On a typical Monday evening at Le Violon, an upscale restaurant in Le Plateau, Montreal, an unexpected visit by a former prime minister and a famous singer stirred up excitement. Danny Smiles, the restaurant’s executive chef, was taken aback by Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry’s impromptu dinner date, which garnered global attention and dominated conversations in the room.
Despite the pleasant nature of their visit, Smiles, a renowned chef and co-owner of one of Canada’s top-rated eateries, expressed concerns that the event might overshadow the restaurant’s overall reputation. Reflecting on the experience, he remarked on the unexpected turn of events and expressed hope that Le Violon would not solely be remembered as “the place where Justin and Katy dined.”
Looking ahead to his upcoming visit to Wolfville, Nova Scotia, for the Devour food and film festival, Smiles anticipated focusing on showcasing his culinary skills alongside other talented chefs from Montreal. Highlighting the close ties between Montreal and the Maritimes, he praised the community and expressed excitement about participating in the festival once again.
During the festival, Smiles is set to participate in various culinary events, including the Montreal Night Market and a collaborative dinner with four other esteemed chefs from his city. The festival, featuring food-centric short films and tasting menus with wine pairings, promises an immersive experience for attendees, with activities running from October 20 to 26.
In addition to his culinary contributions at the festival, Smiles emphasized the joy of cooking alongside fellow chefs and engaging in the vibrant culinary scene at the event. Anticipation is high for the festival’s activities, showcasing Montreal’s culinary talents and fostering a memorable experience for all participants.
