MONTREAL BAGELS, MACHATONIM AND THE POWER OF BLACK

Montreal was great. It’s one of my favorite cities. So beautiful. The really old mixed with the ultra new. Women are more chic in Montreal than any place except Paris. AND I made an interesting (to me) discovery: Montreal is famous for its Bagels–who knew? There are two bakeries, Fairmont and St. Viateur where the bagels are made. There is a (friendly) rivalry between them and it seems that most people have their favorite. I had one from Fairmont this morning (though the woman who brought it to me prefers St. Viateur but couldn’t get there.) It was delicious and definately had a distinctive taste and texture, slimmer and less doughy. I’m told it is the consistency that makes them different and they are a trademark of Montreal, made in the old, traditional way, only in that city. The two bakeries are never closed and they ship to Toronto and even to select places in NY. They charge 60 cents a bagel.

Day before yesterday, I asked if my blog readers knew the proper name for one’s child’s in-laws. I have been calling them my in-laws but that didn’t seem right. Sure ‘nough, my readers gave me the answer(s) I was looking for: Kelly in Arizona actually researched it and told me it should be “my son’s (or daughter’s) in-laws.” But several others referred me to the Yiddish term “Machatonim”. The ‘mach’ is not pronounced like ‘mash’ but more ‘ma-ha’ with a slightly gutteral, rolling sound. So–now I know.

I had too few hours to sleep after the speech and reception and found myself running scenes from the play in my head all through the night. I thought of a new way to play a certain confrontational moment with my daughter (Samantha). I will experiment in my living room (I’m on the plane now waiting to take off) and perhaps will try it out tonight. BUT-maybe this is what Linda meant when she warned about milking moments as the play’s close draws near. Hmm.

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Before going home to try and sleep, I stopped by Reem Acra’s showroom to try my dress for the Tony Awards. I actually chose the dress last time–it was black–but I thought white would be nicer so, being nice herself, Reem said she’d make it in white and then we would decide. We did: I will be in black. Michael (Rudd) was there to (he brought Tulea back to me) and he concurred. I knew Reem preferred the black but she didn’t push me. “The black is braver,” she said.

I am looking forward to the show tonight. I’ve been feeling homesick for the gang–and the play.

After the show I have to go to Sardi’s where a caricature of me will be unveiled and hung. There’ll be photos from that.

See you next time.

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27 Comments

  1. I so agree about Montreal, but for me in addition to the blending of old and new, its the mix of English and French cultures that makes the city such a delight (although I suppose there’s something Canadian in there as well:) Much like how exciting Hong Kong is because of the amalgam of English and Chinese cultures. And in Hanoi, for example, there’s the seductiveness of the old French buildings amidst the distinctly Asian architecture. I hope I don’t sound too much like an apologist for colonialism, most definitely not my intention. Just a fondness for these hybrid cities that draw deeply from more than one source in their mix of food and language and architecture and fashion.

  2. The black choice sounds perfect for the Tony’s. Have a great time at Sardi’s this evening.

  3. Montreal is my choice when I cannot get to Europe. the old part of the city reminds me so of many European cities. It is a delightful city and more people should discover Montreal.

    I can feel your regret at the play closing drawing near, and it is palpable. We will all have many memories to share of your time- thank you for allowing us in.

  4. I am cracking up about the question about what your daughter in laws parents would be to you because I immediately wanted to say ‘machatanum’ but I didn’t know how to spell it!! And ‘who knew’ Montreal would be famous for their BAGELS! You do know it’s all about the water….

    I would love for you to win that TONY so you can show everyone your beautiful RA gown…fingers and toes crossed for you…!

  5. My impression of your talk last nite is that you are an amazing person. I wish you a super 3rd act and much health and happiness. You’ve come a long way and merit everything you wish for. Do come back to Montreal to walk up “the hill with the cross” and enjoy the terassses and relaxed atmosphere.

  6. I’ve been debating whether or not to drag my book (umm, YOUR book) with me on my vacation. I’ll be in NY the night of the Tony’s & not only would I be extremely thrilled just to see you in person even from a distance but I’d be an even happier camper to have my book autographed.
    It’s a heavy book! To take it or not? What do you think my chances are of even seeing you?!

  7. nice post Jane, I love the qout: The bagel is an unsweetened doughnut with rigor mortis. I feel the same way often.

