Go West (Island)

Sometimes you dont need to go very far to get the feeling of getting
away. Although many Montrealers turn their nose up at the idea of going
West (Island, that is), we think a day in the burbs can be delightful.
Why not spend a day in Pointe
Claire Village to find out?

dine
Hidden away in a heritage home,
find Le
Gourmand. Executive Chef Michael Oliphant offers delicious French
fare with a twist, including a divine salmon tartare with cucumber and
curried yoghurt sauce and a four cheese penne topped with truffles and
fried brie. Get a spot on the busy terrace to truly enjoy the ambiance.
Le Gourmand Restaurant, 42 Ste. Anne St., Pointe-Claire, 514-695-907, www.restaurantlegourmand.ca

shop
Flirt
Boutique is a gem of a fashion hideaway, jam-packed with European
and U.S. imports like Marc
Cain, Malene
Birger, Tara
Jarmon and accessories by Alexis
Bittar. Hit the overstuffed sales rack at the back to find some
fantastic bargains. Flirt Boutique, 338 Lakeshore Blvd., Pointe-Claire,
514-428-8768, www.flirtboutique.ca

For all natural bath and body products, head to Izzi
Natural Body Essentials to pick up some of their deliciously-scented
soaps and lotions (we loved cura pura, with olive oil and lemon to
moisturize and smooth skin) or call ahead to book a soap making
workshop. Izzi Natural Body Essentials, 50 Ste-Anne Rd., Pointe-Claire,
Quebec, 514-630-4333, www.izzi.ca

indulge
The line-up may be long, but its well worth
your while to stop for a homemade ice cream at Wild Willys, a West
Island favourite for years. Weve sampled their beer flavoured frozen
treats, but stick to tried and true soft serve. Wild Willys, 539
Lakeshore Blvd., Pointe Claire, 514-631-9669. Jennifer Nachshen