MONTREAL'S BEST ZEPPOLE - www.mtltimes.ca
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Receive the Mtl Times via E-mail - www.mtltimes.ca
Saturday, March 13, 2021 Vol. 26 No. 21
birrafanelli.com Covering Montréal & Surrounding Areas
MONTREAL’S BEST
ZEPPOLE
Montreal zeppole season is upon us and we have found the best zeppoles in Montreal for you to try.
Enjoy the top seven Itailan bakeries we found for your pleasure. Mangia!!!
Get with the Times!
mtltimes.ca
For Sale or for Rent
7190-7200 Frederick-Banting
St Laurent (Technoparc)
Building 40,480 s.f. new hvac and roof!
Open space, offices & meeting rooms!
Excellent condition!
Call me to evaluate and
advise for the sale of
your property!
Lauren Marks Vesely
Courtier immobilier
Real Estate Broker
514-944-8336
DEDICATION • DEVOTION • DETERMINATION
2 www.mtltimes.ca March 13, 2021 •
Experience a NEW culinary
vacation for your palate at Tropikal
Tropikal Restobar is the new kid on the
block when it comes to the Montreal
restaurant scene. At a time when the
Tropikal bowl
- Ackee, avo-
cado, lentils,
pumpkin, Ja-
maican callaloo,
By Stuart Nulman sweet plantain,
chickpea
channa. (Vegan)
mtltimes.ca
COVID-19 pandemic has shut down many
of the city’s restaurants both permanently
and temporarily, and those still standing of-
fering just take out and/or delivery service,
Tropikal had the courage to open its doors
to Montreal foodies last week, while the
city is still in the grips of the pandemic, and
they could only offer their new customers (which was created by Mr. Dougan, and has Tropikal is available for take out and de-
the take out or delivery options. become a Montreal staple); the plantain livery through the following apps: Uber
“Me and my partners were discussing this donuts; the boneless chicken roti and the Eats, Door Dash, Skip the Dishes and CHK
concern for a while, and we decided that in shrimp roti. PLZ.
these times, if a new restaurant quickly As well, once the plans are finalized and Tropikal Restobar
adapts to this situation it will do exponen- it’s safe for customers to dine in the restau- 3426 Notre-Dame Street West,
tially better,” said Kevin Selman, who is the rant, a rum cocktail bar will be added to Montreal, H4C 1P2
owner of SPAR Training Montreal, and is cap off that perfect culinary vacation expe- www.tropikal.ca 514 419-2229
part of Tropikal’s ownership triumvirate rience that’s waiting for you at Tropikal. Instagram @tropikal_restobar
COVER
along with entrepreneur Jamal Gittens and
renowned chef and restaurant owner Jae-
Anthony Dougan, who will also be a con-
testant on CTV’s Master Chef Canada this
spring.
“We saw the numbers made sense, where
we could reduce labour costs, not have a
significant overhead and still have a financial
impact,” he added.
And thanks to the overwhelming support
from the community, and a lot of hands-on
involvement,Tropikal’s first week of opera-
tions garnered a great deal of positive feed-
back. “It was a blessing for us.There were a
lot of people out there who were ready
and willing to try this place,” said Mr. Sel-
man.
Located at 3426 Notre-Dame Street
West in the heart of St.Henri’s restaurant
row area,Tropikal offers a menu created by
Mr. Dougan that is a fusion of Caribbean,
West African and Afro-Latin cuisine.
“We believe that food is a great way to
someone‘s soul, and Jae is not only a re-
spected business owner in his own right, he
is a great chef, which makes for a great
combination, said Mr. Selman. “Tropikal of-
fers a powerhouse mouth-watering menu
that will take your palate on a trip, where a
lot of different vibes come together. So Strawberry ricotta zeppole from La Conca d’Oro
come and eat our food and feel like you’re 2550 Jean Talon St E, Montreal, Quebec H2A 1T9
on vacation.”
And Mr. Selman highly recommends the
following items on Tropikal’s menu for
(514) 728-2756 www.laconcadoro.net
those who have not yet taken such a culi- Also order: skipthedishes.com, ubereats.com
nary adventure: the jerk chicken poutine
• March 13, 2021 www.mtltimes.ca 3
New convertible venue opens
this summer - Jardinmtl
From the team that created
Royalmount Drive-In Event
Theatre events – safely redefined
The team that brought you the Royal- The venue was purposefully named the going to bring to an even higher level of
mount Drive In Event Theatre is bringing “Jardin” as the experience features a lush comfort and luxury this summer. It’s much
Montrealers another new venue to once garden oasis, meticulously styled and de- closer to what we’re known for – creating
again bring the city a place to safely gather, signed with versatility in mind, by expert memorable, show-stopping events in Mon-
celebrate and host events of all kinds. And designers at MEF. treal and around the world. Now that
this time there will be no cars involved! The site can flex to accommodate the we’ve gone through one summer and fall
This new, convertible open air venue will guidelines and rules of the provincial and knowing how people want to celebrate and
once again be located in the heart of Mon- municipal governments, which will change entertain themselves and gather in this new
treal and will be named Jardin Royalmount. as the seasons progress, sometimes weekly
There has been no resting on their laurels or even daily, as we’ve often seen in this reality, we know exactly how to deliver that
for Adam Bultz of C3 Events and Lorne past year. experience in a safe way that will adhere to
Levitt of Total Events, who, with a combined Completely customizable, the venue can all government protocols.” said Levitt and
35 years of experience between them, have safely hold weddings, private events, corpo- Bultz, both leaders in the Montreal event
been conceiving of this space since they rate events and meetings, product launches, community and experts in design and logis-
saw the deep need for a proper venue to concerts, movie nights and charity galas tics.
host Montrealers last summer and fall. through late fall 2021, with a return in sum- The project is once again supported by
Located in Midtown, at the corner of mer 2022. Large parking lots are located Carbonleo Real Estate Inc., the visionaries
Royden and Royalmount, a block from the across the street and full cocktail and behind the new Midtown Royalmount
site of last year’s drive-in theatre, Jardin catering services are available. community, featuring an eco-innovative,
Royalmount is 10 minutes from Laval, the As anyone who attended one of the 110 immersive lifestyle, accessible to all.
