Montreal marvels: Five places not to miss

A superstar in Quebec with a growing global following – he recently sold out a four-month residency in Paris – comedian Sugar Sammy relishes returning to Montreal after touring.

“I love living here because it’s a big city, but not so big that you feel lost,” said the 43-year-old Montreal native who was born as Samir Khuillar. “You can have a real life. And you can still find quiet, human moments.” Fluent – and funny – in English, French, Hindi and Punjabi, he has been conquering audiences around the world by riffing on politics. The son of Indian immigrants, he credits his border-crossing shtick to his upbringing here.

“It’s the reason my comedy’s so international,” he said. “Everyone I knew growing up spoke at least three languages.” Sugar Sammy will tour France, Britain and Belgium this winter.

Here he shares five treasured Montreal spots.

Mount Royal Park

The 470-acre, Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Mount Royal Park – named for the mountain it surrounds – is a verdant emblem of Montreal. “It’s an oasis and a jewel. It’s our version of Central Park, but better. There’s a lake, a chalet and a lookout with beautiful views. Whenever I’m home, I spend time with my parents there, walking and catching up. I also go there to just take a break, think and clear my mind.”

M0851

While this upscale leather-goods label now has outposts in China, Japan and the US, it maintains its original location in a storefront on hip Boulevard St.- Laurent. “It’s still M o ntrea l – ow n e d and created and the quality’s really good,” Sammy said. “For the stage, I asked them to make a jacket inspired by Elvis’ 1968 comeback TV special, but in a thinner leather so I don’t sweat. I still wear it.”

Grillades DaSilva

This tiny, bare-bones “neighbourhood joint” in Montreal’s Gay Village “makes the best Portuguese chicken in the world,” according to Sammy. “It’s next to the Olympia theatre, where I had a residency from 2012 to 2016. “Everyone I’ve sent there has thanked me for it. Jean, the owner, takes pride in his food. Portuguese chicken can be bland. For an Indian guy, this one satisfies my palate.”

Orange Cafe

This daytime-only eatery in affluent Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, the northwest neighbourhood where Sugar Sammy now lives, “serves the best breakfast in the city, and the clientele is a cross-section of Montreal,” he said. “Jimmy, one of the owners, always has a point of view on what’s happening in the city. Every time we talk, I come up with 10 minutes of new material.” Sammy recommends the TexMex omelette with egg whites and a Caesar salad.

Ritz Carlton Montreal

The century-old grande dame of Montreal hotels remains a see-and-be-seen hot spot. “You could spend the entire day at the Ritz,” Sammy said. “Their spa downstairs is a great place to get pampered. The Maison Boulud restaurant has one of the best brunches in town on Sundays, and it’s even better in the summer – there’s a beautiful terrace and live music. They also throw the best parties during the Formula 1 Grand Prix every summer.”

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