I was scribbling furiously on my oversized yellow legal pad in my Wall Street law office. Philosophy, theology and current events were splattered across the page. It was the summer of 2020, New York City was on fire, and for the first time, I was about to speak on the nationally syndicated “Charlie Kirk Show.” Yes — the Charlie Kirk, who by day was setting college campuses ablaze with blistering logic and by night was meeting with leaders of the free world.
Andrew Kolvet — Charlie’s producer and part-time model (not really, but he could be)—called for a pre-show check-in.
“Hey, man. Charlie just wants me to touch base. How big is your New York church again, a few hundred?”
“Yeah… about that,” I flatly lied. The truth was, thanks to COVID lockdowns and the exodus to southern states, Kings’ Church NYC was down to a few dozen people, clinging to survival.
I’m a pastor and a lawyer—an odd combination, I know. Andrew continued, “OK, cool. Log into Zoom and you’ll be on with Charlie shortly.”
My mind was racing: Don’t forget to say thank you. Don’t forget to mention Erika. Don’t forget to mention Descartes. The monitor flickered, and there was Charlie—sharp, skeptical, intense. I didn’t hesitate. I launched into a torrent of ideas, analysis and anecdotes. In what felt like an instant, it was over.
Then my phone rang. Charlie himself: “That was really great, man, thank you. Can you come travel with me?”
I thought he was just being polite. He wasn’t.
For the next year, I traveled the country with him. The following year, 25 more trips. Our friendship grew until he became one of my closest friends.
Charlie’s initial skepticism wasn’t cruelty — it was calculation. He was a master tactician. I met his wife, Erika, in 2019 when she was a real estate broker in Manhattan — one of the most beautiful, graceful people on the planet.
We once dreamed about starting an urban conservative news company for “the cool kids.” Then she met a boy from Phoenix who swept her away. That summer of 2020, Erika insisted Charlie put me — someone with no reputation, no resources and no platform — on his show.
Charlie wasn’t thrilled. He had plenty of voices lined up. But after Erika’s persistence, he relented, writing “FAVOR FOR ERICKA” in the notes. Hence, the reason why he looked skeptical when I appeared on the screen.
Yet, when I describe Charlie to people, I say: Imagine the greatest NFL coach of all time. He knows every play. He sees talent, places it where it needs to be and then fights relentlessly for every yard. That was Charlie. He knew every argument, deployed every resource with precision and did it all with mastery.
But behind the sharp edges was kindness. He connected with ordinary people constantly. A Florida hotel bellman once pulled me aside, glowing after meeting Charlie: “He’s so nice in person.” Another time, a vitamin shop erupted when he walked in. He especially honored older people with humility and weight — something Dennis Prager had instilled in him. He even promised my sons future work (“in the mailroom,” he laughed, “I don’t waste resources”).
On long flights, Charlie peppered me with deep questions about theology, marriage, raising children, Sabbath. He once asked me to work out with him—though I quickly regretted it. At 6-foot-2, 240 pounds, I thought I could keep up. Charlie did three sets for every one of mine. He was strong, brave and genuinely a good man.
Faith wasn’t a garnish for him — it was central. He prayed at every meal, before every flight and at every board meeting. He wasn’t a nominal Christian; his convictions ran deep. And that hope in Christ — life eternal — set him apart from the hundreds of influencers I met.
Scripture says, “Unless a seed falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” Charlie’s life and death will yield a harvest of God-fearing young Americans unlike anything this nation has ever seen. His legacy — and the legacy of Turning Point USA — will spread across the globe.
Our Lord, the master tactician, knows every play on the field of humanity. Even in tragedy, He works all things for good for those who love Him. The seed of Charlie’s life will be multiplied into a million Charlie Kirks.
