Quality at a Bargain

The Pitch

This January marks the 6th edition of Happening Gourmand, the annual month-long festival organized by Experience Old Montreal (a.k.a. Group Antonopoulos).  Throughout the month, the group's eight restaurants offer three-course menus at a reduced price.  Today we were invited to a lunch tasting for the media at Restaurant Verses, to sample dishes from participating restaurants' menus.

tagged:  MEDIA EVENT

The Mood

The Food

The tasting menu featured five courses from four different establishments: Suite 701, Modavie, Verses and Aix Cuisine.  The selection of dishes gives you a good idea of what to expect from the proposed lunch menus, priced at $15 for three courses ($23-$27 for dinner).

Starter

Starter

Fennel and Arugula Salad from Suite 701

"Clementine dressing and roasted sunflower seeds"

Starter

Starter

Baked Brie in Puff Pastry from Modavie

Main

Main

Salmon Rillette Tartine from Verses

"Cream cheese with paprika and dried tomatoes"

Main

Main

Braised Beef Parmentier from Verses

Dessert

Dessert

Trio of Mini Pastries from Aix Cuisine

tagged:  GREAT VALUE TASTING MENU

The Verdict

In addition to the restaurants mentioned above, the group owns BEVO Bar + Pizzeria, Méchant Bœuf, Taverne Gaspar and Vieux-Port Steakhouse.  Whether you like these places or not, there is no denying you will get your money's worth this January.  So until the 3rd of February, you can up the ante on your everyday lunches and casual dinners by taking advantage of Happening Gourmand.  Bon appetit!