy ple. You might be a relaxed observer, sip- Le répertoire montréalais pour femmes home, $339,000. enceintes, parents, bébés et enfants. ping cocktails on deck while a crew rush- es about doing the tricky stuff, or up to Pour tout savoir sur les ressources professionnelles, your elbows in spray, rope burns and nav- LOIS HARDACKER services, loisirs, produits indispensables et igation charts. douceurs superflues! 450-242-2000 Montreal being surrounded by water, [email protected] Le GUIDE par excellence pour les familles et futurs you’re spoiled for choice of locations to parents. De la naissance à 12 ans. sail in. First-timers with a serious interest ROYAL LEPAGE ACTION En librairie dès le 28 septembre. can take an accredited course. Your Chartered Real Estate Broker course fees include the cost of an exami- 12 – Vivva MONTREAL – September 2006 Mission Montreal Something Wet for the Weekend, Sir?

In which our correspondent Ashley Cotter- There’s a strong sense of the unreal, Kayaking and Canoeing Cairns comes to terms with his aversion to caused partly by the weird, washed-out Paddling a small boat is rather like a all things watery. colour scheme and partly by the lack of marriage: with a decent technique, re- As my wife Carolina never tires of discomfort. You feel warm, weightless sults are based entirely on the effort you telling me, I am a landlubber. Water’s and detached from the alien environment apply. great for taking brief, hot showers in, you’re observing. Much depends on the river you choose. making plants grow and adding to malt There are dangers associated with be- It can be a sedate or exhilarating experi- whiskey. Otherwise, you can keep it. ing metres down in wet stuff. You’ll need person boat can be surprisingly chal- ence, relatively relaxed or very hard work. lenging. I find kayaks more comfortable, At least, that was the case until Vivva to take a PADI (Professional Association Fighting against the current is not recom- though in both cases, comfort is a relative Montreal publisher David ‘Evil Genius’ of Diving Instructors) certificate before mended, especially if, like me, your usual term. You’re piloting a small, unsteady Price got his hooks into me. The more any legitimate company will let you dive workout involves pushing a computer craft, bothered by bugs and sunburn, uncomfortable I am with my subject mat- for real. mouse around your desktop. arms and wrists aching from the exertion. ter, the more he seems to like it. And so, The Montreal region, though lacking in There’s some mental agility required if For groups of two or three, a canoe is my protests falling on wet ears, I took the sharks and tropical fish, has some excel- you want to avoid running aground or probably a better bet. Misery loves com- plunge into some watersports, Canadian lent lakes to dive in: at St. Zotique, you taking the wrong route. For a sedate pany. autumn style. can explore bona fide shipwrecks. mode of transportation, manning a one- Scuba can be affected by the weather, continued on page 11 Scuba Diving but is usually available until the begin- Scuba suits me fine. You can pretend ning of October. After that, you can be civ- you’re not really underwater and are ilized and fly to a tropical location in- watching a nature show on your flat- stead. A local suggestion: screen HDTV. This illusion is complete Total Diving Montreal as soon as the water inside your wetsuit 514.482.1890 reaches body temperature. www.totaldiving.com