  8. Can’t wait to see the pictures!
    Hey, your dress sounds beautiful. Good luck at the Tony’s.

  9. I’ll have to stand by the Internet for the results to come through. The telecast is on pay tv over here, it used to be free to air. We will all be cheering for you at the Tonys. Then you’ll have to come to Sydney or Melbourne to perform the play!

  10. Of course, the black will probably gve a more elegant look; but, with your figure, you could also wear white and not look more heavy than you probably want to. Good luck for the Tony Award.

  11. Jane,

    We always learn something new from your blogs. Must visit Montreal, Wish I had a bagel.
    Look forward to seeing the caricature of you, and yes black is so glamorous for the Tony’s.
    Tulea will need to see the groomer after her fun in the sand
    Welcome back, have a good nights sleep.

  12. Ms Fonda, I attended your speech last night at Place des Arts and was so taken with your insight into women, activism and life in general. You were eloquent, captivating and definitely inspiring. Thank you for sharing your life with us. As for Montreal bagels, I have sampled “bagels” in many North American cities and abroad, and no bagel anywhere compares with ours. St. Viateur is my favorite: there’s nothing like going there at 2 AM and ecountering a line-up! I have taken the liberty of buying you 2 dozen bagels which I will send to New York to my son Peter (an aspiring actor!). He lives on 42nd st and will try to deliver them to you at your theatre. I hope they reach you. Enjoy!

  13. I agree I always go with black dresses I just feel like it gives me and others a lot more class? well it is a very classy color. I wore a beautiful black gown on Friday to this Charity Event which turned out was being held at the Penthouse owned by Pavarotti, I was totally blown away of course I mean PAVAROTTI! neway had to share that and I might even upload some pics of the place when I get em’.

    And those bages sound delicious!
    I hope tonight went great! have a good night!
    best,
    Jamilka

  14. You will win…..Dress up. And celebrate!

  15. Hi Jane, thanks for writing about your experience in Montreal (I was at your show at Place des Arts). I must admit, our bagels are the best! You did say on stage that you would eat one before leaving the city and you did! Nice to hear Montreal is one of your favourite cities too! I have started reading your blog from the beginning and it is great fun! I also bought two more of your movies yesterday, Monster-in-Law (great fun!) and Georgia Rule. I already had On Golden Pond which is one of my favourite movies. It is very special and different. Best of luck as your play on Broadway winds down. By the way, your French is excellent!! Take care,

    Debbie, a fan from Montreal

  16. I’m glad you enjoyed Montreal – I really enjoyed listening to you speak on Monday night. I brought my 15 year old daughter with me and she thought you were really cool – and really liked how you saw your life in 3 stages. I am almost at that 3rd stage (52 this year, yikes!) and I agree it’s important to take the time to reflect on who we are, what we’ve done, and more importantly, what we still want to do. When I was first starting out, a woman I worked with me said “I made up my mind a long time ago that I would have no regrets.” When, 20+ years later, I heard that she had died of cancer, I thought of that and was so happy that she had taken that approach.

    Also glad you liked our bagels – they really are the best!

  17. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20090412_ERA_would_end_women_s_second-class_citizenship.html

    link to extremely good article about the ERA

    Forgive me if this is out of place but this article is very accurate, IMO, humbly, Tom Vitale

  18. Black or white dress for the Tony’s, I´m sure you’ll be as delicious as the bagels you had in Montreal.
    By the way, what do you like to eat? Or what you eat daily to keep your health or because you think is good for you? And what do you eat because just like it and that’s all? Thanks if you have a little time to answer these questions. I’m really interested in the food you have because you are such a healthy and strong woman!

  19. Ms. Fonda,

    I was at your speach, I brought my daughter, who is a big fan…. she is only 20.
    you have really inspired women of all ages, and you keep inspiring. I wish that at 71 I too can be as active as you are, and inspire some.
    Wishing you a quick recovery, and may you have another full 30 years.

  20. Jane,

    Those bagels sound delicious. I’ve gotten so used to only have chain bakeries around here, and it’s sad, because the quality isn’t as good. I remember as a child having family owned bakeries nearby; they were always so much better, although I doubt they made their bagels the same way as those in Montreal.

    Your dress sounds divine and I cannot wait to see you in it at the Tony’s.

    I’ve never heard anyone use the term “machatonim” before. I’ve always heard in-laws (not even differentiating between son’s or daughter’s).

    Can’t wait to see pictures of the caricature!

    Best,
    Amanda

  21. OK as a flight attendant I think I have to request a nightstop in Montreal, just for the bagels. Even though I’m not a big bagel eater.

