An anxious mood is set immediately as you walk into the Centaur theatre’s auditorium, as it is unexpectedly filled with smoke. You then are unnerved to find out that the play is set after a catastrophic nuclear accident at a power plant. So at first it seems the story is about the fallout of the people and scientists who live nearby with “radiation hanging in the air like filthy glitter”.  However, the conversation goes on to explore relationships, aging and “what have we bequeathed the younger generations?”.

Well-known actress Fiona Reid (Rose) liked the play because, “Lucy Kirkwood’s writing is a departure from those plays about ‘people of a certain age’ who are declining”. It is “funny and sexy” as it dissects the relationship among “three friends who are very much alive” who “inhabit a world full of humor and wit”.  She doesn’t believe that they are past their sell-by date. The “play is about going forward”.  Reid, playing Rose, does an admirable, funny, even sexy, believable job. She (along with Hazel and Robin) used to work at the nuclear site, and after 38 years has dropped by seemingly unexpectedly, “just to catch up”.

We don’t realize that scientists suffer over the jobs they have to do or may have done which affects the world safety. Nuclear scientists who built the plant feel they are responsible for what happens. Young scientists may even be risking their lives to save others. Laurie Paton as Hazel and Geordie Johnson as Robin relate easily to each other like long-married people, as they wrangle with this conundrum while trying to live in their present contaminated state –  you can’t eat anything, even something as simple as a salad, without testing the soil for radiation.

Maria Popoff, the stage manager, told us about her job, and it sounded alot like conducting an orchestra. She is calling light and sound cues, making sure water comes out when it is supposed to, props are where they should be, and that actors are in the right place at the right time.  The director’s job is finished on opening night, and then it is up to the stage manager to pick up the baton for the rest of the run. Popoff’s position requires a lot of psychology to get along with people (anticipating actor’s needs), as well as keeping track of a myriad of details.  They must keep a tight rein on the show throughout the run.

Director Eda Holmes remarked on the plays’ themes of aging and the world we leave behind, “in life, time only moves one way” and then goes on to puts out the question, “What are we willing to give up for the next generation?”.

I don’t think it is a coincidence that Robin’s nickname for Hazel is “Haze”, which is what suffocates you after a nuclear explosion at a power plant.

Location 453 St-Francois-Xavier
corner: Notre-Dame
Tel: 514-288-3161
Dates: til Nov 25
www.centaurtheatre.com
Metro: Place d’Armes

Perfect on the barbeque to top your steaks, burgers or even fish, is the thick cut artisanal bacon created by the Grumpy Butcher (Boucher Fache). Do you remember bacon the way it used to be?

Rob Braide and his son Ian have been tinkering with bacon recipes for over 15 years to make it the way it should be. They locally craft it using Quebec pork, organic maple sugar and maple syrup. It is free from chemicals and full of character.

They have added to their repertoire: maple cured lardons which are a scrumptious topping for salads or eggs and now Jamaican Jerk bacon – expect a bit of a bite.

The sliced maple bacon is made in small batches for a great big taste. You can  order it on their Grumpy Butcher web site or buy it at Le Panier in Pointe Claire or at 5 other locations around town. Online, minimum orders are $25 and if you spend over $50, there’s free shipping.

Grumpy Butcher or Boucher Faché (La Cuisine 514 Inc.)
www.grumpybutcher.ca  
Tel: 514-316-3606

Le Panier: 274 Bord du Lac, Pointe Claire, H9S 4K9 Tel: 514-695-7038
Cinq Saisons: 1280 av Greene Ave, Westmount, QC H3Z 1C2 or 1180 av Bernard, Outremont, QC H2V 1V3
Boucherie Claude & Henri: Atwater Market, 138 Atwater Ave, QC H4C 2G3, Tel: 514- 933-0386
Alexi Le Gourmand: 1407 St Jacques St, 1H2  Tel: 514- 935-7676
Umami Montreal: 1195 Bishop St, H3G, Tel: 514-871-0401

Warshaw Maison, facing the Atwater market, concentrates on really well-priced kitchen and household items.  The store is chock full of serving dishes, gadgets, baking dishes, table linens, placemats, shower curtains, bathroom accessories, area rugs and runners, plants, and a big espresso section.

