MONTREAL THIS WEEK: Spring weather, a new sandwich shop, 'Baby Reindeer' and more

What's up, Montreal? Ilana from MTL Blog here! 👋

Welcome to the first edition of a new weekly series we're kicking off. Published every Monday, Montreal This Week (MTW) will serve as a hub for the most important things you need to know to survive the seven days ahead. Wait, I actually think this is an opportunity for me to set you up for success so let me try that again... MTW will serve as a hub with everything you need to crush the seven days ahead. There, that's better. We're all learning as we go here, okay?

We'll have the weather, top stories, restaurant recommendations, job postings and more.

The layout and categories may shift as I experiment in the coming weeks, but I hope you'll join me on this journey as we mine Montreal for the best and brightest gems it has to offer, week after week.

THINGS TO KNOW

😎 IT'S TERRASSE SEASON, BABY!
While each borough has different rules, Monday marks the first official day that businesses in the Plateau-Mont-Royal can open their terrasses. Keep your eyes peeled for outdoor tables and overhead awnings because — depending on weather — restaurant and bar terrasses across the city will likely be operational within the next few weeks.

🏒 A NEW HAB HITS THE ICE
The Habs are playing their final games of the season against the Detroit Red Wings on Monday and Tuesday. Despite ranking last in the Atlantic Division, without any shot at the playoffs, there is something exciting to look forward to: Touted prospect Lane Hutson is expected to make his NHL debut. Habs Eyes on the Prize is calling it "the most anticipated Montreal Canadiens debut since Cole Caufield."

🌟 CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS
If you're into chasing stars (the human kind, that is), there's no need to travel to Hollywood. On the heels of Blake Lively's visit last month, Montreal is currently hosting actor and comedian Eric Wareheim — and he's sharing his food diaries on social media as he eats his way through town. More into rap music than comedy? Nicki Minaj takes the stage at the Bell Centre on Wednesday as part of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour.

WEATHER

Despite The Weather Network's claims that almost every province could see snow this week, it's looking like Montrealers will be spared. Phew! Gear up for a daytime weekly high of 14 degrees on Thursday and a low of zero degrees on Saturday night. On the bright side, we shouldn't see any temperatures below zero.

☀️ Wednesday is likely your best day to be outside if you're looking for pure sunshine.
☔ Bring an umbrella on Thursday and Friday.
💨 Breathe easy! Air quality is currently sitting at a "low risk" level two.

You can find the full 7-day forecast on the Environment Canada website. Predictions are subject to frequent change.

STAFF PICKS

🍽️ WHAT TO EAT & DRINK

Bella Sandwicheria

"Bossa's done it again, but this time with their newest sandwich spot Bella. Located in Montreal's Le Cathcart, Bella Sandwicheria is already taking the city's food scene by storm, serving up fresh Italian-inspired sandwiches. For first-timers, the Carolina is a must-try. Made up of truffle and mushroom spread, fennel salami, truffle pecorino, arugula and a fresh lemon vinaigrette, you'll be in sandwich heaven — I kid you not. Another go-to is the Teresa — packed with pesto, fried eggplants, smoked caciocavallo and Teresa's famous tomato sauce. Who is Teresa exactly? I'm not sure. But I can eat her sauce for the rest of my life." — Mike Chaar, Assistant Editor, MTL Blog

Le Super Qualité

"At Le Super Qualité in La Petite-Patrie, you can expect quick seating even when there's a line (and there often is, because it's so popular). The spot serves shareable South Indian favourites, like dosas and thali plates. Their homemade lime soda is a crisp counterpoint to the spicy dishes. The setting is simple and energetic, ideal for a meal out with friends where the focus is on good food and quick service. If you're after an uncomplicated meal that will leave you full, this restaurant fits the bill." — Sofia Misenheimer, Associate Editor, MTL Blog

👀 WHAT TO WATCH

Baby Reindeer (Netflix)

"I binged all seven episodes of this limited series in one day. To be fair, they're only about 30 to 40 minutes each, but I probably would've done the same had they been longer. Based on a play of the same name, and a true story, Baby Reindeer follows the codependent relationship between a struggling comedian and his female stalker. Drawing comparisons to Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag, this show delivers on all fronts, combining the suspense of true crime with powerful, dramatic moments — and, believe it or not, there are plenty of laughs along the way. Be warned that the series delves into difficult and possibly triggering subject matter, such as harassment and sexual assault. However, I was thoroughly impressed by the show's ability to handle complex topics with delicacy and nuance while still remaining extremely raw." — Ilana Belfer, Senior Writer, MTL Blog (that's me, in case you've forgotten)

🎲 WHAT TO DO

• Play bingo (Saturday at Café Le Cheval): Want to take a break from the bars and potentially win money instead of spending it? Why not try your luck at Café Le Cheval's bingo night where prizes range from $50 to $300? 💸 — IB
  • BINGO NIGHT DETAILS & TICKETS
• Dance at a spring party (Saturday at Turbo Haüs): "Put your flowy dress on and come sway to your favourite witchy girls of music," reads the event description. "We're about to get our herbs out and spread white magic on the dance floor. Four hours of alt-pop and girl-pop with the best hippie, witchy, spring vibes! Mood is 70s chick with daisies in our hair." Bring the moves and they'll bring the tunes by artists including Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey and Fleetwood Mac. 🪩 — IB
  • SPRING WITCHES DANCE PARTY DETAILS & TICKETS
• Shop for vinyl (Saturday): Record Store Day is coming this weekend, which means local record stores will be stocked with exclusive releases by bands including The Tragically Hip and Sum 41. 🎧 — SM
  • FIND A PARTICIPATING RECORD STORE
• Watch a sunset: If you have cosmic fever after the eclipse, you aren't alone. While not exactly the same, Montreal sunsets can serve as a close second. Get comfy at your favourite lookout point in time for golden hour and watch the dusk settle. The sun sets at 7:40 p.m. on Monday and then gets later by one to two minutes each day, setting at 7:47 p.m. on Sunday. 🌇 — MC
• READ ABOUT MTL'S BEST SUNSET SPOT

JOB SPOTLIGHT

Canada Post van in Montreal.Meunierd | Dreamstime

Canada Post is looking to hire 170 on-call letter carriers in the Montreal area — no French required. You'll be paid $22.68/hour to sort and prepare the day's mail, then load up your Canada Post vehicle and drive around making deliveries. Note that you need a valid Class 5 or Class G driver's licence with a safe driving record for at least three years. Apply by April 30.

APPLY HERE

ICYMI: Last week's top story

McGill University is outshining more Ivy League schools in a new global ranking

McGill University in the spring.Derek Robbins | Dreamstime

Watch out, Harvard! This year's global report card from Quacquarelli Symonds shows McGill University moving up in the World University Rankings by subject.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

POLL

A slight majority of you voted that Montreal should not become its own sovereign city-state. If you're curious about the reasoning behind people's votes, head to X (formerly Twitter) to read the replies.

PUB TRIVIA (AT HOME)

Brought to you by Quizmaster Brian

🤔 What's a slang term for a vape pen?
💡 Hint: BIC + Diddy

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.