West Island, and downtown Montreal. The events last summer can attest, the Jardin Jardin Royalmount, Montreal’s best sum-
brand new event theatre is Montreal’s only Royalmount experience will be top of the mer and fall option opens in June 2021.
19,000 square foot event garden and the- line, safe and comfortable,with COVID
atre with an adjacent 8,000 square foot agents onsite to ensure all protocols are Booking is available now at:
covered pavilion, featuring walls that open met. Staff at the Drive-in Event Theatre info@jardinmtl.com .
to the elements and 21-foot vaulted ceil- were the best in the business, well-trained
ings. Jardin Royalmount is large enough to and able to keep guests both safe and well- www.jardinmtl.com
host hundreds of people in a safe and so- informed of all the site’s features. @jardinmtl
cially distant way in both its indoor and “Events Safely Redefined really describes Facebook: Jardin Mtl
outdoor configurations. what we built last summer and what we’re #outsideisthenewinside
4 www.mtltimes.ca March 13, 2021 •
• March 13, 2021 www.mtltimes.ca 5
Canada's Group of Seven
3551 boul. St. Charles,
Suite #547, Kirkland,
Quebec, H9H 3C4
514-951-3328
artists to be featured in
info@mtltimes.ca
www.mtltimes.ca exhibitions in Germany
and the Netherlands 2021
Beginning this Thursday, March 11,
editor@totimes.ca works by the artists of the celebrated
Group of Seven—Lawren Harris, J. E.
www.totimes.ca H. MacDonald,A.Y. Jackson,Arthur Lis-
mer, F. H. Varley, Franklin Carmichael
and Franz Johnston—as well as Emily
Carr and Tom Thomson, among oth-
ers—will be on view at the Schirn
Kunsthalle in Frankfurt, Germany, as
part of the exhibition Magnetic North:
Imagining Canada in Painting 1910–
Distribution 1940. The exhibition, which brings to-
gether 87 paintings and five films from
Hudson, St. Lazare, Sennevil e, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Baie d’Urfe, Bea- several Canadian collections and insti-
consfield, Kirkland, Pte. Claire, D.D.O., Pier efonds, Roxboro, Dorval, La- tutions, will subsequently be hosted by
chine, NDG, Vil e St-Laurent, Châteauguay, Cote St-Luc, Snowdon, the Kunsthal in Rotterdam, the
Hampstead, Mtl-West, Westmount, Laval, Verdun, Lasalle, Montreal, St. Netherlands in fall 2021.
Leonard, Anjou, Ahuntsic, Lit le Italy, Nuns’ Island Magnetic North: Imagining Canada
in Painting 1910–1940 is co-organized
Advertising by the Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt, the
Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Na-
info@mtltimes.ca tional Gallery of Canada. This exhibi-
tion is provided within the context of
ADVERTISING DEADLINE Canada's Guest of Honour presence
at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2021. A
(Wednesday at 5 p.m.) richly illustrated catalogue is also avail-
able in English, French (available in
514-951-3328 Canada only), and German. With the Lisa Jackson and Mobilize, 2015, a Canadian creativity on display during
support of the Department of Cana- short film by artist Caroline Monnet. our year-long campaign that features
Managing Editor: dian Heritage, Canada's presence as In her one-hour film, Jackson tells— our arts and culture across Germany
the guest of honour will be featured through interviews, archival films and as part of Canada's role as Guest of
Tom West at the 2021 Frankfurt Book Fair, which photos dating back more than a cen- Honour Country at the 2021 Frank-
runs from October 20 to 24, 2021. tury—the history of the Gwa'sala— furt Book Fair. We invite you to join
National Gallery of Canada Director 'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation, relocated us!"
& CEO, Dr. Sasha Suda, PhD, Art His- from their traditional territories on Dr. Philipp Demandt, director of the
tory, said that "the presentation of the the coast of British Columbia by the Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt, declared:
exhibition Magnetic North at the Canadian government in 1964. "We thank our partners in Canada for
Schirn Kunsthalle in Frankfurt and at Addressing Indigenous identity and the trust and enthusiasm they have
Kunsthal in Rotterdam will provide in- representation, and "reframing Cana- shown for our idea to show the mas-
credible exposure for the finest mas- dian history through a contemporary terpieces of Canadian modernism in
Contributors: terpieces from some of Canada's key lens," Monnet takes the viewer on a Germany for the first time. We are
museums and cultural institutions.This journey from the Far North to the very pleased to be jointly presenting
is a historic moment, as these prodi- urban south, "capturing the perpetual these magnificent paintings to our vis-
• Marco Giovanetti gious works will be brought together negotiation between the traditional itors at the Schirn Kunsthalle Frank-
for the very first time in Europe. Visi- and the modern by a people moving furt and to be expanding reception of
• Sergio Martinez tors will discover the remarkable tal- ever forward." The 3-minute film is international modernism. For us, it is
• Bonnie Wurst ent of these artists, who created an made out of NFB archival footage. particularly important to also shed
• Stuart Nulman unprecedented pictorial style for the "The opportunity to share the cap- light on the current critical explo-
representation of Canadian landscapes tivating works of The Group of Seven ration of the popular Group of Seven.
