There is a way to recapture the sense of escape from city living, even if it's only at lunchtime. A mere 10 minutes of highway driving from downtown can bring you to the Topaze Restaurant in the magic bubble called Lachine. Where you can enjoy the next best thing to picnicking alfresco without fighting off the ants.
An extensive terrace garlanded with sunflowers offers a rare, unobstructed view of sun, sky and water. Sailboats drift by, as do occasional cyclists and in-line skaters, and as you sit back in a light breeze blowing off the water, the illusion of being far from any city is complete.
Estalished for nine years opposite the Lachine Marina, the Topaze specializes in seafood - but if you have a yen of fetuccine alfredo or shishkabob, the Mediterranean-style menu includes these as well. The daily lunch specials are almost all under $10.00 and include soup or salad and dessert with coffee. Enjoy your visit.
