A brunch moment

I smile when I remember my couchsurfing days. It was foolish yet deliciously exhilarating to taste a different culture.

The Koreans outdrink everyone, the Japanese were slightly crazy, and the Mexican girl knew how to party. And the French — except one — were an exercise in frustration.

One thing led to another and I was tasked to introduce Montréal to a couchsurfer’s friend.

We went to “L’Avenue”. The restaurant attracts a large crowd, even on a freezing -35C morning or hot summer days. I recognized a filmmaker, a local DJ, Chinese tourists as well as a group from Toronto all lining up for brunch.

Like many north American cities, brunch is deeply rooted in the rhythmic patterns of activity. It’s a celebration of a week well-spent or overdue time with friends.

Interestingly, the concept of brunch appeared only in the late 30s and was reserved to affluent Americans. Most workers followed strict meal times cadenced to factory or workshop times, and Sunday morning was for mass. Being able to eat at 11 am on a Sunday demonstrated wealth, further evidenced by the richness and diversity of the food.

“L’Avenue” is not a stranger to these roots. It’s as a matter of fact a temple for brunch. Page after page, the choice is staggering and far away from the typical servings found in other places.

This is called Bobby berbere, reinvented with ample servings of cheese, eggs and meat:

We talked about the dazzling decoration of the bathroom and were amazed by the little details.

Somehow, somewhere, it added up and we connected.

I told stories about the ruthlessness of the weather. I mentioned what made Montréal special. I shared the life of a programmer and software entrepreneur. There were kind smiles and pauses. Not those awkward pauses where you realize the distance, but the reflection of a deep sense of one-ness.

Later that day, I remember gentle walks up the mountain.

And in the following hours, we had to part ways, back to our respective cities.

I never saw her again, and until this day, I thank “L’Avenue” for having help create that unique moment, frozen in time.