2019 - Page 4 of 6 - LUXE MAGAZINE - Real Estate | Design

Marcus at Four Seasons Hotel Montréal

His name was on everyone’s lips for months. Internationally celebrated chef, restaurateur, author and television personality Marcus Samuelsson has joined forces with the prestigious Four Seasons hotel chain for his first foray into the Montréal restaurant scene. Last Monday, April 15, a lucky few were invited to meet the man who has cooked for Barack Obama in the kitchen of his new eponymous restaurant. LUXE was there.

With the opening of his restaurant MARCUS just around the corner, the chef from Red Rooster Harlem in New York Citygave a few select guests an exclusive sneak peek at his team and menu. Designed by Montréal firm Atelier Zebulon Perron, MARCUS has a huge open kitchen and a series of lavish spaces. Located on the third floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Montréal in the heart of the Golden Square Mile and directly connected to the new Holt Renfrew Ogilvy store, its location is ideal for Montrealers and international clients alike.

With Andrew Lutfy, President and CEO of Carbonleo, and Gonçalo Monteiro, the hotel’s General Manager, at his side, Chef MARCUS Samuelsson proudly introduced his experienced team, including chef de cuisine Nicholas Bramos, whose past experience includes Toqué!, Decca77 and 1909 Taverne Moderne.

Working closely with local producers, MARCUS offers the inspired dishes that Chef Samuelsson is known for, with a focus on seafood. A relaxed lunch at Day Bar or in the Lounge, a dinner in the dining room or even a drink at Night Bar—the restaurant promises unique culinary discoveries perfect for any occasion.

Partnership with DESTA

Marcus Samuelsson has always been very engaged in the local community. That’s why the chef of Ethiopian and Swedish descent has established a partnership with DESTA, a not-for-profit organization that supports black youth in reaching their educational, employability and entrepreneurial goals. One of the participants from the association’s programs will intern at MARCUS. “I’m honoured to make DESTA my philanthropic focus in Montréal,” said Chef Samuelsson.

Both MARCUS and the Four Seasons Hotel Montréal will open May 8, 2019, at 1440 rue de la Montagne in Montréal.

Text: Diane Stehle

Thai island of Koh Rang Noi – Paradise exists

It is not a fantasy. It is real. A private island in the midst of paradisiac waters. Three marvelous houses hidden in the middle of luscious and perfectly maintained vegetation. The discreet presence of a staff that takes care of everything. It exists. And not only in your wildest dreams. Koh Rang Noi is an oasis of luxury and pleasure. Be ready, the boat departs from Phuket.

Koh Rang Noi: a name for Paradise

Located in the warm turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, the stunning Koh Rang Noi belongs to a private individual who has created a perfect paradise. Only three villas are built on the island, they offer 19 rooms total, and can host 38 guests. There is a staff to cater to all, superb swimming pools and magical beaches. You can reserve the entire island, or one of the wonderful villas. Koh Rang Noi redefines the concept of exclusivity.

One would think that a paradisiac island such as Koh Rang Noi would be impossible to access. That privacy would come at the price of traveling endlessly. But the high security island is located in Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay. The outline of its shores is visible from the Phuket Royal Marina, as it is a mere 10 minutes’ boat ride away.

The magical island appears in all of its majestic beauty at best from the waters. Koh Rang Noi seems like a dream. What is expected will be… and much much more. Paradise is often only an image, one we all could recite: pure fine sand beach, boats and water toys, transparent clear water, gorgeous architecture, delicious fruits and meals.

But paradise is more than a collective fantasy. It is also a very personal idea, a private experience of bliss. Something that corresponds to your very own desires and surpasses all your expectations. Koh Rang Noi has everything to offer: collective delights and personal satisfaction.

An hommage to Thai artistry

Three private, high security villas are available on the island. Their design and conception are a testimony of the architects’ taste for Thai esthetics and contemporary luxury. Surrounded by heavenly waters and vegetation, the villas benefit from panoramic views with their floor to ceiling windows. Veranda terraces wrap around the exterior walls and offer the shade of their peaked overhanging roofs.

Indoors, the air conditioning and the cool marble floorings provide to each of your steps a wonderfully refreshing feeling. Lights and art reflect on the highly polished floors, mirroring the lovely figures of the wood panels and paintings. Some of the silhouetted light fixtures on Koh Rang Noi were made from original Thai shadow puppets. They project their uniquely fashioned elegance on the architectural environment.

