In some alternate universe, people would eat gnocchi with a rich tomato sauce as takeaway food, instead of fries. And Av. Fairmount would be the psychic heart of Montreal’s Mile End neighbourhood. Mile End was traditionally a neighbourhood made up of workers, and waves of immigrants (including Italians) made their way through and out. Fairmount remains true to these roots refreshing – and often relatively inexpensive – cafés, restaurants and take-out counters.

So, in this universe, you can sit on the sidewalk outside the classy Drogheria Conserves Montréal take-out counter, eating a $5 container of the most delicious gnocchi, with a rich tomato sauce (the smell fills the street when it’s cooking) and imagine whatever you want in your own alternate reality. The take-out counter has worked hard to keep the prices low, which is appreciated in a time of high food inflation.

Once you finish, wander west along Fairmount, past the famous Fairmount Bagel, the laundromat and Chinese toy store, Atighs, which sells hibiscus drinks where you can lounge on couches, towards the leafy neighbourhood of Outremont, and the beautiful La Croissanterie at the corner of Fairmount and Hutchison.