• Deborah Rankin in the first decades of the 20th cen- and their contemporaries with new On this note, we are extremely grate-
• Martha Shannon tury. These significant artists have audiences is exciting," said Stephan ful to the artists Caroline Monnet and
marked the history of art in Canada Jost, the Michael and Sonja Koerner Lisa Jackson for their key contribu-
and their works are ambassadors par Director, and CEO of the AGO. "In tions to this exhibition."
excellence for our country." paintings of sublime mountains and The works are drawn primarily from
SUBSCRIPTION The year 2020 marked the 100th an- unspoiled nature, these artists created the collections of the National Gallery
General subscriptions in Canada: 1 niversary of the group's first exhibition a romantic fiction of uninhabited of Canada and the Art Gallery of On-
year $150, 2 years $275 Subscrip- in Canada. Visitors will be able to ad- wilderness. This exhibition boldly in- tario, with 23 and 38 paintings respec-
tion to the U.S. and outside North mire an impressive selection of paint- fuses these works with contemporary tively. The other works in the
America:1 year $250 US ings made between 1910 and 1940, a relevance, offering visitors the oppor- exhibition are from the Art Museum
period of nation building and rapid in- tunity to see these modern paintings at the University of Toronto, Library
All contents of this publication
are sole property of The Mon- dustrial expansion.These paintings and through the eyes of contemporary In- and Archives Canada, the McMichael
treal Times Newspaper. Opin-
ions expressed in this
sketches embody the dream of an in- digenous artists." Canadian Art Collection, the Ottawa
publication are not necessarily dependent dominion, a dream very The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Art Gallery, the Montreal Museum of
intended to reflect those of the
publisher. Any reproduction in much at odds, then and now, with Minister of Canadian Heritage, said: Fine Arts, Museum London, the Na-
whole or in part and in print or
in electronic form without ex- Canada's colonial history. "We are excited to share these leg- tional Film Board of Canada, the Judith
press permission is strictly for- The exhibition will also comprise five endary Canadian works with our Eu- and Norman Alix Art Gallery, the
bidden. Permission to
reproduce selected editorial films, including two by contemporary ropean friends in Germany and the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, the Van-
may be granted by contacting Indigenous artists: How a People Live, Netherlands. This amazing exhibition couver Art Gallery, and Victoria Uni-
the publisher in writing.
2013, a documentary by filmmaker is just the tip of the iceberg of the versity.
6 www.mtltimes.ca March 13, 2021 •
Best Montreal Zeppoles
Seeing that March 19th (known as Saint If you don't know what a zeppole is we are about
Joseph's Day to most Italians) is just around the to change your life.
corner and the traditional dessert for that day is We asked our readers in early February their
zeppole, we at the Montreal Times thought we recommendations and low and be hold we were
would go on a quest to find the best Montreal bombarded. Unfortunately, we might have gained
zeppoles. The zeppole only comes out once a a few pounds but we took one for the team.
year, usually the beginning of February to Easter. Here is our list of best Montreal zeppoles:
La Conca d'Oro
It was little overwhelming when we walked into this delec-
table smelling bakery. We wanted to buy everything we saw. I
had to refrain and only look at the zeppoles. I was there on a
mission.The showcase was full of zeppoles and we tried them
all. Nutella ricotta, pistachio ricotta, strawberry ricotta, ric-
cotta and last but not least custard. The pastry was airy and
baked to perfection.The fillings were delicious and so creamy.
All of them equally mouth watering, delightful and so satisfying.
La Conca d'Oro bakery have been a Montreal staple since
1963. Husband and wife team Sergio Lanniciello, head chef
and Diana Battista purchase the bakery in 2002 and moved it
across the street to a new location. Diana along with daughter
Alexia Lanniciello will make sure you are served with a beau-
tiful smile and walk out with all the goodies you need. Hurry
though because the zeppole are only there for a few more
weeks.
2550 Rue Jean Talon East, Montreal, Quebec H2A 1T9
(514) 728-2756 / laconcadoro.net
Pasticceria Alati-Caserta
Pasticceria Alati-Caserta have been making Italian desserts
and goodies since 1968. This Italian bakery is a staple and a
must when visiting Little Italy in Montreal.At the moment they
have two types of zeppoles, baked and fried with fillings of
custard or ricotta The fried zeppole was outstanding, the core
overflowing with ricotta or custard filling. I found the baked
zeppole had the perfect balance of pastry and filling. Both pure
magic!
On March 16th - 21st they will showcase a number of differ-
ent flavours of Zeppole:
• Chocolate ricotta
• Limoncello ricotta
• Pistachio ricotta
• Tiramisu cream
• Gianduia cream (choco-hazelnut)
• Nocciola (hazelnut)
• Ricotta
• Custard
277 Rue Dante, Montréal, Québec H2S 1K3
(514) 271-3013 / alaticaserta.com
• March 13, 2021 www.mtltimes.ca 7
Patisserie
San Marco
Be prepared to be transported to Italy as you enter this jewel
of an Italian Bakery. Patisserie San Marco has been serving
Montrealers since 1962 in the same location. The secret
recipes have been handed down two generations. We tried
two different zeppoles, custard and the other other ricotta.
Patisserie San Marco zeppoles are fried balls of pate choux
dough tweaked with a family secret and then infused with the
perfect amount of their creamy delightful filling, topped with
powdered sugar.
1581 Jean Talon St E, Montreal, Quebec H2E 1S9
(514) 727-5401 / sanmarcocakes.com
N.D.G. Bakery /
Boulangerie & Pâtisserie
Charcuterie N.D.G
N.D.G Bakery needs no introduction. Everything made
is with love.Their zeppole is traditional fried dough with
filling inserted. FRESH is one word that can describe
this Italian bakery. We tried ricotta filled and ricotta
whipped cream filled.We tried one of each to see which
one was better however, I ended up trying four with
still no answer. Sooooooo good!
