Hello From Montreal - Part 8 - Mexican Delights At La Iguana And A Peak At The Montreal Jazz Festival
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Vacations.
Exploring Montreal: Mexican Flavors at La Iguana and the Vibrant Jazz Festival
Date: June 30, 2006
Montreal is known for its vibrant neighborhoods and cultural events, and the Plateau area is one of its trendiest spots. After exploring Old Montreal, I set out to discover more of this lively area.
I started my journey by taking the subway from Place d'Armes to Sherbrooke and found myself strolling through the charming St-Denis neighborhood. This area is quintessential Montreal, bustling with street cafés, unique boutiques, and a lively atmosphere.
The residential streets here are lined with iconic Montreal duplexes and triplexes, featuring those famous exterior staircases. Many homes boast small balconies adorned with bistro tables, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.
As I wandered west on rue Roy, I stumbled upon La Iguana, a cozy Mexican restaurant with a charming outdoor seating area. Having developed a taste for authentic Mexican food during a recent trip to Mexico, I couldn't resist stepping inside.
I settled at a table with a great view, just as a tropical storm rolled in?"my third one of the day. Curious about the restaurant's story, I invited Fred Saunders, co-owner of La Iguana with his wife Julie Chiasson, to join me for a chat.
Fred shared their journey of falling in love with Mexico during numerous trips, enjoying places like Acapulco, Ixtapa, and Cozumel. Both avid scuba divers, Fred and Julie turned their passion into a dream: opening La Iguana three years ago. Now, it’s a popular spot known for its lively Cuban music and a unique dining experience.
La Iguana also offers catering and musician rental services, drawing a diverse crowd. Recently, they hosted the British racing team visiting for the Montreal Grand Prix, who raved about the food.
Despite its small size, seating just 64, La Iguana’s popularity often means turning away guests, prompting plans for expansion. A new downtown location is in the works, set to open next spring. It promises to be larger, featuring a grill, authentic artifacts from the Mexican Embassy, live iguanas, and parrots to enhance the atmosphere.
Fred proudly talked about their menu, highlighting dishes like ceviche and their signature Camarones Acapulco?"giant shrimp in garlic butter, flambéed with Grand Marnier. Their selection of 35 privately imported tequilas adds an exclusive touch to their offerings.
Eager to sample the cuisine, I ordered the La Iguana Special, a platter that beautifully showcased their culinary flair. Fred surprised me with their signature Shrimps Acapulco, and I indulged in their delicious fried ice cream for dessert.
After enjoying the delicious food and lively music, I thanked Fred and ventured into the warm summer night. I walked along Boulevard St. Laurent, soaking in the bustling nightlife, before heading to the famous Montreal Jazz Festival.
Celebrating its 27th year, the festival is a cornerstone event, featuring over 400 concerts, mostly free. Renowned artists like B.B. King, Ray Charles, and Ella Fitzgerald have graced its stages. Tonight, the streets were alive with crowds enjoying the rhythmic beats of Afrodizz, Montreal’s top Afrobeat group.
With the vibrant music echoing in my mind, I returned to my hotel, excited for the next day's adventures, including an early morning bicycle tour of this captivating city.
For more insights and photos, visit [Travel and Transitions](http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/montreal_laiguana_jazzfestival.htm).
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Hello From Montreal - Part 8 - Mexican Delights At La Iguana And A Peak At The Montreal Jazz Festival.
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