Brutalist Architecture Inspires Unique Dinner Party: See How Menu Extra Crafts the Experience!

Montreal has embraced Brutalist architecture with open arms. The renowned Habitat 67, designed by Moshe Safdie for Expo 67 and overlooking the St Lawrence River, is a prominent example of this architectural style, though it’s just one among many notable structures in the city. During my six-year residence in Montreal, I was constantly surrounded by the stark presence of raw concrete, from the Hall Building at Concordia University to the Place Bonaventure Metro station. The city’s architectural fabric is heavily influenced by its Brutalist heritage. Within this environment, the Montreal-based culinary studio, Menu Extra, has developed a unique dining experience that celebrates brutalism, local tastes, and engaging design.

“Following our event at Habitat 67, we were inspired to shine a light on other, perhaps less recognized, masterpieces of Montreal’s modernist architecture. Brutalist buildings have a certain solid, grounding effect that provides a dramatic setting for a dining experience centered around the ritualistic aspect of fine dining. The tactile nature and imposing forms of these structures encourage reflection,” explains Samuel de La Courtemanche, the Creative Director.

As a highlight of the Montréal en Lumière festival, which takes place each winter in downtown Montreal, Menu Extra transformed the Chapelle des Franciscains in Rosemont into a vibrant, chartreuse-hued venue for a multi-course meal showcasing the best of Québec’s cuisine. This event, named Efflorescence, combined elements of art and brutalism, reflecting both the powdery residue left by evaporating water on concrete and a blossoming state. The event was the brainchild of a collaborative team comprising sommeliers, chefs, designers, and other creative professionals.

At the heart of the venue, under the high, arched ceilings, stood a 40-foot communal table covered in a lush green cloth featuring a diamond pattern that echoed the architectural details above. Centrally placed on the table was a fluted-acrylic lightbox filled with living plants that replicated the look of Canada’s boreal forests. The setting was further enhanced with aluminum chairs by LESORR, steel stands showcasing key ingredients like scallops from the Magdalen Islands, and a soundscape created by local artist KROY, accompanied by futuristic speakers specially designed for the event by MYCOAUDIO. This elaborate setting, developed by Samuel de La Courtemanche and Creative Producer Amanda Prow, aimed to promote guest interaction and encourage a journey of discovery and exploration.

“Our events are designed to be transient, which encourages our guests to fully immerse themselves in the moment, aware that it won’t occur again,” remarks Alexis Demers, Co-Founder and Sommelier of Menu Extra.

The culinary performance was visible to all, with chefs preparing dishes in plain view and a service choreographed to include aromatic towels and scented smoke that enhanced the flavors of specific dishes. This ceremonial approach to dining was punctuated by the ringing of a bell, signaling guests to take their seats.

Emphasizing seasonal ingredients, the menu developed by Francis Blais, Co-Founder and Executive Chef of Menu Extra, with wine pairings by Alexis Demers, featured exquisite items such as Nova Scotian lobster and scallops from the Magdalen Islands. It also included citrus supplied by Vyckie Vaillancourt from Laval, among other fresh, local products.