Q: Heard you CJAD today ! I was so excited to know that I might finally get help to salvage a silverware set. given to me by my mother. It’s a lovely silver coffee set (tray, coffee/ tea pot , milk and sugar bowls. ) Unfortunately, it’s so tarnished (turned black/ blue ) that I wonder if I could ever get it polished enough to reveal its beauty.

That being said , I wish to have it professionally cleaned . Could you please let me know if anything can be done to save this set. There is no way that I can clean it myself. I’ll go anywhere on the island of Montreal ! Thank – you for your input .

A: Well these type of repairmen are dying off quickly. The only one I have left is Barocco Tel: 514-866-7205. He’s a 2nd generation silversmith and loves his work. I know he makes silver pieces, just don’t know if he cleans them. And then there’s Birks…

The entrance to this company is right on Chabanel street, so it’s a perfect spot to lead you into their liquidation and overstock area.

It’s men first here, so you have their President Stone line of suits (and Calvin Klein, Sean John, Tallia and DKNY, nicely discounted) , shirts (2/$25), ties and casual wear, outer jackets and underwear.

Men can also buy shoes (Penguin) and apparel by President Stone, Blend, Jack and Jones, etc.

Keep walking to the back and ladies can scoop up tops, jackets, skirts and dresses in brand names like Only and Vero Moda and well-priced non-branded items too.

Accessories like belts, socks, ties, scarves and shoes can finish off your outfit.

They also carry perfumes under the brands Yacht Man, So Happy, Sex in the City, President, US Army

There is always a big selection to choose from here, so it’s easy to find something you like.

Location: 353 Chabanel
corner: Jeanne-Mance
Phone: 514-387-2591
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-5, Sat 9:30-4
www.smartshoppingmontreal.com/store.php?s=152

Q: The spring lifting mechanism of my Murphy bed will no longer keep the bed in it’s upright position when closed. Is there anybody in Montreal that offers this type of repair service? I am having a hard time locating someone. Whatever info you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

A: I’m not sure which type of Murphy bed you have but there are a few places in my Smart Shopping Montreal book (look under wall beds) which sell them. Perhaps these businesses may know where you can get parts or have someone who can do the repair:

Li-Muro says they carry the Murphy line wall bed. Tel: 514-845-0308, 4823 St-Denis

B.O.F.F. in Laval, has their own Canadian designed mechanism Tel: 450-978-2444,  1778 le Corbusier

Stil Design in Pointe Claire used to be a Murphy bed dealer and they still have wall beds but mostly do closet design now. Tel: 514-697-3128, 870 Ellington