    Your film ‘The Morning After’ was shown on German TV tonight. Man, your synchronised voice was so overdoing it. Talk about overacting. I’d never seen it in German (even though I’ve got an old VHS copy of the original English), but Jeez, all that sighing and wheezing and screaming. It sounded like an old porn movie. Sorry, Jane, but it just has to be said, your dubbed voice just put me off the whole thing.

    Whatever, I still love you to bits and it’ll never put me off the original 🙂
    Jason

  22. I’m relieved to know that you found out about St. Viateur and Fairmount bagels. When you mentioned trying the bagel at the the airport I was worried that you would get the wrong impression. I wanted to yell it out but refrained. Having said that, I obviously attended your lecture at Place des Arts and was impressed with your attitude and candor. Thank you so much for the wonderful insights. You made me laugh and think. All the best.

  23. I want to visit Montreal one day–I should have already–I was right there in Indiana lol. Will do sometime!

  24. HI,

    Here’s a text from Wikepidia about another great dish in Montreal.

    Along with bagels, smoked meat has been popular in Montreal since the nineteenth century, and has taken such strong root in that city that many Montrealers, and even many non-Montrealers, identify it as emblematic of the city’s cuisine. Current and former residents and tourists make a point of visiting Montreal’s best-known smoked meat establishments (Schwartz’s, Reuben’s, Dunn’s, Jarry Smoked Meat, Lester’s, Abie’s Smoked Meat, Chenoy’s, Pete’s Smoked Meat, the Main Deli, the Snowdon Deli, and Stanley Diner; formerly Ben’s Deli, a Montreal institution for 98 years which closed in late 2006), even taking whole briskets away as take-out. Despite the food’s origins in, and association with, Montreal’s Jewish community, and contrary to what is sometimes asserted, these delis are not certified as kosher.

    Hope to see you again

  25. Montreal bagels are hands down the world’s finest, no doubt about. There is something about them that is just so unique and incredible. They are always so fresh, chewy and baked to perfection. The best Montreal bagel shop, although not as commonly known as Fairmount and St.Viateur, would have to be Mount Royal Bagel Bakery.

  26. I agree, mount royal bagel bakery is montreal’s best. Does not even compare to fairmount and st.viateur.

  27. Was searching for info on my editor’s new (Getting married) last name: “Machato” and this blog came up. Ergo I was compelled to send along one of my poems. c
    A Bagel Is More Than A Jewish Donut
    by
    Richard Marcus

    A bagel is more than a Jewish donut,
    More than a roll with a hole.
    More than a strange English muffin.
    A bagel’s got bagely soul.

    It is something a baby can teethe on.
    The true home of cream cheese and lox.
    Bagels are used to tie boats,
    To keep them from hitting the docks.

    A bagel’s a friend.
    A bagel’s a buddy.
    A bagel never forgets.
    Bagels as hard as bricks and concrete
    Make wonderful weapons and pets.

    A bagel is kind.
    A bagel’s well rounded.
    A bagel is wholesome and neat.
    I’ve seen bagel Boy Scouts on busses and subways
    Graciously give up their seat.

    A bagel is brilliant,
    The Einstein of bread,
    The Shakespeare of flour, inspired,
    The Rolls Royce of noshing,
    The Buick of Bulk,
    And as chewy as one of the tires.

    I once knew a man who was struck by a bagel,
    It gave him such a “potch” in the head.
    Yet I heard him exclaim,
    “I would rather be maimed by a bagel
    Than be crippled by bread.”

    First given to Israelites fleeing from Egypt,
    Who whined, “Enough with matzo, already!
    Smoked salmon on manna?
    That’s a pox on the lox!
    Would it kill You to make something bready?”

    But bagels today? Oy.
    They’ve gone to extremes,
    No gluten? Low carb? Not to nag,
    But vegan-schmaggegan? Tofu-banana?!
    It’s like eating bagels in drag.

    But in hard times like these,
    A bagel’s a comfort,
    A warm, chewy halos we eat.
    They fill us with love, they fill us with joy,
    Not to mention two pounds of wheat.

    So when you’re worried or tired,
    Outsourced or fired,
    Caught in the grind and the crunch,
    Stagger right into your neighborhood bagelry
    And take a nice bagel to lunch.

    c
    Copyright, 2002, All Rights, Richard Marcus

    5230 SW Custer St.
    Portland, OR 97219
    (503) 788-9967
    [email protected]

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