Happening Gourmand is back for its' 13th edition
From January 16th to February 9th, 10 participating restaurants located in the heart of Old Montreal is partaking in the 13th edition of Happening Gourmand. This is a great way to (re)discover great spots in the area for a fraction of the cost as the latter offers great table d'hôte menus. Of course, you will see the return of the dinner and brunch fixed-price menus, yet this year marks an all-new entry with Happy Hour deals! Pretty convincing if you're looking for an excuse for braving the cold after a long day's work if you ask me.
With 3 dinner table d'hôte menus to choose from ($25, $29 and $35$, all a 3-course meal) to the brunch table d'hôte menu for $17, options are not what's missing. You can also pair your table d'hôte with a discounted cocktail if your heart desires. The same goes for brunch if you wish to indulge yourself on a mimosa, or two, or four. Then for the Happy Hour special, with the mere cost of 12$, you will get whether a glass of wine, beer or a cocktail all when paired with a small entrée. As a reminder, if you are attending Igloofest, better show your ticket as they are ALSO offering special discounts to festival-goers!
Here are the 10 participating restaurants:
1. Bevo Bar + Pizzeria
The name says it all, Bevo is a pizzeria offering delicious and typical Italian dishes and has great ambiance 7 days a week. I would suggest trying one of their pizzas as they are made directly from their wooden oven and head there between Thursday to Saturday as they have live music with a DJ on site.
Bevo Bar + Pizzeria
For Happening Gourmand: $25 dinner table d'hôte, $17 brunch menu and $12 Happy Hour specials
410 Rue Saint Vincent
2. Taverne Gaspar
Classic pub located in an old 19th Century warehouse right by Rue de la Commune offering comfort food such as burgers, ribs, original cocktails and local beers.
For Happening Gourmand: $25 dinner table d'hôte, $17 brunch menu and 12$ Happy Hour specials
89 Rue de la Commune Est
3. Vieux Port Steakhouse
With over 30 years of service, Vieux Port Steakhouse has become an institution in the steak industry in Old Montreal. With their cozy setting and charming brick walls, the restaurant prides itself on serving certified AAA Angus beef. Word to the wise, when you visit the steakhouse at dinnertime, I strongly recommend trying their Honey Old Fashioned for the extra cost of 10$. The latter is made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, honey syrup from Maggie Oakes and orange bitter: DELICIOUS!
For Happening Gourmand: $25 dinner table d'hôte,
39 Rue Saint-Paul Est
4. Brasserie 701
Located on the ground floor of Hotel Place D'Armes, Brasserie 701 transports you to the best Parisian brasseries. My choice indubitably stops at their brunch when given the option for the simple reason of their bottomless mimosas. Indeed with an added charge, you can sip on countless mimosas for 2 hours whilst having an orgasmic 2-course meal.
For Happening Gourmand: $29 dinner table d'hôte and $17 brunch menu
701 Côte de la Place D'Armes
5. Jacopo
Newly opened in the William Gray Hotel, the Italian restaurant offers amazing seasonal and fresh products under the supervision of executive chef Giovanni Vella and chef Matthew Bev. They both currently work at BEVO Bar+Pizzeria, so you know you'll be in good hands when visiting Jacopo. You will travel back to a roman rustic trattoria without leaving Montreal.
For Happening Gourmand: $29 dinner table d'hôte, $17 brunch menu and $12 Happy Hour specials
436 Place Jacques-Cartier
6. Maggie Oakes
Also located in the William Gray Hotel, Maggie Oakes was in fact Mr. Gray's wife. Indeed, the hotel sits on a historical lot and was long ago both the house of the couple, but the warehouse where Mr. Gray exported and imported goods. Now it has become a prominent boutique hotel with several restaurants such as this vegetable-forward grill inspired by American bistros and steakhouses.
For Happening Gourmand: $29 dinner table d'hôte, $17 brunch menu and $12 Happy Hour specials.
426 Place Jacques Cartier
7. Méchant Boeuf Bar & Brasserie
I've always found myself at Méchant Boeuf for their lively 5@7 entertained by a DJ whilst sipping on a delicious artisanal cocktail and of course their oysters! As the name says it in French, Méchant Boeuf is also a steakhouse serving tasty certified AAA Angus Beef, so if you're craving meat, this is the place!
For Happening Gourmand: $29 dinner table d'hôte, $17 brunch menu and $12 Happy Hour specials
124 Rue Saint-Paul Ouest
8. Modavie
Ah, Modavie, currently working at a hotel, I can say this name comes up VERY often when suggesting a French bistro to our guests. Not only their wine selection is quite extensive, but they also have live Jazz music every day.
For Happening Gourmand: $29 dinner table d'hôte, $17 brunch menu
1 Rue Saint-Paul Ouest
9. Verses Bistro
Located inside the luxe Nelligan Hotel, Verses Bistro also prides itself in serving creative New French-Québécois dishes.
For Happening Gourmand: $29 dinner table d'hôte, $17 brunch menu
100 Rue Saint-Paul Ouest
10. Kyo Bar Japonais
Another restaurant located on the ground floor of Hotel Place D'Armes is this tasty sushi joint. I would say, there isn't a lot of Japanese restaurants in Old Montreal and if you're looking for something more upscale, my vote usually goes to Kyo Bar. Yet the formula is a tad more pricey, but your taste buds will thank me. Moreover, I strongly recommend trying their Japanese whiskey when visiting!
For Happening Gourmand: $35 dinner table d'hôte
711 Côte de la Place D'Armes
Where are you going for dinner?