Les 400 Coups Has a New Chef — And Other News

OLD MONTREAL — After a little over one year at the burners, Les 400 Coups chef Jonathan Rassi has left his post, “to take some personal time off”, according to a post on Facebook. Rassi’s commitment to local produce earned him a positive write-up from critic Lesley Chesterman a few months back, coupled with the warning that it would be wise not to veer into overly experimental cuisine. His replacement is former chef-owner of the now-closed Plateau restaurant Renard Artisan Bistro Jason Nelsons. His past work also demonstrates a firm interest in Québécois terroir and produce — oh, and he also worked at classic St-Laurent breakfast spot Bagel Etc. back in the day. Those curious to know more can check out a very in-depth interview with Nelsons from local culture blog Zeke.

OUTREMONT — Finally, a worthwhile event for the Montreal 375 celebrations: this Thursday, chef-owner of Le Mousso Antonin Mousseau Rivard is hosting a part-pop-up, part-educational exercise in the economics of sourcing food from local producers. With Cuisine de Rue Montréal he’ll serve up a range of hors d’oeuvres made entirely from ingredients from no more than 100 kilometres away. It’s part of the Possible series, which combines art and community engagement — it’ll be at Le Virage, on Atlantic and Durocher. More details on Facebook.

OLD MONTREAL — Why is there a very large inflatable person hanging over the edge of the building next to Olive & Gourmando? Reddit would like to know.

MILE END — Marc Cohen (Lawrence, Larrys, Boucherie Lawrence) is bringing back his Mission Possible fundraiser this year, with a banquet from Park, Marconi, Joe Beef, Barbounya, and many other restaurants, all to support community outreach organization Mission Mile End.

OLD MONTREAL — Eater’s intelligence sources suggest that former Nouveau Palais owner Gita Seaton is back in the food game, as food and beverage director for the city’s most attractive café, Crew Collective (we’re still waiting for confirmation from Crew on this).

ST-HENRI — A new festival focused on cuisines from Asia arrives later this month — Food Fest MTL will take place August 25 and 26 at new St-Henri spot Riverside with 15 vendors (and counting), including Cambodian restaurant Les Street Monkeys, downtown Chinese mainstay Orchidée de Chine, NDG ice creamers Ca Lem, and others.

ALL OVER — Speaking of food festivals, there’s already burger and poutine weeks, and now Pizza Fest is on the way. Like those other themed weeks in the city, it has a competitive element; it also features pizzerias from Quebec City and Sherbrooke.

• Critic: Les 400 Coups Is Solid, If a Little Too Experimental [EMTL]
• The Jason Nelsons interview [Zeke]
• Anybody know what this inflatable dude is doing in the Old Port? [Reddit]
• Historic Montreal Landmark Repurposed as Breathtaking Café