Warshaw, facing the Atwater market, concentrates on really well-priced kitchen and household items.

Sodastream is so refreshing for the hot weather as it makes inexpensive carbonated drinks –  and they have the best prices on them. Warshaw also conveniently replaces your empty CO2 canisters. Their products are 100% recyclable.

If you have a small balcony and are looking for outdoor furniture, they sell beautiful Acacia wood garden furniture (tables, chairs, bistro sets) at 20% off.

Take at look at the trendy new item, “rain chains”, which hook up to your balcony or rain gutter. The cascading water creates a peaceful and tranquil sound and visual effect. Mention you saw it here and receive 20% off the rain chains.

The owner of this friendly family business received a great fish education while working at the famous Waldman’s. It’s a boutique fish store as they sell exotic species from all over the world, prepared fish any way you like it and products for all your fishy needs. You can pick up a whole dinner or grab a bite and eat it right there. The can cater big parties or a holiday meal for you.

They are also well known for their: crab cakes, lobster rolls, shrimp platters, salmon burgers, fish tacos, and calamari. Their fish and chips was rated by www.mtlblog.com as one of the best in the city.

Their fridges are loaded with fresh, daily grilled vegetables, all colours of peppers, zucchini and kalamata and Italian olives. There are salads to round out the meal, like octopus, couscous, seaweed, taramasolata and tzatziki. Come in and warm your tummy with the many homemade soups (some made with no dairy) such as lobster bisque, clam chowder, gingered carrot and veggie ones. Finish off your recipes with gourmet products such as imported olive oils and truffle oils, sauces, marinades, seasonings and balsamic vinegars. Check out the freezers for ready to serve frozen items.

Their on site chef  can prepare any of your fish choices in many different ways, from frying, to grilling, Mediterranean, Cajun or blackened.

Fresh delights:
– sushi grade salmon and tuna
– wild and organic salmons
– fresh lobster 12 months a year
– Chilean sea bass
– red snapper
– Mediterranean porgies
– specialty in oysters
– big selection of caviars from Canada, USA, Iceland, Spain. They can special order high end varieties.

It’s one-stop fish shopping at this spacious, bright, spotless fish boutique. There’s something for everyone.

Location: 3464 boul des Sources, DDO H9B 1Z9
corner: Boul. du Salaberry
Tel: 514-683-3474
Hours: Mon-Wed 8-6, Thurs & Fri 8-7, Sat & Sun 8-5
pecheurdumarche@gmail.com

Warshaw Maison has a great location facing the Atwater Market.  For kitchen and household items prices are kept low since they buy liquidation deals and pass the savings on to you.

The store is chock full of serving dishes, gadgets, baking dishes, table linens, curtain panels, shower curtains, bathroom accessories, area rugs and runners, plants, and a big espresso section.

Expect to find:
– a big selection of bar stools
– gardening pots, soil, vitamins, planters
– shopping carts from France with fun designs and words
– Klip-It lunch containers in all sizes: some have cutlery, salad dressing containers, room for an ice pack. They’re made of virgin materials which are BPA-free and lead-free
– silicone baking molds in all colors and sizes
– a huge display of Trudeau products. Their salt & pepper shakers are guaranteed for life
– aprons for adults and kids
– cushions, chair pads, throws, pillows, towels, placemats, napkins, tablecloths
– knapsacks that convert to towels, reversible beach blankets (in a carry bag) which are waterproof on one side.
– baskets and storage containers
– bamboo rugs, synthetic Persian rugs, bath mats
– novelty throws called Safari with animals and throws which reverse to sherpa
– specialists in espresso machines: Saeco, Caffitaly, Breville, Keurig with and without pods
– blenders, toaster ovens, grills, kettles, juicers, toasters, oven mitts
– hampers, picnic baskets, umbrellas
– a plant section in the store with oddities like lucky bamboo, money tree and ginkgo biloba.
– And the Sodastream machine to make your own soda

This is definitely the store where there is something for everyone.

