The annual Montreal en Lumiere event brings together visual, performing, and culinary arts. The gastronomy portion of the 2025 event celebrates women in the culinary industry. At Four Seasons Montreal, the Marcus Brunch and Chef’s Counter Experience is a moment to showcase the expertise of women in pastry.
Over the past several years, the conversation regarding women in the culinary industry has evolved. It is more that representation at the highest levels or seeing their faces on food television. Women, and their culinary perspectives, are changing how people see and appreciate food.
Within the pastry world, many of the world’s celebrated restaurants have women pastry chefs leading the way. One example is Eleven Madison Park's Laura Cronin. While these changes have been a long time coming, the upward trajectory is positive.
Montreal en Lumiere is taking a large step in choosing to close the gender disparity gap within ints event. At the 2024 event 5 out of 27 invitees were women. This year’s event wants to recognize women in the culinary world and put them in the spotlight.
During the 2025 Montreal en Lumiere festival, many of the participating restaurants will be celebrating women in the culinary industry. One example is the Four Seasons Montreal Marcus Brunch menu.
According to the restaurant, the exclusive Chef’s Counter Experience on March 1 and 2 will feature a six-course dessert tasting. In addition to being a collaboration between celebrated chefs Eunji Lee and Yasmine Bouhassoun, the wine pairings were curated by restaurant’s chef sommelier, Alexandra Guay.
Chef Eunji Lee was named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs in 2023. At Lysée, her pastry received high praise not only for the impeccable flavors, but also for the impressive architectural visuals. It is a beautiful bridge of food and art.
At Marcus, Four Seasons Hotel Montreal, Pastry Chef Yasmine Bouhassoun infuses a touch of whimsy into her modern pastry offerings. Rooted in impeccable technique, there is a playfulness that draw people to that memorable part of the meal.
The special Chef’s Counter Experience will have two seatings on March 1 and 2. The cost is $125 per person. Wine pairings are an additional cost. More information can be found on the Four Seasons Montreal website or by calling the Marcus restaurant.