Happening Gourmand: A taste of Montreal’s eclectic restaurant scene

Going out in Montreal – with its record number of restaurant choices – can be a paradise for foodies, but it can also be a little less sweet on the wallet.

So, when events like Happening Gourmand come around, food lovers get a rare chance to try a slew of restaurants on a budget.

Old Port restaurants like French-inspired Verses, the new Maggie Oakes located inside the William Gray Hotel and more have created special menus at $23, $26 or $30 set prices.

Tuna tataki with pickled jalapeno, braised veal short ribs on a bed of turnip pure, duck confit with a ball of truffled mashed potatoes – need we go on?

To mark the grand event’s 10th edition, part of the proceeds will go to Dans La Rue, an organization that helps homeless and at-risk youth.

Here are the participating restaurants:

• Bevo Bar + Pizzeria ($23)
• Vieux-Port Steakhouse  ($23)
• Modavie ($26)
• Méchant Boeuf ($26)
• Suite 701 ($26)
• Taverne Gaspar ($26)
• Kyo Bar Japonais ($26)
• Verses Restaurant ($30)
• Maggie Oakes ($30)

The event runs from Jan. 5 to Feb. 5.