Molecular cuisine at Pullman: Chef Alejandro Digillo of La Vinería de Gualterio Bolívar in Buenos Aires has worked with the godfather of cutting-edge contemporary cuisine Ferran Adria. Chef Digillo has received several honours for his trendy yet unpretentious local and seasonal cuisine that focuses on applying new techniques in the kitchen. Expect some showmanship and a little bit of the theatrical when he takes over the Pullman kitchen during this year’s fest. February 26-27, 2013, Pullman, 3424 Parc, (514) 288-7779

Lunch around the world: What better way to spend your lunch hour then to travel around the world in search of exotic flavours? From February 25 to March 1, take your taste buds – and your coworkers – on a whirlwind culinary trip. All 6 of these restaurants will be offering 3-course lunch menus for $14.95. Any of these spots would be wonderful but my personal favourites are Byblos and Rumi. February 25 to March 1, 2013, Various locations

Festival of Quebec cheeses: This free activity is a must for all cheese lovers. It’s a great opportunity to discover more than 60 Quebec-made cheeses and meet some of the cheesemakers who will all be gathered at Complexe Desjardins for a 4-day cheese extravaganza. Quebec cheeses have come a long way in the past 20 years and they now rival some of the best imported cheeses. Go on the hunt for your new favourite cheese, learn how to distinguish regional qualities and discover everything you always wanted to know about the intricate process of cheese making from the masters themselves. February 20-23, 2013, Complexe Desjardins, 150 Sainte-Catherine West, (514) 281-1870

Sweet Sucre at Auberge Saint-Gabriel: Sucre is one of the hottest restaurants in Buenos Aires right now and we are lucky to have its chef Hugo Macchia at Montreal en lumière this year. Chef Macchia has worked in some of the world’s best kitchens, including 3-Michelin starred Mugaritz in Spain. He will be a guest chef at Auberge Saint Gabriel where he should be in his element thanks to the similarities between his native and adoptive restaurants, mainly the large cellar and roaster set in a welcoming, hip ambiance. February 21-22, 2013, Auberge Le Saint-Gabriel, 426 Saint-Gabriel, (514) 878-3561

Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean at the Jean-Talon Market: The Jean-Talon market mezzanine will play host to a makeshift bazaar that will welcome 12 producers and food processors from the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. Discover these welcoming producers, exchange recipes and ideas and discuss their unique products, from dairy products and meats to spices, preserves, jams and regional specialties. February 23-24, 2013, Jean-Talon Market (Mezzanine level, 2^nd floor), 7070 Henri-Julien, (514) 277-1588

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PLAN B, 327 Mont-Royal Avenue East, (514) 845-6060

Easily spotted nestled along Mont Royal by the unubtrusive red “B” that sticks out above the door. Inside is a classically styled bar where comfort and familiarity are key. This place has a vibe that just feels right, not fussy, not frilly. The owner says that their goal is the “make cocktails they way they are supposed to be made, the classic way” instead of “New York-izing them with extraneous syrups, fruits and junk”. Their terrace out back is lined with vines and cozy tables, even though I was there during the late afternoon, visions of an intimate midnight cocktail increased the allure of this Mont Royal staple!

MISTO, 929 Mont-Royal Avenue East, (514) 526-5043

Next stop along my Mont-Royal bar crawl was Misto! Playfully spelled “M!sto”. This is a restaurant bar that delivers on both the drinks and grub! The owner confidently states that he thinks Misto has the best carpaccio in Montreal! Judging by the picture below, it very well might be! Misto is perfect to grab a drink, and nibble on a little something to share with a group.

The antipasto plate was perfect to pick at while enjoying one of their refreshing home concoctions. I had a deliciously deadly mix of tequila, cucumber, mint and simple syrup. It went down like water, to the dismay of myself and my dinner companions. Thank god for the food, because I had to prepare myself for bar #3.

LE BOUDOIR, 850 Mont-Royal Avenue East, (514) 526-2819Last stop on our Mont-Royal bar crawl was Le Boudoir for a whiskey tasting. This place is about as chill as it gets. The service is attentive but not overbearing, the drinks are good but not too expensive, and the crowd is fun but not rowdy. Now, I’m pretty ignorant about whiskey, have never gone to a whiskey tasting before, nor do I even know the labels. So when I dumbly do the first two whiskey tastings like shooters, I bashfully look around while everyone else daintily sips on theirs. Oops. Le Boudoir, not only a bar, but a classroom as well! The perfect place to start, or end, your night. Cheers!A

THE DETAILS

PLAN B BAR, 327 Mont-Royal Avenue East, (514) 845-6060

MISTO, 929 Mont-Royal Avenue East, (514) 526-5043

LE BOUDOIR, 850 Mont-Royal Avenue East, (514) 526-2819

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