Ep 6. Montreal

The Layover is a travel and food show hosted by the late chef and television personality, Anthony Bourdain. In each episode, Bourdain explores a different city and shows viewers how to make the most of a 24 to 48-hour layover. In season 1 episode 6, Bourdain travels to Montreal, Canada.

Bourdain begins the episode with a visit to Montreal's famous Jean-Talon Market. The market showcases the best produce and specialty foods of Quebec, and Bourdain delights in the variety of offerings. He samples artisanal cheeses, fresh oysters, and even tries a delicacy called "poutine," a dish made with French fries, gravy, and cheese curds. Bourdain is impressed by the quality and diversity of the market's offerings, noting that Montreal's culinary scene is an intersection of French, British, and Canadian cuisine.

Next, Bourdain meets up with Montreal native and singer/songwriter Jean-Phi Goncalves. Goncalves takes Bourdain to his favorite restaurant, Joe Beef. The restaurant's proprietors, David McMillan and Fred Morin, have been at the forefront of Montreal's food scene for over a decade. Bourdain marvels at the restaurant's unique offerings, including foie gras au torchon and horse tartare. Bourdain admits to being skeptical of the horse meat at first, but after trying it, he declares it "one of the best things ever."

Bourdain then heads to the Plateau neighborhood of Montreal for a walking tour. He interviews some of the locals, who describe the neighborhood's vibrant arts and music scene. Bourdain stops into a local music venue, Casa del Popolo, where he catches a show by the experimental band, The Barr Brothers. The band members are all Montreal natives, and Bourdain appreciates their unique blend of traditional folk music and avant-garde experimentation.

For dinner, Bourdain meets up with Montreal-based chef Martin Picard. Picard is the owner of Au Pied de Cochon, one of the most famous restaurants in Montreal. The restaurant is known for its decadent and often outrageous dishes, including foie gras poutine and a "duck in a can" dish where a whole duck is cooked in a can and then opened tableside. Bourdain and Picard indulge in a variety of rich and meaty dishes, all while enjoying copious amounts of wine.

The next morning, Bourdain continues his exploration of Montreal's food scene with a visit to the St. Viateur Bagel Shop. Montreal-style bagels are known for being smaller and denser than their New York-style counterparts. Bourdain watches as the bagels are hand-rolled, boiled in honey water, and then baked in a wood-fired oven. He samples a fresh bagel with cream cheese and notes that the Montreal-style bagel has a unique sweetness and texture.

Bourdain ends the episode with a visit to Montreal's famous street art scene. The city is known for its vibrant murals and graffiti, and Bourdain marvels at the skill and creativity on display. He interviews some of the artists, who explain the importance of street art as a medium for social commentary and political expression.

Overall, The Layover's episode on Montreal highlights the city's rich cultural and culinary offerings. Bourdain's passion for food and adventure shines through as he explores the city's neighborhoods, meets its locals, and indulges in its unique cuisine. The episode is a fitting tribute to Bourdain's legacy of using food and travel to connect people and cultures.