Lacquered pork bao
Soft steamed buns, hoisin pulled pork, cucumber and cilantro.
Cocktail reception · Montreal & Laval Cocktail
Cocktail
catering
A standing reception paced by Elie's Asian fusion bites — canapés, stations and bar. The convivial format of choice for after-work receptions, launches, weddings and private parties.
Cocktail reception · Asian fusion · Montreal A cocktail reception is a standing event where bites replace the seated meal. Elie à Table makes it an Asian fusion experience: canapés, hot bites and stations served by staff, with a paired bar. Plan about 8 to 16 bites per person depending on duration. From $30 per person.
The bites rule
How many bites per person?
The number of bites depends on duration and the role of the cocktail — a welcome before a meal, or a full evening.
8
2-hour cocktail
An after-work reception or welcome cocktail before a seated meal. Light bites to accompany the conversation.
12
4-hour cocktail
A longer reception where guests graze throughout the evening, with no seated meal.
16
Full evening
The cocktail fully replaces the meal: more bites, and more substantial ones.
Need an exact count for your group? Try the catering calculator.
A taste of the canapés
The signature bites
A preview of Elie's Asian fusion cocktail menu. The final bites are designed around your occasion.
Beef yakitori
Grilled skewers glazed with miso and soy, toasted sesame, served hot.
Crispy rice & tartare
Crispy rice cake, spicy salmon tartare, avocado and togarashi.
Standing or seated?
Choosing the right format
The cocktail reception and the seated meal answer two different moods — and can be combined.
Standing
Cocktail reception
Guests mingle, chat and sample a variety of bites. Ideal for networking, launches and lively celebrations. Convivial mood, fluid pace, and more variety per guest.
Seated
Served meal
A multi-course meal, served at the table. Suits more formal moments, speeches and protocol. The two are often combined: a standing welcome cocktail, then a seated meal.
What is a cocktail reception (cocktail dînatoire)?+
A cocktail reception is a standing event where a succession of bites and canapés replaces a seated meal. Guests mingle, chat and sample a variety of dishes passed by hand or served at stations, often with a bar. It's a convivial format, ideal for after-work receptions, launches and celebrations.
How many bites per person for a cocktail reception?+
The rule of thumb: about 8 bites per person for a 2-hour cocktail, 12 for 4 hours, and 16 for a full evening where the cocktail replaces the meal. For a reception before a seated dinner, aim for the low end. The calculator does the math for your group.
Can a cocktail reception replace a meal?+
It absolutely can, if you plan enough bites — about 16 per person for a full evening, with more substantial bites. For a welcome cocktail before a seated meal, you plan fewer. We adjust the number and richness of the bites to your event.
Do you offer bar service?+
Yes. We can pair your cocktail reception with bar service and bartenders, with pairings designed for Asian fusion cuisine: sake, Japanese highballs, bright white wines and light beers. The liquor licence is generally held by the venue or the client.
Standing or seated — which to choose?+
A cocktail reception is standing: it encourages networking and movement, perfect for groups that want to mingle. A seated meal suits more formal or ceremonial moments. The two can be combined: a standing welcome cocktail, then a seated meal.
How much does a cocktail reception cost?+
A cocktail reception generally runs around $30 to $45 per person, before tax and service, depending on the number and richness of the bites. Use our calculator for an estimate, then request a personalised quote.
Request your quote A cocktail
A cocktail
worth talking about
Share your date, guest count and duration. Elie gets back to you with a selection of bites and a tailored quote.
Request a quoteMontreal & Laval · From $30 / person · Full service