Arthur Quentin

3960, rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2W 2M2 514-843-7513

Description: A long-time favorite with Montréal's cooks and foodies, Arthur Quentin has everything you need for your kitchen. From the practical items you use every day to smart gadgets you didn't know you needed; from fine crystal, flatware and china to pots and pans; from tablecloths to mortar and pestle sets. Plus, there's a nice section devoted to accessories that can be used throughout the home, such as rugs, cushions, candleholders, frames and vases.
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Cheap Thrills

2044, rue Metcalfe, Montréal, QC H3A 1X8 514-844-8988

Description: Books and CDs ­ Cheap Thrills has thousands of both. They have good quality, gently used CDs in virtually every genre, with a special emphasis on blues and jazz. Their selection of books runs the gamut as well, with both English- and French-language titles. The staff is exceptionally well-informed and helpful.
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Chocolats Geneviève Grandbois

138, ave Atwater, Atwater Market, stall C-1, Montréal, QC H4C 2G3 514-933-1331

Description: The finest ingredients and carefully chosen flavors are the hallmarks of Chocolats Geneviève Grandbois. Sometimes, the combinations might sound a bit strange ­ the Monte Cristo is infused with cigar leaves, Balsamico is made with 25-year-old balsamic vinegar, Truffe blanche with white truffle oil ­ but the final product always "works." A sublime caramel filled chocolate (enhanced by fleur de sel) is one of the top sellers; other options include a top-of-the-line Amedei Chuao collection, an amazing chai chocolate, and one filled with passion fruit and coconut milk. Divine!
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Giraffe

3997, rue St-Denis, Montréal, QC H2W 2M4 514-499-8436

Description: If your tastes in art and décor have always run more toward the exotic than the traditional, you'll definitely want to stop in at Giraffe. The shop imports crafts and artwork from some of the world's most fascinating destinations, including Africa. Peek in the windows, and you'll be struck by the intriguing merchandise inside. Among the treasures you'll find are textiles, jewelry, musical instruments, carved masks and a good selection of wood and stone sculptures. In business since 1974.
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Gourmet Laurier

1042, ave Laurier ouest, Montréal, QC H2V 2K8 514-274-5601

Description: For over half a century, this wonderful shop has supplied Montréal cooks with an inspirational inventory of gourmet and hard-to-find ingredients. Rare spices, the finest extra virgin olive oils, exquisite chocolates, specialty teas and coffees, jams and jellies, mustards, Québec cheeses and meats ­ the list goes on and on. The shop also offers sandwiches and such, to go. Plus, the store stocks a good selection of high-end coffee grinders, pepper mills and other kitchen gadgets.
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Jigsaw Jungle International

2379 Guenette, Saint Laurent, QC H4R 2E9 514-331-3346

Description: Yes, the specialty here is jigsaw puzzles. But you might be amazed at the variety. There are 3-D puzzles, wooden puzzles, shape puzzles, kids' puzzles, puzzle accessories and word puzzles, along with games, craft and hobby kits, educational toys, and plenty more. Puzzles come in all sorts of counts (25 pieces, 5000 pieces, and everything in between), and a huge assortment of images from cuddly kittens to architectural wonders to fine works of art.
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La Boite Noire Boutique Vidéo

376, ave du Mont-Royal est, QC H2T 1P9 (514)-287-1249

Description: Fans of the big screen and art house movies find La Boite Noire Boutique Vidéo a divinely inspired retailer. The store carries tons of underground titles both from European cinema and Hollywood, and each title is listed by its country of origin and its director for ease of search. Membership is required. Once with a membership, access to three-for-two rentals and 72-hour rental periods, deals that are hard to beat.
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Le Fromentier

1375, ave Laurier est, Montréal, QC H2J 1H6 514-527-3327

Description: Montréal's ave Laurier est has more than its fair share of specialty food shops and gourmet cafes, and Le Fromentier offers what many consider to be the best breads and pastries not only in the neighborhood but in the entire city. The shop features standards throughout the week and several daily specials. Along with swoon-worthy chocolate croissants, buttery brioche, baguettes and cinnamon raison bread, you might find unique loaves flavored with squash, cumin, cranberries, nuts, olives, and a host of other wonderful ingredients. And all their sweets and pastries are simply wonderful.
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Les Chocolats de Chloé

