Offer Montréal in light | The Press

Montréal en lumière, the popular winter festival that celebrates the pleasures of the table, among other things, unveiled its 24^e programming this week. It is already possible to book a unique gastronomic experience in one of the many participating establishments. A great gift idea as the holidays approach!

Elegance and naturalness at Ratafia

Known for its original sweet menu, the Ratafia restaurant has broadened its horizons since its opening and is also exploring its savory side on its menu. On February 28, the establishment welcomes the young chef Ina Niiniketo, who will soon open Canvas in Helsinki. It will be a return to the Finnish capital for her after years spent in Stockholm, Sweden, cooking in some of its most prominent restaurants there. Inspired by the minimalism of Japanese and Scandinavian cuisines, as well as the timeless elegance of Paris, she is renowned for her imaginative and colorful creations and her love of edible flowers, as evidenced by her first cookbook, Flowers on a Plate. “Ina’s profile really caught our attention. She is young, full of ambition and her creations are very Ratafia”, remarks Sandra Forcier, co-owner of the wine bar, which is the first participation in the festival. With the Ratafia team, the one whose first visit to the metropolis will be creating a savory and sweet four-course menu.

Price: $100 or $150 with wine pairings

Taste Newfoundland

Although it is part of our great country, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador remains for many a territory steeped in mystery. Twice rather than once, we will be able to discover his cuisine and the talented chefs who bring it to life during Montréal en lumière. First, the chic Maison Boulud at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal and its chefs Daniel Boulud and Romain Cagnt receive Timothy Charles, who is the head of the restaurant at the Fogo Island Inn, a one-of-a-kind hotel located on the island of same name. The latter has built its reputation with a cuisine rooted in the land, featuring its wild and seafood products. Two evenings that promise to be unforgettable, February 24 and 25.

Price: $189 or $329 with wine pairings

At Vin Mon Lapin, Jeremy Charles, of the renowned Raymonds & Merchant Tavern in St. John’s, will visit his good friend Marc-Olivier Frappier on February 28th. We bet that the menu proposed by these two chefs with a highly creative spirit will leave no one indifferent, accompanied by the pairings of the talented sommelier Vanya Filipovic. It is possible to book now.

Price: $172.50 per person for a multi-course menu.

Night and delicacies in the heart of the action

Located a stone’s throw from the Palais des Congrès, at the junction of Old Montreal and the Quartier des Spectacles, Hotel Monville is ideal for discovering the delights of the metropolis during the festival. The hotel is one of the establishments that participate in the great Bed & Breakfast package of Montréal en lumière. Visitors can book their night (starting at $315 for a room and $355 for a suite), from February 16 to March 4. This includes a breakfast and a four-course meal at the Monème restaurant, where it is good to sip a cocktail and dip into the menu inspired by French gastronomy.