Le Bureau Bar Tapas

Celebration Day

Let's Party!

Sandra and John's unlikely path to espousal began in 2017 when they were introduced by their common friends, Joy and Eric Grenier. Sandra had bonded with Joy during their court-ordered anger management classes, and John had formed a friendship with Eric while attending a caucus of yuppies with high-octane petrol and alcohol dependencies.&nbsp;Certain that both Sandra and John's multiple disfunctions and smug cynicism made them a good match for each other, Eric and Joy conspired to put the two together during John's visit to Montreal for the 2017 Grand Prix du Canada. Whilst imbibing many pints Sandra became impressed with John's knowledge of no practical application and his parlour trick of remaining upright on his hind legs. John was equally smitten by Sandra's yen for Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones; and her instant recall of the lyrics to the Kiss classic, "Ladies Room".

One can't argue with fate and with the foundation well laid for romance, Sandra and John notched thousands of frequent flyer miles between Montreal and John's then home of Charlotte, North Carolina. Sandra indulged her lust for exotic, impractical shoes and John compelled her to try strange and wonderful food during their many international jaunts. After Sandra safely returned home to Montreal from her first few trips with John, Sandra's mother's fears fueled by Dateline serial-killer/deranged-stalker episodes were eventually quelled. Ignoring practical constraints, extortionate Ticketmaster surcharges and common sense, John and Sandra spent eight years trekking across North America and Europe. Not even a global pandemic could slow them down for long, as John received special permission from the Canadian government to cross the border and then quarantine in order to visit Sandra. The US government was less ardent in maintaining health protocols and Sandra was able to visit North Carolina as her employment and mother's anxieties allowed.

In December of 2021, John moved to Montreal to live in sin with Sandra and following the common-law principle known as "you broke it, you buy it," he proposed in 2024. After all, any romance this hot deserves to be recognized and regulated by government. Sandra will marry John on September 13, 2025 and great rejoicing will occur on September 20 with their families and friends.

The Story So Far

Evidence

Wedding Party

Q + A

Getting Around

Touring Montréal is quite easy. There are numerous taxis along with both Uber and Lyft if you want to go door-to-door while on your visit. Ubers and taxis will be almost identical in fares unless one gets hit with Uber surge pricing. Montréal also has an excellent Metro and Bus system. One can easily purchase a multi-day pass in any Metro station at the automated kiosk. As always, Google Maps is your friend and will get you where you need to go even if it's not always the most efficient route. If you prefer to use your own two feet, Montréal is a very safe city and you'll be fine walking and enjoying the cityscape but do maintain your situational awareness and don't stand too close to the curbs; those bus mirrors extend quite a bit and have thunked quite a few pedestrians on the noggin. Also note all drivers here are absolutely mental and the bicyclists are even worse. In fact, Montréal cyclists will immediately dispel the stereotype that all Canadians are polite and likeable.

Where to Stay

Below you'll find a few of the hotels that Sandra and John recommend if you're visiting from out of town or just want to treat yourself to a Montréal staycation. All of these hotels are located close to areas of town we think you will find interesting; they have easy access to transportation and some are even within walking distance to the big event on Saturday night.

The Hotel Monville is offering a discount for our guests between September 18-22. Use code WEDDING to receive a 25% discount on your room rate. Featuring free WiFi and a sun terrace, Hotel Monville offers pet-friendly accommodations in Montréal, 100 metres from Place d'Armes Metro station. Guests can enjoy cocktails in the on-site bar. Private parking is available on site. Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and features a flat-screen TV. Certain units include a seating area where you can relax. You will find a coffee machine in the room. There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. Museum of Contemporary Art is 400 metres from Hotel Monville, while Notre-Dame Basilica is 500 metres away and just beyond that is the Old Port. The Monville is located in a lively area with nearby restaurants and cafes.

Hôtel Monville

Le Mount Stephen is a stately property embodying the spirit of a sophisticated private club and a luxurious urban haven. Peacefully situated in the heart of Montréal’s Golden Square Mile, this boutique hotel encompasses Lord George Stephen’s sumptuous 19th&nbsp;century mansion and offers rooms, suites, and sky-lofts expertly designed for the most discerning of travellers, but don't confuse this for stuffy. Le Mount Stephen is a splurge but one of our favourites. Even if not staying here we highly recommend you grab brunch and/or cocktails in Bar George or on the terrace. Le Mount Stephen is 420 metres from the Museum of Fine Arts, 550 metres from Bell Center and 900 metres from McGill University. Guest rooms offer complimentary WIFI, a Nespresso machine, mini-bar and flat-screen IPTV, as well as touch panel automated climate, lighting and curtain controls. Marble bathrooms feature heated floors and a rain forest shower head with Chroma lighting therapy. Bar George, restaurant and bar is located on site. Guests can also dine on the outside terrace during the summer months. Shopping along Ste-Catherine Street is only 130 metres from the hotel.