Location: 145 Atwater
corner: St-Ambroise
Tel: 514-933-2250
Hours: Regular plus Sun 9-5
www.warshawmaison.ca

Warshaw, uprooted from the Main, planted itself facing the Atwater market. It concentrates on kitchen and household items. Prices are kept low, since they buy liquidation deals and pass the savings on to you.

The store is chock full of serving dishes, gadgets, baking dishes, table linens, curtain panels, shower curtains, bathroom accessories, area rugs and runners, plants, and a big espresso section.

Expect to find:
– a big selection of bar stools
– gardening pots, soil, vitamins, planters
– shopping carts from France with fun designs and words
– Klip-It lunch containers in all sizes: some have cutlery, salad dressing containers, room for an ice pack. They’re made of virgin materials which are BPA-free and lead-free
– silicone baking molds in all colors and sizes
– a huge display of Trudeau products. Their salt & pepper shakers are guaranteed for life
– aprons for adults and kids
– cushions, chair pads, throws, pillows, towels, placemats, napkins, tablecloths
– knapsacks that convert to towels, reversible beach blankets (in a carry bag) which are waterproof on one side.
– baskets and storage containers
– bamboo rugs, synthetic Persian rugs, bath mats
– novelty throws called Safari with animals and throws which reverse to sherpa
– specialists in espresso machines: Saeco, Caffitaly, Breville, Keurig with and without pods
– blenders, toaster ovens, grills, kettles, juicers, toasters, oven mitts
– hampers, picnic baskets, umbrellas
– a plant section in the store with oddities like lucky bamboo, money tree and ginkgo biloba.
– And the Sodastream machine to make your own soda

This is definitely the store where there is something for everyone.

Location: 145 Atwater
corner: St-Ambroise
Tel: 514-933-2250
Hours: Regular plus Sun 9-5
www.warshawmaison.ca

Deli K is a new, friendly, family run Kosher food market with many food menu items to take home. Busy families will appreciate their extensive menu so you can buy a month’s worth of meals and never repeat one. West Island of Montreal.

The interesting homemade food is cooked daily in the West Island store. A Mosgiach is on the premises to make sure all is well. Even the bread, pastries and cookies are baked fresh daily. Some basic groceries line the shelves too: tam tam crackers, soup mixes, cookies, whole wheat noodles, candy, gum. etc. You might be surprised to find out that they even carry gluten-free products.

They can also handle larger groups, like business lunches for companies or catering small events.

Here is a sampling of some of their yummies:

Appetizers: hot dogs in blankets, borekas, Asian meatballs, latkes, arancini with chicken

Salads: spicy tuna, salad cuite, mango, crab, beet, spicy eggplant, quinoa, Romanian

Soups: lentil, bean & barley, matzah ball

Poultry: schnitzel in mushroom sauce, turkey with sweet onion, chicken with apricots and prunes, hen in duck sauce, Moroccan chicken with olives

Meats: beef medallions in onion sauce, stuffed eggplant in tomato sauce, stuffed veal cutlets in caper sauce,Ruth’s brisket, cholent

Fish: Moroccan fish, tilapia in lemon sauce, paella, fish balls in tomato sauce

Sides: verenikas, corn pie, scallop potatoes, Moroccan omelette, pastels, green bean casserole

Chinese: Orange beef, chicken chow mein, General Tao, beef and cashews, Kung Pao chicken

Pastries: croissants, danish, strudel, borekas

How’s this for great customer service: If you make a suggestion of something you would like them to cook, they will create it for you.