Thai craftsmanship define the artistry of each object in the villas. Thai people master extraordinary wood crafting techniques. Traditional methods were used to create the roof, doors, cabinets, headboards and furniture. Many wonderful pieces were custom made for the island by the artisans of a same village. Murals and sandstone carvings can be found in and around each of the lodgings. Their magnificent stature is imposing. Each of the villas is superbly and uniquely decorated.

Three exceptional villas

Koh Rang Noi hosts the Upper Villa, the Lower Villa and Guest Villa, all three of unsurpassed elegance and luxury. They provide vast open spaces, suites of luxurious bedrooms, intimate lounges and grand dining areas. Multiple terraces, infinity pools, hot tubs and beautiful gardens complete this idyllic picture.

Each of the three villas is a work of art in its own right. Most intimate, the Guest Villa hosts a suite of four bedrooms. It is renowned for its breathtaking views of the legendary Monument Islands. The Lower Villa gives the impression of floating above the waters. Its design incarnates contemporary luxury with elegance and sensuality.

The Upper Villa was conceived for exceptional social events in and out of doors. Its flamboyant Thai great dining room offers spectacular seating under the high vaulted teakwood ceiling, with hand-painted murals on the crossbeams. Meant to host up to 300 people coming for the evening, an amphitheater completes its architectural ensemble.

Fun in Paradise

Entertainment options are endless on the island. The perfectly maintained island paths lead to three private beaches. They can be walked or traveled by golf carts.

A beach sala houses 15 jets skis, paddleboards, kayaks, and windsurfers. A fleet of boats is also on standby for the enjoyment of all. Tubing, water skiing and wake boarding is made easy with the three smaller sport boats. Two lovely Hobie Cat offer an option for sailing. And two large yachts are perfect match for a day at sea exploring the neighboring islands.

A 24-hour staff (and a gourmet chef) takes care of everything on Koh Rang Noi. The villas are accompanied by a spacious fitness center and comprehensive wellness facility. No vacation would be perfect without the pleasure of a range of body treatments, Thai massages and beauty services. And of course, there is a movie theater for private screenings.

Life on Koh Rang Noi is a dream, and should remain as such until you come and visit.

TREAT YOURSELF TO A DREAM GETAWAY TO KOH RANG NOI ISLAND

Book directly through LUXE.

Contact Samia El at samiael@samiael.com.

Text: Barbara Stehle

Atelier Zébulon Perron: Passionate Design

Founded in 2008, Atelier Zébulon Perron is an interior design firm that specializes in the commercial sector. Zébulon and his team work closely with clients to dream up spaces that bring together aesthetics, timelessness and commercial success. Meet the mind behind the design of the restaurants and bars in Montréal’s much-anticipated Four Seasons Hotel (set to open its doors this spring), an individual so unique, he doesn’t need a last name.

You have designed several Montréal restaurants: the Montréal Plaza, Impasto and most recently, Henri. Why did you choose to specialize in the restaurant sector?

It’s true that we have a lot of projects in the hotel sector, especially in restaurants and bars, but we are also active in the real estate and retail sectors. Our passion is working on public spaces. We want to provide folks with opportunities to interact and be together. Restaurants are the ideal setting for that. We go there to eat, of course, but also to be out in public, see our friends and have experiences.

How do you approach a new project?

When we meet new clients, they already have a vision and ideas. We try to understand their motivations, then we develop our own concepts. Then we bring new ideas to the table, to move the project forward. We always work very closely with clients to create a space that reflects their vision.

What inspires you?

First of all, my clients! As I just said, they already have a vision when they come to us. For the Four Seasons Hotel, Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s personality and background gave us lots of material. I also travel to Europe a lot, especially to Italy, and I always come back to Montréal with a certain mindset.

What is the biggest challenge in completing a commercial space design?

There are many, but the biggest is meeting very tight deadlines. The lease gets signed and the countdown begins. Also, we always want to put a new twist on things. When we’re in the middle of a project, we often question the relevance of our approach. In this industry, you’ve got to be original, or you’re out.

As you mentioned, you are in the process of completing the bars and restaurants in the Montréal Four Seasons Hotel, which will open its doors this spring. Tell us more about this project.

The Four Seasons, which is headquartered in Canada, is a leading brand in the luxury hotel sector. We are very proud to work on this flagship project in Montréal. We are collaborating closely with Andrew Lutfy, President and CEO of Carbonleo, the property developer behind the project. He is very involved in the design. As is Chef Marcus Samuelsson. His unique story and cultural background are great sources of inspiration: he was born in Ethiopia, lived with his adoptive parents in Sweden and then made his career in New York.

