Whatever you got up to — perhaps celebrating Star Wars Day or looking for new grocery stores to shop at while you boycott Loblaw Companies Ltd. — I hope this week is even better and even brighter, especially compared to Sunday's windy, chilly downpours. After all, it's our first full week of May in 2024, so let's enjoy it!
THINGS TO KNOW
🗓️ DON'T FORGET MOM
Mother's Day is coming up on May 12. Take this as your reminder to find a gift or plan an activity for this Sunday — whether you take your mom out for brunch, head to the theatre or relax at a spa. Need help deciding what to do? We've got your back with this
list of 11 ideas. If Mother's Day is a difficult time for you (or someone you know), Rebecca Soffer, author of The Modern Loss Handbook: An Interactive Guide to Moving Through Grief and Building Your Resilience, shared coping strategies with NPR, which may help provide some solace.
🌷 CHERRY BLOSSOMS, MAGNOLIAS & TULIPS — OH MY!
More flower updates because it's hard not to be obsessed with the gorgeous blooms painting the town pink. Cherry blossoms are pretty much at peak with the cherry trees at the Botanical Garden looking absolutely gorgeous right now. Vankleek Hill Tulip Fields and Tulipes.ca also announced that the opening date for U-pick tulip fields near Montreal would be May 7. You still have time before the crabapples reach their peak. Plan a trip to this enchanting apple blossom alleyway in Longueuil so you don't miss them.
🥩 DRAKE, KENDRICK & MONTREAL
Montreal has been dragged into some serious rapper beef. Drake, known for his allegiance to his
hometown of Toronto, mentioned our city in his latest diss track against Kendrick Lamar. The former collaborators, both hip hop heavyweights, have been feuding on and off since 2013, culminating in a recent onslaught of reciprocal diss tracks in which they
accuse each other of everything from not writing their own lyrics to liking underage girls to being deadbeat dads. Montrealers were quick to respond to the shout-out on X (formerly Twitter) with posts like, "DRAKE LEAVE MONTREAL OUT OF THIS MAN WTF" by @trademarkAsh. Others speculated as to who Drake's "Montreal connects" could be with @FoxRoxB suggesting Denis Coderre riding a BIXI in a Habs jersey.
WEATHER
The first full week of May is expected to include a few super nice weather days — one of them being Mother's Day (woo hoo!) but you should also plan for cool evenings and some rain. Predictions suggest a weekly high of 20 degrees on Tuesday and weekly low of 3 degrees Wednesday night. Cheers to seeing nothing in the negatives!
☀️ Tuesday seems like the nicest day this week with pure sun and a high of 20 C. Thursday and Sunday are also looking good with a mix of sun and clouds, and highs of 17 C and 19 C, respectively.
☔ Bring an umbrella with you Wednesday. On Saturday, there's a 30% chance of showers.
💨 As of Monday,
Air Quality was sitting at a "low risk" level two, expected to go down to an even lower risk of level one Tuesday night.
You can find the full seven-day forecast on the Environment Canada website. Predictions are subject to frequent change.
STAFF PICKS
Your guide to #NoFomo.
🍽️ WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
Artichoke and Crispy Speck Pizza from NO.900
"I've been dreaming about this pizza since writing about it last week. I mean, who wouldn't want to try the pie that came third in the world at an international pizza competition in Italy? Rumour has it, Italians know a thing or two about the stuff. Even though the version available here is slightly modified, it still sounds super delicious. Made with two different approaches to artichoke — puréed and grilled — as well as crispy speck (cured, smoked ham) sourced locally from Quebec, and then topped with parsley oil and ricotta salata, the Artichoke and Crispy Speck Pizza from NO.900 is definitely a winner, whether in Parma or Montreal. It's only going to be on the menu for a limited time, which means the time to taste it is now. FYI Montreal pizza lovers, you also only have one day left to partake in this year's La Pizza Week." — Ilana Belfer, Senior Writer, MTL Blog (moi!)
