Remember my idea of a 3 month vegetarian experiment? I’m about to get started on it.

I initially wanted to get started a bit later in January, when Helene got back to Edmonton with me, and we could plan this out properly. But I’ve been thinking about meat and nutrition over the Holidays, and I might have found the perfect way to kick my meat habit in style :

On Sunday, I’m taking my family out to Au pied de cochon.

If you’re unfamiliar with this Montreal establishment, it’s a crazy, innovative restaurant that specializes in absolutely decadent and absolutely amazing meals. Their portions are immense, the atmosphere is festive, and the flavors of the menu are unmatched.

If that sounds unconvincing, consider this: they serve poutine au foie gras.

I do realize there is something counterproductive, almost, about partaking in an orgy of meat before turning vegetarian. I feel justified doing so, however, by the fact that this isn’t something I’m starting with half a regret in my heart. I don’t know if I will become a full-time vegetarian past my 3 months “trial period”, but I’m open to it, or to going back to meat, whichever makes the most sense at the time. And so, in a way, enjoying the meat at one of Montreal’s finest establishments sounds like it should be part of the experiment.

Already, this Holiday period has been heavy on the meat. Whether it’s the bacon and eggs breakfasts my dad proudly throws together, or the divine bison rib at my favorite Montreal restaurant Chez Yoyo, I’ve eaten more meat in a week than I have over the last 2 months in Edmonton. And truth be told, I’ve been yearning to go back to my carrots and greens in Edmonton.

But it’s the Holidays, right? Time to partake of excess for a while, all in good cheer with the family, and then go back to our lives with a hangover and a few extra pounds.

And as far as meat goes, Au pied de cochon sounds like the ultimate send-off, whether it turns out to be a temporary goodbye, or a permanent adieu.