Can you give us a sneak peek description of the bars and restaurants of the Four Seasons Montréal?

We are always influenced by context. For this project, we are working in a new building, very contemporary. The architecture must therefore also be very modern. The spaces are fluid and flow one into the other. We have a day lounge where people can have a drink or a cup of tea, a darker bar, a big brasserie-style dining room, a huge terrace with a bar and open outdoor kitchen. It’s a very multi-purpose combination. We used top-of-the-line materials, but we didn’t want to be flashy. The aesthetic is minimalist with a limited number of colours and materials, which creates a contemporary, airy space. Above all, we focused on the social interaction that is central to our company’s practice. Everything was designed to bring people together, to encourage conversation. We wanted to avoid a luxury concept with big empty spaces.

What are your short-term projects?

We have many upcoming projects in Montréal and Toronto, in restaurants and eyewear. In 2020, we will launch our first furniture line, which includes armchairs, sofas and light fixtures. It is a fantastic avenue for creativity.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I don’t know yet, but definitely not retired! I am way too passionate about my work! (laughs)

www.zebulonperron.com

Text: Diane Stehle
Portrait of Zébulon Perron: © Adèle Pasquin Frenette

Centraide of Greater Montreal – Fighting poverty and exclusion

In Quebec, 15% of the population lives in low-income, and on the island of Montréal this figure rises to 21%. Some neighbourhoods, like Côte-des-Neiges, Peter McGill and Parc-Extension are particularly affected, but even Plateau-Mont-Royal has its share of poverty. Centraide of Greater Montreal is an organization that has implemented a range of strategies to improve the situation. To find out more, we talked to its President and Executive Director, Lili-Anna Pereša.

“One in six people in Greater Montréal experiences hardship, and yet Montréal is the city with the second-highest quality of life rating in North America,” says Lili-Anna Pereša, an engineer by training and head of Centraide of Greater Montreal since 2013. Pereša believes this paradox can be explained by the city’s strong social cohesion in spite of this alarming situation. “Solidarity and mutual aid are two key pillars in the fight against poverty and social exclusion. That’s why Centraide works with a network of 350 agencies in the community that, with the help of 57,000 volunteers, take direct action to assist individuals in Greater Montréal’s neighbourhoods, boroughs and municipalities.”

When it comes to poverty, there’s no miracle cure. “Poverty must be tackled from all angles with an integrated approach. Our strategy covers four areas of action: supporting youth success, taking care of essentials (decent housing and food security), breaking social isolation and building caring communities,” says Pereša, who was made a Knight of the Ordre national du Québec in 2018.

Supporting youth success

The best way to break the cycle of poverty is to intervene when children are as young as possible. That’s why Centraide of Greater Montreal supports early childhood programs to promote development and support for parents as well as homework assistance services for elementary and high school students. “We’re concentrating on getting dropouts back on track with their education. In Montréal, 16% of students drop out before graduation, and in some neighbourhoods this figure is as high as 30%. We know that youth who get their high school diploma have a higher quality of life. Graduation rates are a strong indicator of youth wellbeing. In recent years, we have really focussed on raising this rate, and our efforts have paid off: between 2009 and 2017, it went up 20%.”

The important role of neighbourhood roundtables

Since 2006, Centraide, has partnered with the Direction régionale de santé publique (DSP) and the City of Montréal to support neighbourhood roundtables. These roundtables bring together different local actors (community organizations, schools, CLSCs, police, business associations, etc.) and take on various issues. “The graduation rate in the Saint-Michel neighbourhood was concerning. Kids weren’t going to school in part because they had to take three buses to get there. Steps were taken with the STM to set up a faster bus route. Now it takes 45 minutes to get to school instead of an hour and a half, so the teens can sleep in a little longer!”

A successful campaign

Centraide runs its annual campaign every year from September to December. More than a thousand businesses, organizations and unions contribute with donations and employee campaigns. “The 2018 campaign, co-chaired by Marie Josée Lamothe, President of Tandem International, and Stephen Bronfman, Executive Chairman of Claridge, raised $57.5 million dollars—$1.5 million more than the year before,” Pereša proudly explains. She adds, “We’re following up in 2019 with another stellar pair of co-chairs: Éric Martel, President and CEO of Hydro-Québec, and Andrew Lutfy, President and CEO of Groupe Dynamite and Carbonleo.”