Location: 11 Sunnydale St. Dollard des Ormeaux QC H9B 1E1
corner: boul des Sources
Tel: 514-685-6340
Hours: Mon-Wed 8:30-7, Thurs 8:30-8. Fri (Oct-March) 8:30-2 (April-Sept) 8:30-5

Most people don’t realize how international the West Island has become. If you get off  the Boul. des Sources North Exit #55 on the Transcanadienne Highway 40, you can have a smorgasbord of worldly tastes:

Italian, Chinese, Greek, Japanese, Lebanese, Brazilian, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Pakastani, Afghani, Iraqi, Portuguese, Kosher, BBQ, Steak, Mideastern, Jamaican, Phillipino, Rotisserie chicken, Good burgers, Vegetarian, French bakery and ice cream

Here is the list of the restaurants you will find:

On right (EAST side) when you get off (addresses on Boul. des Sources, Dollard des Ormeaux):

On outside of Galeries des Sources Mall:
Jack Astor’s (Grille and Bar) #3051 Tel: 514-685-5225 – chicken, burgers, salads, Italian, ribs www.jackastors.com/locations/16/dorval-restaurants.html
Elixor, # 3237 Tel: 514-683-7778 – Like cheesecake factory in US. Beautiful decor, good cooking, varied menu, large portions, cheesecakes for dessert www.elixor.com/home.html
Del Frisco #3237 Tel: 683-4444 – Nice sit-down Italian www.delfriscos.ca/en-Home.inc
Marathon Souvlaki # 3313 Tel:514- 421-5825 – Well known, around a long time, Greek food
http://marathonsouvlaki.ca/en/index.html

Across the street on the WEST side:
Bar-B-Barn (yellow building) – BBQ ribs and chicken, around 35 years or so www.barbbarn.ca
40 Westt Steakhouse 2305 Transcanada Highway (In mall facing Boul des Sources) Tel: 514-428-9378 – very fancy expensive steak house www.40westt.com

Back on the EAST side is a long long strip mall called Centennial Plaza. Here the restaurants are very casual, fast food or one step up from that:

Basha 3339A – Mideastern www.westislandmenus.com/restaurant/arabic/basha.php?restID=7
Rotisserie Mom’s 3339B – Chicken (newish)
Maiko Sushi 3339D www.westislandmenus.com/restaurant/sushi/maikosushi.php?restID=12
Fulum Buffet, Wok and Grill 3339E – Chinese menu or buffet
O Burger 3339G www.oburger.ca/en/menu.aspx
Thai Express 3339G
Dairy Queen 3339 H – soft ice cream
Subway 3339K – subs

Next section of this strip mall:
Baskin Robbins 3343 – hard ice cream
Pasta Tutti Giorni 3343A – Inexpensive sit-down Italian, fabulous rose sauce www.ptg.ca
Miranda’s Mashaw 3343C – (newish) Mideastern
Kojax 3343D – Greek, souvlaki www.kojaxsouflaki.com/en/restaurant_centennial-plaza.php
Sushi Shop 3343F – Less expensive sushi to go http://sushishop.com/en/menu/
Teriyaki 3343E
Amir 3343G – Lebanese www.restoamir.com
Dagwoods 3343 – Subs www.dagwoods.ca/home
Yummis 3343K – bakery, café
McBay – small diner, around over 30 years
Rockaberry #33361 – pies
Second Cup # – Canada’s Starbucks for coffee
A&W (in parking lot) – fast food burgers and root beer

Across the street on the WEST side facing this mall:

On you will see Starbucks, then next to it, perpendicular to Boul des Sources (on Boul. Salaberry), there’s a strip of casual restaurants leading in to a mini Farmer’s Market:

Pasta Bella #3 510, mostly take out pasta
Wok Café # 3510 Tel 514-683-8883-Asian Fusion.Good General Tao chicken www.wokcafe.ca/eng
Five Guys #3530 – better burgers
Panama 11,604 Salaberry Tel: 514-676-1096 – Greek www.restaurantpanama.ca/
Paradise Kosher – Tel: 514-421-0421 Mostly grocery, some take out, one table
Thai Noodles and Sushi Tel: 514- 421-1008 11,612 Salaberry
Ben & Florentine 11618 Salaberry – breakfast mostly, then lunch
Bulk Barn – 514-822-0897 by the pound store with every kind of candy, nuts, snacks for the car
Juke Box Burgers – 514-542-3222 plus milkshakes, hot dogs www.jukeboxburgers.com

