Since moving into an apartment and having to cook for myself, I have become quite the foodie, and Montreal is the perfect place to be one. In high school the most impressive thing I could cook was scrambled eggs and maybe a plate of spaghetti, once I learned how to boil water – very challenging indeed. Once the meal plan was no longer an option, I began experimenting in the kitchen trying one new recipe each week.
When shopping for groceries, I rarely leave the “McGill Bubble”, which has Provigo, Metro, and other generic grocery stores close by. When I started hearing so many good things about Atwater Market, though, I decided to take (gasp!) the metro, get out of the 5km radius where my life usually takes place, and discover this foodie mecca for myself. The market was definitely worth the $5.50 metro ride and the short, five-minute walk from the station. If I had the time to do my groceries there every week, I would. Hands down. The market has between 30 and 50 different vendors depending on the season, and they sell everything, from fresh fruit to home-made quiche and beyond. You will never be out of options. Anything you would get at the grocery store, you can find it at the market. What’s more, it’s a great place to buy (or just drool over) gift items and treats you wouldn’t normally find at the grocery store.
My first stop? The maple syrup stand, of course. It seemed to attract both tourists and students alike, and it couldn’t be any more Canadian. I learned that there is not just one type of maple syrup and that one would be foolish to think such a thing. In fact, syrup is available in light, very light, medium, amber and dark amber flavours. I was also surprised to see bins and bins of fresh cranberries as well as cranberry juice, not to mention maple butter, maple sugar, maple fudge and maple cranberries.
If you love cheese and haven’t been to La Fromagerie Atwater, you are missing out. They have a large selection of local cheeses and specialty cheeses from around the world. I indulged in large blocks of a strong, smoked bleu, a creamy camembert, and peppered gouda. The Fromagerie prices were competitive and I was able to get my entire purchase – three fairly large blocks – for $14, a steal compared to the grocery store. I also loved knowing that I bought Canadian products, as I really believe in supporting local farming. The cashier told me that the bleu is produced at a small fromagerie in Notre-Dame-du-Lac. How can you find anything more authentic and fresh? Not to mention, the cheeses went marvelously with a glass of red wine and fresh baguette (picked up from boulangerie Première Moisson, which has a location at the market – read on to find out more about it).
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After stocking up with cheese, I immediately gravitated to a very small stand that was home to Chocolats Geneviève Grandbois. They had the most decadent-looking chocolates I had ever seen. Each piece was intricately screen-printed with beautiful patterns. They make for a great hostess gift or the perfect treat to take home for friends and family for the holidays. The flavours were endless. There was dark chocolate caramel, green matcha, and – believe it or not – pretzel-bacon (I was told it’s a best-seller).
Then I headed into a bulk store that beats any old Bulk Barn by a landslide. Le Vrac du Marché has about five kinds of anything you can think of – five kinds of almonds: tamari, roasted, glazed, maple and honey. It had about ten types of flour and flour alternatives, perfect for all the gluten-free foodies. You can stock up on seeds, dried fruit, oils and an array of international spices and flavourings.
The cakes and tarts at Première Moisson looked delicious and the chocolate snowmen could not be any more adorable.
The roasted coffee at Brûlerie Aux Quatre Vents smelled heavenly as I walked by. You surely won’t experience that at a Tim Hortons. Since it’s finals period and you probably susbsist on coffee anyway, switch up your usual double-double for something freshly ground – at the brûlerie, they roast the beans on-location, and carry a variety of beans from all over the world.
All in all, my trip to the market was a success. You can do a quick shopping trip in an hour or spend the afternoon there visiting each and every shop. Even if you aren’t a self-proclaimed gourmet chef, you can get some ready-made meals like pizza and pasta for affordable prices to take home with you. This market really has something for everyone.