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| - For three days prior to my trip to Montreal, I debated whether to purchase a ticket to this popular walking food tour. Would it be worth the 3-hour walk? Would I like all of the stops? Would it just be best to venture out on my own?
And then on the train ride to Montreal, after reading 3 travel blogs that sang the tour's praises, I reserved the second-to-last ticket on the Mile End food tour on Thursday. And I am so very glad that I did.
Our group of 13 was led by Vera, a fun, animated woman of Brazilian origin with a big voice and a bigger personality. The tour consisted of stops at 7 local restaurants and shops, including the famous St. Viateur Bagels for a taste of Montreal's finest (claimed to be best in the world; will let you know when I try New Jersey's) and the summer favorite Kem Coba for a raspberry and lemon sorbet and ice cream. Along the way, Vera gave us a history lesson on the eclectic little neighborhood of Mile End, regaling us with stories about its founding and the diverse communities that have made it the weird and wonderful gem that it is. My favorite stop was at the Drogheria Fine, where we were welcomed with fresh, handmade gnocchi, topped with a handmade marinara sauce, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and served in a Chinese takeout box. Heaven. (And this coming from a girl who isn't all that crazy about gnocchi).
Everything on and about the tour was fantastic. Besides really great food and having an excellent guide, the group itself - made up of first-time and repeat visitors from all over the U.S. - was also just a fun bunch.
Highly recommend this one for an authentic Montreal foodie experience!
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