5801 Upper Lachine Rd. NDG, Quebec, H4A 2B6
(514) 418-4215
8 www.mtltimes.ca March 13, 2021 •
• March 13, 2021 www.mtltimes.ca 9
10 www.mtltimes.ca March 13, 2021 •
Patisserie
Boulangerie
Meridionale
Caravella
This family run business has been selling Italian traditional pas-
tries since 1978. We tried three Zeppoles - ricotta, custard
and ricotta with Nutella. Fresh, fresh fresh. The zeppoles are
creamy and the dough fried to perfection. The smell as you
walk in the door is pure heaven with super friendly service.
1699, rue Thierry, LaSalle, Quebec, H8N 1H6
(514) 363-2760 / http://patisserie-caravella.edan.io/
Patisserie Dolce Sappore
Patisserie Dolce Sappore with three locations in Laval,
Montreal and Mascouche offer clients a variety of Zep-
pole flavours this holiday season! Their original ricotta
is a must have but their lobster tail and pistachio
flavours will definitely blow your mind ! Want a hint of
Nutella? They got it. A light drizzle on top of their ri-
cotta classic is the perfect sweet combination. Their
dough is fluffy, not too oily and always fresh!
RIVIÈRE-DES-PRAIRIES - 10494 Perras boulevard
Montreal, Quebec H1C 2H7
(514) 678-1571 patisseriedolcesapore.com
VIMONT - 2000 René-Laennec boulevard
Laval, Quebec H7M 4J8
(450) 629-5115
MASCOUCHE - 2500 Av de L'Esplanade
Mascouche, Quebec J7K 0T4
(450) 474-0477
L'atelier Sucre
et Sel
L'atelier Sucre et Sel zeppole is a sort of hybrid where Italy
meets France. Head chefs Bianca Di Cinolamo from Montreal
and chef Dylan Nocera from France have created a baked zep-
pole instead of the traditional frying method.The zeppole are
then cut in half like a bagel and filled with ricotta, chocolate
or Vanilla and pistachio spread. The filling is so creamy, light
and a fusion of flavours from France and Italy. They truly have
made a hip new zeppole.
4501 Boul Des Grandes Prairies,
Saint-Léonard, Quebec H1R 1A5
(514) 442-5150 / (514) 559-0400
atelier-sucreetsel.com
• March 13, 2021 www.mtltimes.ca 1112 www.mtltimes.ca March 13, 2021 •
COVID Alert app updated to
serve Canadians better
Millions of Canadians are doing their part When these users turn off COVID Alert, for 15 days, after which they are automati-
to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 their phone will not exchange random cally deleted.
by downloading and using the COVID Alert codes to or from other app users' phones, The COVID-19 Exposure Notification
app. Thousands of people have uploaded nor will it send notifications of exposure. App Advisory Council was established to
their one-time key following a positive di- To ensure that Canadians have the latest ensure the app meets the highest standards
agnosis to help protect others by notifying features and that the app is working at its in public health outcomes, privacy and
them that they may have been exposed. As best, we recommend regularly updating technology. Council members reflect
more Canadians use the app, we continue your operating system and checking the Canada's regional and cultural diversity, and
to collect feedback on how it can be im- COVID Alert app to ensure you are aware cover a wide range of expertise, including
proved to meet user needs. Use of the app of any exposure notifications. health, privacy, data governance, science and
is one of the ways you can help protect The Government of Canada continually innovation.Their advice informs the imple-
each other and limit the spread of COVID- reviews and improves COVID Alert. Up- mentation and rollout of the app.
19. dates are based on public health guidance, BlackBerry and the Canadian Centre for
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Min- provincial and territorial needs, user re- Cyber Security completed a security as-
ister of Health, and the Honourable Joyce search, and changes to the underlying sessment of the app before it was launched.
Murray, Minister of Digital Government, an- framework by Apple and Google. All data provided to the app is securely
nounced that COVID Alert has been up- Quick Facts stored and protected.
dated with two new features. The first app As of December 7, there have been more COVID Alert is a collaboration between
update allows users to clear the screen than 5.6 million downloads of the app. Health Canada, Innovation, Science and
that indicates exposure to COVID-19. COVID Alert is available for Canadians Economic Development Canada, the Cana-
After receiving a negative COVID-19 test as a free download from the App Store or dian Digital Service, and the Ontario Digital
result, the screen can be cleared enabling the Google Play Store. Service. It builds upon an exposure notifi-
the app to alert the user of a new expo- Since the app first launched, more than cation solution developed by Shopify vol-
sure. Users should follow public health 8000 people have voluntarily input their unteers in coordination with the non-profit
guidance, and only clear the screen that in- one-time key to notify others around them Linux Foundation Public Health.
dicates exposure following a negative test after testing positive for COVID-19. As part of our commitment to open and
result or after they receive instructions When users download the app, their transparent government, the Canadian Dig-
provided by their public health authority. phones send out randomly generated ital Service is making its work on the app's
The second feature allows users to turn codes via Bluetooth to other smartphone development and testing available on
COVID Alert on and off without disabling users who have the app and are within ap- Github.
Bluetooth. This change was made after lis- proximately two metres. If they test posi- The Canada COVID-19 App is another
tening to feedback from health care work- tive for the virus, users can choose to digital tool that supports Canadians. It al-
ers, who need flexibility to turn off COVID upload their random codes to a central lows users to track their symptoms while
Alert while they are at work wearing their server located in Canada. Once uploaded, receiving the latest updates and accessing
personal protective equipment (PPE). the random codes are stored on the server trusted resources.