Madison’s New York Grill 11590 Salaberry, – sit down, free standing bdlg.,steak, burgers, chicken, 2 for $22 specials www.madisonsnyc.com/?lang=en
La Verita 116,80 Salaberry Tel: 514-684-4999- Tablecloth Italian, free standing building in lot
www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g983914-d1381103-Reviews-Restaurant_La_Verita-Dollard_des_Ormeaux_Quebec.html

Marche de l’Ouest – foodie mall with cheese shop, French bakery Premiere Moissan (wow), butcher, fruit, fish, cheese, muffins, pizza, sushi, pasta, sausages, bagels, gelato, Szechuan, Outside is a farm stand housing many farmer’s goods around the area
www.marchedelouest.com/en/directory.html

Further down on WEST side

Wendys (rebuilding) –
Tim Horton’s – Canadian icon, donuts and some sandwiches
Cold Stone Creamery – ice cream

Keep going past Roger Pilon and then you will find on WEST:

Cote St Luc Bar-B-Q 4360 Tel: 514-685-5000 – Rotisserie chicken, Quebec specialty www.cotestlucbarbq.com/
Bagels Ouest 4404 Few bagel sandwiches with cold cuts, Quebec special: smoked meat
Carribean Tasty Treats 4410 Tel: 514-542-4410 – Jamaican food like rotis, curried goat, jerk chicken, fried plaintains http://caribtastytreats.com

Porte GrecQue 4600 Tel: 514-683-4482 – Greek grilled food in a little house, outdoor dining, around 30+ years www.laportegrecque.com/en/index.html

Falafel Abou hanna 4660 Tel 514- 560-0777 – Lebanese Mom & Pop shop
Morgan Fish 4686 Tel: 514-685-1555 Sit down
Tandoor & Grille, 4690 Tel: 514-683-4878 – Indian, in its own building, sit down
www.restomontreal.ca/en/3165/Tandoor-et-Grille

In strip mall:

Fiesta Pilipino Market 4852 – a bit of food to go???
Anh-Tai 4858 Tel: 514-685-5092 – Vietnamese, around 30+ years, good http://anh-tai.com
Maison de Karahi La Sani 4878 buffet Indian and Pakistani http://montreal.restolinked.com/maison-de-karachi-lasani-restaurant-33364.htm
Aryana Afghane 4886 Tel: 514-683-1333 www.urbanspoon.com/r/67/1614220/restaurant/Montreal/Aryana-Dollard-Des-Ormeaux
Les 3 Maria 4886A Tel: 514-683-1333 Portuguese bbq chicken
www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g983914-d4044027-Reviews-Les_3_Maria-Dollard_des_Ormeaux_Quebec.html
Charcuterie M.D. 4894 Tel: 514-684-5760 – Polish, Central European deli, cold cuts, sweets

corner of Boul. Pierrefonds:

McDonald’s 4928 Tel: 514-684-0779
Tim Horton – Canadian icon, donuts and sandwiches
Poulet Frite a la Kentucky and Taco Bell – Kentucky Fried Chicken in french, same taste
Mory’s Pizza Takeout

Across the street on the EAST:

Chateau Kabab 4705 – Persian and Iraqi Mediterranean grill, bit fancier than others on this strip www.chateaukabab.com

Kwality 4771 Tel: 514-421-3522 – Indian food and sweets
Palais Shahi 4773 Tel: 514-685-0000 Indian, here 10 years www.yelp.ca/biz/shahi-palace-restaurent-pierrefonds
Pushap, 4777 Tel: 514-683-0105 Vegetarian inexp. Indian

Tokyo Sushi Bar, 4805 Tel: 514-685-7082 www.tresordutokyo.com-  BYOB reasonable
Kim Hoa Chinese Market 4843 Tel: 514 683-8878 – a bit of takeout Vietnamese and Chinese food

Man-Li 4991 Tel: 514-683-1110 – Oldest Chinese restaurant in area. Known for take out, tables too
Bombay Choupati 5011 Tel: 514- 421-3130 – good Indian
La Milsa 5021 Tel: 514- 542-4224 – Brazilian steakhouse