Food itinerary: Pointe-Saint-Charles

Pointe-Saint-Charles

Departure point: Charlevoix métro station

Distance: 3 kilometres

Suggestions on where to stop to enjoy your snack, meal or drink: Parc Saint-Gabriel, Parc des Apprentis, Parc Marguerite-Bourgeoys

Clarke Café

2483 Centre Street | website

Clarke Café pays homage to Boulangerie Clarke, run by the owner’s grandparents who closed up shop in 2015 after more than 30 years in business. Their grandson wanted carry on the tradition of serving good sandwiches at reasonable prices but in a more Italian setting, where Italian-style sandwiches and pastries could be enjoyed along with  a nice rich cup of coffee. This is a timeless and fuss-free spot where everyone will find what they’re seeking.

What to order: Porchetta or capicollo sandwich with an espresso.

Lecavalier Petrone

2423 Centre Street | website

Pop into the Lecavalier Petrone chocolate shop and instantly sate your chocolate cravings. The big draw here is their bijou-like chocolates painted with coloured cocoa butter, but as of this writing freshly-baked pastries are now offered too.

What to order: A box of chocolates and their inspired Paris Brest.

Rubie’s

2194B Centre Street | website

Rubie’s is the brand-new venture by chef Hakim Chajar, a two-time participant on the TV show Les Chefs. Never in his wildest dreams did he think that a few orders, and the power of word of mouth, would turn him into a guru of gluten-free fried chicken. True to form, he uses only the finest ingredients, from organic Québec chickens to his sauces.

What to order: 3 or 6 pieces to share and/or the mac’n’cheese.

Café Bloom

1940 Centre Street | website

Café Bloom is a charming neighbourhood café that also serves a freshly-prepared lunch menu. Aside from the excellent coffee, which is a perfect accompaniment to one of their homemade desserts, you’ll also find find a selection of natural wines and other products prepared in-house. Be sure to return on the weekend to sink your teeth into one of their scrumptious “Saturday doughnuts”.

What to order: A coffee, the breakfast sandwich, the seasonal salad and a bottle of natural wine. If you go on a Saturday, don’t forget to leave with a dozen doughnuts.

Mollo Café & Gelato

2069 Wellington Street | website

Go here for the best gelato in the neighbourhood and leave with one or two scoops that you can enjoy at Parc Marguerite-Bourgeoys. Or, if you’re thirsty, how about some of their refreshing iced coffee? While you’re there, be sure to pop in and take a peek at their new bakery/pastry shop just next door.

What to order: A gelato, of course.

Paul Patates

760 Charlevoix Street | website

Paul Patates has been part of the Pointe-Saint-Charles decor since 1958, and a perennial hit with residents and visitors alike, thanks to their crispy golden fries, steamies, club sandwich, chicken and other Québécois fast food classics. Because every now and then it just feels good to chuck out your healthy eating rules and give in your “bad” cravings.

What to order: The fries, a steamie with mustard and coleslaw, an order of chicken with BBQ sauce and Émile’s spruce beer, an absolute can’t-miss.

 

Other suggestions for take-out or a drink: Machiavelli, Fugazzi, Milky Way, Knox, La Canting, Boom J’s

See the complete itinerary

To get where you’re going hassle-free, public transportation is the way to go. The STM has special offers on fares and a handy tool to plan your trip quickly and efficiently. You can also download the Transit and Chrono apps for up-to-the minute bus schedules.