• March 13, 2021 www.mtltimes.ca 13Book Reviews - mtltimes.ca
Dear Bob… Bob Hope’s Wartime
Correspondence with the G.I.s of World War II
by Martha Bolton with Linda Hope
It all began for Bob Hope in a low-key books Hope wrote during the war, and
manner back in the spring of 1941. many of the Allied military and government
Hope, who got his start in show business figures whose decisions contributed to
through vaudeville and Broadway, was on their victory in 1945.
his way to becoming one of the most pop- But when you read these letters of grat-
ular comedians of all time. At the time, he itude from the soldiers, they give a sense
was starring in motion pictures for three of poignancy and pride of the risks they
years, with upcoming releases such as took fighting for their country, and how
“Caught in the Draft” and “The Road to major an impact seeing a Bob Hope live
Zanzibar” ready to conquer the box office. show had towards their morale on the
Also, his highly rated Pepsodent Show on front lines, or towards their personal heal-
NBC Radio made him a familiar voice with ing lying in a field hospital bed. One glaring
millions of American listeners every week. example of the latter was a letter dated
So thanks to his radio show producer Al February 1945 by army Private O.M. Teate,
Capstaff, Hope got a request to do a future who was temporarily blinded from a
Pepsodent Show broadcast live on location grenade explosion and was recovering in a
from March Field, a U.S. army base in River- military hospital in Louisiana. When one
side, California. Hope agreed, and on May Tuesday night at 9 p.m., he heard the theme
6, 1941, he did his first show in front of an song to Hope’s show on the radio in his
audience made up of chiefly servicemen hospital ward, it gave him the boost that he
who packed the base’s gymnasium during a needed towards his healing as a result from
hot 94 degree day to be entertained in per- the multitude of laughter he got during that
son from the entertainer who was heard 30-minute broadcast.
in their families’ homes every week on “I only hope that you can understand my
radio. appreciation for making me feeling like
What could have been a one-shot deal smiling and helping me to realize that there
in the spring of 1941 snowballed into Bob Hope fanked by soliders in WW II is still some joy in life, no matter what the
something magnificent for the men and G.I. thank you letters he received between circumstances maybe,” writes Private Teate
women who served in every branch of the 1941 and 1945 form the basis of a terrific near the end of his letter.
U.S. Armed Forces after the U.S. entered tribute to service in book form called Dear Dear Bob … is a wonderful, moving tes-
into the fighting of the conflict that was Bob… timony to selfless service to one’s country
World War II, following the attack on Pearl This book was put together by two at its very best, especially in a time of crisis.
Harbor. women who have a close connection to Bob Hope and company may have provided
For the next four years, between regu- Bob Hope: Linda Hope, his daughter and a lot of laughs and good times when he
larly-scheduled movie and radio commit- Martha Bolton, who worked as his staff travelled wherever the soldiers were, no
ments, Hope and his small troupe of writer for 15 years.They had the enormous matter how dangerous it was, but he knew
entertainers that included singer Frances task of sifting through the extensive collec- it was for a gallant purpose. That sense of
Langford, comedian Jerry Colonna, writer tion of those letters (which are now kept purpose was well explained during one
Barney Dean, tap dancer Patti Thomas and in the Library of Congress) to see which closing tribute that Hope delivered at the
guitarist/one-man band man Tony Romano, conclusion of one of his broadcasts:
packed up their old kit bags and travelled a “We know them as the finest fighting ma-
total of 30,000 miles in practically every chine and the finest audience in the world.
corner of the globe to perform in 150 live So on this closing show (of the season),
shows that took place in army bases, air- we’d just like to wave a temporary goodbye
fields and makeshift theatres in remote lo- and mumble a few words to the effect that
cations, for the sole purpose of providing if a few fellows, who’ll soon be closing an
entertainment, morale boosting and a kind even bigger show in Berlin and Tokyo, have
of therapeutic healing “for the boys (and gotten a few laughs out of these Tuesday
girls)” who bravely served their country in nights, we’re completely and utterly grate-
their quest to defeat Nazi Germany and ful. And what’s more, we’ll keep on dishing
the imperial Japanese empire. And on top it out as long as they can take it.”
of that, Hope and his crew visited the Thanks for the memories indeed, Mr. Hope.
wounded in every field hospital that was lo- It all began for Bob Hope in a low-key man-
cated in every base where they performed, ner back in the spring of 1941.
giving the wounded troops a much needed By Stuart Nulman Hope, who got his start in show business
boost, which always began with his enthu- through vaudeville and Broadway, was on
siastic customary greeting of “Don’t get up, his way to becoming one of the most pop-
fellas!”. mtltimes.ca ular comedians of all time. At the time, he
And the main way for these servicemen ones would be included in the book. Their was starring in motion pictures for three
and servicewomen to express their grati- hard work has paid off, as the selected let- years, with upcoming releases such as
tude to Bob Hope for making the arduous ters represent the many issues and con- “Caught in the Draft” and “The Road to
journey to their respective bases in the Eu- cerns that these soldiers opened up to Zanzibar” ready to conquer the box office.
ropean and Pacific theatres of the war was Hope, such as the sometimes primitive Also, his highly rated Pepsodent Show on
through the mail. These thank you letters conditions of bases in the South Pacific, the NBC Radio made him a familiar voice with
were filled with immense gratitude, funny food offered at the mess hall, missing the millions of American listeners every week.
anecdotes and how much Hope’s live family every Christmas, missing mom on So thanks to his radio show producer Al
shows were a much needed slice of home Mother’s Day, surviving harrowing battles, Capstaff, Hope got a request to do a future
and meant so much as they were fighting a recuperating from all kinds of wounds and Pepsodent Show broadcast live on location
deadly conflict. In fact, by 1944, Hope was requests for certain entertainers and star- from March Field, a U.S. army base in River-
receiving an average of 38,000 letters from lets in future shows. side, California. Hope agreed, and on May
soldiers every week! This book reads like a scrapbook, and is 6, 1941, he did his first show in front of an
It’s been exactly 80 years since that first generously sprinkled with letters (and audience made up of chiefly servicemen
show at March Field that turned Bob Hope replies from Hope), rare onstage and back- who packed the base’s gymnasium during a
into the “G.I.’s best friend” and led to a stage photos from many of the USO shows, hot 94 degree day to be entertained in per-
commitment that saw him tirelessly enter- artifacts, one-liners uttered in Hope’s son from the entertainer who was heard
tain troops in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian trademark self-deprecating style, and ex- in their families’ homes every week on
Gulf and even during the height of the Cold cerpts from speeches from show closings, radio.
