So why the blog?

As you know, I've rented this flat in the Plateau section of Montreal, a lovely 4 1/2 (bedroom, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, bath is the 1/2) in a classic early 20th row house on a gorgeous tree lined street.

Some details about the location:

I'm less than 100 yards from Avenue du Mont-Royal, which runs from Parc Mont-Royal through the Plateau and is lined with shops and restaurants.

Rue Rachel is two blocks away and on Rue Rachel there is a bikepath that runs from Parc Mont-Royal all the way to the Botanical Gardens. From his bikepath, the rest of the city is easily accessed.

Parc LaFontaine is just across Rue Rachel. There is no lovelier park anywhere. Lots of trees ang green space, playgrounds, an open air theatre, a large pond, tennis courts, baseball fields, petanque courts, and more.

Rue Duluth is probably a 10 minute walk from the apartment across Parc LaFontaine. Rue Duluth is lined with "Apportez Votre Vins" bistros, some of the finest eateries in the city.

So why the blog? I'm only planning to occupy the place part time, some 10-12 nights a month, and am hoping/planning to rent it out to friends and neighbors a couple of weekends each month and as often as it is desired during the week to help offset the expense and share the space. I'll be asking $100 per night. That's either a little or a lot cheaper than a downtown or Old Montreal hotel, time of year dependent, when you consider tax and parking. (And some hotels charge for internet, if you use it.)

The place will be fully stocked, kitchen and linen cabinet. There will be cable, dvd player, land phone and wireless internet.

I'll be posting pictures and more pictures as time moves on. I'm hoping to take some shots along Avenue du Mont-Royal this afternoon. And I'll be posting more about why I think the Plateau is a much more desirable place to be than downtown or Old Montreal.

Food, Food, Food

Any good intro to Montreal should always begin with food. My favorite source of information is AJ Kinik's blog, An Endless Banquet. The A-Z listing down the left side of the page will lead you to Montreal's best restaurants and gourmet shops.

Now Michael Mulley has created an interactive map from AJ's listing. You can find it here.

Once I've signed the lease and furnished the place, I'll be offering it to friends and neighbors a couple of weekends a month and quite a few midweek days to help offset the rent. It will sure beat a hotel and the Plateau is the best neighborhood in town. The apartment is here (letter A near the top of the map):

Rue Rachel runs along the top of Parc Lafontaine. The Rue Rachel bikepath runs from Parc Mont-Royal to the Botanical Gardens. You can ride anywhere in the city from here.