Montreal’s W Hotel has changed the game in dining decor in this city with a new eatery that it calls a “transitional” restaurant from the former Otto quarters.

êat  or ê.a.t. as it is variously spelled – note the lack of capitalization and with-it circumflex – opens to the public Friday, Dec. 4, but media and VIPs were treated to a champagne and seafood soirée this week. Mountains of giant shrimp, lobster risotto and oysters were among the choice offerings, as the Champagne – capital C, not Prosecco – flowed and DJ spun.

The decor concept is a white slate, curated by MASSIVart. Commissioned pieces are street art murals  by Stikki Peaches and WIA (What is Adam). Meanwhile, there is also performance art: until Feb. 19, artists Alan Ganev, Botkin, Bonar and Labrona will add to the scene.

There are big names in the concept – Peter and Erin Chase of New York-based bpc, New York partner chef Alan Ashkinaze (Waldorf cred),

A new dining decor concept at ê.a.t. at the W Hotel. COURTESY W HOTEL

executive chef Sébastien Giannini (our own Queen E), and Sid Lee Architecture (natch!).

Travis Taddeo at the new W eatery.

Travis Taddeo, left) and Stéphane Le Duc right) do the party.

Unisex uniforms are by Travis Taddeo, the Montrealer who designs to his own street beat. Naturally, they are black, although there were some pink overcoats in honour of breast cancer fundraising.

By the way, êat stands for être avec toi .

Seafood buffet at ê.a.t.

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