Food lovers who dream about eating their way through Montréal will find plenty to savour in A Montreal Cook: Simple to Sumptuous Recipes from my Québécois Kitchen, the newest cookbook from respected food journalist and critic Lesley Chesterman. More than just a collection of recipes, this book reads like a culinary tribute to Montréal, blending practical home cooking with the vibrant food culture that makes the city one of North America’s great dining destinations. Instagram
From the opening pages, Chesterman makes it clear that Montréal’s identity is inseparable from its food. She writes about a city where conversations quickly turn to favourite bagel shops, smoked-meat sandwiches, and beloved family recipes—proof that locals take their gastronomy seriously. This spirit flows throughout the book, as Chesterman draws on her lifelong connection to the city and her career as a restaurant critic to create recipes that reflect Montréal’s distinctive culinary mix: French technique, Québécois ingredients, and multicultural influences.
The cookbook is thoughtfully organized into sections that mirror the rhythm of real home cooking. Early chapters highlight breakfasts and brunches, a meal Montréalers famously love. Recipes such as bran muffins, French toast, and house-made bread showcase Chesterman’s approachable style—simple dishes elevated with thoughtful technique and quality ingredients. Later sections expand into soups, salads, everyday dinners, entertaining dishes, and indulgent desserts, giving readers a repertoire that ranges from casual weekday meals to more elaborate dinner-party fare.
What makes A Montreal Cook particularly engaging is the storytelling woven between recipes. Chesterman shares memories of childhood brunches, market visits, and restaurant discoveries, creating a sense that readers are being guided through the city by a knowledgeable friend. Her affection for local markets and producers shines through as she describes the inspiration that comes from browsing stalls filled with seasonal Québec produce.
This strong connection between food and place is exactly why we include the book in the Culinary Travel section of the website. Beyond the recipes themselves, the cookbook features an entire chapter titled My Montreal Address Book, where Chesterman shares her favourite spots to eat and to purchase artisan foods across the city. For travelers planning a food-focused visit to Montréal—or for readers who simply want to cook with authentic ingredients—this insider guide adds tremendous value.
The recipes themselves reflect the diverse culinary influences that shape Montréal cooking. Classic French techniques appear alongside comforting North American staples and flavours inspired by the city’s global communities. Whether she’s preparing gravlax for brunch, preserving local berries in homemade jam, or baking a loaf of “Daily Bread,” Chesterman emphasizes seasonal ingredients and careful preparation. Speaking of bread, try the Bostoks in our Recipe section…like an almond croissant but easier to make…perfect for a Mother’s Day breakfast or brunch!
The overall tone of the book is welcoming rather than intimidating. Even when tackling more ambitious dishes, Chesterman’s clear instructions and personal tips make the recipes feel achievable for home cooks. Her voice is warm, knowledgeable, and occasionally humorous—qualities that make the book enjoyable to read even when you’re not in the kitchen. Purchase the book at A Montreal Cook | Book by Lesley Chesterman | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster Canada or win a copy in our Giveaway section.
A Montreal Cook succeeds as both a cookbook and a cultural portrait. It captures the spirit of a city where food is a central part of everyday life, from bustling public markets to leisurely weekend brunches. For anyone who loves Montréal—or simply loves great food—this cookbook offers a delicious way to experience the city from home.
Contents and images used with permission by Simon & Schuster Canada. Photos courtesy of Maude Chauvin. A Montreal Cook | Book by Lesley Chesterman | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster Canada