by Heidi Craig
Foodies and winos rejoice! The 11-day epicurean odyssey known as the Montreal High Lights Festival begins tonight.  This year local restaurants invite chefs from featured country Portugal into their kitchens, to get us stuffed and soused in a whole other language. Lots of options for splurgers and savers, even a couple freebies! Here’s a sampling of this weekend’s offerings:  

The Festival of Quebec Cheeses: Sample the finest in Quebec fromages and schmooze with cheese makers at this event.
Feb 19 @ 11:30am – 7pm. Free.
Feb 20 @ 11:30am – 5pm. Free.
Complexe Desjardins – 150 Ste Catherine W.  

Alentejo!/Portuguese Wine Tasting Happy Hour: Pullman welcomes Portuguese winemaker Luis Louro for a series of wine and tapas tastings.

Alentejo: Feb 19 @ 5pm. $45, wine included.
Portuguese Wine Tasting Happy Hour:  Feb 20 – 27 @ 5pm. $40, wine included.
Pullman – 3424 Parc.
www.pullman-mtl.com 

Sri Lankan Night: What does Sri Lankan food have to do with Portuguese cooking? Who cares! Chef David Ferguson is turning out a six-course Sri Lankan meal, with special wine pairings.

Feb 19 – 28 @ 6pm. $55 before wine, $85 wine included.
Jolifou – 1840 Beaubien E.
 www.jolifou.com 

Free culinary talks and tastings offered nonstop in the Mandolin Room at the Jean-Talon Market.

Feb 20 & 21 @ 9am – 3:30pm
Jean-Talon Market – 7075 Casgrain. 

There’s a ton of special events and deals to be had this week, at more than 40 restaurants all over the city. Reservations are a must; check out www.montrealenlumiere.com for more info on participating restaurants. Enjoy!