(poutine party) It’s finally happened: Quebec’s signature dish of fries, cheese curds and gravy has been turned into a festival (of sorts). Montreal Poutine Week, February 1-7, sees the late-night meal of choice elevated to imaginative heights as 30 restaurants whip up a special poutines at special prices – with proceeds going towards the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation. Tour the town from Old Montreal to Mile End in search of your favourite, from variations on the classic to gourmet interpretations.

(outdoor fun & games) More comfort food is on the agenda at First Saturdays at the Olympic Park on February 2, 1-7 p.m. – bring the kids to skate, slide and play at the Olympic Park’s Winter Village  and warm up with hot dishes from fabulous Montreal food trucks Grumman 78, Pastaga, Lucky’s, Pas d’cochon dans mon salon and Gaufrabec. For those yearning for a game of pick-up hockey, head out to one of Montreal’s bustling outdoor rinks. Meanwhile, out at the Ecomuseum Zoo, the Zoolympics are underway February 2 and 3: to mark its 25th anniversary, the Ecomuseum challenges families to a contest (with prizes!) involving animal trivia, physical feats and fun.

(fashion forward) Get a leg up on what’s haute for next fall/winter at Montreal Fashion Week, February 4-7 at Arsenal. The runway is rife with established and new Montreal designers showcasing their gorgeous concepts, and fashion is on everyone’s mind at conferences, exhibits and more, such as a series of fashion film screenings that includes a tribute to Montreal-born designer Rad Hourani.

(theatre & dance) A huge original Dali painting is both backdrop and inspiration for La Verità, a colourful, theatrical circus show created by Daniele Finzi Pasca, at Place des Arts to February 3. Catch the final night of the Opéra de Montreal production of Johann Strauss II’s lively Die Fledermaus, featuring tenor Marc Hervieux, on February 2. Montreal’s Beautiful City Theatre lets out all the stops in Godspell, The Musical, with final nights February 1-2, at Centaur Theatre. The revolution of an African price turned slave unfolds in Oroonoko, written by Aphra Behn and directed by Paul Van Dyck, at the MAI, February 6-17, part of Montreal Black History Month. And in contemporary dance, choreographer Karine Denault’s Pleasure Dome sees dancers and musicians shaking it up together, February 6-9 at Agora de la Danse.

(art & the world) The diverse land, history and culture of Peru at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts immersive Peru : Kingdoms of the Sun and Moon exhibition, opening February 2 – see pre-Columbian masterpieces along with modern art from the country’s creative forces. Six artists create sculpture, photography, painting and multidisciplinary works of art inspired by Martin Luther King’s famous speech in the I Have a Dream: The Exhibit, part of the Montreal Black History Month activities, at Espace Georges Emile Lapalme. And new photography and multidisciplinary exhibitions by artists Laurent Grasso, Lynne Cohen and Jonathas de Andrade open at the Musee d’art Contemporain, beginning February 7.

(music makers) Outdoor electronic music festival Igloofest keeps dancers and good-time-lovers warm out there with its third weekend of fun, featuring UK producer Ewan Pearson, US DJ Magda, France’s Agoria, housey-experimental Audiofly and more. Music is on the Black History Month program on February 2 with Ladysmith Black Mambazo at L’astral and Kalmunity remixing Blaxploitation era funk at the Phi Centre. Julie Doiron rocks, croons and keeps it real at Casa del Popolo on Sunday, February 3. On Monday, indie-rock duo Buke and Gase delight at Casa del Popolo. Eclectic rock singer-songwriting Ty Segall plays Cabaret Mile End on February 5. And on February 7, pop star Shawn Desman plays Le National, while it’s all Gershwin, Bernstein, Daugherty and Copland tunes for the Orchestre Métropolitain‘s Made in the USA show, at the Maison symphonique de Montréal.

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From our beloved and storied hockey franchise the Montreal Canadiens to our surging soccer team the Montreal Impact, from hometown UFC hero Georges St-Pierre to the power and spectacle of the Grand Prix and the thrilling athleticism of the Rogers Cup, Montreal is a year-long destination for sports fans. And if you’re coming to town for the big game and you need a place to stay, we can help with that too.

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Liam Maloney is a photographer who specializes in editorial and long-term documentary work. Though he travels the world for work, Montreal will always be home for him and we were thrilled to hear that he was interested in spending a day shooting some outdoor hockey games for us.

For these photos, Maloney visited rinks in Verdun, the Plateau and Little Italy. If you’re looking for a complete list of Montreal’s outdoor and indoor ice, make sure you check out the great Patiner Montreal website, which not only maps out all of the city’s rinks, but offers interactive information on ice conditions, hours of availability and more. Game on.

