Montréal goes gourmet this November

Fall in Montréal is fantastic: first the cultural smorgasbord of all things art, followed by followed by two major mouthwatering events: MTL à TABLE, the city’s Restaurant Week and Happy November, a one-month celebration of wine and gastronomy, by the Société des alcools du Québec (or the “SAQ” as the locals call it). Here’s a more in-depth look at what’s to devour this month and how you can be a part of it:

Explore the joys of MTL à TABLE

MTL à TABLE, or the city’s Restaurant Week, runs from October 29 to November 8 this year, and for this fourth edition, the city is setting the table for 11 amazing days of feasting. For the occasion, epicureans get to taste their way through special three-course fixed price menus ($21, $31 and $41) at 150 participating restaurants across town. Exclusively this year, two $69 menus will be offered at Toqué! and Europea, both prestigious Relais Chateaux restaurants. Some scrumptious extras also include special late-night menus for night owls, savoury and sweet brunch menus on weekends and mixology classes to shake things up a little.

Get happy with Happy November

Giving dreary November a dash of panache is Happy November, a month-long celebration of the pleasure of good wine and gourmet eating, sponsored by the Société des alcools du Québec. Oenophiles seasoned and starting out will love this chance to discover new and rare vintages, sip great champagnes, learn more about local wineries, producers and cheesemakers, pick up tips from the masters and generally share a gargantuan passion for great wines and good eats in sparkling company.

Revel in the autumn harvest

The profusion of fall food in and around Montréal is really something to behold and experience. See how we do the fall harvest with a trip to an apple orchard, where pumpkin and squash picking are also on the program. Orchards and farms that produce apple cider and apple vinegar are another detour-worthy daytrip. The biggest plus of all? Filling your lungs with the fresh scents of the outdoors as you stroll leisurely about the countryside.

Indulge in fine French food

What would we do without the 30,000-some French expats contributing to our great food scene? The fine fare of France continues to pop up all over the city, so take the month to explore the tastes of duck done up a hundred different ways, tartares, foie gras, cassoulets, sweetbreads and more in everything from in everything from chic eateries to cozy brasseries to authentic Parisian-style bistros.

Venture to the vegetarian side

Vegetarians will rejoice in the sheer number of places in Montréal – some cozy, some kind of fancy – to get a delicious meal free of meat. Whether you’re craving a burger, (hemp, portobello, faux pulled pork, seed and lentil, seitan – the sky’s the limit) or other or other delicious mains, these vegetarian restaurants will make set the plant-lover in you free.

Dine out with the kids

Dining with the family should be tasty and stress-free, and Montréal happily obliges families with places that satisfy the tastes and whims of everyone, from tots to teens. Round up your gang, head on out and treat your palates to the amazing kid-centric dining choices Montréal offers. From classic pizzerias to cozy cafés to sweet luncheonettes, you’ll some really cool places where you and your crew can commune.