Sushi from Yubari
"Montrealers can experience Tokyo in the heart of Old Montreal at Yubari, a chic new Japanese restaurant in Hôtel St. Paul. Their menu boasts classic Japanese dishes like a stunning sashimi platter with salmon, fresh tuna, yellowtail, and mackerel, alongside exceptional rolls like the Signature Yubari maki and a mixed nigiri plate. The new Montreal restaurant is decorated with signature wagasa umbrellas, dim lighting and leopard print seating for an added sultry touch. Not to mention the woodwork is reminiscent of traditional Japanese architecture." — Mike Chaar, Assistant Editor, MTL Blog
🛍️ WHAT TO BUY
Plus-size vintage clothes at Thiick Witch market
"A new Montreal market dedicated to plus-size, vintage, and alternative fashion, is launching this week. Hosted by Mala MTL and The Overlooked, Thiick Witch will have one of the largest selections of plus-size fashion in the city. Sizes will range from XL to 6X, and the market will feature personal styling services, jewelry, and other original items from local creatives. Tarot readings and tattooing will also be available on site." — Sofia Misenheimer, Editor, MTL Blog
🎲 WHAT TO DO
- Montreal Sketchfest (Now through Saturday at Théâtre Sainte-Catherine): There's still time to catch some of the best short-form scripted comedy performances the city has to offer. This annual celebration of sketch comedy, launched in 2009, features troupes from all over the world, performing in both French and English, who will undoubtedly tickle your funny bone. The Best of the Fest show, a grand finale of sorts, is set to take place Saturday at 11 p.m.
- Dinosaur World Live Puppet Show (Tuesday at Place des Arts): Fun for the whole family, this puppet show coming to Théâtre Maisonneuve for one night only brings life-like dinosaurs to the stage to entertain, educate and immerse you in natural history. "You can catch a prehistoric puppet show by world-renowned performers that's for all ages," writes MTL Blog contributor Will Prince about the event. "The international smash hit brings the giant creatures of the past to life on stage and tell an unforgettable story."
- Japan Week (Now through Sunday): Montreal's fourth annual Japan Week (Semaine Japon) takes place this week. It aims to "showcase over 40 local businesses including restaurants like Juni and Neotokyo Ramen, along with boutiques like Kyoto Fleurs and Manga Lounge, offering Montrealers a taste of Japanese culture and cuisine without leaving the city. The festival features cultural activities, delicious Japanese desserts, traditional teas, and even a pup parade," writes Mike Chaar about the festival. Stand-out events include the Chibi Japanese Market being held on the Osmo x Marusan terrasse this weekend and the Shiba and Akita gathering on May 11, with more than 200 dogs taking part.
- Tam-Tams (Sunday at Mount Royal Park): Tam-Tams season officially kicked off on May 1. With the weather looking great this Sunday, why not start May off strong with one of Montreal's most iconic spring and summer traditions. Meet up with fellow drummers, dancers, picnickers and stoners at the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Monument for a Sunday Funday to remember — or not remember, depending on your party preferences.
JOB SPOTLIGHT
Montreal buses being serviced at the STM maintenance centre.Société de transport de Montréal
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is hiring for a number of positions across the city, ranging from HVAC to security to bus and metro operations. You could earn more than $40 an hour — not to mention the competitive benefits and pension plan.
ICYMI: Last week's top story
Part of downtown Montreal has magically morphed into 1980s San Diego (PHOTOS)
Huge palm trees roped off with caution tape along Sainte-Catherine East. Right: New storefronts and signage from '80s San Diego in the Montreal Village.Sofia Misenheimer | MTL Blog, Village Montreal | Facebook
Do you think the Montreal Village could pass for 1980s San Diego? The production team for the movie Mayday, starring Ryan Reynolds, certainly must think so because they're using our city as their set. Check out these behind-the-scenes photos from the ongoing film shoot. While you're at it, head to the two local food spots that Reynolds' wife, Blake Lively, fangirled over during a recent visit.
POLL
Forget Justin Trudeau and François Legault. Thirty-one percent of you said you'd want to elect Canada's Drag Race finalist and Cabaret Mado legend Rita Baga as Prime Minister of Quebec. That said, this was a close one, with Arnaud Soly, Marianna Mazza and Olivier Primeau following close behind in the polls. Head to X (formerly Twitter) to join the conversation.
PUB TRIVIA (AT HOME)
Brought to you by Quizmaster Brian
🎉 Last answer: Rain
🤔 Next question:
Complete the missing song lyric...
"Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called _________ ."
Tune in next week for the answer and a new question!
Thanks for reading Montreal This Week. What did you like (or dislike) about today's edition? And what other information do you need to start your week off right? You can reach me with all feedback at ilana.belfer@mtlblog.com.
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