This week, Montréal’s stages offer a breathtaking spectrum of sound and spectacle. From the thunderous riffs of metal pioneers and the timeless grooves of a legendary downtempo duo to the infectious energy of a viral rap sensation and a Broadway musical that reimagines a classic, there is truly something for everyone. It all begins with a dining experience that has been brilliantly reinvented—a Plateau fixture now offering one of the city’s most theatrical and decadent tasting journeys.
👉 For more nightlife and dining picks, visit MontrealNightlife.com.
🍱 Restaurant of the Week: Le Chien Fumant
📍 Address: 1673 Rue Ontario Est, Montréal, QC H2L 1S7
For over 15 years, Le Chien Fumant has been a beloved fixture on the Plateau Mont-Royal. What began in 2009 as a high-energy, late-night spot has, under the steady hands of owners Nicolas Gamache and chef Maksim Morin, evolved into something far more refined. A pandemic-era reinvention elevated the experience to new heights, transforming this corner establishment into a destination for those seeking an intimate, theatrical, and utterly decadent culinary journey. The friendship between Nicolas and Maksim, who met in a bar in their early twenties, remains the heart of the operation—you’ll likely find them both on the floor every night, ensuring every detail is perfect.
Atmosphere & Décor
The space retains its warm, neighbourhood charm but now hums with an undercurrent of quiet sophistication. It’s an intimate setting where the focus is entirely on the table and the show about to unfold. With valet parking and even a carefully selected cigar cellar, Le Chien Fumant offers a complete, immersive evening out.
🍽️ The Experience: A Tasting Journey
For parties larger than two, the restaurant offers a tasting menu—and you will not regret it. This is a place of abundance, where dishes arrive in waves, each more surprising than the last. The kitchen, led by Maksim Morin, creates recipes with multiple textures and unexpected ingredient combinations, drawing inspiration from across the globe.
The current menu is a masterpiece of detail. A meal here is an event, often featuring gueridon service—a tableside performance where Maksim himself might carve a fish or prepare a magnificent piece of Wagyu beef on a hot volcanic stone, right before your eyes.
Highlights from the Current Menu:
- Canapés: The journey begins with exquisite bites like the Langoustine Bouchée with foie gras and caviar ($48), the playful “Steam Deluxe” (steamed bun with crispy chicken and caviar, $45), or the clever “California Roll” Tartlet with fresh scallops ($11).
- Petits Plats (Small Plates): Dive into cold dishes like the Hamachi “Kumbujime” with Thai spice condiment and saffron consommé ($38), or the rich Pâté en Croûte with blood pudding and foie gras ($29). Hot options are equally thrilling: the Wagyu A5 with mushroom rice ($82), or a single, perfect Grilled Prawn with a Mexican twist ($28).
- Grands Plats (Large Plates): Main courses are designed for sharing and wonder. Choices include a decadent Ris de Veau (sweetbreads) in lobster bisque, a whole Wild Striped Bass, a shareable Roasted Half Chicken, and the classic, show-stopping Boeuf Wellington.
- Les Boeufs de Choix: A dedicated beef menu features premium cuts of Canadian Angus and Japanese A5 Wagyu from Kagoshima.
- Desserts: End on a high note with creations like the Mazafati Date with foie gras ganache, or the Paris-Brest with a flowing cacao heart.
🍷 Drinks to Match
The wine list is extensive, offering multiple references for every budget, with a strong selection of private imports. The cocktail program is equally impressive, with a “custom cocktail” offered as part of the evening’s journey.
Why You Should Go
Because Le Chien Fumant in its current form is a revelation. It offers the rare combination of a neighbourhood restaurant’s warmth and a world-class tasting room’s ambition. From the tableside theatre and the impeccable, creative food to the genuine hospitality of its owners, every element is calibrated for a night that feels both celebratory and deeply personal. It is, without question, one of the Plateau’s most exciting and accomplished dining destinations.
🔗 Visit Le Chien Fumant’s website
📖 View the Full Menu (PDF)
📝 Read the Tastet review
🎤 Performances of the Week
🤘 LAMB OF GOD at Bell Centre
Presented by Heavy MTL, metal titans LAMB OF GOD bring their monumental arena show to the Bell Centre. Architects of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal, their influence is felt across generations. With anthems like “Laid to Rest” and “Redneck” etched into the heavy metal songbook, their live performance is a masterclass in power and precision. Joined by Kublai Khan TX, Fit For An Autopsy, and Sanguisugabogg, this is a night of pure, unrelenting metal fury.
📍 Venue: Bell Centre
🗓️ Date & Time: Thursday, March 19, 2026 — 7:00 PM (Doors: 6:00 PM)
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
🎸 The Sheepdogs at MTELUS
Canadian rock royalty The Sheepdogs bring their signature blend of classic rock, blues, and boogie to MTELUS on their 2026 Canadian Tour. With their unmistakable sound, bearded harmonies, and timeless songcraft, they deliver a feel-good, high-energy show that celebrates the best of homegrown rock and roll. Joined by Surf Hat.
📍 Venue: MTELUS, 59 St Catherine Est
🗓️ Date & Time: Thursday, March 19, 2026 — 8:00 PM (Doors: 6:30 PM)
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
🌌 Thievery Corporation at Théâtre Beanfield
Pioneering downtempo duo Thievery Corporation bring their lush, genre-defying sound to Théâtre Beanfield. For decades, they’ve woven together dub, bossa nova, jazz, and electronic music into a hypnotic, globally conscious tapestry. Their live show is a stunning, immersive journey. With Alex Unger.
📍 Venue: Théâtre Beanfield, 2490 Notre-Dame Ouest
🗓️ Date & Time: Friday, March 20, 2026 — 8:00 PM (Doors: 7:00 PM)
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
✨ Lights at Le Studio TD
Electro-pop songstress Lights brings her “COME GET YOUR GIRL TOUR 2026” to Le Studio TD. Known for her ethereal vocals, synth-driven melodies, and deeply personal songwriting, Lights creates a world that is both intimate and expansive. A must-see for fans of dreamy, heartfelt pop.
📍 Venue: Le Studio TD, 305 rue Sainte-Catherine West
🗓️ Date & Time: Friday, March 20, 2026 — 8:00 PM (Doors: 7:00 PM)
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
🎤 bbno$ at Place Bell
Presented by OSHEAGA, viral rap sensation bbno$ (baby no money) brings his playful, irreverent, and infectious energy to Place Bell on “The Internet Explorer Tour.” Known for hits like “Lalala” and “edamame,” his live show is a non-stop party. With special guest jungle bobby.
📍 Venue: Place Bell, Laval
🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, March 21, 2026 — 8:00 PM (Doors: 7:00 PM)
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
🎭 & Juliet at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
The hilarious and heartwarming Broadway phenomenon & Juliet arrives at Place des Arts. This sensational musical flips the script on Shakespeare’s classic, asking: what if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Featuring a sparkling book by David West Read (Schitt’s Creek) and a chart-topping playlist of anthems written by legendary songwriter Max Martin ( “…Baby One More Time,” “Roar,” “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”), it’s an electrifying celebration of life, love, and second chances.
📍 Venue: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts
🗓️ Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
📚 Sources
