I started with a great plan, but bad cards were in my hand no matter how I played them. I reserved a few months in advance for a dinner cruise at Bateau-Mouche. They operate around May till October. Just in time to celebrate my anniversary with Mr.Butter.  How romantic right? Enjoying the nice water of the St-Lawrence river on a boat.

The boarding time was at 6:30pm and the boat would depart at 7pm. I told Mr.Butter to pick me up at 5pm, so we would have enough time to stroll around Old Port and eventually walk all the way to the Jacques Cartier Quai, where we would take the boat. Surprise!

That was how the plan was suppose to unfold, but things went out of my control. Thankfully, Bateau-Mouche saved the day at the end.

There was huge traffic going to Montreal that even stepping out 1.5hr in advance did not help! I was stressed out. I did not want to miss the boat. It was an expensive experience afterall! I told Mr.Butter to park near the big clock in Old Port. “It’s okay to pay 20$ if we have to !” Mr.Butter was puzzled knowing how I am very skimpy on parking fees. Luckily, on our way to the Old Port, we found a nice free parking. But it was pouring! With my flat sandals, I ran as fast as I could. Drenched, my hair lost all the curls and volume I worked so hard to achieve.

But we made it! Just 15  minutes before the departure. I was a mess, but Mr.Butter was grinning. He was happy so I was too. But I was a bit sad that my super plan went down the drain.

After this, the evening went beautifully smooth.

At our sitting, amuse-bouche was already served! They are cutely arranged. Although cold, I enjoyed them very much and was glad to have them at arrival (this helped calm my hunger).

Mr.Butter insisted on cocktails so I obliged. I was glad that he did because the cocktails were flawless.

The boat cruised around the St-Lawrence slowly for 3 hours. During this time frame, we were able to witness the sunset and the skyline of Montreal at night time, where all the skyscrapers lit up. I felt I was on a vacation, far away from home. It was at the same time romantic and relaxing.

The appetizer came when the sun was about to set. It was tuna tataki. Although the tuna was delicious, I was mostly delighted at how the salad was so flavourful.

For the main course, having chosen the Panoramique menu,  we had 3 options: Chicken, filet mignon or salmon. Quite standard choices. Mr.Butter picked the filet mignon and I the salmon. For his filet mignon, he asked for medium rare. At the reception of the steak, Mr.Butter noticed that the steak was well done. It was the best well done steak we’d ever tasted. It was still so moist even thought it was throughout cooked! When the waiter noticed that he had the served the wrong cuisson, he immediately insisted to change it up for us even thought we said it was fine. What a service!

I usually hesitate for the salmon dish because they are usually dry and boring, but I did not want chicken. The salmon actually came out perfectly, moist and flaky.

As time passed, the darkness came. It was time to say goodbye to this dream like expedition. But first, let us have desserts!

The dessert was something that I did not know how to describe. It was odd, nothing spectacular. Quite a let down after so many great dishes. We looked out the window for the last view of the city from the river.

Bateau-Mouche was an amazing experience. It is easy to forget how much Montreal has to offer. We should not take it for granted. Montreal is a beautiful city.

Zuuchini