Parc Lafontaine is a gem of a park in the heart of Montreal. It is one of those places that means much to many people.
just before dusk...
There is a rich history to the park itself, but you can opt to ignore everything and just bask in this oasis.
Natasha Henderson, Montreal
I just walked past the 21 Balançoires at the Quartier des Spectacles in Montreal. I have to say, it is something that made me smile and enjoy the brief moment of nice weather this afternoon. It seems to have this effect on many people who try them out. It is the random music, it is getting on a swing, swinging next to people you don’t know, making a small connection. It is a bit of fun in our urban setting. All of a sudden you are laughing and making jokes about bathtubs and seeing things in a new light. You are also getting lost in the music you help to create and wondering how does this work?
When I am at my African dances class lead by Claudine Malard, I sometimes think about how I am pretty static most of the time. I am sitting at my desk, sitting on the metro, sitting as I read the news or read a book, sitting to watch a movie and sitting when I chat with friends. It is almost like I became an adult and all of that fun in kicking it up, as kids do, went out the window in the name of responsibility and being mature. My dance class is recreation and re-creation. I unload my mind, I learn new moves, I laugh a bit and for sure, my day gets a whole lot better. The same sort of thing happened at the swings today too.
So, if you have a chance, get out there and try those swings BEFORE May 23rd. You will love it!
a brief glimpse of 21 balançoires
Tammy Schmidt, Montreal
flying to home planet
copyright Natasha Henderson
... when the clerk pointed out this sign, we got three each.
And now what you have all been waiting for… beer reviews!
The “Rousse Whisky” from Les Brasseurs du Hameau is a ‘strong beer’ that avoids all the evils of usual ‘strong beers’, which are lagers that taste malty, hopsy, sweet and heavy. Having none of that, this is a pale ale whose ‘strength’ derives from the addition of Scotch Whiskey. Its a perfect winter beer. I think the best description for the taste is the old skating trick of ‘cracking the whip.’ The medium-bodied beer comes around, and the whiskey cleans up with a final kick. Delicious.
La Marie Framboise from Microbrasserie Saint-Arnould is fresh and light with a distinctly raspberry flavour. I really like it! I must admit this is the perfect beer for people who prefer a nice, refreshing drink. It’s not too unlike Hoegaarden, except with a raspberry touch.
La Carrotte Du Lievre is a carrot beer (yes! Finally! Carrot beer!) by the Microbrasserie du Lievre. I found the beer to have a gentle yet snappy smell of fresh carrots. As I drank it, the carotty bouquet seemed to dissipate, so that I just enjoyed the beer as a beer, rather than a novelty. I quite liked it. It was a good, round taste that settled over the centre of my tongue. Not bitter at all, but not too sweet, I would say it would work well with fried foods or an autumn/winter soup. Oh, yes, it would add a fantastic kick mixed into a stew! Interestingly, not everyone has so enjoyed this beer… as with all things in life, a lot depends on your personal taste.
DhamNation is a sexy-looking beer. A black label, with spare red lettering, it is “strong” (7%) so I thought I’d be in for something really special. As it stood, I was a bit disappointed. By the Brasseurs du Hameau, it was an average-style of beer. Just a beer. Granted, I am a little spoiled in my beers, as there are dozens of fine local brews available. It wasn’t Coors, no, but it didn’t measure up to my dear St Ambroise line of beers. Worthy of drinking, certainly, but not what I’d hoped for.
Folie Douce Biere au Bleuets is by Les Brasseurs RJ, one of my favorite micro breweries. They make the infamous Cheval Blanc. Mmm. Well, this blueberry beer is quite surprisingly bitter. The blueberry scent and flavour is not strong, nor is it sweet. The colour is a distinct red, and is very cool-looking. Serve it in a clear glass! Upon further reflection, the blueberry taste is present, but it is subtle, something that builds. The taste is similar to slightly tart, unripe blueberries. I enjoyed this one, but feel it is mostly suitable for summertime. Does remind me a bit of a crisp, fruity cider.
Lastly is the Black Watch Scottish ale. I was attracted to it by the big, furry eyebrows on the label. As it turns out, eyebrows are something of a fetish for the beers from Les Brasseurs de Montreal. This beer makes my eyebrows shiver and curl! The first sensation is incredibly tart. This is followed by a brief flicker of sweet that is washed away by another wave of tartness. The taste is precise, tight and frugal like a staunch Presbyterian. Perhaps that’s why it’s a Scottish beer!
Teas and painted chocolates, deluxe and beautiful, are available too.
