To say that I simply “enjoy” planning last-minute jaunts to Canada is somewhat of an understatement; my listed hobbies on my dating app of choice include “running,” “live music,” & “weekend trips to Montreal.” On my latest trip in early April, I was greeted by light, continuous rain, apple brandy, & an earnest recommendation to cancel my existing Saturday night dinner reservation and go to Thai restaurant Pichai instead.

I sat at the bar & asked the bartender to choose for me (something that I do on most solo trips, not just the ones featuring menus predominantly in French). I used my fingers for the first course, flattening little balls of sticky rice to pair with fermented sausage, cucumber, cabbage, herbs, peppers, & peanuts. Then came the pièce de résistance: a dish of grilled swordfish in red curry sauce that made my tastebuds sing. The fish was inspiring; rich and flavorful with a unique, soulful taste that was completely brand new to me. I rounded out the meal with Thai tea tiramisu and amara and went on to dance with new friends in Old Montréal until the wee hours. A perfect Saturday night.