PRESS RELEASE
Four chefs produce a cultural feast to celebrate the fifth edition of the Fête du Quartier
September 26 in the Quartier des Spectacles!
Montreal, September 10, 2026 – The Quartier des Spectacles Partnership will hold the fifth edition of the Fête du Quartier on September 26, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Esplanade Tranquille. Presented as part of the 30th anniversary edition of the Journées de la culture, with journalist and broadcaster Johane Despins hosting, this free event brings together residents and the cultural organizations that animate the Quartier year-round. Food plays a starring role at this autumn gathering, thanks to the valued collaboration of La Tablée des Chefs: four chefs will draw on First Nations, French, Peruvian and Chinese culinary traditions to serve up a one-of-a-kind cultural feast. Visitors can also take part in free activities run throughout the afternoon by partner organizations Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, Maison de la chanson et de la musique du Québec, MEM – Centre des mémoires montréalaises, Danse Danse, Vision Diversité, Maison Théâtre, Balcon, Agora de la danse along with the Laboratoire sur l'agriculture urbaine (AU/LAB).
Four chefs, four cultures, one ingredient, one table
For its fifth edition, the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership has teamed up with La Tablée des Chefs to offer something new – an invitation to come together and enjoy four renowned chefs' interpretations of one universal ingredient: the potato. Each chef will draw on their heritage and culinary background, and the public will get to taste the exclusive dishes that result.
Swaneige Bertrand (Acho Dene Koe artist and entrepreneur from the Northwest Territories): Potato topped with Labrador tea–scented duck magret, sun-dried tomatoes and lime, paying homage to the culinary knowledge and abundance of the North.
Olivier Perret (executive chef at Sofitel Montréal Le Carré Doré and its Renoir restaurant): Inviting flavours of the chef's native Burgundy, revisited with a potato topped with red-wine braised beef and mushrooms.
Marcel Larrea (the chef behind Tiradito, Chifa, Capisco and Mezcla): A delicious crab causa showcasing all the textures of the potato – which holds emblematic status as one of Peru's most prized ingredients.
Andersen Lee (co-owner of the restaurants Oncle Lee and Oncle Lee Kăo): Potato topped with pulled pork, inspired by the generous, comforting and convivial flavours of Chinese cuisine.
Rounding out this gourmet offering, Cochon Dingue and Café Tranquille will serve desserts, sucre à la crème and refreshments.
An afternoon filled with activities
The Fête du Quartier is also offering a busy roster of free activities for young and old alike. It all starts at 12:25 p.m. when Vision Diversité presents a musical performance by Akawui. A Chilean singer-songwriter of Indigenous Mapuche descent, he celebrates cultural hybridity and openness, combining Māori haka chants, Afro-Colombian percussion, Andean flutes and First Nations powwow singing into a contemporary, urban sound. At 1:15 p.m., Les Archipels turn to tradition with a hands-on workshop and demonstration of Québécois step dancing presented by Agora de la danse. At 3:25 p.m., the Maison de la chanson et de la musique du Québec presents Milli & Bob (Millimetrik and Bob Riddim) who will give the Québécois songbook a contemporary spin with their performance of Alys Remixes.
To keep up the festive mood, Fanfare de l'île will make their way through the area. Their processions will start at 11:55 a.m., 2:20 p.m. and 3:55 p.m., while the theatrical duo of public scribes Duel Épistolaire will engage with visitors at 1:45 p.m., 2:50 p.m. and 4:25 p.m. Families can also enjoy face painting, to the delight of their kids, from noon to 5 p.m.
The Quartier's cultural organizations engage with the public
The Fête du Quartier will also be an opportunity to meet in person some of the organizations at the heart of Montreal's cultural scene. From noon to 5 p.m., visitors can learn about the activities and projects of Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, Maison de la chanson et de la musique du Québec, MEM – Centre des mémoires montréalaises, Danse Danse, Vision Diversité, Maison Théâtre, Balcon, Agora de la danse and the Laboratoire sur l'agriculture urbaine (AU/LAB).
Quotes
"The fifth edition of the Fête du Quartier is a celebration of shared cultures. Thanks to our collaboration with La Tablée des Chefs, we are delighted to unite four very different culinary traditions around one table. This gathering will also spotlight the people who enliven the Quartier des Spectacles every day, inviting residents to meet them in person while enjoying exciting new experiences." Éric Lefebvre, Executive Director, Quartier des Spectacles Partnership
"La Tablée des Chefs is delighted to partner with the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership for the fifth edition of the Fête du Quartier. When it comes to sharing food and culinary cultures, you can always count us in! Celebratory generosity is an idea that resonates with our organization. I wish everyone a wonderful and delicious Fête du Quartier." Jean-François Archambault, Founder and General Director, La Tablée des Chefs
