As members of Canada’s indie elite descend on Montreal this week for Pop Montreal—the city’s annual celebration of music and the arts, which runs from September 17th to the 21st—we’ve got you covered on where to stay, what to eat and who to see.
stay: The energy at Zero 1 is very backstage pass. From rows of velvet ropes hanging from the lobby ceiling to black painted-rooms, so much about this boutique hotel says "VIP." Mykki Blanco and other fashion types are known to stay here when they’re passing through town, pretty much confirming it as the prime place to crash after a long night of show hopping. Zero 1, 01 René-Lévesque Blvd. Est, Montreal, 514-871-9696, http://zero1-mtl.com
shop: You’ll surely find visiting musicians flipping through the colourful array of artistic inspiration in Drawn & Quarterly‘s cramped quarters. The shop is an extension of a prestigious publishing house that specializes in comics and illustrated literature. It’s easy to get lost in time here with so many books to poke your nose into. Drawn & Quarterly, 211 Bernard Ouest, Montreal, 514-279-2224, www.drawnandquarterly.com
and shop some more: Arguably one of the biggest non-musical draws of Pop Montreal, happening from September 19th to 21st, is the festival’s Puces Pop fair, a.k.a., a DIY dream come true. Get a head start on your holiday shopping at this handmade goods fair extraordinaire and/or find the inspiration necessary to give cross-stitch another shot. If you miss out this time, don’t fret—the event is so popular that it happens three times a year. http://popmontreal.com (Photo courtesy of Richmond Lam)
eat: If Lawrence was one of the indie bands playing Pop, it would be the Unicorns–a perennial favourite among locals but beloved by those outside of the 514 area code, too. This Mile End resto puts a creative spin on British dining with a simultaneous casual vibe and upscale experience, and is well-known for its meat, which ranges from traditional (hamburgers) to the unconventional (note: pig’s trotter is pig’s feet). Lawrence, 5201 Blvd St. Laurent, Montreal, 514-503-1070, http://lawrencerestaurant.com
Better pop to it. —Elianna Lev
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