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If tailgating isn’t an option in the cold winter months, then take the party indoors and hit up Blackstrap BBQ: the big boss mix plate is something that everyone should experience. A sampling of everything on the menu from smoked ribs and brisket to turkey and fried mac and cheese balls, this meal can feed a small family or serve as a reward to someone who’s just finished watching Silver Linings Playbook.

Momesso’s is an institution for any dude in NDG. This sports bar/restaurant is like your uncle’s basement man-cave that’s stuck in the 80s. Sports trophies and paraphernalia line the walls of this former NHLer’s classic diner that serves up their signature submarines with homemade hot sauce. The “supreme” usually hits the spot – steak, Italian sausage, sautéed onions and bell peppers, topped with cheese, coleslaw and their hot sauce.

Math is manly and so is hitting up Poutineville, who throw down 77 billion different combinations of custom-made poutines to order. From their signature smashed potatoes to julienned or sweet potatoes, this place features a poutine that pays homage to Montreal; a smoked meat poutine with mushrooms and fried pickle.

Il Piatto Pieno is the perfect place for the wannabe Soprano. Fire-cooked pizzas and fresh pastas to order (not to mention it’s BYOW), this spot in Little Italy leaves nothing up to the imagination when role-playing your favourite HBO Mafioso. Red and white checkered tablecloths frame towering plates of perfectly cooked Fettuccini Amalfitana – garlic, shallots, sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes in a lush rose sauce.

What’s more manly than eating with your hands at a taco joint that’s situated in a converted parking garage, eating off homemade furniture made with recycled shipping pallets while sipping drinks out of a bag? Montreal’s first taco truck has turned their headquarters into a full-fledged dining option. With a rotating menu of inspired items, keep an eye out for their turkey dinner taco – thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings… in a taco! Check their Facebook page for their hockey night specials as well.

 A

 THE DETAILS

Blackstrap BBQ, 4436 Rue Wellington, (514) 507-6772

Restaurant Momesso, 5562 Chemin Upper Lachine, (514) 484-0005

Poutineville, Multiple Locations

Il Piato Pieno, 177, St-Zotique East, (514) 276-1076

Grumman78, 30 de Courcelle, (514) 290-5125

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(winter warmth) Montreal has many ways to warm up the great outdoors. Igloofest, winter’s answer to Piknic Electronik, continues its first weekend at the Old Port on Friday night in collaboration with Mutek, featuring Stephen Beaupré, Germany’s Mathias Kaden and Bulgaria’s KiNK, while on Saturday, dance to DJ Josh Wink and Canadian faves Paolo Rocco and DJ Sneak. Come back on Thursday, January 24 for Alicia Hush, Miss Kittin and Ellen Allien. Across the river from Igloofest, settle in at Montreal’s one-of-a-kind Snow Village, with restaurants, a hotel, activities and more. And outdoors right outside Place des Arts, get interactive with music-and-light installation Iceberg, part of the Luminothérapie exhibition in downtown’s Quartier des Spectacles.

(game on) NHL hockey comes back to Montreal this week! To smooth the ice and get fans back into the groove, the Bell Centre is inviting everyone to check out morning skates for the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, January 19 – it’s free, doors open at 9 a.m., seating is on a first-come-first-served basis, and fans will be treated to a hot dog, chips and a soft drink as well as 50 percent off Canadiens merchandise. Later that day, the Habs play the Maple Leafs, and on January 22, they face off against the Panthers.

(circus, song & dance) The art, antics and dreamworld of Salvador Dali are the inspiration for the acrobatic, song and dance of circus show La Verità, created by Daniele Finzi Pasca and featuring a gorgeous original Dali backdrop painting, on at Place des Arts to February 3. More music is in the picture in Beautiful City Theatre’s rock-musical rendition of Godspell, The Musical, January 24-26 and 31 at Centaur Theatre in Old Montreal. La Otra Orilla shows us new and traditional forms of flamenco dance, with dancer/choreographer Myriam Allard and singer Hedi Graja, at Cinquième Salle to January 26. Marie Béland’s Bleu-Vert-Rouge offers a taste of Montreal’s contemporary dance scene at L’Agora, January 23-26, as does the Bouge d’ici Festival, with shows from emerging dancers and choreographers at Mainline Theatre to January 19. And amazing puppetry wows as The Old Trout Puppet Workshop comes to Montreal with their “happiness” show Ignorance, January 18-19.

