OUT in Montreal: Julien's Perfect Day

Pictured, clockwise from left: Marché Jean Talon; Agrikol; Goat milk caramel spread and scented soap at Marché Jean Talon; store front on Boulevard Saint-Laurent; Julien and some Zilon street art off Boulevard Saint-Laurent.

Last week, the OUT staff undertook its annual group trip to gather content for the Travel Issue (coming to a newsstand near you in November) We had an epic long weekend in Montreal (check out #OutinMontreal on Instagram!) and now, sadly, we’re back at our desks. But, every day for the rest of the week we’re going to share some of our favorite experiences from our foray up north.

Today, OUT’s Senior Editor, Julien Sauvalle (@juliensauvalle) offers up his version of a perfect day in Montreal:

1. CAFE OLYMPICO
Start your day with the best cup of coffee in town, conveniently located in Montreal’s Mile End district, a quaint neighborhood where street art and independent boutiques reign.
124 Rue St-Viateur West, cafeolimpico.com

2. CLARK MERCANTILE
A few blocks down from Olimpico, this neatly curated boutique has a great selection of niche menswear brands, such as Oliver Spencer and Sandqvist, as well as some rare grooming products, magazines, and homegoods.
5200 Clark Street, Clarkstreetmercantile.com

3. BOUCLE & PAPIER
For all things paper and print, this diminutive shop has plenty of original postcards and notebooks to help you keep a record of all your travels.
5183 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Boucleetpapier.com

4. JEAN TALON MARKET
Take a lunch break at the Marché Jean Talon, a popular locals’ hangout. There you’ll find anything from opium soap to goat milk caramel spread. Meat lovers should look for the samples at Les Cochons Tout Ronds, while your more health-conscious friends can explore the spices cabinets at Epices de Cru, which also sells tea and elegant ceramics by Arik de Vienne.
7070 Avenue Henri Julien, marchespublics-mtl.com

5. BOULEVARD SAINT-LAURENT
This busy street is packed with thrift stores and vintage gems. At Cul de Sac (No. 3794), we picked up a Levi’s sherpa jacket for less than $40 --Canadian dollars, that is-- and almost went for leather biker pants at the nearby Friperie Saint Laurent (No. 3976). Ladies will love the retro-inspired Kitsch & Well, next door.  
Avenue Saint-Laurent, between Duluth Avenue West and Avenue des Pins.

6. RAD HOURANI
If you’re looking to splurge on one Montreal-based label, this is your man. Born in Jordan, Hourani has been on the forefront of genderless fashion for years, becoming the first Canadian designer invited to show his unisex couture at Paris Fashion Week. His main inspiration? Tilda Swinton, obvi.  231 Saint Paul Ouest. RadHourani.com

7. AGRIKOL
It’s nearly impossible to get a table at this new Haitian hangout located near the Gay Village. The latest venture of Arcade Fire husband and wife Win Butler and Régine Chassagne (who’s a Montréal native), Agrikol has cocktails and accras that live up to the hype, and the atmosphere is relaxed, young, and diverse. 1844 Rue Amherst, Agrikol.ca