Focus Montreal introduces Montrealers to people who are shaping our community by bringing their stories into focus.
It airs Saturday at 5:30 p.m., as well as Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and midnight.
This week on Focus Montreal, we’re kicking off summer with a gastronomic trip around the world.
#JustLikeHome: Lesley Chesterman talks food, nostalgia
Montreal Gazette food critic Lesley Chesterman joined senior anchor Jamie Orchard as they discussed Just Like Home, a new Global News series that explores where people go in the city to experience a little taste of home.
WATCH BELOW: Just like home: Singaporeans head to Satay Brothers
READ MORE: Patrice and Nadege Bernier explore their Haitian heritage
The four-part series brings viewers on a culinary journey to Singapore, Haiti, the Philippines and India via four different Montreal-area restaurants.
WATCH BELOW: Just like home in the Philippines
Chesterman said each segment evoked a different theme, from nostalgia to food memory, customs and education.
READ MORE: Satay Brothers a taste of home for Singaporeans
She explained how food and smells have the power to carry you home and can be a source of comfort to those feeling nostalgic.
WATCH BELOW: Just like home, a new food series
“When you find the food, you find the people that go with the food and you automatically feel better.”
READ MORE: North Indian spices bring out a sense of nostalgia
While Montreal is known for its French bistros, Chesterman said things are changing.
WATCH BELOW: Just like home heads to Haiti
“You know, it’s funny,” she said. “We always say Toronto and Vancouver are the cities with so much diversity, which is true, but Montreal is catching up.”
READ MORE: Just like home: Filipinos say eating with your hands shows community, love
And with that diversity comes an opportunity for all Montrealers to not only discover but enjoy different foods and customs.
WATCH BELOW: Just like home with North Indian cuisine