Ibericos Lights Up Eaton Center’s Time Out Market
Are Montreal’s established eateries still living up to their renowned reputations? After hours of browsing the latest collections inside the Eaton Center, situated not far from the iconic Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, one can develop an appetite and seek a quick culinary escape. For the most avid shoppers, the spree leaves little time for a sit-down meal. But for those who are unwilling to compromise on their culinary experience while on a tight shopping schedule, a hidden treasure awaits. Tucked inside Eaton Center itself is a surprising food court, a sanctuary for food lovers that promises a quick yet delectable reprieve from retail therapy.
Text by Sarah-Eve Leduc, Photo credits: Sweetnr Agency
Established in the emblematic Centre Eaton de Montréal, one might think that a food court, nestled in the heart of a shopping hub, would serve nothing more than hastily prepared dishes to hurried customers. But a deeper dive into this culinary realm reveals a curated selection of eateries that value quality and authenticity.
Stepping into the market is like diving into a microcosm of Montreal’s finest. This 40,000-square-foot space, bursting with the city’s finest chefs, restaurateurs, and drinks, epitomizes a curated taste of Montreal. Time Out Market’s layout and selection resonate with the artistry of the city’s best. Its ambiance reminds one of the words penned by François Kayler in 2002, describing a place where “simplicity can have style… perhaps that’s what we call elegance.” Every nook and cranny of Time Out Market echoes this sentiment.
From its inception, the Time Out Market exhibited a clear ambition for longevity. The offerings, ranging from authentic Spanish tapas from Ibéricos to the new Wine bar that allows visitors to indulge anywhere within the market, ensure an evergreen dining experience. Time Out Market’s layout and selection resonate with the artistry of the city’s best. Its ambiance reminds one of the words penned by François Kayler in 2002, describing a place where “simplicity can have style… perhaps that’s what we call elegance.” Every nook and cranny of Time Out Market echoes this sentiment.
Ibéricos, a recent addition to this culinary paradise since June 2023, embodies Spanish tradition complemented by a touch of modern Quebec flair. Led by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo Adriana Laporta and Executive Chef Haissam Souki Tamayo, Ibéricos is reminiscent of the authentic Spanish tavernas. But what sets it apart is Chef Haissam’s adept blending of Spanish culinary heritage with Quebec’s seasonal offerings. The Valencian-style paella, a dish bursting with rich flavours of chicken and rabbit, complemented by a refreshing hint of Mojo Verde and lemon, stands testament to this blend.
When asked, “Why open Ibericos at TimeOut?”, the chef’s response was both insightful and passionate. For him, It was about diversifying the offerings of Ibericos, but in a more concentrated version, it was about taking the essence of Ibericos and presenting it in a format that harmonizes with the hustle and bustle of a lively market.
While the menu of the restaurant in the Time Out Market stall reflects what one can find at the restaurant, the chef emphasized that the full Ibericos experience, in all its richness, is best savored at their primary location. At the restaurant, the atmosphere is meticulously crafted, where melodies float through the air, diners chatter in Spanish, and every detail — from lighting to decor — brings Spain to life.
However, the chef was also keen to note that the Ibericos outpost at Time Out is not just a shadow of the restaurant but has its own charm. It’s a bite-sized version that captures a segment of the restaurant’s soul, delivering it to patrons who might be short on time but have a keen taste for authentic Spanish flavors. The essence of Ibericos at Time Out is about providing a rapid yet delicious Spanish experience for those who crave a taste of the restaurant but might be on the go.
In essence, while the restaurant offers a deep dive into Spanish culture and culinary artistry, the Time Out location is like a teaser, a tantalizing glimpse into what Ibericos is all about. Both spaces, according to the chef, coexist to offer diners varied yet equally compelling experiences of the same culinary narrative.
What to eat – a mix of the Wine Bar and Ibericos
My visit was nothing short of enchanting. The Cava espagnol organic brut started the evening with a crisp and vibrant note. As we moved to the delightful mix of sweet and savoury with Beignets and the unmistakable touch of maple syrup on Accras de morue, each sip, be it of Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Sauvignon, elevated the experience.
The Brussels Sprout Salad, while humble in name, is an epiphany on a plate. But the true magician here is the Manchego cheese. Contrary to popular belief, this cheese is birthed from sheep, not goats. Its nutty charm intertwines seamlessly with the earthiness of the sprouts, bound to be a perennial favorite. If you love cheese, it’s a must!
Yet, the crescendo of this culinary orchestra is yet to come. A dish as traditional as Spain itself, the Paella Valenciana, but with a refreshing spin. Juicy chicken and rabbit find themselves in a vibrant embrace of pesto and lemon. As the flavors meld, a wine recommendation from the Wine Bar waits in the wings – the Cune Rioja Gran Reserva. This Spanish red is poetry in a bottle, offering citrus fruit flavors buoyed by an engaging acidity. Delve deeper and find notes of dark fruits, cocoa, vanilla, cherry, and a tropical hint. It’s an experience that not only satiates the palate but also captures the very essence of Spain.
And so, amid the buzz of the Eaton Center, a culinary journey unfolds, surprising, delightful, and unmistakably Spanish. Worth the detour.