Pereša is convinced, “if any organization can make a difference in terms of social development and equality, it’s definitely Centraide.” She makes a point to highlight the excellence of the people working on the ground with the most vulnerable. “These people are doing incredible work. Greater Montréal is truly amazing, let’s never turn a blind eye to those in need. We need to take action together, here and now, because we care.”

To find out more or to make a donation: www.centraide-mtl.org

Numbers that speak for themselves

Centraide of Greater Montreal: over 350 organizations and 57,000 volunteer
Low-income individuals
Island of Montréal: 403,860 (21.3% of the population)
Laval: 46,460 (11.3% of the population)
South Shore: 87,030 (10.3% of the population)

Text: Diane Stehle
Photos: © Centraide du Grand Montréal

Quinzecent: A unique lifestyle

Poised majestically at the intersection of René-Lévesque Boulevard West and Guy Street, the Quinzecent embodies a unique lifestyle in the heart of downtown Montréal. This 36-storey 428-condominium glass tower is another triumph in the impressive portfolio of luxury real-estate leaders Brivia Group and Tianqing Group, the partnership behind the YUL and Stanbrooke projects.

Designed by renowned architecture firm Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes, the Quinzecent has 428 one- to three-bedroom condominiums as well as luxury penthouses on its upper floors. “While condo towers usually have four corners, ours has six. This is a true advantage for buyers who will enjoy extraordinarily bright spaces right in the heart of the city. It also reflects the talent of the architects we partnered with on this project,” says Kheng Ly, founder, president and CEO of Brivia Group. With private terraces or balconies, each 343 to 1,141 ft² unit offers an unobstructed city, mountain or river view. Inside, everything has been designed to provide the ultimate sense of contentment. Young professionals, retirees, students or families—everyone will find what they need to enjoy unparalleled privacy just steps from the most popular activities in the city (Bell Centre, luxury boutiques, museums, gourmet restaurants, etc.) and some of the most prestigious universities (McGill, Concordia).

“Future residents will enjoy extraordinarily bright spaces in the heart of the city.”

Kheng Ly, Founder, President and CEO of Brivia Group

Luxury penthouses

The Quinzecent penthouses are all corner units on the 34^th, 35^th and 36^th floors of the tower. With 12-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass walls, they are the epitome of prestigious urban living. Bathed in abundant natural light, these peaceful havens are ideal for living in optimal comfort and refinement. “Our penthouses are at least 1,145 ft², outfitted with the finest materials. But the true showstopper is the spectacular unrestricted view, visible everywhere, from the cozy living room to the immense terrace,” adds Kheng Ly.

Friendly community life

Privacy can sometimes go hand in hand with community. On the third floor of the tower, residents can enjoy a huge terrace fitted out with a cinema and elevated 6,000 ft²garden, ideal for getting to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere. A pool, spa and fitness centre complete the premium communal areas. More than 40,000 ft² of commercial space will also be available to the fortunate owners. “The lobby is also one of the hallmarks of this singular project: combining wood, marble and glass, its ultra-luxurious appearance is reminiscent of New York buildings. As soon as you cross the threshold, you will know you have entered a unique space. We also designed a sumptuous landing area at the corner of René-Lévesque and Guy to facilitate the transition between public and private life. It is a very rare architectural feature in Montréal,” concludes Kheng Ly.

True to their reputation, Brivia Group and Tianqing Group are again redefining industry standards with this new development that will appeal to anyone dreaming of an exclusive address in the heart of downtown. Occupancy slated for 2022.

Overview

428 units
Studio: 343 to 448 ft²
1 bedroom: 525 to 654 ft²
2 bedrooms: 803 to 1,141 ft²
Penthouses (34^th, 35^th and 3^6th floors): 2 or 3 bedrooms, more than 1,145 ft²
Prestigious landing area
Spectacular two-storey lobby
Terrace with outdoor cinema, fireplace and 6,000 ft² urban garden
Pool, spa, fitness centre
40,000 ft² of commercial space

Sales office

1441 René-Lévesque Blvd. West
Montréal, QC H3G 1T7
T. 514 315-1500
Monday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
info@1500montreal.ca

www.1500montreal.ca

Text: Diane Stehle
Photos: © Alexandre Lapierre, Common Ground

Mansfield condos: contemporary living on historic grounds

An exciting new residential project is underway in Montreal, spearheaded by Brivia Group. On Mansfield Street, just south of Sainte-Catherine Street, lies a historical site previously home to the iconic Loews’s Theatre, and later to the Mansfield Athletic Club. The Mansfield condos will pay homage to this heritage whilst also looking to the future by modernizing and offering a range of amenities. This blend of tradition and innovation will offer residents a contemporary lifestyle complemented by an ambience rich in history.

