Do Montcalm Like a Local
Toufic moved to Montcalm for love and can’t imagine living anywhere else. He’s also mighty convincing when explaining his fondness of this artsy, foodie neighbourhood. We asked him to share 3 of his favourite spots.
Caroline Décoste
1Gaël Vidricaire, Pastry Chef Extraordinaire
Our tour of Montcalm starts in a charming pastry shop run by Gaël Vidricaire. Toufic knows her well, since he’s there every week.
Gaël has been my go-to for pastries ever since the shop opened. She’s the best! Her rum babas are insane. She doesn’t make them often, but whenever she does I buy a big one just for me. After two days, it’s gone.
In the absence of rum babas, Toufic recommends the lemon tart or, in summer, the sundae bar, especially for the caramel sundae. “I usually have a hard time making up my mind, but you can’t go wrong. It’s all delicious. The cakes are like little jewels!”
- Caroline Décoste
2Oh-So-Fresh Sushi at Métropolitain
Avenue Cartier is a mecca for foodies. There are bistros, cafés, pizza parlours…you name it.
When it’s time to celebrate or treat himself, Toufic pulls up at chair at Métropolitain Eddie Sushi Bar. He loves how fresh everything is. His favourite dish? “I recommend the Love Boat for two. The sushi varies depending on what’s fresh and inspiring the chef.”
- Caroline Décoste
3An Urban Oasis at Parc des Braves
Every day, Toufic goes for a half-hour walk in Montcalm. It’s his way to decompress from work and connect with his community. “Rain or shine, I go for a walk, in every season. It helps me clear my head. With all the big trees and the hidden parks, it’s really a beautiful neighbourhood.”
His walks usually take him to Parc des Braves on Chemin Sainte-Foy, where a monument dedicated to the soldiers who fought in the battle of 1760 stands at the park entrance. Toufic lives nearby, and sees the park as a second backyard.
In the summer we bring a picnic. It’s such a great spot, really calm, perfect for reading and relaxing.
10 Wonderful Years in Montcalm, and Counting
Toufic is Lebanese-Canadian and arrived in Québec City when he was 5. He grew up in Sainte-Foy before falling for Ulrich, who’s from France, 12 years ago. When it came time to move in together, the choice was clear.
Ulrich already had a condo in Montcalm and the quality of life here is just the best. We do everything on foot. Our errands, going out to eat, going shopping, going to the movies, the theatre, the museum, concerts…everything! It’s a calm, safe neighbourhood but it has a lot going on.
He quickly fell in love with the neighbourhood’s cultural scene and all the parks and mature trees. Foodies, fitness fiends, contemplative souls, and inquisitive minds will always find something to do, see, or try in Montcalm. Especially with someone like Toufic as a guide!
