If, in Quebec, we have our quibbles over the origin of poutine, in India, it is more around butter chicken. And it gets tough. You will discover the details below. Also on the menu, a preview of the new Marci restaurant and its pizzas as well as the announcement of the arrival of the Climats restaurant at the Time Out Market in Montreal.
First, Moti Mahal, one of the oldest restaurant chains in Delhi, India, files a lawsuit against its competitor Daryaganj in the High Court, alleging theft of authorship of butter chicken and dal makhani. The 2,000-page complaint accuses Daryaganj of unfairly appropriating the recipe for creamy red chicken and dal makhani, highlighting the documented culinary heritage of Moti Mahal.
Monish Gujral, owner of Moti Mahal, points out that although others may serve butter chicken, the dish's claim of invention is disputed and he is seeking Rs 20 million in damages. The origin of butter chicken dates back to Peshawar in 1920, where Kundan Lal Gujral, grandfather of Monish Gujral, created the recipe by adding a creamy sauce to pieces of tandoori chicken that were in danger of drying out.
After the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, Moti Mahal established itself in Delhi, becoming a gastronomic institution. The rival chain Daryaganj, founded by the heirs of cousin Kundan Lal Jaggi, also claims the invention of butter chicken in 1947, but Monish Gujral denounces this version.
Secondly, Marci, the new restaurant on Plaza St-Hubert in Montreal, stands out for its menu with flavors of New Jersey, a natural wine list and a careful musical atmosphere. The co-owners, from various well-known Montreal establishments, share a passion for restaurants, hospitality and music. The name "Marci" has several meanings, including an homage to Marcy Avenue in Brooklyn and a nod to the father of one of the owners, Kristopher, named Marco.
The decor, under a mixture of inspirations, creates a pleasant acoustic ambiance with carefully chosen materials and custom-made speakers for optimal sound quality.
Chef Alex Geoffrion offers a New Jersey-style inspired menu, including classics such as pizza, casino clams, chicken parm and Caesar salad, all at affordable prices, with a natural wine offering and competitively priced cocktails.
Finally, the Quebec brasserie Climats created by chef Jean-Sébastien Giguère and featuring local flavors, has just opened its doors at Time Out Market Montreal.
Combining modern culinary know-how while maintaining a warm, comforting and affordable side Giguère shares with visitors to Time Out Market Montreal his passion for good food and the pleasure of eating well with tasty dishes such as duck confit with sofrito and Brussels sprouts, pan-fried salmon with corn cream, giant shrimp rolls on brioche bun and more!
Giguère is also at the head of the Cabane du Runner and the restaurants Le Coureur des bois and Restaurant H3.
