Summer has finally arrived in Montreal, which means nice sunny days, parks, and wanderlust in different neighborhoods. Recently, I went on a food tour organized by the Spade & Palacio Tours with my mother. This tour company is co-owned by Danny Pavlopoulos and Anne-Marie Palacio, whom are both licensed tour guides. Two Montrealers who are passionate about the city and love to show it. The tour was not touristy at all, which explains the 5 stars review on TripAdvisor! Been living in Montreal for 5 years, I’ve learned a lot about Montreal more than just food within few hours.
The meeting point, which is also the first stop of the tour, was at Los Planes. It’s very close to the Jean-Talon market, serving delicious pupusas, which is a traditional Salvadoran dish made of a thick, handmade corn tortilla and filled with pork, black beans, and cheese.
It was served with plain pupusa, and Anne-Marie taught us the correct way of eating it. Don’t be afraid to top with a lot of coleslaw, drizzle the homemade tomato sauce, and some hot sauce if you like some spiciness. It was absolutely delicious! The tour definitely started on a high note!
After the pupusa, we walked to the Jean-Talon Market. It wasn’t my first time there. However, thanks to Anne-Marie, I actually discovered few stores that I would’ve never walked in or noticed it.
For example, the Cochons Tout Ronds, which is a vendor that I passed by all the time, but was too shy to stop by because I didn’t know where to start. Every part of the pig isn’t wasted at Cochons Tout Ronds.
After a round of charcuteries sampling, time for some beer and cheese pairings at Brasserie Harricana. It’s an interesting concept as wine and cheese gets boring, maybe it’s time for the new era of beer and cheese.
How can one missed Dispatch coffee when you are in the Mile-Ex? It’s one of my favorite cafe in town, who also roasts their own beans! Grab a coffee, sit at the patio, and enjoy the sun!
Another must in summer? Picnic! Not to mention the famous Southern fried chicken, Dinette Triple Crown is also known for their picnic basket during summer. Ending the trip with a picnic was definitely chill and fun, especially it was such a nice sunny day!
My mother and I had a great time with Anne-Marie, as well as Danny, whom joined us towards the end after his bike tour. What I loved about the tour was that it was more than just a food crawl. They are very knowledgeable, and certainly knows the neighborhood well. I’ve also learned a lot of histories and heard stories about the neighborhood. While walking from points to points, we would always see someone saying hi or waving at Anne-Marie, from her neighbors to previous clients! It was definitely not the typical city tour that I’ve joined. They went far and beyond the market.
Spade & Palacio Tours
Tel: +1 (514) 806-3263
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