Exiting the plane and entering once again into a new environment, I felt energized! This visit is not too far out of the country this time, as my destination for this adventure is the Great White North: Canada! To be more specific, I will be spending the next few days in Montreal, Quebec.

Upon exiting the airport and hailing a taxi to my lodging, the atmosphere around me felt very familiar. Whereas in Japan and France I felt a sensation of unfamiliarity, I immediately felt comfortable here. Much of that I’m sure has to with being on the same continent, so things such as the structures and city layout are quite similar.

One difference that I did immediately notice is that most of the language around me is French. While this was to be expected (being in Quebec), it sometimes goes to the point of being more French than even in France! For example, in France, many things will be written in English, such as stop signs and business writings. In Quebec, however, stop signs will say ‘arrêt’, ‘Starbucks Cafe’ is reversed to ‘Cafe Starbucks’, and while there are some bilingual areas, it is overwhelmingly French. Though my knowledge of the French language is predominantly of the Parisian variety, I’m hoping my skills will help get me through this visit.

Arriving at my hostel, I paid the driver and made my way inside. The staff was very kind as they helped me check in to my accommodations. The atmosphere was very comfortable, and there was even an offering of board games for those who wished to play.

Settling into my sleeping area, I decided to take a walk around the area. I hadn’t eaten since leaving from L.A., so I decided to scout for some food. My promenade lead me to the ‘Quartier des spectacles’, or ‘Entertainment district’. Walking down the street, I saw several places of interest, including a karaoke bar, hookah lounge, and lots of international restaurants.

Among the entertainment, I noticed that one of my favorite musicals, ‘Notre Dame de Paris‘, would be playing in Montreal. The musical is French, though one of the more famous songs, Belle, has seen international popularity. Since it was playing here, I thought it would be a great chance to see it live! Unfortunately, it turned out the starting date for performances would be well after I left…

Turning my attention back to food, I looked for suggestions on Google Maps. I tried to find a place called ‘Mache’, as they were recommended for good poutine (a traditional Canadian/Quebecois dish). Though my phone led me to the area, I could not find the restaurant. Instead, I came upon a pub known as ‘L’ile Noire’ (The Black Island). Feeling hungry, and slightly curious, I dropped my search and proceeded inside.

The waitress greeted me with a kind ‘Bonjour’, and asked me if I needed a menu. After a little back and forth in French, she caught on that I spoke English, and switched to that (my accent probably gave it away). However, she did seem pleased that I tried to use French first. I looked over the menu and decided upon some poutine with duck confit, and a beer that shared a similar name as the establishment ‘L’ile Noire Bitter’. I was given the beer straight away, with the server pouring it and handing it to me as soon as I ordered it. Exceptionally quick compared to what I’m used to. The beer was very pleasant. It had a sort of malty, nutty flavor to it, though despite the name, wasn’t very bitter.

Once the poutine came, it was time for me to try out the fabled dish for myself. For those unaware, poutine typically consists of fries, gravy, and cheese curds. Different variations exist, but that is the basic formula. As I mentioned, my variation came with duck confit (essentially duck slow roasted in it’s own juices), as well as red cabbage and green onions. The fries were more of sliced, seasoned potatoes, which I believe is different from the norm. I will say this: it was absolutely delicious! The gravy mixed with the potatoes and cheese curds were great, and the green onion and red cabbage added a nice variant, but it was the duck that stood out the most. Extremely tender, full of flavor, it stole the show from this experience. I’m sure to have poutine a few more times during my stay, but this was an excellent first impression.

Before exiting, I ordered a Boréale IPA, a beer brewed in Quebec. Once again, not as bitter as I imagined it would be. Despite being an IPA, it contained a fair amount of malts, which seemed to almost cancel out the hoppiness of the beverage. Its as if the bitterness started to develop, but then it was mellowed before it could hit its peak. Though not my usual type of beer, it’s something I would order again. Throughout my stay at the pub, the staff continued to be very kind towards me, and even made a point to use my name. it made me feel welcomed, and I would recommend the establishment to anyone who comes to Montreal.

Leaving the pub, satisfied with my experience, I ventured back to my hostel. Though I was eager to explore a bit more, I also wanted to conserve my energy for the coming days. I’m looking forward to seeing what else Montreal has to offer!