Montreal’s 2016 Restaurant Scene Described In One Word

As is tradition at Eater, we close the year with a survey of food critics, writers, and bloggers. This year we posed eight questions, from meal of the year, to top restaurant newcomers. All will be revealed by the time we turn off the lights at the end of 2016. Responses are unedited, for the most part. Readers, please do add your survey answers in the comments.

Q: Sum up the 2016 restaurant world in one word.

Lesley Chesterman, The Gazette fine dining critic:

“Exciting.” I mean, despite all the crap going on Montreal these days, how great to be living in such an ever-stimulating and evolving restaurant city.

Marie-Claude Lortie, La Presse restaurant critic:

Egoverdose.

Ian Harrison, Ricardo magazine; Eater Montreal founding editor:

#Robusham. I’m trademarking that while also conceding that I should probably try L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon before talking too much shit about it. Another thing I’m conceding is that it’s possible to abhor something on principle while enjoying a plate of absurdly larded mashed potatoes on a visceral level. We contain multitudes. But yeah, #Robusham™.

Iris Paradis-Gagnon, La Presse restaurant reporter:

Exciting!

Joanna Fox, Ricardo magazine associate editor:

Vin naturel. That’s two words, sorry.

Élise Tastet, Tastet blog:

Talented, delicious, creative…I love Montreal’s restaurant scene.

Mélanie Boudreau, La Pique-Assiette blog:

Casual.