War. And those hundreds of thousands of newspaper articles, two of the best selling continued on Page 15
14 www.mtltimes.ca March 13, 2021 •continued from Page 14
soldiers every week! fighting for their country, and how major an
It’s been exactly 80 years since that first impact seeing a Bob Hope live show had to-
What could have been a one-shot deal in show at March Field that turned Bob Hope wards their morale on the front lines, or to-
the spring of 1941 snowballed into some- into the “G.I.’s best friend” and led to a com- wards their personal healing lying in a field
thing magnificent for the men and women mitment that saw him tirelessly entertain hospital bed. One glaring example of the lat-
who served in every branch of the U.S. troops in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf ter was a letter dated February 1945 by
Armed Forces after the U.S. entered into and even during the height of the Cold War. army Private O.M.Teate, who was temporar-
the fighting of the conflict that was World And those hundreds of thousands of G.I. ily blinded from a grenade explosion and
War II, following the attack on Pearl Harbor. thank you letters he received between 1941 was recovering in a military hospital in
For the next four years, between regularly- and 1945 form the basis of a terrific tribute Louisiana.When one Tuesday night at 9 p.m.,
scheduled movie and radio commitments, to service in book form called Dear Bob… he heard the theme song to Hope’s show
hope and his small troupe of entertainers This book was put together by two on the radio in his hospital ward, it gave him
that included singer Frances Langford, co- women who have a close connection to Bob the boost that he needed towards his heal-
median Jerry Colonna, writer Barney Dean, Hope: Linda Hope, his daughter and Martha ing as a result from the multitude of laughter
tap dancer Patti Thomas and guitarist/one- Bolton, who worked as his staff writer for he got during that 30-minute broadcast.
man band man Tony Romano, packed up 15 years.They had the enormous task of sift- “I only hope that you can understand my
their old kit bags and travelled a total of ing through the extensive collection of appreciation for making me feeling like smil-
30,000 miles in practically every corner of those letters (which are now kept in the Li- ing and helping me to realize that there is
the globe to perform in 150 live shows that brary of Congress) to see which ones would still some joy in life, no matter what the cir-
took place in army bases, airfields and be included in the book.Their hard work has cumstances maybe,” writes Private Teate
makeshift theatres in remote locations, for paid off, as the selected letters represent the near the end of his letter.
the sole purpose of providing entertain- many issues and concerns that these sol- Dear Bob … is a wonderful, moving testi-
ment, morale boosting and a kind of thera- diers opened up to Hope, such as the some- mony to selfless service to one’s country at
peutic healing “for the boys (and girls)” who times primitive conditions of bases in the its very best, especially in a time of crisis.
bravely served their country in their quest South Pacific, the food offered at the mess Bob Hope and company may have provided
to defeat Nazi Germany and the imperial hall, missing the family every Christmas, a lot of laughs and good times when he trav-
Japanese empire. And on top of that, Hope missing mom on Mother’s Day, surviving elled wherever the soldiers were, no matter
and his crew visited the wounded in every harrowing battles, recuperating from all how dangerous it was, but he knew it was
field hospital that was located in every base kinds of wounds and requests for certain for a gallant purpose.That sense of purpose
where they performed, giving the wounded entertainers and starlets in future shows. was well explained during one closing trib-
troops a much needed boost, which always This book reads like a scrapbook, and is ute that Hope delivered at the conclusion
began with his enthusiastic customary greet- generously sprinkled with letters (and of one of his broadcasts:
ing of “Don’t get up, fellas!”. replies from Hope), rare onstage and back- “We know them as the finest fighting ma-
And the main way for these servicemen stage photos from many of the USO shows, chine and the finest audience in the world.
and servicewomen to express their grati- artifacts, one-liners uttered in Hope’s trade- So on this closing show (of the season), we’d
tude to Bob Hope for making the arduous mark self-deprecating style, and excerpts just like to wave a temporary goodbye and
journey to their respective bases in the Eu- from speeches from show closings, newspa- mumble a few words to the effect that if a
ropean and Pacific theatres of the war was per articles, two of the best selling books few fellows, who’ll soon be closing an even
through the mail. These thank you letters Hope wrote during the war, and many of the bigger show in Berlin and Tokyo, have gotten
were filled with immense gratitude, funny Allied military and government figures a few laughs out of these Tuesday nights,
anecdotes and how much Hope’s live shows whose decisions contributed to their vic- we’re completely and utterly grateful. And
were a much needed slice of home and tory in 1945. what’s more, we’ll keep on dishing it out as
meant so much as they were fighting a But when you read these letters of grati- long as they can take it.”
deadly conflict. In fact, by 1944, Hope was tude from the soldiers, they give a sense of Thanks for the memories indeed, Mr.
receiving an average of 38,000 letters from poignancy and pride of the risks they took Hope.
