9 Nov

A GENTLEMEN’S GUIDE TO MONTREAL

Welcome to Movember, the month formerly known as November. For one month, the gentlemen of the world (known as Mo Bros) grow out their best stache to raise awareness for prostate cancer and other male health concerns. I thought with all these dapper furry lips walking around, a “Gentlemen’s Guide to Montreal” was in order…

What sets a gentleman apart from your average joe is all in the details. Since slugging around in dirty shoes is very un Sir-like, you gotta go get the best polish in Canada by Mr. Harry Klein. They call it the “Klein Shine”, and with clients like former PM Jean Chrétien and the CEOs of Montreal’s mightiest corporations, you can bet it’s pretty damn gleaming. The price of admission to the Harry Klein Shoe Shine experience (located in the lobby of 1250 Réné-Lévesque, across from the Sheraton Hotel) is $7 + tip and you’ll be walking away with swagger.

A man that plays as hard as he works needs to look and feel his best. Grooming those burgeoning mustachios is no easy task. Andies Barbershop (1245 Metcalfe) is conveniently located right in the hustle and bustle of Montreal. They offer the usual barbershop services, as well as waxing specifically tailored to men, manicures, pedicure, and take clients on a first come first serve basis – so no appointment necessary. For something a little more extravagant, Mann Montreal (475 Président-Kennedy, lobby of the Delta Montreal Hotel) is grooming for men at its finest. With packages like “The Executif” (old fashion shave, manicure, pedicure) or “The Big Day” (teeth whitening, manicure, pedicure, express facial, and eye treatment) you’ll be ready to Sir along with the top movers and shakers of Montreal. They also have an oxygen bar. You know, because it’s so hard to come by these days.

The next step to being your best gent self, is in your own personal style. The Men’s department at luxury retailers like Holt Renfrew and Ogilvy Monsieur is a good place to start, but for a more intimate and friendly shopping experience try some of the smaller boutiques like Tozzi. The owner Joey Tozzi has this store curated to perfection and 10+ years of fashion buying experience to back it up. Philip Dubuc is somewhat of a rock star designer. Really, rock stars wear his clothes. With a minimal and elegant edge, his fashion can make any gentleman feel like a million bucks. Located at 4451 Rue Saint Denis, the store itself is gorgeous enough to check out.

Stogies Cigar Lounge (2015 Crescent Street) is one of the last remaining in Montreal. They offer an exclusive selection of single malts, 101 martinis, and a vast collection of cuban cigars. Stogies is especially popular with American tourists looking to find rare cuban cigars that they can enjoy in a surprisingly unpretentious and elegant atmosphere.

All Mo Bros know they are nothing without their homies. For some meaningful male-bonding, grab a pint (or four) at the best brewpub downtown: Benelux. Too much testosterone? Take your lady friend and give her the best gift of all: Laughter. ComedyWorks (1238 Bishop Street) is an institution that hosts comedians from Canada and around the world. Nothing says “I am a Sir” than a deep hearty belly laugh.

To find out all about Movember and their charity initiatives, check out the website (especially Tourisme Montreal’s manly team). They are hosting Movember events all around Canada, so far the only one in Montreal is called “MoYoga” presented by Studio Breathe (2617 Notre-Dame West) on November 17. All proceeds of this event go to the Movember foundation and there is space for 40 MoBros MoSistas (the women who support their Mo Bros during this very itchy month.) Now, Go Sir!