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A Montréal institution returns: Le Piment Rouge at 495 Beaumont

September 27, 2024 1 min.

Introduction

For over 30 years (1979 to 2014), Le Piment Rouge was a fixture on the culinary scene, not only because of its remarkably long tenure in the industry, but also—and primarily—thanks to its outstanding reputation both locally and internationally.

The restaurant was an institution, welcoming Canadian Prime Ministers, Hollywood celebs, elite athletes, and two generations of lovers of fine dining. Originally located in the former Windsor Hotel in downtown Montréal, Le Piment Rouge is about to make a comeback, this time at Le 495 Beaumont in the Parc-Extension district. As before, this bastion of Chinese haute cuisine will offer one-of-a-kind, “Imperial quality” dishes representing the culinary traditions of five regions, including Sichuan and Cantonese.

Mrs Hazel Mah

It took the partners nearly three years to persuade Mrs Hazel Mah to reopen.

The doyenne of Le Piment Rouge, who refined and shared the art of Asian cuisine at a time when it was still little known in North America, eventually decided to leave California, where she had been living with her family since 2014, and return to her roots in Montréal, bringing back her creative energy and savoir-faire in the process. Her ambition is to give new momentum to our city as it emerges from a challenging period for the restaurant industry, and revive a well-known and much-loved dining destination.

A passion shared and celebrated

Over the course of her career, Mrs Hazel Mah garnered a raft of awards. What makes Hazel Mah’s cuisine so exceptional is her attention to detail and her passion. And it’s a passion she has shared through the years, notably with the members of her team—who, incidentally, have agreed to join her for this reopening. And it’s not just her team who are loyal to her. The restaurant’s many patrons are as well, and their collective wish is finally coming true: Le Piment Rouge is back.

Written by

  • Franca Riso
    Executive Vice-President, Corporate Affairs
    Franca Riso was among the pioneer builders of MONTONI 30 years ago, alongside Dario Montoni. As a lawyer, she played a vital role in establishing the company by helping to shape MONTONI’s legal strategies.  To support the real estate developer’s growth, Franca also oversaw the creation of strategic departments that were essential to the company’s evolving business realities over the years, including Public Affairs, Marketing, and Information Technologies. Franca is recognized for her pragmatic approach and attention to detail. She is a strong leader, capable of anticipating risks and making informed decisions in complex situations. She also ensures that the well being of MONTONI team members remains a priority. In 2022, Franca established the MONTONI Foundation, which she now chairs, a philanthropic initiative that grew out of her desire to bring to life the commitment MONTONI has upheld for over three decades: to make a meaningful and lasting impact on families, especially children, both in the communities where the Group operates and internationally.