A Gourmet Dinner for Air France’s 90th Anniversary at ITHQ

In honor of Air France’s 90th anniversary, you are invited to embark on an exceptional culinary experience in the heart of Montreal. From February 23 to 24, the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) will open its doors to host a unique dinner orchestrated by three renowned chefs: Pasquale Vari, Olivier Perret, and Paul Peyrat.

In the Saint-Louis room on the sixth floor of the ITHQ, guests will have the privilege of savoring a menu inspired by Air France’s business class offerings on Canadian flights to Paris. This gastronomic experience promises an unforgettable sensory journey that highlights the elegance and artistry of French cuisine. “My greatest pride with this partnership is to promote Quebec products across Canada on all Air France flights!” expresses Chef Olivier Perret. “For a French chef to work with Quebec products, I think it’s wonderful. I have the chance to feature Blackburn cheddar cheese, free-range poultry, Gaspor pork, maple syrup, blueberries… it’s fantastic,” he continues.

The menu will present a symphony of flavors crafted by masters of the culinary arts, as these talented chefs apply their expertise to provide guests with an exceptional dining experience.

Chef Pasquale Vari, known for his participation in the television show Les Chefs!, will kick off the evening with a delicate and flavorful appetizer: a gratin of Amalfi-style stuffed crepes, elevated by a tomato coulis infused with basil puree and topped with a cream of Parmigiano Reggiano.

The main course, crafted by Olivier Perret, Executive Chef at Renoir at Sofitel Montreal Le Carré Doré, offers a choice of a free-range chicken breast from Quebec roasted in a tarragon crust or a vegetarian option featuring a squash gratin with pine nuts and pumpkin seeds, topped with a Blackburn cheddar cream.

This special event promises to be a celebration of both culinary excellence and the rich flavors of Quebec, showcasing the best of French gastronomy while honoring the enduring legacy of Air France.

Finally, to beautifully conclude this feast, Pastry Chef Paul Peyrat, also from Renoir, will delight the taste buds with a dessert that combines the flavors of pecans, maple, and cranberries, providing a sweet touch that is both delicate and indulgent.

The Air France dinner at the ITHQ will not only be a feast for the senses but will also offer a warm and friendly experience, where sharing and discovery take center stage. Guests will have the opportunity to engage with the chefs, learn about the behind-the-scenes of culinary creation, and celebrate the 90th anniversary of an iconic airline together.

For a price of $110, guests will enjoy a three-course menu, accompanied by a glass of champagne, a choice of red or white wine, as well as coffee or tea to complete this gastronomic experience.

This collaboration between Air France, the ITHQ, and these renowned chefs showcases the excellence of French and Quebec gastronomy, as well as the importance of promoting local products and the art of cooking in all its nuances. Whether to celebrate an iconic anniversary or simply to indulge in a special moment, the Air France dinner at the ITHQ promises a unique culinary experience, at the intersection of flavors and talents.


Photography by Alison Slattery

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