The French (Canadian) Connection: Montreal En Lumiere

Oh Canada...you are just filled with so much goodness! And that goodness is on gorgeous display during Montreal En Lumiere--North America's premier winter festival. With just four days to spend in Montreal, we worried about not being able to pack it all in,  but somehow, we prevailed, wrapping up a tasty weekend with a (somewhat random) Buenos Aires theme.

It's not all snow, electro and frozen slides: There's a ton of free art exhibits (video art projected onto a cathedral!), performances (we saw fire dancers in ice skating outfits!) and food (grill your own hot dogs over communal firepits!).

Read all about Montreal En Lumiere in this story for Fodor's:

http://www.fodors.com/news/just-back-from-montreal-en-lumiere-6555.html

Think You Know Canadian Wine?

So this is how you picture Canadian wine, eh??

Let's set the record straight about Ontario wine country once and for all, there's a whole lot more to it than ice wine (though that's pretty good, too).

Located so near to Toronto, it's a must-try for any enophile visiting the Great White North. (You should trust me, I'm Canadian.)

Here are 10 tips for touring Niagara-on-the-Lake's best wineries. Oh, and did we mention a haunted bar?

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/Web-2012/Ontario-Wine-Country-10-Touring-Tips/

Hotellx.com Review of OPUS Montreal

Just 1.5 hrs away (on a plane), Montreal beckons with smoked meats, North America's best bagels, and several luxurious (yet affordable) hotels.

Check out my review of Montreal's chic OPUS hotel by clicking on the link above, or at hotellx.com.

Blame Canada: Tim Horton's Taking Over 12 NY Dunkin Donuts

As the New York Times reports here, the Canadian donut chain is now taking over 12 Dunkin Donuts locations in NYC and Brooklyn. Sounds good, eh?

The transformation to Horton's was welcomed by Gov. Paterson at the Penn Station unveiling.

For those of us (Canadians) who adore the Northern goodies, we are truly delighted.

Canadian Cuisine Reigns Supreme: Taste of Quebec Food Week

Never heard of Canadian cuisine, eh?

Well, Canadians do a lot more than promote peace, shiver in the cold, and play hockey, of course, Especially in the fertile province of Quebec.

Our neighbor to the North is being celebrated this week at Food Emporium's "Taste of Quebec Week". The upscale grocery chain will be offering a variety of Canadian products, including meats and poultry, artisanal cheeses, seafood and baked goods.

Starting May 28th, these gourmet Canadian food products can be found right here at home. We've got the skinny on what brands you can sample:

• Du Breton – Family owned and operated, this company offers a variety of pork products
• Montpak International – Well known for its humanely raised veal products, and one of the largest veal producers in North America
• Brome Lake – For over 100 years, the Brome Lake Duck Farm has been offering fresh, all natural ducks, and is well recognized for providing consumers with a flavorful, less fatty duck product
• Atkins & Frères – This family owned business is dedicated to creating high-quality smoked fish, and is known for their Atlantic salmon pavé
• Cheeses: Quebec boasts 300 varities of artisinal cheese, all produced with hormone-free milk. Producers featured at the event include the Damafro and Alexis de Portneuf brands
• Maple Syrup: We could hardly picture a Canadian food week without our fave maple syrup! “Taste of Québec” is offering two premium brands, including Möpure and La Ferme Martinette--made with 100% maple sap, of course.

Thanks, Canada! Happy eating!