Honouring a storied past

Brivia Group is no stranger to the intricacies of heritage preservation, having undertaken the full restoration of historical properties such as the Maison Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine, once home to the first head of responsible government in Canada.

After consulting with heritage experts, Montreal-based architecture firm Béïque Legault Thuot Architectes (BLTA) realized that the Mansfield project required a different approach due to extensive damage caused by work executed on the Loews Theatre between 1917 and the 1990s. Facing a unique set of challenges, the stewards of the Mansfield project seized the opportunity to find an innovative way to pay tribute to the building’s colourful past.

An all-season pedestrian walkway, fitted with an integrated snowmelt, is designed to run along the site of the former theatre, flanked by an urban mural incorporating mementos from the Loews. The walkway further commemorates the sense of community fostered by past establishments by creating and enhancing pedestrian connectivity between Phillips Square, the future McGill REM station, McGill College Avenue and Dorchester Square. This feature will allow passersby to take a true stroll down memory lane—an homage to an iconic building that remains part of Montreal’s cultural scene.

An architectural jewel

With a portfolio that includes enhancing several boutique hotels in Old Montreal, BLTA was selected to construct the architectural plan of The Mansfield. In order to integrate the project with its neighbouring properties, the orientation of the building on Mansfield Street, degree of openness in the exterior design and the neoclassical architecture of the adjacent Sun Life Building were considered. At first glance, ebony steel provides a dramatic contrast against gleaming glass. Rounded corners edged in gold create a sophisticated silhouette evocative of Art Deco elegance tempered with the restraint of modern design.

A luxurious haven in the downtown core

The Mansfield is Brivia’s first project to include a rooftop pool. Views of the city can be admired from a one-of-a-kind infinity pool on the rooftop terrace or interior lounge with fireplace and wine bar. A tranquil retreat awaits 19 floors above the bustling city streets.

Two hundred and twenty-six units are available, ranging from studio to three-bedroom spaces. Owners can choose from several spatial configurations and interior finishes or can propose their own. Panoramic views provide abundant natural light through the uniquely curved window walls of each unit.

Contemporary European-design cabinetry in the kitchen surrounds under-mount sinks and faucets set against quartz or granite countertops. Soft-touch latches, anti-fingerprint finish and soft-closing hardware add function to form at the heart of the home.

Embodying all the luxury and tranquility expected in private spaces, the bathrooms are soothing, with soft neutral colour schemes, an inviting freestanding tub or a relaxing rainfall shower, and heated floors.

World-class amenities create a members-only experience for an upscale lifestyle at work and play. Wellness facilities include a spa and fitness area with dedicated spaces for boxing and yoga. Co-working spaces and conference rooms are available in the common areas for residents and their guests. An on-site golf simulator is an added luxury to help golfers perfect their stroke.

Residents enjoy the peace of mind provided by state-of-the-art air ventilation and filtration systems as well as a smartphone application to remotely control all doors, from the lobby to the elevator to their unit.

“Heritage preservation is a prime concern for us. We have fully restored historical properties in the past, but this approach was not feasible for the old theatre. We had to find a new way of paying tribute to its history.”

Vincent Kou, Chief Investment and Development Officer at Brivia Group

Brivia Group: looking to the future while exalting the past

Brivia Group is an established leader of community-oriented developments. The Mansfield will become an iconic urban development in downtown Montreal that provides an elite living environment and elevates the quality of its neighbourhood.

One of the main visions behind this project was to pay tribute to its origins. “Heritage preservation is a prime concern for us,” says Vincent Kou, Chief Investment and Development Officer at Brivia Group. “We have fully restored historical properties in the past, but this approach was not feasible for the old theatre. We had to find a new way of paying tribute to its history.”

The community spaces, facilities, retail and commercial spaces within this mixed-use project in a core downtown location will create a hub to further propel urban revitalization and to bring more residential and commercial activities to the area, meeting the needs of the growing market.

Delivery of the first residences starting in 2024.

Studio units starting at $373,900.

Presentation Centre

539 Sainte-Catherine Street West, Montreal

Monday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

info@mansfieldcondos.com I 514-878-1238

www.mansfieldcondos.com

Text: Jennifer Laoun-Rubenstein

ALL RENDERINGS ARE ARTIST’S CONCEPT ONLY.

