22

Montréal Plaza

Montreal

A circus devoted to good times and great food

Off the beaten path: Located on Montreal's vibrant Plaza St-Hubert shopping strip, Montréal Plaza has become a magnet for discerning food lovers. Restaurant designer Zébulon Perron has transformed the space into something spectacular, seamlessly blending homely comfort with undeniable glamour. White-painted bead board walls soar to high ceilings, while silver-rimmed frosted glass fixtures illuminate orange banquettes and a gleaming open kitchen.

Never a dull moment: The multi-level layout offers intimate nooks and a raised platform for those who enjoy being part of the action. Personal touches – orchids, vintage clocks, chef Charles-Antoine Crête's teddy bear – lend warmth to the 70-seat space. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, drawing a stylish crowd to what regulars already call 'Le Plaza'. It's a rare find that captures both sophistication and soul in Montreal's competitive dining scene.

Yin and yang chefs: The co-chefs here, Crête and Cheryl Johnson, are polar opposites. Long the enfant terrible of the Quebec cooking scene, Crête worked for 14 years as chef Normand Laprise's right-hand man at the legendary Montreal restaurant Toqué, establishing himself as a true character in his own right. Crête exudes live-wire charm, with a reputation as a wildly creative cook. That's where Johnson comes in. Less of an extrovert than her partner, Johnson is the grounded one, a quieter presence who nonetheless holds her own next to Mr No-Holds-Barred. Together, they make quite the formidable team.

Having fun with it: The menu is sparked with a healthy dose of whimsy. The vegetable bourguignon features beef with strawberries and lobster mushrooms, the tartare is laced with popcorn, meringues are served with blueberry jelly and lilac ice cream. Don't be surprised to see toy dinosaurs in the wine buckets and Smurfs draped in prosciutto on the charcuterie plates. Yet despite the humour on display, the food is taken very seriously, as is the service and wine list.

Contact