AND IF YOU LOVE GOOD FOOD, Montreal will definitely exceed your expectations. PLATEAU RESTAURANTS: Au Pied de Cochon, Buona Notte, Casa Tapas, Cocagne, Juliette & Chocolat, L'Express, La Salle a Manger, Laloux, Les Trois Petits Bouchons, Pintxo, and Vertige among many others and the always-open La Banquise for poutine OLD MONTREAL RESTAURANTS: Aix, Boris Bistro, Chez Epicier, Chez Queux, Da Emma (an old women's prison), DNA, Gibby's, Jardin Nelson, Le Club Chasse et Peche, Mechant Boeuf, Modavie, Olive et Gourmando, Restaurant Bonaparte, Restaurant du Vieux Port and Stash Cafe are just a few of many, many others. Don't miss these Montreal Tourism videos about a 48-hour culinary tour and also local ethnic restaurants.

SINCE THERE ARE MORE RESTAURANTS PER CAPITA in Montreal than in ANY OTHER North American city, the choices seem unlimited. Don't miss this Montreal Tourism video about the city's restaurant diversity, architecture, shopping and festivals. You can also learn a lot about the local food scene at the Montreal Chowhound website. Exciting evelopments include eateries opened by two of Montreal's best restauranteurs: Brasserie t and F Bar. They are next door to each other in the Quartier des spectacles, the new heart of cultural Montreal. Also, we have discovered the joys of the amazing Bixi bike sharing system. Don't miss this Montreal Tourism video about Bixi. Another discovery is the American Women's Club of Montreal (nearly 100 years old) and also a new (2010) MeetUp group American Women in Montreal.

FOR A CHANGE OF PACE we go to the Latin Quarter, which, like in Paris, is jammed with students. Drinking beer in the huge terrace at St.Sulpice is required, as is tea at Camellia Sinensis. Some say the best hamburger in town is at the tiny La Paryse in the Latin Quarter. In November 2011 this marvelous homage to Montreal was published by Chantelle Grady with wonderful content and photography. I love the information from locals on what they love most about the city. Wow!

SO WHEREVER YOUR ITINERARY TAKES YOU. Montreal will not disappoint. In the summer this is a city of festivals including International Jazz Fest, Just for Laughs, & Montreal World Film Fest. There are too many others to list, but you can find them here. Other great summer outdoor activities include Montreal Bike Fest and Tour la Nuit, Montreal Grand Prix, and International Fireworks Festival to name a few. What more can I say? This is an absolutely marvelous city! Come see for yourself. We can rendezvous if the time is right.