As the vibrant fall season sets in, Montreal continues to offer an array of exciting events for every taste, and Montrealnightlife.com is your go-to guide for navigating the city’s best happenings. From world-class musical performances to family-friendly shows and insightful conferences, Week 43 promises an unforgettable lineup of entertainment. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away to the beats of Anjunabeats, enjoy the nostalgic hits of Cyndi Lauper, or immerse yourself in the captivating world of Jim Henson’s The Storyteller, Montreal has something for everyone. And for food lovers, this week’s featured restaurant, Le Blossom, offers an exceptional blend of Japanese dining and a remarkable saké experience. Dive into the events between October 17th and October 20th, and discover the best ways to spend your week in the city with Montrealnightlife. comas, your trusted companion.
Restaurant of the Week: Le Blossom: A Sake Bar and Japanese Dining Experience
Le Blossom, located in Montreal’s Village neighborhood, opened in 2017 and quickly became a standout dining destination. It offers a blend of traditional Japanese cuisine and modern influences, paired with an impressive saké selection.
A Unique Concept and Beautiful Design
Founded by Dan Pham, alongside twins Viet and Nam Truong, Le Blossom brings a fresh concept to Montreal as a saké bar and restaurant—still a relatively novel dining experience in the city. The name “Le Blossom” is inspired by sakura, the cherry blossoms that symbolize the fleeting beauty of life in Japanese culture. This theme is beautifully reflected in both the restaurant’s design and cuisine.
The space, designed by Guillaume Ménard from Atelier Mainor, combines futuristic and traditional elements with refined materials and sleek lines. A magnificent cherry tree in the center of the room adds a whimsical, organic touch, connecting the restaurant to its Japanese roots. Even the washrooms feature artistic illustrations by Aless Mc, enhancing the charm and attention to detail.
The Menu: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
The menu, created by co-owners Viet and Nam Truong, combines classic and contemporary Japanese dishes. Key highlights include:
- Temaki (Handrolls): Fresh fish, homemade rice, and crisp nori are used to create these handrolls, which are served at the bar and meant to be eaten immediately to capture their freshness.
- Sushi & Sashimi: Traditional options featuring fresh fish, elegantly presented to showcase simple, high-quality ingredients.
- Udon Soups are comforting dishes with thick noodles in savory broth topped with seafood, vegetables, or tempura.
- Poké Bowls: A fusion of sushi rice, fresh fish, and vegetables, offering a casual yet flavorful twist on traditional Japanese fare.
Saké and Beverages
Le Blossom boasts one of Montreal’s largest saké selections, curated by 21-year-old sommelier Derek Vaillancourt Onderjchak. The saké list ranges from light and crisp to bold and rich. Complementing the saké is a cocktail program by renowned mixologist Lawrence Picard, featuring drinks incorporating Japanese spirits and ingredients for a creative twist.
Le Blossom’s combination of exceptional food, stunning design, and a diverse saké selection makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique Japanese dining experience in Montreal.
Thursday, October 17th
Anjunabeats at MTELUS
Anjunabeats will take over MTELUS on October 17th, 2024, with an exciting lineup featuring Ilan Bluestone, Oliver Smith, Gabriel & Dresden, and Amy Wiles. Known for their melodic and uplifting trance, this event promises an unforgettable night for electronic music fans, bringing together the finest talent from the iconic Anjunabeats label. Doors open at 7:30 PM, with the show starting at 9:00 PM. More details are available here.
Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Les sept corbeaux at Place des Arts
“Les sept corbeaux” is an augmented reality adaptation of The Storyteller, a Jim Henson classic. This captivating production for young audiences is designed to be a visually immersive experience, blending traditional storytelling with innovative augmented reality effects. It is ideal for children, offering them a magical journey through an enchanting fairy tale. More details can be found here.
Friday, October 18th
NEEDTOBREATHE at MTELUS
NEEDTOBREATHE is bringing The Caves World Tour to MTELUS on October 18th, 2024, with support from Tall Heights. Known for their fusion of rock, soul, and pop, NEEDTOBREATHE will perform hits like “Brother” (feat. Gavin DeGraw), “Who Am I,” and “Let’s Stay Home Tonight.” Their powerful and uplifting music has captivated fans worldwide, and this tour celebrates their latest album CAVES. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the show starting at 7:30 PM. More details are available here.
Cyndi Lauper at Bell Centre
Cyndi Lauper’s Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour is coming to the Bell Centre on October 18th, 2024. This iconic tour marks her first major tour in over a decade, and fans can expect to hear timeless hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” and “True Colors.” With special guest Rêve, it’s set to be a memorable night celebrating Lauper’s legendary career. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the show starting at 8:00 PM. More details are available here.
Saturday, October 19th
Hayden James at New City Gas
Hayden James will perform live at New City Gas on October 19th, 2024, as part of his We Could Be Love North American tour. Known for his smooth, melodic house tracks like “Something About You” and “Just Friends,” Hayden James brings his infectious beats to Montreal. Special guests Laurence Guy and Kormak will also join the lineup, ensuring a night of exceptional electronic music. For more details, visit New City Gas.
Bacilos at Beanfield Theatre
Bacilos, the Latin pop group known for hits like “Caraluna” and “Mi Primer Millón,” will perform live at the Beanfield Theatre in Montreal on October 19th, 2024. Their infectious melodies and upbeat rhythms have made them a favorite in Latin music. Fans can expect an energetic and vibrant show from this Grammy-winning band. Doors open at 7:00 PM, and the show starts at 8:00 PM. More details are available here.
Sunday, October 20th
Y Event 2024 at Bell Centre
The Y Event 2024 at the Bell Centre on Sunday, October 20th, 2024, is a large-scale conference focusing on psychology and personal development. It celebrates International Courage and Personal Responsibility Day, with 100% of ticket profits going to Quebec high schools. Hosted by Anthony Kavanagh, the event features an impressive lineup of speakers, including astronaut Chris Hadfield, sports icon Serena Williams, and psychologist Dr. Guillaume Dulude. Doors open at 11:00 AM, and the event starts at 12:00 PM. More details are available here.
