Having just gotten home from a weekend in Montréal with family, and extended family, my mind is looking forward to the holiday season and winter ahead. While living in Ottawa we are so close to the city I was born and have been making more day and weekend trips together. That’s why I am SO excited to share about MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE, presented in collaboration with Scotiabank. The 24th edition of the festival will be held from February 16 to March 5, 2023, under the theme Discover the best of Montreal in winter!
Once again this year, festival-goers will be able to skate on the magnificent Ice Skating Loop high above Place des Festivals, bask in the glow light installations, ride the Grande roue and take advantage of tonsof free activities during spring break. It will also mark the 20th anniversary of Nuit blanche, with multiple shows happening in venues throughout the Quartier des spectacles. In short, we’ll be pulling out all the stops to help you rediscover our beautiful and dynamic downtown!
The Gastronomy programming, presented by ScotiaWealth Management returns to share its legendary hospitality once again. Some 40 Montréalrestaurants and venues will be welcoming international and local chefs and producers, while downtown will be buzzing with gourmet activities. The theme of this joyous and welcoming 24th edition says it all: Montréal is inviting you over!
| ON THE MENU THIS YEAR: |
| Air France Finest TablesInvite a chef, a wine grower or a producer from here or abroad, pair them with one of the city’s restaurants and let this special mix work its magic in kitchens and venues city-wide: that’s the hugely successful recipe behind the Air France Finest Tables, which is back better than ever this year. In 2023, Montréal welcomes France, Canada, Italia, Belgium, Switzerland and Scandinavia: more than 30 chefs, including a dozen chefs from northern Europe, will be here to dazzle us with their creativity. Among them are Benoit Neusy (Michelin star chef, restaurant l’Impératif au Domaine d’Arondeau, France)at La Chronique,Romain Meder (Michelin star chef, Domaine de Primard, Guainville, France) at Mastard, Ina Niiniketo (Sikke’s, Helskinki) at Ratafia, and Lionel Lévy (Michelin star chef, InterContinental Marseille) at Osco! Wine growers, such as Julien Labet, who will be welcomed by Menu Extra, and Laurent Cazottes at Chez Victoire, will also be joining in the festivities. In addition to traditional tasting menus, the Air France Finest Tables will feature other palate-popping experiences, such as exclusive lunches, brunches, 5 à 7 (happy hours), not to mention delicious confections in partnership with Cacao Barry and Esprits libres, a rare treat for those with a sweet tooth out there. |
| Here is the list of participating restaurants: Au Petit Extra | Auberge Saint-Gabriel | Bar George | Barroco Beaufort Bistro | Beaver Hall | Bivouac | Blanc Bec (ITHQ) Cabaret L’Enfer | Chez Victoire | État-Major | Ferreira Café foiegwa | FOXY | Galaxie Brasserie | Hélicoptère | Ikanos Kamùy | La Chronique | Le Mousso | Le Virunga | Lloyd Maison Boulud | Mastard | Menu Extra | Monarque Monème | Mon Lapin | Okeya Kyujiro | Osco! | Pastel Ratafia | Renoir (Sofitel Montréal) | Restaurant de l’ITHQ Restaurant h3 | Rosélys (Hôtel Reine Élizabeth) | Rose Ross Terrasse Nordheimer | Toqué! |
Couette & Gastronomie Packages
While tourists from here and afar spend summers exploring the many regions of Québec, in winter it’s a different story as the city turns into a pulsing hub with the one-of-a-kind urban experiences of MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE. Once again this year, visitors will love the popular Couette & Gastronomie Packages. Hotels and restaurants will be taking part to whet everyone’s appetites with gourmet tasting experiences indoors. A dozen or so hotels will be welcoming you with arms wide open, including:
Auberge du Vieux-Port (and its Taverne Gaspar restaurant)
DoubleTree by Hilton Montréal | Embassy Suites by Hilton
Fairmont Le Reine Elizabeth | Hôtel Monville
Hôtel William Gray (and its Maggie Oakes restaurant)
L’Intercontinental Montréal | Le Petit Hôtel
Lofts du Vieux-Port
Special Events
Les Apéros MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE, presented by Vins Côtes du Rhône and hosted by Michelle Bouffard in the charming setting of L’Arrière-Scène in Esplanade Tranquille, will take place from February 16 to 26.
Then, a conference on culinary identity, in partnership with the Société du réseau ÉCONOMUSÉE (February 23), will round out the menu. Tickets for these special events will be on sale soon at montrealenlumiere.com.
There will also be À table avec Jean-Paul Riopelle presented by Air France, whose 100th birthday we celebrate this year. A unique menu will be crafted to reflect this unifying and collaborative painter. This exceptional gourmet event will take place February 22 at Toqué restaurant, near the artwork La Joute at Place Jean-Paul Riopelle. Reservations will be open from January 22, 2023 via Toqué! restaurant.
Now if this post hasn’t gotten you excited, I don’t know what will! Make sure to get your tickets and tag them on social media when attending. And when you see Julio and I make sure to stop us and say hello!
Come along with Julio & I if you aren’t following us yet at @dothedaniel & @fashionights on all social media platforms.
Photos: Daniel Reyes Cocka and all participating brands and partners
Don’t forget to be kind & laugh a little more this year
*Please note that this may be a sponsored post and promotional consideration may have been offered by participating brands – our disclosure can be found at all times by clicking here.