As the calendar turns to July, Montreal’s cultural pulse reaches a fever pitch with the final, spectacular days of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. This week, the city welcomes a stunning array of global talent, from Swedish psych-rock pioneers and legendary soul icons to boundary-pushing jazz artists and spoken-word poets. Before the music takes over, discover an inventive Asian-fusion spot in Parc-Extension that is already a neighbourhood favourite.
👉 For more nightlife and dining picks, visit MontrealNightlife.com.
🍱 Restaurant of the Week: Mui Mui
📍 Address: 371 Rue Jean-Talon Ouest, Montréal, QC H3N 1R5
Another lovely address has recently opened in Parc-Extension at the edge of Villeray. This time, it is a restaurant with Asian flavours called Mui Mui, located on Jean-Talon Street West. The name means “little sister” in Cantonese, and this new address is following in the footsteps of its sister restaurant, Orange Rouge, which closed its doors during the pandemic.
Behind this beautiful project—and in the kitchen—is chef-owner Minh Phat, the former chef of the beloved Chinatown restaurant Orange Rouge. He is accompanied by long-time friends Millie Maude Desgrange, Thierry Justin, and Alexander Des Rosiers, who are helping him make this dream a reality.
Atmosphere & Décor
Mui Mui has brought much life to the former space of Jiep Jiep with a kitchen brimming with flavours and colours. The space is warm and inviting, designed to encourage sharing and discovery. A nice wine list, mostly made up of privately imported vintages, is in the works as the house awaits its alcohol license.
🍽️ What to Order: A Fusion of Asian Flavours
The menu, developed by Minh, does not reflect a traditional Asian cuisine in particular but rather a fusion of Asian cuisines, resulting in a delicious, inventive, and original tasting experience. It is designed to be shared, allowing guests to sample a wide range of dishes.
Highlights from the Menu:
- Salade de haricots verts ($17): Green bean salad with tofu sauce and fresh mint—a light, refreshing start.
- Chou-fleur rôti ($20): Roasted cauliflower with miso emulsion, confit garlic, and a parsley and cashew chimichurri—a vegetarian dish of remarkable depth.
- Aubergine 3 façons ($21): Eggplant prepared three ways: tempura, marinated in sweet and sour sauce, and pan-seared, served with a lemon, confit garlic, and cashew emulsion—a true celebration of texture and flavour.
- Thon albacore cru ($25): Raw albacore tuna with kimchi crème fraîche, dill, and crispy rice—bright, fresh, and elegant.
- Salade de bœuf à la vietnamienne ($24): Vietnamese-style beef salad with beef tataki, julienned cucumber, Vietnamese herbs, and crispy parmesan—a perfect balance of savoury, fresh, and crunchy.
- Côtes levées glacées au soya & gochujang ($27): A signature dish from Orange Rouge, these ribs glazed with soy, sugar, and gochujang are not to be missed. They are the dish that made the reputation of the Chinatown restaurant.
- Dumplings de canard confit et betterave ($26): Confit duck and beetroot dumplings—a creative and delicious twist on a classic.
Additional Offerings:
- The in-room menu offers even more options that vary according to arrivals.
- A “chef’s choice” tasting menu is also available—don’t hesitate to discuss it with your server.
Why You Should Go
Because Mui Mui is a wonderful addition to the neighbourhood, offering inventive, flavourful Asian fusion cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting. The iconic dishes that once made Orange Rouge a destination are alive and well here, and the new creations are equally exciting. Get your way over there soon, and enjoy!
🎤 Performances of the Week
Presented by MontrealNightlife.com
🎷 Festival International de Jazz de Montréal – Final Days
The world-renowned Festival International de Jazz de Montréal continues its 46th edition through July 4, 2026, transforming the Quartier des Spectacles into a global hub of music. This week features an incredible lineup of free and ticketed concerts, including many of the festival’s most anticipated shows.
🎸 Kazdoura at Le Studio TD
Presented as part of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, Kazdoura brings their unique sound to Le Studio TD. This free concert is a perfect opportunity to discover a fresh voice in the jazz and world music scene.
📍 Venue: Le Studio TD, 305 rue Sainte-Catherine West
🗓️ Date & Time: Thursday, July 2, 2026 — 6:00 PM
🎟️ Admission: FREE
🎵 Flore Benguigui & The Sensible Notes at Le Studio TD
Presented as part of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, Flore Benguigui & The Sensible Notes perform a free concert at Le Studio TD. Expect a captivating blend of jazz, chanson, and contemporary sounds from this talented ensemble.
📍 Venue: Le Studio TD, 305 rue Sainte-Catherine West
🗓️ Date & Time: Friday, July 3, 2026 — 6:00 PM
🎟️ Admission: FREE
🐐 GOAT at MTELUS
Presented by the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, Swedish psych-rock collective GOAT brings their mesmerizing, ritualistic live show to MTELUS. Known for their hypnotic rhythms, tribal costumes, and genre-defying sound, they are one of the most unique live acts in the world. With special guests Atsuko Chiba.
📍 Venue: MTELUS, 59 St Catherine Est
🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026 — 8:30 PM (Doors: 7:00 PM)
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
🎤 Aja Monet at Le Studio TD
Presented as part of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, acclaimed poet and performer Aja Monet takes the stage at Le Studio TD for a free performance. Known for her powerful spoken-word, soulful voice, and captivating stage presence, Monet is a true force in contemporary performance art.
📍 Venue: Le Studio TD, 305 rue Sainte-Catherine West
🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026 — 10:00 PM
🎟️ Admission: FREE
🌟 Lionel Richie & Earth, Wind & Fire at Bell Centre
Presented as part of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, two of the most iconic names in music history join forces for “Sing a Song All Night Long.” Legendary singer-songwriter Lionel Richie and the incomparable Earth, Wind & Fire co-headline a once-in-a-lifetime night of soul, funk, and pop classics at the Bell Centre.
📍 Venue: Bell Centre
🗓️ Date & Time: Sunday, July 5, 2026 — 7:30 PM (Doors: 6:00 PM)
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