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-variety-of-dishes-from-la-capital-tacos-right-a-sandwich-from-bossa.jpg?id=56060094&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C36%2C0%2C36"/><br/><br/><p>Montreal isn't just a city that loves food. It's one that lives for it.</p><p>From <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/oldest-montreal-restaurants-still-open" target="_self">long-standing culinary institutions</a> to buzzworthy pop-ups, Montreal is brimming with a ridiculous array of tasty restaurant options throughout the island. Whether you're craving classic Quebecois dishes, inventive fusion fare, or international delicacies, the island's culinary scene delivers something for every palate — and price point. </p><p>While there are probably too many great places to count, here are 11 standout <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/eat-drink/" target="_self">Montreal restaurants</a> that should be at the top of every visiting (or local) foodie's bucket list this year.</p><h3>MangeDansMonHood</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C95hI4MpwEG/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C95hI4MpwEG/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: 💸💸</p><p>Cuisine: Snack bar</p><p>Address: 1380 Rue Jean-Talon E, Montreal, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Smash burgers have taken off on the food trend charts in recent years. With that in mind, La Belle Tonki co-owners Michel Lim and Michel Nguyen joined forces to fill a serious need when they opened MangeDansMonHood.</p><p>The result? A 25-seat burger joint dishing out a simple but perfectly executed menu consisting of thin, crispy patties, decadent poutines and their famous "Ol' Dirty Fries," inspired by the "animal style" fries of In-N-Out Burger.</p><p><a href="https://www.mangedansmonhood.ca/" target="_blank">MangeDansMonHood website</a></p><h3>BOUILLON BILK</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8MdLEUF3mz/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8MdLEUF3mz/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: 💸💸💸</p><p>Cuisine: French</p><p><span></span>Address: 22 Rue Sainte-Catherine E, Montreal, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Bouillon Bilk, an upscale French spot with Asian flair, has been a staple of Montreal's food scene since 2011. While it moved to a sleek new location last summer, familiar favourites like scallops with zucchini and brown butter or hiramasa with yuzu kosho and fennel remain must-tries for anyone seeking bold, refined flavours.</p><p>The menu may be gourmet, but their prices are surprisingly reasonable.</p><p><a href="https://www.bouillonbilk.com/" target="_blank">BOUILLON BILK website</a></p><h3>Nouilles de Lan Zhou</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwGSHnapkPn/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwGSHnapkPn/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: 💸💸</p><p>Cuisine: Chinese</p><p><span></span>Address: 1006 Boul. St Laurent, Montreal, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Everyone loves noodles, and Nouilles de Lan Zhou consistently ranks among the city's best for a reason.</p><p>This Chinatown favourite is renowned for its hand-pulled noodles, either served in rich broths or as dry dan dan topped with savoury minced meat and vegetables.<br/></p><p>Delicious, affordable, and well worth the occasional wait.</p><p><span></span><a href="https://lanzhou.ca/montreal/" target="_blank">Nouilles de Lan Zhou website</a></p><h3>La Spada</h3><br><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DE0O55xxU6h/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DE0O55xxU6h/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: 💸💸💸</p><p>Cuisine: Italian</p><p><span></span>Address: 3580 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montreal, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Located in the heart of St. Henri, La Spada is the newest creation from the culinary mind behind Bistro Amerigo in NDG.</p><p>The cozy dining space, adorned with Italian mementos, sets the stage for a menu that speaks volumes. Roman classics like ragù alla romana, cacio e pepe, carbonara, and linguini alle vongole take centre stage alongside comforting dishes like eggplant parmigiana and sautéed rapini. </p><p><a href="https://www.laspadamtl.com/" target="_blank">La Spada website</a></p><h3>La Capital Tacos</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdcKj_TDzfA/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdcKj_TDzfA/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: 💸💸</p><p>Cuisine: Mexican</p><p><span></span>Address: 1096 Boul. St. Laurent, Montreal, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Since 2015, La Capital Tacos has been serving up the best of Mexico's street food in the centre of Chinatown.</p><p>With fresh guacamole and house-made tortillas prepared daily, this small neighbourhood gem is all about authenticity, simplicity and — above all — delicious tacos.