How do I write about cheese without sounding cheesy? I can't. So I'm not going to try, except for to say that if you enjoy wine and cheese, or adore double cream brie unto its gloriously fattening self, then you may want to visit this fromagerie on Bernard street. It is fantastic, and the whole experience of selecting and tasting and trying to talk intellectually about cheeses for a good ten minutes will convince you that you are indeed a cheese connoisseur; "Hi, yes, I'd like that assertive Stanser Rotelli I had the last time, you know, the aged, creamy one." Ohhhhh yes. That will be you. 

I always visit this store when I am on Bernard. My boyfriend and I purchase two or three different cheeses, and then he visits Premiere Moisson for fresh bread (although there are also plenty of gourmet crackers and flatbreads available at Yannick) while I go and drool over the items at Moutarde Decor. If we need fruit or meat for a charcuterie platter, we visit Les 5 Saisons, the cutest fine grocery store in Outremont.  And there you go... the perfect Sunday. 

Yannick Fromagerie   |   1218 Avenue Bernard   |   Montréal, QC   |

(514) 279-9376

www.yannickfromagerie.ca

photo credit: Jean Longpré

While I am nothing close to an avid chef, every time I walk into this boutique on Laurier I become completely enamoured with the whole thought of whipping up some fantastic soufflé in my kitchen whilst pretending to be the Barefoot Contessa. The space is essentially culinary heaven, open and white-washed, with all items carefully placed on beautiful grey marble countertops to give a kitchenware-store-meets-gallery appeal.

photo credit: Jean Longpré

Les Touilleurs imports only the best quality cookware and equipment, featuring brands such as Le Creuset, Demeyere, and Revol Eclipse. We fell in love with their exclusive John Pawson for Demeyere cookpot line, the result of a genius collaboration between the modern French architect and Belgian brand (honestly, I never thought I’d call a pan “stunning,” but I regress...). Also, be sure to check out their Quebec brands; they showcase maple cooking paddles handmade from Tom Littledeer, and their beautiful cherry, maple and walnut bowls from Le Temps des Cigales, made in La Pocatière, Quebec, near Gaspesie.

photo credit: Jean Longpré

Owners François Longpré and Sylvain Côté are all about bringing good food into people’s homes, and that extends beyond offering the best-quality kitchen products. Every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, Les Touilleurs hosts intimate cooking classes with some of Montreal’s best chefs. The space is limited with only 12 spots per class, so you’ll likely need to contact them with your preferences to reserve well in advance. However, if your schedule is tight and you find yourself unable to attend, you can still get your new-recipe-fix by picking up their small, complimentary recipe cards. Beautifully photographed by François’ brother, Jean Longpré, these cards are perfect for collecting and, as hinted to by François, might give you a preview as to what to expect in the much-anticipated Les Touilleurs cookbook someday...

photo credit: Jean Longpré

Les Touilleurs

152 avenue Laurier Ouest   |   Montreal, QC   |   H2T 2N7   |
(514) 278-0008

www.lestouilleurs.com