375, rue Roy est, Montréal, QC H2W1N1 513-849-5550

Description: Another of Montréal's famed chocolatiers. Chloé creates luscious ganache centers with intense flavors like anise, honey, raspberries, Earl Grey tea, and passionfruit, all covered in the smoothest Valrhona chocolate. You can also choose chocolate-covered marshmallows, salty-sweet caramels, and plain bars, all of which are worth every calorie and every penny.
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Librairie Gourmande

7070 rue Henri Julien, Marché Jean Talon, Montréal, QC H2S 2V8 514-279-1742

Description: For the chef on your list, or for yourself, a visit to Librairie Gourmande is a must. The bookstore specializes in cookbooks, with a huge selection in both French and English. Books about food, books by and about famous chefs, and books devoted to every imaginable cooking style and cuisine. The store regularly schedules author readings and presentations as well, so check the calendar!
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Mortimer Snodgrass

209 St-Paul ouest, Montréal, QC H2Y 2A1 514-499-2851

Description: One of Montréal's most fun and unusual shops! Mortimer Snodgrass (actually the name of the owner's beloved mutt), is fun to browse, even if you're not looking for anything specific. Among the treasures and trinkets here you'll find bath products, handbags and tote bags, ingenious kitchen gadgets, hats and t-shirts, all with their own quirky charm or funky design. There's nothing "cookie cutter" about this place!
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Olive & Olives

1389, ave Laurier est, Montréal, QC H2J 1H6 514-526-8989

Description: An entire store fervently devoted almost entirely to olive oil. There are bottles of varying grades from Spain, Italy, Chile and Australia. A tempting selection of olives, vinegars and items made with olive oil are also on offer. You can sample most anything, and if you're unsure what to buy, the staff is not only friendly they are extremely well-versed in the merits of just about every oil in the store. They offer free classes as well!
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Olives et Épices

7070, Henri-Julien, Marché Jean-Talon, Montréal, QC H2S 3A3 514-271-0001

Description: Owned by the De Vienne family (much revered among Montréal's foodie circles), this Jean-Talon Market enterprise is illuminating to say the least. The specialty here is olive oils and spices, and it's virtually a given that you'll find some you've never heard of before. Rare Indonesian spice blends, obscure but must-have herbs from Africa ­ it's a treasure trove of scents and flavors. The owners are impressively knowledgeable, and you are welcome to taste before you buy.
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Poterie Manu Reva

5141, boul Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2T 1R9 514-948-1717

Description: Why settle for the same old plates and mugs everyone else has when you can get something totally "you" that also happens to be locally made? The oh-so-functional items here are all made by Québec artisans. You'll find serving pieces, salad bowls, dessert plates, vases, trivets, casseroles, teapots, pitchers, hand-painted stemware, and a lot of things you probably never thought of as being made with clay. Functional as well as beautiful.
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Quincaillerie Dante

6851, St-Dominique, Montréal, QC H2S 3B3 514-271-2057

Description: A Quincaillerie is a hardware store, but this is no ordinary hardware store. On one side of the family-operated shope you'll find hunting gear and rifles and such, but the other side is all cookware. It's a familiar haunt for the city's chefs and amateur cooks, who browse the aisles for the most cunning kitchen gadgets and then stay to trade secrets with with the owners. Cooking demonstrations (like "How to Make the Perfect Pasta") are also part of the charm.
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Ten Thousand Villages

5674 Monkland Ave, Montréal, QC H4A 1E4 514-483-6569

Description: If you love unique, handmade goods, this incredible shop will delight you. It carries items made by Third World artisans and focuses on the craft rather than the income (with emphasis on fair trade). Craftspeople are paid well for their time, they work under favorable conditions, and they share with the customer their culture and their talents. The merchandise includes breathtaking Oriental rugs, beautiful handmade papers, carved trinkets, and children's toys. You'll also find clothing, home accessories and a variety of decorative items.
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