</p><p><a href="https://www.lacapitaltacos.ca/" target="_blank">La Capital Tacos website</a></p><h3>Le Gras Dur</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_YWqeQPhUn/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_YWqeQPhUn/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: 💸💸</p><p>Cuisine: Snack bar</p><p><span></span>Address: 30 Rue Saint-Catherine O, Montreal, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: The second burger joint on our list, Le Gras Dur, has established a reputation for its outside-the-box approach to the fast food staple.</p><p>Last year, the downtown eatery's Banana Split Burger — made with Angus AAA Beef, cheese, fried banana, Nutella, maple syrup, and red pepper jelly between two French toast buns — took home the city's top prize at the <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-burger-best-in-canada" target="_blank">13th edition of Le Burger Week</a>. Hey, don't knock it till you try it!</p><p><a href="https://dasfoodtruck.com/" target="_blank">Le Gras Dur website</a></p><h3>Dunya</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DA_tQtVxQv3/?img_index=9" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DA_tQtVxQv3/?img_index=9" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: 💸</p><p>Cuisine: Lebanese</p><p><span></span>Address: 2 Rue Sherbrooke E, Montreal, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Launched last October, this Lebanese shawarma eatery has quickly risen the ranks within Montreal's Middle Eastern food scene.</p><p>Along with their flavour-packed sandwiches and falafel options, Dunya also offfers a variety of homemade ice cream options, iced teas, sodas and smoothies.</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/dunya.mtl/?hl=en" target="_blank">Dunya website</a></p><h3>Bernie's</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DB19fe7JW9Y/?hl=en" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DB19fe7JW9Y/?hl=en" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: 💸💸💸</p><p>Cuisine: Italian</p><p><span></span>Address: 3627 Sources, Dollard-Des Ormeaux, West Island</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Martinis, pizza, and sliders — it sounds like the kind of combo that leads to questionable decisions. But, at Bernie's in the West Island, it's the recipe for a great time.</p><p>With plenty of pizza options and creative martinis like the Dill-ightful (pickle juice and dill) and the Dirty Margtini (tequila and olive brine), Bernie's is perfect for a laid-back tavern-style meal.</p><p><a href="https://www.berniespizzabar.com/" target="_blank">Bernie's website</a></p><h3>Restaurant Shekz</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8JzdFdOPuo/?hl=en&img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8JzdFdOPuo/?hl=en&img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: 💸💸</p><p>Cuisine: Chinese</p><p><span></span>Address: 7272 Boul. Maurice-Duplessis, Montreal, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: This East End eatery, known for its Asian-Italian fusion cuisine, serves an all-you-can-eat Szechuan dinner every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5 p.m. until closing. The best part? It's just $40!</p><p>Meanwhile, Shekz's Italian table d'hôte option features menu items like grilled Angus rib steak, veal cutlets, risotto, and grilled chicken with salad, arancini, or pasta.</p><p><a href="https://shekz.com/" target="_blank">Restaurant Shekz website</a></p><h3>Bossa</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEXseJeJ1Ot/?hl=en" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEXseJeJ1Ot/?hl=en" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: 💸</p><p>Cuisine: Italian</p><p><span></span>Address: 4354 Rue Wellington, Montreal, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Arguably the <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-sandwichs-level-up-your-picnic" target="_blank">most talked about Italian panino shop in the city</a>, Bossa's sandwiches — packed to the brim with fresh cold cuts, homemade sauces and locally sourced produce — certainly live up to the hype.</p><p>Established in 2018, this Verdun hotspot has expanded with two other locations over the past couple of years. Once you've had a bite, you'll understand why. </p><p><a href="https://www.bossa.ca/menu" target="_blank">Bossa website</a></p><h3>Mignon Steak Petite-Bourgogne</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8F3bKsPVEC/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8F3bKsPVEC/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: 💸💸</p><p>Cuisine: French</p><p>Address: 2523 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montreal, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: If you order just one thing at this Little Burgundy hotspot, make it the steak frites.</p><p>Known for its intimate atmosphere and expertly prepared French bistro classics, Mignon is ideal for both casual dinners and special nights out. Plus, you get great value with their $39 table d’hôte, which includes a salad or soup alongside their signature steak and fries made with AAA Canadian beef and homemade sauce.</p><p> With a second location in the Old Port, this cozy spot delivers a top-tier dining experience every time.</p><p><a href="https://mignonsteak.com/" target="_blank">Mignon website</a></p></br>