Le Mount Stephen

Designed by Andres Escobar in collaboration with Lemay_id, Humaniti Hotel Montréal is a brilliant combination of human inspiration and innovative architecture. Humaniti Hotel Montréal, Autograph Collection has concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. The property has a seasonal outdoor pool, fitness center, sauna and terrace. All of the hotel rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with US cable channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Humaniti Hotel Montréal, Autograph Collection provides some accommodations with city views, and all rooms include a coffee machine. The rooms have a desk. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy an à la carte breakfast. For guests' convenience, Humaniti Hotel Montréal, Autograph Collection has a business center. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Underground City, Old Port, and Museum of Contemporary Art.

Humaniti Hotel Montreal Autograph Collection

The Vogue is also a worthy splurge in the heart of the Golden Square Mile, one of Montréal’s most elegant districts. The Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown is steps from famous St. Catherine and Crescent streets, where a world of luxury boutiques, culinary delights and the architectural "marvels" of Sherbrooke Street West and beyond await. Relax after a busy day in the hotel’s modern and spacious rooms, which feature a state-of-the-art air and water filtration system, before heading out to enjoy the city’s diverse nightlife. Vogue Hotel is just 50 metres from Ste-Catherine Street. It features free WiFi, a fitness center and rooms with flat-screen TVs. An iPod docking station and a mini-bar are provided in each room. The classic rooms feature a marble bath with good water pressure (Sandra tested and approved). A work desk and a coffee maker are also available. The newly renovated hotel offers in-room spa services and free coffee &amp; tea service. Child and pet care services are available, as well as a spacious business center. Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton, a Curio Collection by Hilton property is less than 10 minutes' walk from Peel Metro Station and is 100 metres from bars and restaurants on Crescent Street. It is 10 minutes' drive to Old Port Montreal.

Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton

Located in Old Port Montréal, only steps from many attractions, this historic hotel offers European elegance, along with an extensive selection of on-site dining options. Each of the rooms include a down comforter, modern bathroom facilities and flat-screen TV. The rooms benefit from large windows which offer natural light and some rooms have views of Old Montréal. Hotel Nelligan features 24-hour concierge services to arrange anything from babysitting services to concert tickets. Guests can also work out in the fitness center, then relax with a massage. A metro station is conveniently less than 10 minutes' walk from the hotel. During the summer months, you can relax on the 5th floor at Terrasse Nelligan with cocktails, a refreshing menu and a breathtaking view of the Old Port.

Hotel Nelligan

Allons-Y

There's so much to do in Montréal we can't possibly list it all here but this site provides some excellent guidance.

Montréal

Get Cultured

There's a deep arts culture here in Montréal that mirrors its history. A Francophone city par excellence in an essentially English-speaking country, Montréal surprises through its uniqueness, which is best reflected in the city's artistic and cultural landscape. What we see today in Montréal in terms of arts and culture is the product of the age-old confrontation between its two principle communities, representatives of two powerful nations: Great Britain and France. For more than two centuries, these two communities - the Anglophones and the Francophones - have asserted their domination in turns depending on the position each held in the economic, social and political life of the city at a given time. Although their coexistence was not always peaceful, these two ethnic groups with opposite life styles and outlooks have each contributed in its own way to shaping the face of the city.

Arsenal is an modern arts gallery near our home in Griffintown. The unusual exhibitions are not curated to focus on any one particular style. Exhibits change frequently so have a look at their site to see what's happening during your visit to Montréal .

Arsenal art contemporain Montréal

Check out the Pounding the Pavement exhibit of 400 images showcasing the growth and change of Montréal from the 19th century through today.

McCord Stewart Museum

If your head isn't already pounding on Sunday morning, why not join a hippie drum circle in the park? It's a beloved and fragrant Montréal tradition.

