Six Essential Gastronomic Events in Montréal this Summer

Food lovers: are you coming to Montréal this summer? If so, make the most of the city’s gastronomy scene during your next stay at Ruby Foo’s Hotel and enjoy the many festive events close by!
 
FOR A QUICK BITE 

• First Fridays – June 7 to October 4

 First Fridays is a culinary tradition that has been bringing foodies to the Olympic Parc for the past eight years now, to taste the city’s best street food. Montréal is known for its eclectic cuisine, and First Fridays gives you the opportunity to enjoy new takes on local classics as well as dishes from around the world, prepared by more than 50 different food trucks. Fifteen participants have already been announced, including crowd pleasers like MASA Food Truck which serves authentic Mexican food, Schnitzel Truck for a German touch, Bleu Homard and Quai Roulant with their delicious seafoods, as well as Dim Sum Montréal for a taste of China. Our mouths are already watering!
  

• Asian Night Market – August

 Does the décor at Ruby Foo’s Hotel make you want to explore Asian culture further? If you’re in Montréal this August, you can’t miss the Asian Night Market. More than 60 restaurants will be participating in this year’s eagerly awaited event. A unique ambiance and authentic cuisine will take you to the streets of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap and Manila—without ever leaving the city. Stay tuned! The exact dates will be confirmed shortly.
 
FOR SELECTIVE PALATES 

• Oysterfest – August

 When a food festival and an important environmental cause come together, the result is a must-attend event. Since 2009, Oysterfest has been attracting top Montréal restaurants and bars to give this refined delicacy the showcase it deserves. The exquisite gathering also promotes the protection of streams, oceans and aquatic life for future generations. What a great way to treat yourself while making a difference for our planet! Shall we?
  
FOR SOMETHING NEW 

•  A Taste of the Caribbean – July 11 to 14 

This colourful event is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year! Enjoy the flavours and sounds of more than 20 Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Grenada. Check out the food stations, rum tastings, mixology demos, dance workshops and free activities for the entire family. This Caribbean celebration will take place at the Old Port of Montréal on the main promenade, where festival-goers will also be able to enjoy free outdoor concerts.

• Festival YUL EAT – September

 Curious about the latest trends and innovations in the culinary world? Make your way to Festival YUL EAT and explore its circuit of 30 gourmet stations! Sample an extensive selection of sweet and savoury bites prepared by Montréal’s very best chefs and artisans. It’s the ideal event to make new discoveries, get out of your comfort zone and try the city’s hottest restaurants. The culinary circuit also features refreshing cocktails, as well as wine and beer pairings to enhance the many delectable offerings. Visit the booths that interest you at your own pace, and talk to local producers to learn more about Montréal’s gastronomy scene.
 
 
FOR THE TIMELESS CLASSICS

• Burger Week – September 1 to 7

 Time to fire up the grill and enjoy a tasty classic! Le Burger Week puts the celebrated sandwich front and centre at more than 30 Montréal restaurants. These establishments will create their own inspired versions of the original, and you can vote for your favourites on the event’s website. What a fun way to rediscover the humble burger!

• Ice cream – All summer long

 Without a doubt, ice cream is the star of summer. Check out our favourite spots to cool off while satisfying your sweet tooth. You won’t have to venture far from Ruby Foo’s Hotel to get to La Diperie Côte-des-Neiges or Chocolats Favoris at Carré Lucerne, where you can savour dairy bars, slush drinks, dessert bowls, sorbets and tricked-out cones. For vegan options, try Dalla Rose in St-Henri or Hoche Glacé in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, which are every bit as delicious and easy to get to by Metro.
 
Bon appétit!