A Five-Year Celebration at Fleurs et Cadeaux: A Japanese Feast in the Heart of Chinatown
Montreal’s Chinatown has its own rhythm a pulsing mix of heritage, modernity, and culinary imagination. And tucked inside that energy is Fleurs et Cadeaux, a restaurant that has quietly shaped its own universe over the past five years. For their fifth anniversary, they invited guests into a celebratory tasting menu that felt like a tribute to craft, community, and the beauty of doing things with intention.
As a chef, I’m always paying attention to the details, the way flavour is layered, how textures evolve, how ingredients are respected. This anniversary dinner offered all of it: dishes that were thoughtful, playful, and deeply rooted in the Japanese sensibility of seasonality and balance.
Each plate arrived with its own character light, clean, sometimes surprising, always delicious. But one dish stole the entire evening.
The Halo-Halo That Left Everyone Speechless
Imagine perfection in a bowl: Halo-Halo, reimagined with Japanese elegance.
Melon, florals, silky custard, shaved ice, little bursts of texture — it was refreshing, fragrant, and honestly unforgettable. The kind of dessert that pulls you into silence for a moment because you want to hold onto the experience.
It wasn’t just sweet; it was architectural. It was cultural storytelling. It was joy.
My dear friend Sarah with the Halo Halo dessert at Fleurs et Cadeaux in Montreal
Creativity at the Table: Sarah’s Handmade Garlic Hat
Of course, an evening like this attracts characters and my favourite moment might have been Sarah walking in wearing a handmade garlic hat. Nobody else could pull that off. Whimsical, bold, completely original. It fit the spirit of the night: creativity overflowing in every direction.
That’s what I love about Montréal’s food scene, it’s not only about what’s on the plate. It’s also about the people around the table: the artists, thinkers, growers, makers. The ones who show up with a sense of humour and a sense of style.
Sarah’s Handmade Garlic Hat at Fleurs et Cadeaux in Montreal, Chinatown.
A Restaurant Rooted in Craft
Fleurs et Cadeaux has always had a signature blend of Japanese precision and Montréal vibrancy. Five years in, they’re still leading with authenticity and a deep respect for ingredients — something that speaks directly to my own philosophy of cooking.
Their anniversary dinner reminded me how powerful a meal can be when:
flavours are balanced with intention
ingredients are celebrated, not hidden
the experience feels both grounded and elevated
This is the kind of culinary craftsmanship that inspires me as a chef — and the kind of experience that keeps Montréal’s gastronomic landscape so exciting.
Five Year Anniversary Menu: Fleurs et Cadeaux restaurant in Montreal’s Chinatown
Pain Brioche at Fleurs et Cadeaux restaurant in Montreal, served with homemade butter.
Why I Love Sharing Restaurant Moments
My work revolves around nourishing people — whether through my private chef service, my cookie line, or the food R&D lab. But I’m also constantly inspired by other chefs who put their hearts into their craft.
Celebrating them feels natural.
Learning from them keeps me growing.
And nights like this remind me why food is one of the most beautiful languages we share.
Pork Cutlet, Peruvian style poultry jus, Potato Purée. Fleurs et Cadeaux Restaurant, Montreal
Lumpia Sariwa: fresh rolls with carrots, cabbage, on peanut sauce. Fleurs et Cadeaux Restaurant, Montreal
Ceviche of Halibut, Leche de Tigre, Cancga Corn, Mote Corn, Red Onion, Coriander Sprouts, Habanero. Fleurs et Cadeaux restaurant, in Montreal’s Chinatown
Five Years of Fleurs et Cadeaux, and Hopefully Many More
If you haven’t been yet, go.
Go with someone who loves food.
Go with someone who loves creativity.
Or go alone and order a bit of everything.
Fleurs et Cadeaux is a gift to Chinatown, and this anniversary dinner was a reminder of how lucky we are to have restaurants that cook with soul.