$11.50
• March 13, 2021 www.mtltimes.ca 15Movie Reviews - mtltimes.ca
(To)] Samuel: (Gabriel Byrne) and Charlotte (Jessica Paré) in Ireland
(Bottom left): Samuel (Gabriel Byrne) and his friend Brendan (Joel Bissonnette), and Death right behind
(Bottom right): The former womanizing professor is now seduced by alcohol and immersed in hallucinations
DEATH OF A LADIES' MAN
Fails to seduce
Leonard Cohen, iconic creator of poetry gage in long chats. His hallucinations also While the music by Cohen and some of
and music, his seductive voice and person- take a toll on his teaching duties' perform- the surrealistic scenes provide a few inter-
ality certainly charmed many women dur- ance, combined with the effects of his al- esting moments, this movie fails to convey
ing his life. He may also be a powerful coholism. a convincing portrait of this rather former
creative source for artists in other areas. It "ladies' man." In fact, what we see through
is the case of Montreal native, now an L.A. the story is its sad decline, but not in the
resident, Matthew Bissonnette, who di- poetic or nostalgic tone that we could find
rected and wrote this film presented as "in- in Cohen's lyrics. Instead, the spectator
spired" by works by Cohen. The question never experiences a more comprehensive
is whether being inspired by a great artist look into the main character since it is pre-
necessarily translates into great cinematic sented through an erratic and irregular nar-
work. rative. Byrne's superficial portrayal of
A Canadian-Irish coproduction, "Death Samuel, then, leaves the spectator with a
of a Ladies' Man", features Gabriel Byrne as fragmented picture of the man: neither the
Samuel O'Shea, a 64-year-old literature lover, the somehow disillusioned professor,
professor. He is now facing the imminence nor the father come out persuasively. No,
of death since he has been diagnosed with By Sergio Martinez definitely, and despite Cohen's ubiquitous
a brain tumor. He is also a heavy drinker, mtltimes.ca music, "Death of a Ladies' Man" is not se-
and one day finds his second wife in bed ductive enough. This is Bissonnette’s latest
with another guy. His children from his first He then decides to take some time in his approach to Cohen’s inspirational work,
marriage don't seem to care much about family shack in Ireland. In the local town, he after “Looking for Leonard” made in 2002,
him. On top of all that, he has started to meets Charlotte (Jessica Paré), with whom which was yet a more forgettable movie.
have hallucinations. One of the most per- he starts a torrid romance.Things seem to To be released on March 12 on
sistent is the appearance of his father Ben go well until his daughter Josée (Karelle Apple/iTunes and other platforms. In cine-
(Brian Gleeson)—who had died when he Tremblay) shows up and breaks the fantasy mas on March 19.
was a child—and with whom he would en- in which Samuel is immersed. Running Time: 101 min
16 www.mtltimes.ca March 13, 2021 •Guinness greetings on the skin
Toting a beer into
the shower may not
be on everyone’s
FREE Guinness Soap
By Martha Shannon
mtltimes.ca March 16th, 17th, 18th
agenda, but perhaps Drop by
it should be. Not to
drink necessarily, but Earth to Body Boutique
to cleanse and nour-
ish the skin.
We love our Guin-
ness soap, called
Irish Stout Oatmeal
Soap.
Not only is it great
as a body and face
soap, but it also
serves well as a
shampoo for the
hair. Beer and espe-
cially Guinness, con-
tains natural
anti-oxidants*, mak-
ing the hair softer as usual and then skin of acne. The be a wonderful addi- If you come visit Boutique Earth to
and more volumi- rinse with warm brewer’s yeast in tion to our popular us at the shop this Body’, 89 Lucerne,
nous. When we water and beer. Guinness will attack Clay Neem facial March 16, 17, 18 we Pointe Claire, QC H9R
make our beer soap, Since beer con- the acneic bacteria mask. Once again, if shall give you a free
it is necessary to tains B vitamins, on the skin and re- you do not wish to Guinness soap with 2V1) Email info@nat-
allow the beer to hops, saccharides duce the oily secre- invest in the actual your purchase. To ural.ca We are open
become flat before and yeast, it acts as a tion from the beer, try our Guin- celebrate the day! again: Store: Tues,
mixing. Same idea, if natural moisturizer. sebaceous glands. ness soap! Wed, Thurs: 10-4 For
you wish to rinse After cleansing with Beer not only *a substance such as We stand behind
your hair with the curbside…Call store
the Guinness soap, clears the complex- vitamin C or E that our products. We give during store hours
pure Guinness, it some people do not ion, it also treats removes potentially great customer serv-
should sit for an need to moisturize, dryness and damaging oxidizing ice. Visit us at 514-428-0444 Out-
hour or so before or at least need less. smooths the skin agents in a living or- natural.ca. Subscribe side hours call : 514-
using. You can wash
Beer helps clear the texture. Beer would ganism. to our newsletter. ‘La 694-0705
• March 13, 2021 www.mtltimes.ca 17New support for organizations
hosting free tax clinics
The Canada Revenue Agency recognizes that plan to apply for the grant need to tax returns have been filed through virtual
the value of free tax clinics that help Cana- track their tax clinic expenses and the tax clinics.
dians do their taxes so they can get the number of tax returns that their volunteers • Volunteer tax programs help people with
benefit and credits they are entitled to.We complete.The CRA will start accepting ap- modest incomes and a simple tax situation
also know the costs of running these clinics plications in May 2021. This pilot project who are looking for support during tax
can be a challenge for organizations who will run for three years. To learn more season.
want to participate. about the CVITP grant program, visit • Trained volunteers prepare income tax
To support these organizations, the Ho- canada.ca/free-tax-clinics-grant. and benefit returns free of charge. For vir-
nourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Quick Facts tual clinics, this can be done by videocon-
National Revenue, is pleased to announce • During the 2019-2020 program year, ference, by phone or through a document
that the CRA will invest more than $10 more than 18,970 volunteers and 3,810 drop-off arrangement.
million over three years in a new grant pro- community organizations filed over • The CRA is working with partner organ-
gram to help organizations offset some of 467,500 tax returns for individuals across izations to make sure these virtual clinics
their costs. The program will also be avail- Canada and helped over 407,410 individu- are safe and secure and that private infor-
able to organizations in Quebec that host als. Since May 2020, an additional 180,000 mation is protected.
clinics through the Income Tax Assistance
– Volunteer Program in collaboration with
Revenu Quebec.
Currently, community organizations that
run tax clinics must cover the costs, which
increase as the clinics help more and more
Canadians complete their income tax and
benefit returns. Expenses include such
things as office stationery, printers, docu-
ment shredders and many other incidental
expenses to support their dedicated volun-
teers. Recognizing the challenges of
COVID-19, related costs including personal
protective equipment, sanitation supplies,
and plexiglass dividers will also be covered
under the grant program.The CRA expects
that the grant program will make the work
for these free tax clinics a little easier and
encourage more organizations to sign up.
