Montreal welcomes Murray, Nadal, Djokovic, Federer to the 2013 Rogers Cup

Wimbledon was historic this year – Andy Murray made history by becoming the first homegrown male winner in 77 years – and yet just when you think the best tennis in the world is over, it isn’t. Welcome to Montreal’s Rogers Cup!

The 2013 Rogers Cup welcomes the world’s greatest male players (the ladies are in Toronto this year – they switch every year) for more record setting tennis from August 2 to 11. Montreal will roll out the red carpet for Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer and 40 more ace international athletes, who will wander around our north-end streets on their way to play for the Rogers Cup in Jarry Park’s Uniprix Stadium.

On your own wanderings in the neighbourhoods that surround the stadium, you’ll want to grab yourself some local foods to fuel your days of active watching. So stop by these fine eateries:

1) Dépanneur le Pick-Up, nestled on Waverly in the maze-like streets of Mile Ex, is a must for its homey vibe (it’s a counter in a hipster mom ‘n’ pop convenience store) and it’s veggie pulled pork sandwich – it’s make out of tofu skins. Don’t worry, meat eaters: they’re got the real deal too.

2) Not far from there on Jean-Talon, Soupson is a fantastic place to grab a bowl of homemade soup – they make chilled soups in the summer, too. They’re fresh daily and always imaginative and delicious – a recent favourite paired split green pea with mint and grapefruit. Treat yourself to Pocky sticks or a bag of avocado-oil chips for the match.

3) Parc Extension is the city’s main Southeast Asian neighbourhood, so if you’re a curry lover, you’re in luck: there are so many restaurants to choose from! On Jean-Talon west, about 10 blocks from Soup’s On, you’ll find Maison Indian Curry, where you’re guaranteed a memorable lamb korma.

4) Also home to a striving Greek community, Park Ex boasts one of he city’s best bakeries: Afroditi, on St-Roch, corner of Champagneur. Stop by for a few spanakopita for the road, or the best baklava this side of Greece.

5) On your way home from the match, either drown your sorrows or celebrate your victory (depending on who you wanted to win) at Alexandraplatz, back in Mile Ex, a summer-only bar whose industrial décor is as casual-chic as its designer cocktails. They also serve food: try a taco filled with fried inari, grilled pineapple, purple rice and kimchi.

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THE DETAILS

Rogers Cup 2013, 2013