Ep 305 - Montréal, Canada: Jazzy Belle

In this episode, Ernest visits the jazzy, hip, and snazzy Montréal, Québec, Canada’s second-largest city that’s first in cultural flavor and endless urban delights!

The adventure begins with Ernest joining friend Danny Pavlopoulos for some delectable food tastings at Jean Talon, one of Montréal’s oldest and largest markets. Next, Ernest meets up with Thom Seivewright for a vibrant tour around some of Montréal’s most notable exhibits, including a free outdoor art gallery and the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts. Thom then takes Ernest on a walk through The Village, a queer-friendly neighborhood in Montréal.

Next, Ernest grabs a bite at Le Virunga, where Chef Maria De Frias and her daughter Zoya blend the food cultures of Sub-Saharan Africa into one delicious experience. Ernest then meets up with designer and tailor Nathon Kong, who has a strong sense for fashion and sees his clothing as an expressive artform. Ernest gets a tour of Nathan’s impressive studio and custom suit collection, and even picks up some new outfit tips!

Michele Guzzo then gives an inside look of the Fairmont Hotel’s room 1742, famous for when John Lennon and Yoko Ono spent a week there protesting the Vietnam War, and recording a song that put the hotel in the international spotlight. Ernest then hits the Montréal International Jazz Festival, where he chats with Laurent Saulnier, who played a tremendous role in helping the festival grow to its success today.