Montreal Jazz Festival 2008
 

My boyfriend and I planning to attend the 2008 Montreal Jazz Festival during the end of June/beginning of July.
We haved booked the Hyatt and also plan to take the via rail to Quebec City for a day trip.
Would like some feedback if anyone has attended the Jazz Festival, as well as if the Hyatt is a good choice and suggestions on good four or five start ecclectic, trendy restaurants and nightclubs.

Hi Concorde,

The jazz festival is fantastic! You'll get the chance to experience tons of artists both local and international. There are many free shows, as well as shows that charge admission.
Just walking around, seeing the sights, hearing the sounds, tasting the food (as there are quite a few vendors that set up shop) is really a quintessential Montreal experience. It's great that you're going to get to experience it!

Regarding your plans to day trip to Quebec city via the train. It's doable, but it will be a very long day. The train ride is roughly 3hrs, and you will be walking and exploring all day. I would prefer to spend at least one night, but if time is restricted for you then just be ready for a long day!

Layla %%-

Thanks Layla.
Wow! I am getting more excited about the Festival!
Actually, we have discussed spending more than a day in Quebec, as there is a lot to see and do.
I have relatives there and I am most certain that they will be our 'hosts ' for sightseeing when we arrive.
Do you have any favourite restaurants or nightspots that you would like to share?
We are both in our late forties, love fine wines, exceptional food and dancing!

Hi concorde,

A couple of ideas for wine/food:
http://www.aszu.ca/
or
http://www.bu-mtl.com/Bar_a_Vins

For dancing--there's always Funky Town (disco) on Peel between de Maisonneuve and Ste-Catherine, but if you want more current stuff (I'm not the one to help) head to St-Laurent north of Sherbrooke.

JQ

Hi concorde,

I can help with Montreal restaurants and night spots but I'm not as familiar with Quebec city (I live in MTL, and have only visited QC on a couple of overnight trips.

In Montreal you might want to check out:

L'Express
L'Academie
Casa Napoli
Au Pied du Cochon
Guido and Angelina's
Amir
O Noir (this place is supposed to be something special, you eat in the total darkness and are served by blind wait staff)
Bombay Palace

The list is endless!! My above list includes a couple places ranging in price from cheap fast-food to pricier, trendy places.

In terms of night life many tourists head to Crescent but the age of most people on the street is quite young. I know Thursdays on Crescent sometimes has an "older" crowd. Funky Town was suggested by someone else, I haven't been but you might want to look into it.

St Laurent is always a great place to search for a night spot, there is tons going on on that street.

If you have a sweet tooth, Montreal has some great pastry shops, chocolatiers etc let me know if you'd like recommendations for those as well. I often find www.chowhound.com to be a great tool when searching for restaurants.

Have a great trip!

Layla %%-

The jazz fest is amazing, very user friendly; walk over and enjoy. Good thing you reserved your room already, the Hyatt sells out quickly. It's an ok chain hotel right in the heart of the action.

jq, I had a drink at Bu recently, loved it, the menu seemed very appealing. Tapas and a few main dishes.

If you want outstanding food, my 3 new favorites are Club Chasse et Pêche (old montreal) , Bronte, (sherbrooke street west) also 2singes de Montarvie (St. Viateur); in the summer, Il Cortille (sherbrooke west) has an amazing inner court terrace that is hard to beat. A search on chowhound.com can give you updated info, these people are on it.

Mind you, I don't eat at those places on a night when I'm going to the 9o'clock main jazz show outdoors.

Thanks to everyone who responded.
I've had a look at some of the restaurant links and we had already added two to our list of 'must dos. '
I'm sure we will have an amazing time!
Thanks for all of your help!