Montreal West Viewspaper September 2023 - Vol. 51 - No 6

Sep 19, 2026

Uploaded by Levi

September 2023 issue of Montreal West Viewspaper (Vol. 51, No 6) featuring a community spotlight on Terrone on Westminster, describing the Italian sisters Patty and Francesca Terrone and their Italian food, coffee, and community-focused vision. The issue also includes a “Community triumph” reflection on efforts to prevent a minimum-security provincial jail from being built in Montreal West, and a notice for the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation walk in Parc Angrignon on September 23.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryStory & Novel

FormatPDF

Pages28

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

Terrone: A taste of Italy

Patty and Francesca Terrone and their Italian roots

The Terrone name and community vision

Community triumph

Preventing a minimum-security jail in Montreal West

Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (CPFF) walk in Parc Angrignon

September 23 event details and registration

| | | --- | | Montreal West Viewspaper September 2023, Vol. 51, No 6 | Terrone: A taste of Italy by Maurice Krystal Starting a new business when society was struck with a pandemic would seem a risky venture. But almost immediately after setting up shop, more than a few people in the area told me that Terrone on Westminster was an Italian epicurean experience. I met the proprietors, two sisters who looked like twins, when in fact one is nine years older. Patty and Francesca Terrone Patty and Francesca Terrone are two Italian sisters who grew up in RDP (Riviere des Prairies), a north-east area of the island with a large Italian community. There they grew up with Italian grocery stores and bakeries and an Italian culture. Their parents, Cathy (Caterina) and Mario and grandparents made their ownsugo (sauce) which usually meant a weekly big Sunday feast. Unsurprisingly they became big foodies. Their life revolved around food, especially Italian food. Patty and Francesca are the oldest and youngest of four daughters. In the middle are, in fact, twins Maggie and Donna. I imagine all four sisters look very much alike. All of them, including husbands and parents played a part in setting up the physical premises and creating a bright, clean environment with subdued lighting. Living in NDG for a number of years, they went regularly to Marlene next door at Ellequence to get their nails done. It was from Marlene that they learned the premises were available. They had been in skin care sales, but with the outbreak of Covid they were doing most of their business virtually, and being people persons, they decided to venture into a business that required face to face contact. Patty’s husband, Gianni, is the proprietor of Café de Mercanti on Monkland Avenue. Francesca’s husband, Francesco, is abarista at the same café . I meet him once when I tried to set up a meeting. He’s from Australia with a very distinctive accentmate! Both husbands trained their spouses to operate the Italian expresso machine. While I was there someone came in for four coffees and I was informed they already know who likes what in their coffee. I was reminded of the TV program Cheers. The shelves have many Italian imports of pastas, oils and sweets. The refrigerators have prepared meals for those who want ahomecooked style dish but not the time. The frozen lasagna is from Pastamalfi, the sauces and focaccia from Martino’s and the pizzas from Melrose Pizza. Patty and Francesca hope Terrone becomes a meeting place for those who enjoy good coffee, good food and good conversation. This past year Patty and her family left NDG and moved to Côte Saint-Luc and Francesca, husband and new baby moved to MoWest. They picked the name Terrone because it is the family name. Secondary the word is used as a pejorative term for someone who comes from southern Italy, or a peasant who works the terra or earth. In fact, the family originally came from Bari, which is located at the top of the heel of Italy. Terrone 124 Westminster North Tel. 369-0009 Community triumph: 30 years ago How residents united against a minimum-security provincial jail in a battle topreserve Montreal West’s family-oriented community On this thirty year anniversary, I think back to a grave threat that loomed large over the community as plans were set in motion by the Quebec government to convert the former Salvation Army retirement home (Eventide Home) backing on Brock South into a minimum-security provincial jail. I will recount the efforts we undertook, the challenges we faced and the ultimate victory that preserved the spirit of Montreal West. Some of you might not remember this even if you were living in Montreal West then as we were somewhat usurped by the events which were simultaneously occurring in Waco, Texas, but I remember the morning I first heard about it like it was yesterday. I was working from home as a notary and was in a meeting with a client. My husband was lea

FAQs

What is Terrone on Westminster known for?

Terrone is presented as an Italian epicurean experience focused on Italian coffee, food, imports like pastas and oils, and prepared meals that suit different schedules.

Why did the Terrone sisters choose the name “Terrone”?

The name is their family name; it also refers to a derogatory term for someone from southern Italy or a peasant connected with the land.

What is the Community triumph section about?

It recounts a thirty-year-ago battle to preserve Montreal West’s family-oriented community by opposing plans to convert the former Eventide Home into a minimum-security provincial jail.

Sep 19, 2026

Uploaded by Levi