Review Of The Month: Maria V
Welcome to the Review of the Month where we spotlight a truly FUC’able review written by a truly awesome local Yelper in Montreal! This time around we get to know Maria, a newbie Yelp Elite, Maria earned her first Elite Badge in 2016 and has written 53 reviews already, including her ROTD winning Funny, Useful and Cool review for Hoogan and Beaufort. She has been sharing her reviews with a sweet enthusiasm and positivity, becoming a great champion of local businesses since joining Yelp. It’s been awesome getting to know Maria, so we were excited to learn more about how she got into Yelp, and find out some of her favourite finds around the city, check it out!
Yelp Montreal: Tell us about the time when you had the most memorable experience as a Yelper.
Maria: When my review for Hoogan et Beaufort, was selected as the review of the day!
YM: Why do you Yelp?
MV: Because I enjoy giving feedback about our local business. Having a restaurant is not an easy job at all! Therefore I like to acknowledge those that do a good job within our city.
YM: Who is someone that you always look forward or hope to see at a Yelp event (other than Risa)? How did both of you meet?
MV: At the moment, I do not know that many people yet. Risa would be a person whom I’d like to meet to thank her for nominating me. Also Aron G. He’s quite interesting to exchanged messages about food with. Fun to chat with as well!
YM: Tell us about the moment when you realized Yelp became something special to you?
MV: Yelp has been a help in realIzing different points of views about restaurants I haven’t been to. I can say that I can agree with quite a few reviews that have been written about places I’ve tried.
YM: What do you love about Montreal?
MV: The great level of multi-cultural foods that we have. How many of them are truly authentic, and delicious as well. Also the variety of ingredients you can purchase at the markets or little spice stores. Aside from the potholes, and long bitterly cold winters. Oh, and the high taxes. It’s a beautiful, and wonderful city! People are very kind, and sociable. Most of the time!
YM: If you had to pick only 3 places to eat in Montreal for the rest of your life, where would it be? What makes these places special for you?
MV: Angela’s Pizzeria - My very first place I went to eat, when I arrived to Montreal. Therefore it has a great nostalgic feeling to it. Their pizzas are outstanding!!!
Rustique - Their pies are comforting, delectable, and very well made. Very kind staff as well!
Sammi’s Dumplings. Their dumplings brings a great level of memories of my trip to China in 2001. They taste exactly the same as when I first fell in love with them during my trip. Dumplings are a great example of how simple, and comforting food, often tastes the best!
YM: What is a skill that you’d love to learn? What held you back from learning this?
MV: I would love to become a food photographer, or a restaurant reviewer!
YM: What made you get into your favorite hobby?
MV: My favourite hobby is photography. I became very much into it, so I can always have good memories of Montreal. Also to show the beautiful city, and the delicious food, by exposing my photos on Instagram.
YM: Tell us the story of your most memorable moment with your pet
MV: When I brought him home as a puppy. He opened my flour canister, and became white. Do keep in mind he’s a black lab! I couldn’t stop laughing while I was very upset!
YM: After a long day’s work, what do you like to do to relax?
MV: Bake or edit my photos.
YM: What are your irrational fears?
MV: The fear of small bugs. Such as mosquitos and ants.
YM: What was the proudest moment in your life?
MV: Learning three fluent languages.
YM: What do you enjoy most about your day job?
MV: Being with people.
YM: If you could go back in time and change one thing in your life, what would it be?
MV: Doing my high school years in Montreal instead of in the USA.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why?
MV: Make myself a bit taller. Just a bit!
YM: What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
MV: I have a strong shy side. Which I try to hide it most of the time.
YM: What does your name mean? How does that represent you?
MV: My entire name is Maria Victoria. My Mother chose Maria. My Father chose Victoria. It’s simply beautiful.
YM: What are your hidden talents?
MV: I’m a good writer.
YM: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?
MV: China! Ever since my trip in 2001. I fell in love with it. Although it’s VERY different culturally. The people, make it easy for you to adjust and it’s an adventure on it’s own.
YM: Who do you look up to? Why?
MV: Restaurant critics. To hopefully one day became one.
YM: Words to live by?
MV: Don’t worry, be happy!
Thanks for sharing your stories and experiences with us Maria!! We love stories!
Hey Reader! Interested in sharing your local stories on Yelp? We can’t wait to read them!
Beyond sharing online reviews, there’s so much more to being a Yelper and to being a Yelp Elite: You’ll be invited to attend exclusive free events thrown regularly at local restaurants, bars, shows, galleries, boutiques and beyond in Montreal and all over the world, with awesome people like Maria! We hope to high five you soon and until then, SYOY!
