Dépanneur Le Pick-Up

Saturday morning, waking up you realize that it’s 12:30am. Getting out of bed, you’re still a bit hazy from the night before, standing in front of the bathroom mirror you gaze at your hang-over reflection.Your hair untidy, you realise that your skin no longer has its natural colour, and then, your tummy beings to grumble.

Realising that you have no food in the fridge, you must venture out for food. Then it hits you, knowing that it’s the afternoon, the old age question pops up into your head. Do I want breakfast, brunch or lunch? Eggs and toast or a burger?

If you are like any other artsy folk, then you know the secret to solve this old age problem. Tucked away in Little Italy, is a Dépanneur like no other. Disguised as a Dépanneur, is a hip artsy hang out serving scrumptious food.

Le Dépanneur Pick Up, which recently opened up last year, has been a success, especially with the art scene kids. The unique atmosphere is mixed with vintage décor, hipster-retro servers, innovative food made with the freshest ingredients and of course, art.

There are two specialties that I constantly hear about and have tested, their pulled pork sandwich (Vegetarian version also) and their daily brunch specials. Brunch at the Pick Up is creative, mixed with fresh spices and herbs. For example, their breakfast potatoes are mixed with regular potatoes, spices and sweet potatoes. Yes, I wrote sweet potatoes. Two words: genius and delicious.

It doesn’t stop there, their sandwiches such as the vedantanator, le post-reveillon, tapenade and club chipotle, serve up a yummy appetite. Spicy eggplant, spicy Mexican mayo, mango and cranberry spread are just examples of their fine ingredients.

So when you do wake up this Saturday morning or any other day, and have wiped out the contents of your fridge, head to the Depanneur Le Pick Up. Don’t feel intimidated by the environment, the friendly servers will treat you as their own.

Love the City you are in.

Amour de Montreal.


Dépanneur Le Pick-Up
7032 Rue Waverly
Metro : De Castelnau

Chow's Pastry Shop

In the last year, a growing number of pastry shops in the heart of Chinatown have emerged. Wonderfully displaying their deserts in their trendy cafeteria style setup, have won the hearts of visitors and Montréalers. Who wouldn’t want to venture in and try a bright pink filled cake or one of my favourite treats, an almond cookie.
The next time you are in Chinatown, I am recommending you not enter these “high-end”, as I like to call them, Chinese pastry shops. Rather continue to make your way at the very end of Chinatown on De la Gauchetiere Street (East), where you will find Chow’s Pastry Shop. Situated at the front of the entrance, it is easy for many of us to pass it by not knowing that a pastry shop exists. However those who do stumble upon the shop are lucky.

Walking inside Chows, it can be easily mistaken for beings in someone’s kitchen. Behind the till, are family members and friends of the Chow gossiping about the latest news and stirring ingredients to make scrumptious desserts. Always peaking at those who enter and leave, their welcoming smile offers a genuine Pastry shop without the frills.

Against the wall are an array of pastries and desserts. Don’t hesitate to ask for their favourites. I often grab the almond cookie I crave, as well as becoming adventurous by try something new.
For as long as I can remember, Chow’s Pastry Shop has been around forever. Their presence is what Chinatown is about. A family owned shop, creating baked goods in the background. You will not be getting a stylish cafeteria, rather delicious inexpensive desserts made with tons of love and the latest gossip.

Love the city you are in.

Amour de Montréal.



Chow's Pasty Shop
16 de la Gauchetière St. W
Metro : St-Laurent