Originally published in the Journal de Montréal on February 4, 2012.

We’ll know tomorrow which team has become the American football champion of the 46th Super Bowl. This final is a major event as it is telecast in over 200 countries, making it the second most watched sporting event, after the soccer world cup.

Read the rest of this entry »

If you’re looking for somethig special for your Valentine (and for yourself) and happen to be in Montreal next Friday, Feb 10th, here’s a suggestion: A dinner-concert with opera music and love songs at the TribuTerre bistro 2590 Jarry Est*.
Read the rest of this entry »

Originally published in the Journal de Montréal on January 21, 2012.

According to Chinese tradition, when the Dragon is master, all the demons go into hiding. That’s why the Year of the Dragon is generally happy and prosperous, and many couples want to have children during this year.

Read the rest of this entry »

Had Cinderella been in Gentilly, Quebec, her pumpkin would have been transformed into a speedboat, instead of a coach. And she would be ready to paddle in the boat race that will take place on the Becancour River tomorrow Saturday, October 8th.

This race is the spectacular closing event of the Potirothon Gentilly. Several activities are organized in this community to promote the pumpkin (called “potiron” in France). Among other things, the producer who grew the largest pumpkin wins… the ‘golden pumpkin’ prize.
Read the rest of this entry »

In North America, the World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated from October 1st to 7th. Elsewhere, it’s from August 1st to 7th.

Breastfeeding is recognized worldwide by Health organizations as the the best way to provide newborns with the nutrients they need. WHO (World’s Health Organization) recommends exclusive breastfeeding until a baby is six months old, and continued breastfeeding with the addition of nutritious complementary foods for up to two years.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Harrogate Autumn Flower Show, in Northern England, has celebrated its 100th anniversary last week, with a floral art show, a giant vegetable competition, and a competition to find the world’s heaviest onion. The previous record of 7.5 kg set in 2005 has been smashed by a whopping 8.15 kg specimen. Read the rest of this entry »

Having spent the first 20 years of my life in St-Hyacinthe, QC, I know every nook and cranny of town.

One of my favorite places is the renowned “Market Center”. This building, built in 1876, is home to all sorts of delicacies: pastries, cheeses, breads and many more! This has been a favorite destination for generations of gourmet ‘Maskoutains’.

From September 23 to 25, this public market will be the hot spot of Le rendez-vous des papilles (i.e. the Tastebuds Fair). This 8th edition of the event will gather 80 food craftsmen and many activities, cooking demonstrations and tastings. Read the rest of this entry »