Restaurant Marconi Montreal

People love to eat good food in Montreal. The last 15 years have seen a complete explosion in the number of new restaurants and new styles. One of my favorite new spots is tucked away at a corner not far from the city's biggest market, Jean Talon. And not surprisingly, the focus here is on market food with a nod to the history of the Marconi Alexandra neighborhood (where Little Italy and Jean Talon Market meet).

The backers of the restaurant read like a who's who of the scene in Montreal. Chef Mehdi Brunet-Benkritly has worked in many of the best kitchens in the city and in New York. Molly Superfine-Rivera is well-known in town for her mixology. Zebulon Perron designed the place giving nods to its dépanneur (corner store) roots, including reusing an old wooden fridge as the wine cellar.

The menu is influenced by trips the founders have taken around the world. I was quite smitten with the gnocchi, not least because a portion of the price of the meal is shared with those in need around town.