Hello From Montreal - Part 4 Dining And A Bit Of Jazz At Modavie
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Vacations.
Hello from Montreal - Part 4: Dining and Jazz at Modavie
Dining and Jazz at Modavie
June 29, 2006
After exploring Montreal by car, I was eager to experience the city on foot, starting with Old Montreal (Vieux Montreal). Just five minutes from my hotel, I found Place d'Armes, a historic square anchored by the stunning Basilica of Notre Dame. From there, I wandered east on rue de Notre Dame to Place Jacques Cartier, Montreal's main square. The area, rich with historic architecture, boasted numerous restaurants and the exquisite Montreal City Hall, a Second Empire architectural gem overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
As someone with a European heritage, I appreciated the old-world charm of Montreal's cobblestone streets. Place Jacques Cartier buzzed with activity?"vendors selling flowers and souvenirs, artists painting portraits, and restaurant terraces filled with people enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Continuing my walk, I reached Marché Bonsecours, a former public market turned arts and crafts space. The late evening sun gleamed off its silver dome, setting the tone for a beautiful evening.
On St-Paul Street, one of Montreal’s oldest streets, I found my dinner destination: Modavie Restaurant. Located at 1 St-Paul Street in a historic building at the corner of St-Laurent and St-Paul, Modavie was the perfect spot for a memorable meal. I had the chance to chat with Christine, the manager, to learn more about this charming restaurant.
Modavie is part of a collection of restaurants and hotels owned by the Antonopoulos family, who have been pivotal in revitalizing Old Montreal. Their hospitality portfolio includes the Restaurant de Vieux-Port, the Hotel Nelligan, and more. Interestingly, there are two Modavie locations: one in Old Montreal and another on Montreal’s South Shore.
The building, dating back to the 1890s, was originally an inn for sailors. Its name, derived from "mode de vie" or "lifestyle," reflects its vibrant atmosphere. Situated near Montreal’s waterfront and a short distance from the Science Centre and Cirque du Soleil, Modavie offers prime seating for the fireworks displays in the port area. I was fortunate to be seated at one of the best tables, renowned for romantic proposals, with a splendid view.
The Mediterranean-style decor, brimming with warm wood tones, creates an inviting atmosphere. Christine showed me the wine cellar, which boasts over 1,000 bottles from around the world, including a Canadian wine from Ontario.
Christine emphasized Modavie’s welcoming environment, largely due to the staff’s attention to detail. Having worked there for seven years, she started as a waitress at 18 and rose to become the manager of this 100-seat restaurant. Over the years, the menu has evolved from simple sandwiches and pizza to more refined options.
A unique attraction of Modavie is its live jazz music, performed daily. That evening, the Greg Clayton Trio set the mood, their tunes drawing a steady stream of diners until the restaurant was filled to capacity.
While chatting with Christine, I enjoyed perusing the menu, starting with a warm goat cheese salad drizzled with almond, peach, and mango vinaigrette. This was followed by ravishing ravioli stuffed with Portobello mushrooms in a tomato and mascarpone sauce. Christine delighted me with a surprise dessert: a "crepe baluchon" with pears, perfectly concluding the meal.
Modavie attracts a diverse clientele. In summer, it's popular with Canadians, Americans, and Mexicans. Fall brings European travelers, while winter sees many conventioneers and visitors from Germany. Lunchtime is favored by local lawyers from nearby courthouses, with a daily menu of soup or salad, main dish, and coffee for a reasonable C$15.95.
In a prime location, Modavie offers a delightful blend of delicious dining and charming ambiance. Although my packed schedule meant I couldn’t linger, it was the perfect introduction to dining in Old Montreal. Next on my agenda was a Montreal Ghost Tour, but I left Modavie with a satisfied palate and a heart full of music.
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