Take that time

There is certainly some reflection to do as I approach 50. For me, that moment comes not this year but in 2027. And why not take that time, in this first column, to share with you a few little gems I have come across over the past year? 

Also, the name of this new column, “Well Appointed,” is a play on words that I find interesting. A room or a table that is well appointed is well equipped, and the same can be said of one’s attire, so it covers hospitality (travel), dining and style. But “appointed” also speaks of time, as in an appointment or the appointed hour, which brings watchmaking into the picture. And it is simply an elegant expression…

1. 
   Casa Serras Andorra and the Fismuler Restaurant
   
   This hotel in the Principality of Andorra is simply magnificent, restful and elegant, especially after a long day of skiing. And what could be better than its restaurant, the little sibling of the Barcelona original, which holds a star? The cuisine was perfect and generous. I’ll tell you more about it in an upcoming series of articles on Andorra. 
   
2. 
   Caffe San Simeon
   
   Recently relocated a stone’s throw from its original location, but still in Montréal’s Little Italy, this legendary café is the perfect spot for an Italian coffee. It’s as loud as any Italian café, but there’s an enormous amount of space. However, there are no electrical outlets, and I didn’t see a Wi-Fi password. And it’s authentic: gatherings of Italians are not uncommon. 
   
3. 
   Rôtisserie La Lune
   
   I ate there for the first time this summer, and while the food is delicious and the chicken perfect, it was the service that impressed me most. Transferring the cocktail into a glass with fresh ice when they noticed it was melting too quickly: I had never seen that, and I’ve been to my share of bars. The attention to detail is simply exceptional. 
   
4. 
   La Mer Fish Market
   
   Okay, this isn’t a new place, I’ve already told you about it, but with oyster season back, it’s the place to visit. The selection is incredible, and the oysters are huge. They come from everywhere: Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, France, New Brunswick, the United States. In short, there’s something for every taste and every budget! 
   
5. 
   Siamo Noi
   
   This Italian restaurant at Royalmount is worth a visit. Everything is fresh; you can even watch the team making pasta and cutting the various meats. Speaking of pasta, it’s incredible. I recently saw the team and chef Marco Bertoldini again at a Lombardy event, and even their catering is perfect, from the cheese to the desserts. “Leave the gun, take the cannoli,” as they say in The Godfather. 
   
6. 
   Bossa, the Perfect Italian Sandwiches
   
   There are sandwiches, and then there are sandwiches. Bossa’s are simply very hard to beat: generous, made with fresh ingredients, and they fill you up like no others. A little tip: arrive on an empty stomach, because you’ll leave full. 
   
7. 
   Bous Persian Cuisine
   
   Bous, in the Golden Square Mile in Montréal, is still in its early days, with less than a year of existence. But it will come into its own, spread its wings and become a great restaurant. The dishes are generous, and the Iranian cuisine is excellent and comforting, perfect for autumn, with plenty of protein and a strong presence of yogurt. I need to go back to try the cocktails, which weren’t available during my pre-opening visit. It’s now open for lunch and dinner. Vegan options that would fool any carnivore are also offered. 
   
8. 
   Montréal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel
   
   This place is a stroke of genius. Located less than a two-minute walk from U.S. customs, right in the terminal, it’s the ideal spot to begin your vacation and avoid the stress of not making it to the airport on time with all the traffic. You sleep very well, but you have to be able to put up with the noise of the planes. The restaurant is excellent too, and you can watch several planes take off during your meal. I’ll tell you more about it in depth soon. 
   
9. 
   Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley
   
   I visited this hotel last September for the launch of the new Beats 360 from Beats by Dre, which I’ll tell you about in more detail soon. It really feels like a summer camp, with various units and an immense Biergarten. The restaurant is so good: I enjoyed oysters bigger than my hand, and the coffee at the morning breakfast and coffee spot inside the restaurant was perfect too. Generous croissants, in short, everything you need to fill your stomach, and an incredible stay. More on that soon. 
   
10. 
    Citizen Eco-Drive Endeavor Chrono
    
    I received this magnificent watch from Citizen in the spring, and I’m still testing it. Behind its nautical look, it’s very easy to wear and lighter than it appears. Plus, with Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology, it runs on light, with no battery at all. 

And that makes 10 places discovered where I have taken that time since January. And yes, dear readers, I’ll tell you about some of these places and products in more detail over the coming weeks. See you next week for a new column.