Papier Fair 19 – Fair for all

The Contemporary Art Galleries Association (AGAC) will hold the 12^th Papier Art Fair from April 25 to 28, 2019 at the Port of Montréal’s Grand Quay. This new location will accommodate a greater number of visitors. For the first time, Papier will not be an exclusively on-paper exhibit. The fair is branching out into other mediums to pursue its mission to democratize contemporary art. TV host Vanessa Pilon, a contemporary art lover, is proud to be a spokesperson for the event once again this year. We met with her.

Why did you agree to become a spokesperson for Papier?

I have been a big contemporary art lover for several years after a friend introduced me to it. I loved going to museums when I was travelling, but I felt like I couldn’t fully understand the works. When I went to Papier a few years ago, I realized that contemporary art is more accessible than I thought. My confidence grew, and I started going back every year. Then I bought my first piece, within my budget. Since then, my interest has only grown.

What is unique about this 12^th edition?

This year, Papier is being held at the Port of Montréal’s Grand Quay. It is full of light and much bigger than previous locations. It is also ideally located in the heart of Montréal. This means the fair will reach both local art lovers and visitors. This year, the event will show mediums other than paper (paintings, sculptures, installations and more), although works on paper will still be the focus. This will provide an overview of what is happening in contemporary art in Canada and help the fair achieve its mission, which is to make contemporary art accessible to as many people as possible.

Workshops will be offered for adults and for children. Can you tell us more?

Papier attracts a lot of families because of its friendly atmosphere. That’s why Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, co-spokesperson for Papier, used his foundation to develop fun workshops that introduce children to art. There are also expert-led round tables for adults. All of these activities are included in the admission fee ($10) but it’s best to reserve for the children’s workshops, because space is limited.

Tell us about your collection. Which artists speak to you?

Without naming names, I would say that I’m particularly fond of female artists with a strong message. A collection is a way to express your values and show what issues matter to you. By gathering works in my home, I feel like I’m building a family. The pieces speak to each other, and they can give us a sense of the personality of the person who brought them together.

April 26 to 28, 2019 at the Port of Montréal’s Grand Quay, 200 de la Commune St. W.

www.papiermontreal.com

Three new restaurants to try in Montréal

Are you looking to try a new Montréal restaurant that won’t disappoint? LUXE has selected three for you. Gourmet delights await!

Monarque

Open for a little more than a year, Monarque quickly charmed Montrealers with its French-inspired gourmet cuisine. Run by father-and-son team Richard and Jérémie Bastien, the immense space in the heart of Old Montréal seats 180, divided into two sections: the relaxed brasserie and the elegant dining room with a succulent four-course menu. Co-owner and executive chef Jérémie Bastien prepares delicacies that include irresistible calf sweetbreads, tuna tartar and charcoal-grilled duck for the restaurant side and fabulous bone marrow and grilled octopus for the brasserie side. The dessert cart (pavlova, Paris Brest, tarte Tatin) is also worth a try. You won’t be able to resist!

www.restaurantmonarque.ca

Restaurant Jérôme Ferrer – Europea

For several weeks, the famous Europea restaurant has been revived in a brand-new downtown complex. The new establishment’s philosophy is even more focused on discovery, creativity and emotion. Working with talented stage director René Richard Cyr, Jérôme Ferrer developed a menu that looks like the program for a stage production where gastronomy is the star. The two partners have even gone so far as to use virtual reality to enhance the multisensory experience. The new restaurant includes a luxury brasserie that offers dishes to share for lunch or dinner, taking inspiration from all over the world. This relaxed space features a daily afternoon tea as well as a cocktail bar at the end of the evening. On René-Lévesque Street, a door leads to the kitchen counter, where you can buy delicious lunch and meal boxes at any time of the day.

www.jeromeferrer.ca

Henri Brasserie Française

This superb French brasserie opened at the same time as the five-star boutique hotel and luxurious spa of the same name on Sainte-Catherine Street, next to The Bay’s flagship store. The owner, Jean Salette, hired designer Zébulon Perron to create a relaxed chic ambiance in the purest tradition of the best French brasseries. Renowned restaurateur Imad Nabwani is the restaurant’s general manager, while the refined cuisine is the creation of executive chef Romain Abrivard (previously of M. Mme, Les 400 Coups and L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel). He prepares tempting dishes that highlight Canada’s best seasonal products from land and sea. In the dining room, at the bar or in the lounge, enjoy oysters paired with a glass of champagne, or savour a great wine or an exclusive cocktail. Henri seats 175, plus 40 more on the terrace once spring arrives.

www.restauranthenri.com