This was the first “Culinary Learning Journey”; it began the program, which was called “ICA Culinary Explorers”.  An intimate group of consenting ICA members gathered in romantic Montréal for three incredible nights and four outrageous days; sharing a lip-smacking good time. We set up the elegant historic boutique Hôtel Nelligan as our home base. We toured and lunched at the Institut de Tourisme et d’Hôtelleirie Culinary School.   Our host, Yves Levesque, of Dansereau Traiteur, wined and dined us at the historic Maison du Gouverneur at a privately catered dinner with champagne and cocktail reception. The evening included our private tour of this former prison, now an amazing wine cellar with a beautifully curated sommelier 5 course dinner. We experienced the top fine dining experiences at historic locations such as ‘’Verses Restaurant” and the “AREA” restaurant, arriving in style via horse drawn carriage from the Cathedral of Montreal (Celine Dion’s church). One memorable unique meal was based on chocolate – the entire meal! Most of the meal was savory but some of it sweet. No trip to Montreal would have been complete without exploring culinary attractions such as Little Italy at the Jean-Talon market.  We also explored Montréal’s ins and out including museums, art galleries, shopping and antique hunting. No one can forget our walking tour of the Underground and Vieux (Old) Montréal. This trip set the standard for all future Culinary Learning Journeys and started the group that continues to grow.