(screen time) See recent and acclaimed Canadian films for free at the PHI Centre this week: director Nisha Pahuja’s The World Before Her on January 18, Kim Nguyen’s Rebelle on January 21, David Cronenberg’s Cosmopolis and Michael Dowse’s Goon on January 23, and Deepa Mehta’s Midnight’s Children and Sean Garrity’s My Awkward Sexual Adventure on January 24. The PHI Centre also presents a series of films selected by filmmaker Denis Côté, including Sergei Loznitsa’s My Joy, Bill Ross’ Tchoupitoulas and Nikolaus Geyrhalter’s Abendland. Over on the 360-degree domed Satosphere screen at the SAT see Chaos and Order, a panoramic work by media artist Rocco Helmchen and composer Johannes Kraas, playing to February 22 – and as a bonus at the SAT’s Foodlab on January 20, eat well and talk gluten-free gourmet with guest chef Aran Goyoaga of Cannelle et Vanille.

(art world) Innovative Old-Montreal-based DHC/ART impresses yet again with their mind-expanding new show Thomas Demand: Animations, opening January 19, featuring the German artist’s films and videos, interlacing photography, architecture, sculpture and media images. The must-see, 1960s-to-present-day installation work of Canadian art legend Michael Snow is explored in Solo Snow: Works of Michael Snow at Galerie de l’UQAM. And Parisian Laundry, located not far from downtown in the neighbourhood of St-Henri, shows new brightly coloured new work by Jennifer Lefort and Samuel Roy-Bois’ installation J’ai Moonwalké Sans Cesse, Jusqu’à L’épuisement, which includes a drum kit ready for visitors to play.

(music time) On Saturday night, listen to the inventive sounds and inspired lyrics of Christopher Owens and Gentlemen Reg, at Cabaret Mile End. Hear and see something different on January 21, as saxophonist Adam Kinner collaborates with pianist Andy Costello for a theatrical performance at Sala Rossa. On January 22, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra welcomes the Budapest Festival Orchestra to the new Maison symphonique de Montréal to play a program of 20th-century works, from Shostakovich to Rachmaninov, while Californian electro-folk (and much more) singer-songwriter Chelsea Wolfe  captivates at Il Motore, and L.A.’s Hollywood Undead play Theatre Corona. And on January 24, Brooklyn indie-rock band Wakey Wakey gets toes tapping to love songs at Cabaret du Mile End, and The Whammies, an all-star jazz group of players from Chicago, Boston and the Netherlands make a night of it at Sala.

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Chronically underperforming forward Scott Gomez is providing for one of the more scintillating sagas that are circulating. Gomez, who has been plagued by injuries, scored only two goals last season after going more than a calendar year without scoring. This year, with the permission of the NHL’s new collective bargaining agreement, Habs’ brass have told Gomez he needn’t bother showing up. There likely won’t be any argument: he excels at not showing up.

Last season’s surprise star Erik Cole anchored the Canadiens’ top line, which alone accounted for 40.6 percent of the team’s scoring. Cole has said he is considering early retirement, this with three seasons left on his contract… At the other end of the self-imposed drama spectrum is P.K. Subban. The gregarious Subban, at the heart of Montreal’s young but potentially excellent defensive corps, is the lone contract holdout as the team goes into training camp this week. He wants a kazillion dollars and keys to the locker room for all eternity. He’s 23.

Veteran defenceman Andrei Markov’s story has been more of an epic tale of woe having spent most of the last two years in rehab following consecutive reconstructive knee surgeries. Somewhat understandably, somewhat hilariously, Markov recently told NHL.com that “I don’t want to talk about my knee.” Funny, ’cause that’s all anyone’s going to talk about the first time someone takes Markov heavily into the boards.

And also back in action is Canadiens captain Brian Gionta, who missed 51 games last season with torn biceps and hasn’t played in more than a year, and whose larger-than-height presence (he’s 5’7”) has been sorely missed. Though probably more sorely for him.

But enough about them, the real hockey story in Montreal has always been the club’s unfailingly, outspokenly loyal fans. In light of the recent lockout, the Canadiens organization says they intend to show their appreciation for the perpetual unconditional love with as-yet-unannounced goodwill gestures. In the meantime, they’re proceeding with a number of so-called “Hockey is Back!” initiatives this week.

On January 17, fans are invited to watch the team’s Red vs. White scrimmage at the Bell Centre, for free. On January 19, the first day of the new hockey season, Montreal will face arch rivals the Toronto Maple Leafs. The morning skates for both teams will be open to the public, with the Habs practising at 10:30 a.m., and the Leafs warming up at 11:30 a.m. And in further good news, all are invited to partake in a two-day sale, January 17 and 19, at the Habs Zone boutique in the Bell Centre – all Habs merch is 50% off.