This will let them help more taxpayers to
file their tax returns. www.Fantastique1.com
Starting in February 2021, organizations
18 www.mtltimes.ca March 13, 2021 •Great time to clean-up! Our classifieds are Other Features Is your health a priority?
Add amount
Solutions without side
9.
010-033119
Framed ad + $2.50
$ 95
12 words or less. 35¢ each add. word. Bold letters + $2.50 effects for: Carpentry,Fences & Decks
010-040420
/week Capitals + $2.50 • hypertension Doors &Windows
3551 boul. St. Charles, plus GST & PST
Centered text + $3.75 Concrete & Cement Finishing
• cholesterol
suite #547,
Kirkland, Quebec
E-mail or fax your classified to:
4 weeks for the
price of 3 Clip art + $9.50
Picture + $14.00 • diabetes
Brick Work & Tuck Pointing
Gyproc,Painting Ceramic Tiles
H9H 3C4
Contact: Nutrilogiq.net Over 30 Years. Experience
Tel.: 514.951.3328 • info@mtltimes.ca 514-420-2777
CARS SERVICE
A1- Towing 3” x 3” every week for one year
010-100116
010-060119-113174
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS FOR
ONLY
$ 14.75/ WEEK
• BLACK & WHITE / COLOUR EXTRA
MAN LOOKING FOR
• ARTWORK NOT INCLUDED
WANTED:
CARS, TRUCKS
WOMAN OF OTHER
• SEND PDF 300 DPI
BY TUESDAY NOON
NATIONALITY 3”W X 3”H
OR VANS 64 y.old fr-cdn bilingual We pay TOP $$$ for
FOR SCRAP
7 DAYS/WEEK
well educated man looking
for a 39-59 y.old woman
scrap vehicles $150 - $1000
Pick-up removal included
MIN 52 WEEKS
of other origin for a seri- by e-mail
ANY CONDITION ous relation. Please texto at Call the best! info@mtltimes.ca
444021912
514-685-5666 (450) 680-1220 or
micou40@hotmail.com
514-993-8839
BOKOR RENOVATIONS
010-032120
Gunsmith SERVICE SERVICE In business for over 25 years
BUY & SELL Arbo-Tech EXPERT IN COMPLETE PROJECTS
• Carpentry • Kitchens
010-110119-113215
Office (514)326-0423
NEW AND USED Cellular: (514)969-9685
• Windows & Doors • Bathrooms
RESTRICTED AND www.Arbo-Tech.ca
010-100419-113192
info@arbo-tech.ca • Brick & Cement • Basements
NON RESTRICTED • Trimming
• Pruning PAINTING & & extensions
REPAIRS • Tree Planting DECORATING
• Removal of Experienced in
INSURED • BONDED • EXPERIENCED insurance claims
514-453-5018 Dangerous Trees
•Stump Removal www.bokorrenovation.com
• Cedar Hedges RBQ #8346-8199-29 Call 514-867-4192
Tree Specialist
LI T
A ES
TY
Free Estimate • Fully Insured
U H
Q IG
H
kevinshea@sheapainting.com
514.267.2378
010-042018
www.sheapainting.com
Antiquités Ste-Genevieve
Flea Market
110-042620
FINANCE Advertise your Rooms “Kiosks” for RENT
business for
FINANCIAL Problems?
Drowning in debt! Stop the CALL FOR DETAILS Sell everything at the best EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT
Call 514-457-7656
harassment. Bankruptcy
might not be the answer. To- info@mtltimes.ca Flea Market in the West Island
gether let’s find a solution. Every Sunday 9 AM - 4 PM SALES REP WANTED
Free Consultation. G. Bill
Hafner - Licensed Insolvency Advertise your ALL YEAR ROUND Looking for bilingual salesperson to cover
Trustee 8585 St-Laurent: business for Montreal & surrounding area’s with fantastic promotion
514-983-8700. CALL FOR DETAILS 15,674 Gouin Blvd. West campaign for both our papers.
Call 514-457-7656
? info@mtltimes.ca Ste-Genevieve (Pierrefonds) H9H 1C4 • Bilingual • Must have own car.
MOVING ? • Minimum 2 years sales experience
All jobs - houses, aparts., single items. 30 WestIslandFleaMarket.com
Advertise your (Sales with other newspapers an asset).
years experience.
business for • Salary base depending on experience.
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS FOR
Local / Long distance
Please send your CV to
01-120917
Maritime, Ontario. CALL FOR DETAILS
Call Bill 514-457-2063 Call 514-457-7656 info@mtltimes.ca
TOLL FREE 1-877-870-3432 info@mtltimes.ca
Advertise your
business for
CALL FOR DETAILS
Call 514-457-7656
Advertise your
business for
CALL FOR DETAILS
Call 514-457-7656
ONLY
$ 959. /
Call for more details
info@mtltimes.ca info@mtltimes.ca 514-457-7656
• March 13, 2021 www.mtltimes.ca 19www.oneounce.com
mtltimes.ca
20 www.mtltimes.ca March 13, 2021 •Have your pool ready for next year!
Services include:
Full renovation and
remodeling Services
• Concrete Repairs
• Filter repairs
• Painting (all colours)
• Epoxy paint
• Sand blasting
• Closing pools
BO O K I N G
J O B S N O W
514-225-1554
info@refecto.ca
www.refecto.ca
• March 13, 2021 www.mtltimes.ca 21Due to COVID-19 please sign
up for e-mail delivery
- Stay safe!
Keep up with the times!
Social media • Graphics • Videos • websites
We do it all! E-mail for a quote today!
info@mtltimes.ca
22 www.mtltimes.ca March 13, 2021 •You can also read
