I love canada...

Oh Canada. Oh poutine. (Fries, brown gravy & cheese curds on top of a pile of fries. La Banquise in Montreal is open 24 hours.)

First stop...Buffalo for Charlie the Butcher's beef on weck sandwiches (weck is a type of roll, somewhat related to the kaiser. Delish.





Second stop, Toronto. An unexpected delight! How I miss fashion districts! rows of sushi restaurants! Quaint coffee shops! The sunshine was streaming thru the Gladstone Hotel, where we stayed(just like The Ace, in Portland!)...and our "Trading Post" room (each room is designed by a different artist) was perfect.


Check out the great tapestry in the bar!




Adorable Black Hoof restaurant for dinner. Feasted on lardons (small strips of pork fat) that were so good, I opted for a second round, instead of dessert. The bar of the restaurant was across the street..how CUTE are the reclaimed cupboards?


Next stop, Montreal! Apparently if you smile and shake your head yes, people will think you understand french! Mark finally had to tell me to just admit that I didn't understand what everyone was saying...

But even the language barrier was forgotten when we arrived at Pied De Cochon, for probably the most memorable meal of our lives. Foie gras, beef tartar, and front row seats at the counter, so we could watch all the prep cooks. It was seriously amazing. Yes, this is a handroll with tartar, french fries, rice, topped with a quail egg.


Next morning, off to two more food destinations (yes, we're currently on a detox diet of brown rice and kale for the next few weeks..)

First, Montreal bagels for breakfast! Thank you St. Viateur Bagel!


Then to the Notre Dame Basillica in Old Montreal. Worth the trip.

Thought you'd enjoy the organ, Dad!


Then, naturally, Schwartz's famous beef sandwiches for lunch.

On to Quebec City!

We stayed at the awesome Hotel Pur in Quebec City and spent most of the day walking around the walled city; the architecture was pretty fabulous, even though it was pretty tourist-y. We were able to stock up on vintage Nordique hockey gear, though, (Quebec City's now defunct hockey team); which made Mark and I giggle with glee!

Our trek back to Pittsburgh was complete with a stop in Buffalo, at the Anchor Bar, home of the ORIGINAL buffalo wings...


Ah..vacations. road trips. getting ridiculously lost. getting SO hungry, while searching for a restaurant, that when you finally arrive, it is the best thing you've ever tasted. i forget how wonderful new cities are...