Martinique Gourmande 2017- September 14-24, various locations LiveEvents September 8, 2017 3450 Martinique Gourmande Culinary Festival 2017 Martinique will once again take over the foodie scene in Montreal from September 14 to 24. The yearly rendez-vous of Martinique’s flavourful cuisine in Quebec is back for its 10th edition in participating bars and restaurants. Bringing some sun and spices to Montrealers this September, and for the first time also in Quebec city, the culinary festival celebrates the island’s art de vivre, a subtle yet powerful blend of French, African, Indian and Caribbean influences, while highlighting the chefs’ and mixologists’ savoir-faire. From September 14 to 24, you will once again have the opportunity to discover or rediscover the many flavours of Martinique as interpreted by chefs and bartenders from La Belle Province, who will be adding to their regular menu a cocktail or a dish inspired by their vision of the Island of Flowers. Celebrating 10 years in style It was in 2008 that the Martinique Tourism Authority in Canada spearheaded the project, with 4 restaurants in tow. 10 editions later, and with many more culinary festivals now happening in Montreal, Martinique Gourmande still remains a favourite to some establishments which have been on board since day one: Restaurant Carte Blanche, Ateliers et Saveurs, Chez Chose, Saveur Soleil, L’incrédule, Le Lab are are among the faithful followers, with Le Lab being the winner of the Martinique Gourmande Official Cocktail competition for the second time in a row. “It is truly one of our favourite events to put together, and witnessing year after year this beautiful encounter between Quebec and Martinique is most certainly a powerful motivation! ” said Muriel Wiltord, Director Americas for the Martinique Tourism Authority. This year’s program will be full of events to celebrate the oldest food festival in town: – an anniversary dinner at the très chic Renoir, Restaurant du Sofitel Montréal, will open the festivities on Thursday September 14th, with a 5 course-dinner inspired by the beautiful island and conducted by 5 chefs: Nathanaël Ducteil, former student of French famed chef Alain Ducasse Claire-Marie Dubois, a teacher specialized in gluten-free creole cuisine Guy Ferdinand, our famous Chef Hot Pants André Loiseau, chef and owner at Restaurant Carte Blanche, and Martinique fan Olivier Perret, executive chef at le Renoir Roland Del Monte, Pastry Chef – 2 special cooking classes with Chef Ducteil at Ateliers & Saveurs and Claire-Marie Dubois at Aux Iles à Sucre – 2 rhum tasting events on September 18th and 21st List of the participating establishments in Montreal: Ateliers & Saveurs, Aux Iles à Sucre, Barraca, Bar George , Bistro Café Souvenir La Pêche aux Moules, Bleu Raisin, Café Prague, Carte Blanche, Chez Chose, Chez Ma Grosse Truie Chérie, Chez Victoire, Gourmand & Co, Grumman 78, Huis Clos, L’Assommoir, L’Gros Luxe Plateau, L’Incrédule, Lab, Comptoir à Cocktails, Lab Quartier des Spectacles, Le 4ème Mur, Le Bureau, Le Margaux, Le Poisson Rouge, Le Royal, Marusan Comptoir Japonais, ONoir, Renoir, Saveur Soleil, Spanel For more information and the complete program, visit: www.martiniquegourmande.ca About Martinique (www.martinique.org) The Caribbean island with French flair, The Isle of Flowers, The Rum Capital of the World, The Isle of the Famed Poet (Aimé Césaire) – by any one of its many names Martinique remains one of the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world. Named “Best Gourmet Island of the Year” in 2008 and 2009 by Caribbean World Magazine, Martinique is an overseas region of France that stirs the passions with distinctive culinary delights, awe-inspiring natural beauty, a rich cultural history, warm smiles and so much more. Napoleon’s bride, Empress Josephine, was born and raised here. Majestic Mt. Pelée and The Pompeii of the Caribbean, St. Pierre, is found here. The finest French products, from Chanel fashions to Limoges porcelain, are readily available here. La Route des Rhums, a tour of the world’s finest rum distilleries based on France’s famed Route des Vins, is offered here. Martinique c’est magnifique! Want to learn more about Martinique? Read Julie Kalan’s articles: Marvelous Martinique and Martinique Packs Quite a Punch – a ‘Ti Punch.