Canadian Grand Prix | A gleaming weekend on the horizon

Some are looking forward to it, others would do anything to escape it! If you fall into the former category, there are plenty of foodie and festive events all over town during the busy weekend surrounding the F1 Grand Prix, which returns after a two-year absence. Here are some suggestions to take full advantage of it.

Iris Gagnon Paradise
The Press

Bassin Peel is no longer recognizable: it has been transformed into a huge urban beach – yes, yes, with sand and all! – to host the Playa Patrón event. It’s the atmosphere and flavors of Tulum that we wanted to convey here, with the presence of chef Cesar Castañeda, who imagined a three-course brunch menu for the occasion, served Saturday and Sunday ($125 per person) . In carnivorous or vegan mode, the delights of Mexican cuisine are in the spotlight: shrimp aguachile or watermelon, variations of delicious tacos and Mexican crepe for dessert.

In the evening, it’s a Tulum-style party! From Thursday to Sunday evening, we promise a beach atmosphere, tropical house mixed with DJs and cocktails available around the unmissable Paloma, based on Patrón tequila, sponsor of the event ($35 per person).

Establishment outside the official circuit of the Grand Prix frequented by VIPs, the Auberge Saint-Gabriel offers a sparkling program and four days of festivities marked by luxury. The kick-off will be given on Thursday June 16 with a red carpet and a big party, with several DJs at the turntables; Friday, the Oh Baby! promises to impress as on Saturday, it’s the return of Brunch Bagatelle, which promises to be both elegant and decadent. On Sunday, the party continues with the official closing party. Every evening, chef Amédée Bécherraz will offer his special Grand Prix Banquet at a cost of $175 per person. You must reserve online for events (between $30 and $85), and directly by phone (438 985-2156) or email ([email protected]) for the banquet.

If you want to pay the bill, you absolutely have to plan a stop at the Marcus restaurant at the Four Seasons Montreal. Under the direction of chef Jason Morris (Pastel, Fantôme), the menu is more sublime than ever, with the contribution of the new beverage director, Adrien de Philip, who offers an inspiring wine list. There’s everything on the menu for a lavish gastronomic evening, including the unmissable seafood towers, but several fine meat and vegetable dishes. A real feast! For a drink and a snack, you can also stop in the lounge area, or near the bar-terrace.

Located in the Eaton Center, the Time Out Market Montreal also takes on the colors of F1 in its bar area. In particular, you can taste Italian Peroni beer in the beer bar, and Nicolas Feuillatte champagne in the wine bar. For cocktails, the spritz with local Les Îles alcohol will be in the spotlight. The catering area will of course be in service with its many food offers, and we can also end the evening at the Noctures du Time Out, from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Friday and Saturday.

At 1192, rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Le Paddock by La Maison Peroni will be set up temporarily in a two-storey space, which can be accessed free of charge (for 18+ only). People will be able to taste the new Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% beer, a way of underlining its association with the Aston Martin Cognizant Aramco Formula 1 team. Also on site, a mixology station where you can see world-renowned mixologist Simone Caporale at work, passing through Montreal for the occasion. For racing car enthusiasts, you can admire an Aston Martin F1 car.

Obviously, the busiest streets of the city center are not lacking in gourmet addresses for all tastes: Ferreira Café, Campo, Ryu Sushi, Bar Georges, Le Pois Penché, Café Holt and the Soubois “supper club” with its new tempting menu, where the atmosphere turns to the party at night… For the aperitif, here is a destination to discover: the charming Italian café Caffetteria Caffe Bar and its Italian aperivito. Spritz and other refreshing cocktails, a few choices of Italian wines and various snacks can be enjoyed inside or on the adjoining terrace on Stanley Street. Also take a look at the Ô coiffure & spa hair salon and its bar area. The creations made by experienced mixologists have nothing to envy to the most popular cocktail bars, and the place has a large terrace on Drummond. A little brushing with that?

Be careful, as things move very quickly as the weekend approaches, some events mentioned in this article may already be sold out. Book early to ensure you have a spot.