What’s good news for Habs fans – who have never been afraid to show their love with money – is also good news for the many downtown restaurants which cater to hungry Habs fans, and also the many other popular game-watching destinations for which Montreal is renowned. And while the shorter season has doubtless been painful for many up ’til now, the 48-game season promises an intensity that wouldn’t otherwise be seen at this time of the year – the excitement across the city is already palpable as the lockout moves at light speed from forgiven to forgotten. Which brings us to tickets… The Canadiens have sold out every single game since 2004. ’Nuff said. (Cough- scalpers – cough)

And finally, for those who love their technology, the Canadiens – who can be followed/tweeted here – are offering loads of iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry apps, Habs browsers and toolbars, and a bunch of other cool and fun geeky stuff on their website. So go (to the ) Habs (website) go!

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Ladies and gentlemen, Number 9, Mr. Rocket Richard. The first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in a season. Legend.
Crowds have been going wild for the Montreal Canadiens since 1909, mostly at the historic Forum located on Atwater between Saint-Catherine and Maisonneuve. After the completion of the Bell Centre in 1996, the Forum was converted into an entertainment complex complete with a movie theatre, sports bar, comedy club, restaurants and shopping.
Carey Price, cool as a cucumber.
The Habs slick one past the opposing goalie in one svelte swoop.

Brad Staubitz knocks his helmet off during some scrappy ice dancing.

A Hab, a Nordique and a Ref walk into a sports bar… Known as the “Battle of Quebec: Good Friday Massacre”, this giant brawl lasted the equivalent of an entire period and ended with over 250 minutes of penalties.

Get your gameface on and get ready for some hockey! Head down to your local sport bar and enjoy the game with your fellow fans. The most rowdy/fun crowds will probably be hitting up bars in the Crescent Street area due to its proximity to the Bell Centre. Check out Stations des Sports, MVP, Sharx, Ziggy’s, or have a total throwback moment and go to the sports bar in the Forum! Check out when and where the Habs will be playing here.

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The Tricolore Au Feminin, now in its 5th year, is an annual charity hockey game played by the female staff of the Montreal Canadiens, the Bell Centre and Evenko. There were plenty of big names in attendance- Canadiens defenceman James Wisniewski signed some autographs, while former Hab Gilbert Delorme coached one of the teams, alongside Olympic medallists Marianne St-Gelais, Charles Hamelin and Tania Vicent, though it was pretty clear that many of the kids in attendance were most star-struck by an appearance from the one-and-only Youppi.

By the end of the incredibly fun night, the event had raised $18,000 for the Children’s Foundation, which directs the money it raises to over 400 charitable endeavours across Quebec. Really, there’s only one thing to add to such a great, positive situation….

GO HABS GO!!!

And a very special shout-out to the great Montreal band, Winter Gloves, who let us their new song, Dancing My Heart Out, in the video. Thanks guys!

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As you can see in the video above, Montreal has large, busy spots like Parc LaFontaine, as well as tons of smaller-but-super-cool rinks, like the one (located near Ontario and Papineau) hosting the nighttime hockey game. I’ve already written, if I do say so myself, a pretty good post on Where To Skate in Montreal. I’d also like to point you towards a new interactive website called Patiner Montréal, which not only displays what you can do at each one of Montreal’s outdoor rinks, but the condition and quality of the ice in each spot. All that’s left is to go get out there!

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This weekend, January 20-22, has it all: ballet, dancing, electro bands, The Habs and even a little sunshine imported directly Cuba…

[Ice Dancing] Igloofest: Once again the Old Port’s Igloofest tops our weekend party options. Click here to see a video of one of our bloggers’ initiation into this very “a la Montreal” event…

[Ballet] BJM Danse, which was formerly known as Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal), gives you lots of bang for your ballet buck with a bill that includes works from Mauro Bigonzetti, Cayetano Soto and Ochoa at Theatre Maisoneuve.

[Bright Lights] Pixiness: Why not wander down to the SAT to see their super cool new interactive light display…

[Electro MTL] Montreal’s Chromeo take over Metropolis on Friday night with an opening set from the decidedly charming outfit The Suzan.

[The Habs] The Montreal Canadiens play the Anaheim Ducks at the Bell Centre on Saturday night. If you haven’t scored tickets, here are 10 spots where you can catch the game.

[Under the Cuban Sun] The Botanical Garden offers you a chance to leave the winter behind, with photos, videos and texts taken from Brother Marie-Victorin’s (the Garden’s founder) many trips down to Cuba.

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