Happening Gourmand: A Feast for the Senses in Old Montreal

Don’t miss the 16th edition of this culinary event that celebrates the diversity and creativity of the city’s gastronomy.

If you love food and exploring new flavours, you won’t want to miss Happening Gourmand, the annual event that showcases some of the best restaurants in Old Montreal. From March 1st to 30th, 2024, you can enjoy a gourmet dinner or a brunch at a fraction of the regular price, while discovering the charm and history of this vibrant neighbourhood.

Happening Gourmand is more than just a food festival. It’s an opportunity to experience the culture and personality of Old Montreal, a district that combines tradition and innovation, elegance and creativity, history and modernity. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date, a family outing, a business meeting, or a fun night out with friends, you’ll find a restaurant that suits your mood and taste.

For dinner, you can choose from over 10 participating restaurants, each offering a 3-course table d’hôte menu for just $39, $49, or $59. You’ll find a variety of cuisines, from French to Italian, from Asian to Mediterranean, from steakhouse to seafood. No matter what you crave, you’ll be satisfied by the quality, freshness, and originality of the dishes. Some of the restaurants also have a wine pairing option, so you can enhance your meal with the perfect glass of wine.

For brunch, you can also enjoy a 2-course table d’hôte menu for only $29, available on weekends. You’ll be delighted by the brunch dishes, which are not only delicious, but also beautifully presented. You can expect classics like eggs Benedict, pancakes, and omelettes, as well as more creative options like shakshuka, croque madame, and smoked salmon tartine. If you’re feeling festive, you can also opt for a boozy brunch during Happening Gourmand, where you can sip on bottomless mimosas while you eat.

Happening Gourmand is a great way to treat yourself and your loved ones, while supporting the local restaurant industry. It’s also a chance to explore Old Montreal, a neighbourhood that has so much to offer, from art galleries and museums, to boutiques and spas, to landmarks and attractions. You can make a day or a night of it, and enjoy the beauty and charm of this historic area.

One of the participating restaurants to Happening Gourmand this year is Jacopo, a cozy and elegant Italian restaurant in Old Montreal. I had the chance to try their menu and I was not disappointed.

The first course was a beet salad with boncoccini, a fresh and creamy cheese made from mozzarella. The salad was light and refreshing, with a tangy dressing and the cheese added a nice contrast of texture and flavor to the sweet beets. The portion was generous and satisfying.

The second course was pasta with squid ink, a black and glossy dish that looked stunning on the plate. The pasta was cooked al dente and coated with a rich and savory sauce made from squid ink. The squid was tender and flavorful, and the dish had a hint of spiciness that balanced the creamyness of the sauce. The pasta was a hearty and delicious main course that filled me up.

The third course was a classic tiramisu, a layered dessert of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream. The tiramisu was creamy and smooth, with a strong coffee flavor and a dusting of cocoa powder.  The tiramisu was a perfect way to end my Happening Gourmand experience on a sweet note.

Overall, I was very impressed by Jacopo’s menu and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to try the Happening Gourmand formula and loves Italian food.

Don’t miss this opportunity to savour the best of Old Montreal’s gastronomy, and book your table today. You can find more information and the full list of participating restaurants on the official website here.

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