Alan Ganev is a Toronto-based art gallery director, cultural producer, art curator and most of all, a truly gifted artist. “I feel the same happiness when I create art as when I create an opportunity for others. The mix of both keeps me sharp and constantly expand my knowledge and connections,” says the young jack of all trades. Taglialatella Galleries and Yorkville Murals are his pride and joy as these two businesses present most of his ideas. One of his latest projects is a 120’ floor mural he produced in Yorkville for Nina Chanel, an artist who recently made the New Yorker’s cover. If you already follow him on social media, you probably noticed the colorful Café Artois Yorkville, a gastronomic and cultural oasis that was created in collaboration with Yorkville Murals and Stella Artois. Before he became a valuable member of Toronto’s cultural scene, Alan used to live in Montréal. The city actually built the foundation of who he is today and still inspire him on a daily basis. Here are the four places Alan would pay a visit if he had 24h to spend in town.
4105 St Laurent Blvd, Montréal, Québec H2W 1Y7
What: A bar that serves great food
Why: This tiny venue looks like a diner coming straight out of an era that never existed! Creative minds mix and mingle in this perfectly kitsch décor which witnesses a festive vibe night after night. Far from any other regular bar that serves food, Majestique’s menu is one of the main reasons the crowd is made up of loyal customers. Alan recommends the hotdog which he qualifies by being “boujee.” Indeed, it is not fair calling it a hotdog… Intrigued? You should be! Don’t forget to order sangria.
7049 Saint-Urbain St, Montréal, Québec H2S 3H4
What: A non-profit organization which participates in social change through art, culture and events
Why: Alan’s favorite Montréal-based artistic institutions are the PHI Center, the Contemporary Museum of Art and Never Apart. We picked the last one as their team will host Andrea Grant’s “Modern Native” exhibition starting July 17th. Discover the culture and the duality within Natives who have been brought up learning both traditional myths and Western fairy tales equally.
421 Saint-Vincent St, Montréal, Québec H2Y 3A6
What: A lifestyle hotel
Why: Located in a prime spot of Old Montréal, William Gray is one of the nicest hotels to visit whether you’re a tourist or a local. Their two terraces offer breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and the European architecture of the neighborhood. Can you guess who was in charge of the artworks located in their lobby? You guessed it right: Alan Ganev! The artist particularly enjoys the way the owners integrated some of Montréal’s classics, such as Off the Hook boutique and Café Olimpico, to their hotel.
1886 Centre St, Montréal, Québec H3K 1H9
What: A hip pizzeria
Why: Shouting out to Pointe St-Charles, an up and coming neighborhood, and to his good friend Beto Barroco, Alan strongly recommends indulging with a pizza at the coolest kid on the block aka Fugazzi Pizza. The Stikki Peaches mural, the funky designs made out of broken tiles and their team’s revamped version of the old school Italian chef drawing we used to see on pizza boxes in the 90s, are some of the reasons why he enjoys this place so much. Alan also endorses a pit stop at Milky Way, their cocktail bar located upstairs.
Caroline Khangi
As someone who is finely attuned to Montréal’s vibe, Caroline Khangi is a natural ambassador for the city. With a curious nature, she explored a number of different fields, including fashion, music and design, before finding her calling in the hospitality industry. Today, she draws on her in-depth knowledge of the city and broad network of contacts to inform her work as a W Insider at the W Montréal Hotel and as a contributor to Mt1642 magazine.