Les Tam-tams

Montreal Insectarium

Have you ever wanted the thrill of driving heavy equipment like an asphalt paver? No? Neither has anyone else in Montréal. Tax dollars are used in abundance to decorate Montréal's streets with traffic cones and detour signs but that's as far as it goes.

Fill A Pothole

Any visit to Montréal would be incomplete without a stroll through the Old Port of Montreal. The history of the old port dates as far back as 1611 when French fur traders used the port along the Saint Lawrence as a trading post. Today its cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and restaurants nestled in some of North America's most beautiful preserved architecture.

Visit Old Montréal (Old Port)

Allons Manger!

You will be overwhelmed by how many enticing dining venues Montreal has. Here we've provided a list of some of our personal favourites and suggest you make a reservation and give these a try.

While you enjoy shopping in Downtown Montréal you're likely to need a quick bite, or a drink, or both. The Time Out Market has you covered. There's over a dozen stands to get you refueled and ready to go again. No reservations are necessary at this popular food court.

Time Out Market Montréal

There's nothing artsy-fartsy about our favourite chain of breakfast joints. Canadian cuisine is well-cooked at this restaurant.&nbsp;L'Oeufrier&nbsp;offers good&nbsp;bacon,&nbsp;20 variations of eggs benedict, an assortment of poutines&nbsp;and&nbsp;grilled potatoes. They also serve the best coffee and smoothies in the city. Go here when you need to fill a hole and recover from a late night out. Reservations aren't necessary but depending upon the location and the hour you may wait as long as 30 minutes to be seated.

L'Oeufrier

Whilst traipsing about Le Plateau pop into Le Réservoir, a charming microbrewery, for a pint. Their craft stout is a favourite of John and the rooftop deck offers a fantastic view of one of Montreal's funkiest neighbourhoods. Le Réservoir also offers a great burger on their menu. Be sure to check out the murals on the surrounding streets during your visit.

Réservoir - Brasseur

Also topping our list of favourite places for breakfast, Bar George offers a more refined set of options for brunch and a full bar at all times. Set in the 140 year old mansion of Scottish tycoon, Sir George Stephen, you'll love the old-world details like stained glass and the exquisite woodwork. Indulge in the Boudin Noir Benedict, decadent Pain Perdu, or fill up with the Full English. Order a bottle of champagne. You'll be ready for a nap after brunch.

Bar George

As French peasant tradition has it: "Tout est bon dans le cochon"—meaning all parts of the pig can be cooked—an approach this Maple Country restaurant embraces. Here, they make no bones about serving offal (andouillette, calf sweetbreads, beef tripe—all top quality) as a starter, for example. An entire section of the menu is dedicated to foie gras, one of the house specialties. There is also plenty of variety: trout from the lakes of La Mauricie National Park with wild mushrooms; scallop quenelle with chicken sauce and mussels. Finish with the famous pouding chômeur—the province's emblematic "poor man's pudding." The energy in the open kitchen during the dinner rush is palpable.

Au Pied de Cochon

Even just walking past this place you get a taste of the cheerful atmosphere and bonhomie that reign inside. Steaks and seafood, as well as incontrovertible French bistro classics (such as rabbit à la royale and calf sweetbreads) take pole position here. And be sure to add that extra portion of fries on the side. This indulgent cuisine is best enjoyed with your sleeves rolled up—little wonder they provide you with a napkin the size of a sheet. Proceedings are orchestrated with discreet efficiency, warmth, and good humor.

Joe Beef

Liverpool House is Joe Beef's sister restaurant, conveniently located right next door. Although some of the recipes are shared with Joe Beef, the Liverpool House focuses more on seasonal and seafood dishes served with Québécois flair. This is where we go when we want to treat ourselves but stay within our neighbourhood. The offerings change weekly but are always perfectly prepared and to make things even better you can add foie gras to almost anything. Sit in the back bar with the shuckers. Follow your server's advice and let them pair your wine and food courses and you will roll out fat and happy.

Liverpool House

A classic address that has been a mainstay on Montréal 's restaurant scene for over 30 years. Chef-owner Normand Laprise and his team take full advantage of&nbsp;Québec's seasonal terroir to put together their generous dishes. Their solidly traditional cuisine looks primarily to French gastronomy, with the occasional foray into Italian territory. Dinner takes the form of a seven-course tasting menu; at lunchtime, the varied menu features classics such as oyster gratin, beef tartare, and duck leg. The attractive glass-paned wine cellar sets the tone: the establishment has more than 700 wines ready to be uncorked. Toqué! features some of the best service in Montréal .

