For those of us who prefer to be a little more comfortably seated with a case of our favorite wine to watch each country vie for the title of biggest bang, there is only one place to go; the rooftop terrace of Taverne Gaspar in Old Montreal. Perched atop L’Auberge du Vieux-Port, a quaint hotel on de la Commune, the Taverne Gaspar terrace has proven to be the best vantage point to either have the greatest backdrop to a conversation (ever!) or to just a great place to grab a glass of wine and watch those colorful pyrotechnics bursting in air.
The restaurant itself, located street level on de la Commune, boasts a fine menu of savory food, delicious wines, and of course, the Taverne Gaspar lager (if you haven’t tried it, you should – you really should). If you happen to be at the Taverne this Saturday, head up to the terrace for a night cap and see what Italy has to offer.
The following Tuesday the United States will give us their best and on August 3rd, it’s the big finale – a tribute to the band, Queen. Last week while seated with some friends on the rooftop while Greece gave a spectacular show, a couple of Americans commented that they couldn’t believe that we do this every year. They get July 4th once a year, and we get an entire summer of explosive entertainment.
My friends and I smiled proudly, that’s just how it’s done in Montreal.
(Hint: Most of the terrace has a grand view but if you can get a seat towards the north east side, you may just have the best seats in the house – just don’t steal my spot. It could get ugly!)