Combining a love for cultural arts with gourmet cuisine, Montreal's Van Horne is a perfect place to dine for newcomers visiting the Francophile city. Headed by Sylvie Lachance and Urs Jakob, both cultural and hospitality experts, the establishment features their curated collection like a prestigious art gallery, including a massive totem pole named Bill and silkscreened paper plates by Roy Lichtenstein. Guests can gussy up at the Westin Montreal Hotel before heading to the classy Van Horne dining room for an elegant evening of indulging in fine cuisine.
With the master help of executive chef Eloi Dion and sommelier Marie-Eve Asselin, the staff of Van Horne creates a cozy yet upscale atmosphere for all who enter its doors. While listening to vintage Parisian pop tunes that occasionally shift to New York punk rock beats, guests can peruse the hip works of art before taking a seat at the swanky linen tables.
One of the dishes that patrons must try is the "crabe des neiges," or snow crab, topped with grapefruit jelly, joy choi, cucumber and radish. The plate is perfect for sharing as an appetizer during the hot summer months, before diving into a more decadent dessert dish, such as the to-die-for chocolate-caramel verrine with pecan crumble.
Guests can enjoy an evening sightseeing tour of the city before heading back to their rooms at the downtown Montreal hotel.