Toqué!

Located in Little Italy, this top-flight wine bar is an absolute cornerstone of the Montreal scene. At the helm, Vanya Filipovic and Marc-Olivier Frappier, ardent lovers of food and wine, run this establishment which exudes a singular energy. Reservations open 30 days in advance and are snapped up in the blink of an eye. The name pays tribute to Jura wine producer Jean-François Ganevat, famous for calling all his friends "mon lapin" ("my rabbit"). The concise menu lists around 15 dishes for sharing, all made with fine products: meats matured on the premises, ultra-fresh fish, house-made pasta, and delicious sorbets. The wine cellar is made up of bottles from small producers, with a lot of natural wines. Mon Lapin frequently tops "best of" lists from around the world. Check it out if you can get in.

Vin Mon Lapin

You know John's not going to have a list without at least one sushi restaurant on it and this is his go-to in Montréal. In the Westmount neighborhood, Chef-owner Antonio Park serves up vibrant and balanced Japanese/South American fusion cuisine. To the sound of 80s pop, diners tuck into dishes such as precisely cooked suzuki accompanied by fragrant chimichurri and maitake mushrooms, or a selection of tuna sushi with specialty condiments: bluefin tuna with daikon steeped in yuzu, marinated jalapeño albacore, longfin tuna with ginger flower... This is an extensive and mouthwatering menu, that is also available as an omakase experience in the evening, for a culinary voyage with stopovers in Japan and Argentina. Do the omakase, you cannot go wrong.

Park

Here in the Plateau Mont-Royal, this historic bistro has been serving happy diners for several decades. Founded by theater enthusiasts, it has become a must for night owls (last orders at 12:30am). A large Parisian-style counter lit by Art Deco lamps, burgundy walls, mirrors, and black-and-white tiles make for an inviting decor. The handwritten menu promises culinary authenticity. Chef Jean-François Vachon masters the French classics: celery remoulade, chicken liver pâté, smoked herring, beef tartare, veal kidney in mustard sauce, and grilled salmon with lentils and spinach. For dessert, don't miss the maple profiteroles and the île flottante with caramel. Smiling and efficient service along with carefully selected Burgundy wines and&nbsp;Québec&nbsp;vintages complete the experience.

L'Express

Tipples and Nightlife

Montréal is truly a city for the bon-vivant and has no shortage of entertainment after the sun goes down. Here's a brief list of some places to consider.

Cloakroom has won numerous awards for good reason. This cozy speakeasy focuses on classics with a few modern twists. Tucked away in a tailor shop in the Golden Square Mile, Cloakroom offers a selection of vintage spirits and house-made tinctures, amaros and liqueurs. Cloakroom's history includes it being the place of John and Sandra's first unchaperoned meeting.

Cloakroom

Le Mal Necessaire also follows the classic cocktail with modern flair model and has recently moved to a new and larger location. It still offers an intimate vibe with plush velvet booths while offering the city's best versions from tiki canon.

Bar Le Mal Nécessaire

Bar Bisou Bisou is a newish arrival on the Montréal cocktails scene and betters rival bars in the Old Port. Locals need to give this one a go as it's not geared purely to the visiting tourist. This stylish&nbsp;Mediterranean-style&nbsp;aperitivo&nbsp;bar in Old Montréal is wrapped in stone walls, whitewashed brick and colourful tiles. It’s the place to go for sherry, vermouth, amari and all manner of fortified wines. Sip them by the glass or mixed in a low-proof cocktail.

Bar Bisou Bisou

Tucked in a basement in the heart of Le Plateau: hipsters, wine, scotch and jazz. Cool, daddy-o.

Diese Onze Live Jazz Bar

Upstairs is another great spot to catch live jazz and sip a civilized beverage. Upstairs is a downtown venue that features internationally acclaimed artists as well as local groups formed by university students. Check the schedule in advance and reserve seats for your choice of sets.

Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill

Le Bureau is our local living room and favourite watering hole. It's the convivial nexus of our Griffintown community and features craft cocktails, assorted tapas bites and a proper pour of Guinness. Hopefully you'll come to love it like we do when you join us for our celebration here on September 20.

Bands in Town will keep you up to date on any shows and concerts over the weekend.

Sandra + John

Sandra + John

S&J

Celebration Day