2014, Fierté mondiale in Toronto (World Gay Pride). That is where the venture The Men's Room, the parent company of Armada as it is known in Montréal today, began in the minds of Francis Gaudreault and his business partner, Steve Palmer.

The Men's Room has three branches: Toronto (2014), Chicago (2016), and Montréal (2016). The three shops share many similarities, but each has its own identity, reflecting the culture of its scene. The project evolved rapidly and required considerable work and effort from its founders.

You can't talk about The Men's Room and Armada without mentioning Francis Gaudreault's role in their history. Born in 1984 in Alberta to a family in which both parents are members of the Canadian Armed Forces, he lived in Germany, Ontario, and then Nouvelle-Écosse. At 17, after finishing high school, he left home to settle in Ontario. After a few years back in higher education, he moved to Toronto in 2008 at age 24. He then worked in various establishments in the gay scene.

Starting in 2010, he and his partners created Pitbull Events to organize themed DJ parties for the LGBT community. Initially quite modest, these parties quickly became popular, especially with Fierté Mondiale in 2014, when thousands of people took part.

Following their major success, it was agreed to reinvest the profits from these events in opening the first The Men's Room boutique in Toronto in 2014. Alongside clothing and fetish items, it housed a barbershop and a leather workshop. Soon after, an investor from Chicago, in the United States, proposed a partnership to open a similar store there, which launched in 2016. That same year, it was learned that the owner of Montréal's Fétiche Armada boutique (founded in 2011) wanted to sell his business. Within hours, Francis and his The Men's Room partner Steve Palmer had their offer accepted. Armada par The Men's Room was created in the same space, then moved to its current location in the heart of the Village in 2018. The Montréal store's size ruled out a barbershop (especially since there were two major ones nearby at the time), but a leather workshop has operated there ever since, producing items for the boutique's customers.

Francis admits that, like most commercial businesses, the COVID pandemic was a tough time, forcing its leaders to show originality and to get off the beaten path (think outside of the box) to avoid disaster. Rules and restrictions varied from place to place, and they had to be taken into account and the crisis managed intelligently.

Even today, Armada Par The Men's Room is recognized as an essential one-stop shop for all fetish and original clothing needs, appreciated by gay men but not only them. Perfectly informed and bilingual "kink" experts are always available to help explore new and exciting interests. Specializing in sportswear, neoprene, leather, and bondage gear, Armada is "the ideal place to explore your wild side," the website explains. Any leather piece can be customized in-store to make it the best possible gear each person wants.

Francis is proud to have a team of about ten people he can rely on completely at the Montréal shop. He considers this a major asset for business success and good customer relations. In total, The Men’s Room employs between 35 and 40 people across its three shops.

Armada also sells tickets for some of the most important LGBTQ events in Montréal, such as Fierté Montréal and the Black and Blue festival (of which PittBull Events is now a partner), among others. In Montréal, as if that weren’t enough, Francis Gaudreault is personally involved with community organizations, notably Maison Plein Cœur, which supports people living with HIV, with fundraisers and special contributions. In recent years, he has served on the board of the Société de développement commercial (SDC) du Village, becoming its board president in April 2023. He also previously chaired the Village corporation in Toronto for two years, starting in 2016.

One thing is certain: Francis’s attachment to Montréal is growing stronger. In fact, he and his partner (who has no involvement in the business) have started the process of buying a property to settle there permanently. Currently, Francis spends 50% of his time in Montréal, the rest in Toronto.

While no major development projects are currently on the table for the shops, Francis Gaudreault hasn’t ruled out eventually opening another type of business in Montréal for his clientele, such as a bar or entertainment venue, though the details are still to be determined. As for Pitbull Events, in addition to its popular parties at various times of the year, the company added gay cruises in the Caribbean for a few years. These will soon be replaced by sunny events at a popular site in Cuba, for example.

One thing's for sure: his recent accession to the presidency of the SDC du Village will keep him quite busy over the coming years. For he has promised to act energetically there to give back all the love this community greatly needs.


ARMADA Par The Men's Room
shopthemensroom.com
1359, rue Ste-Catherine Est, Montréal, QC
514 419-1089

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The reception hall on the 7th floor of the new Le Capitole hotel is bathed in bright morning light as we prepare to meet the communications and marketing manager. The establishment partly occupies a building that's over a century old, that of the Théâtre Capitole. It was classified as a historic monument in 1984 and designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1986. Moreover, in 1985, the historic district of Vieux-Québec, where Le Capitole stands, was inscribed on UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage List.

But since 2019, a group of investors, led by businessman Jacques Tanguay, has been transforming the small 40-room boutique hotel into "an unprecedented hotel complex in the heart of Vieux-Québec where prestige, comfort and entertainment come together to offer the region's best high-end tourist experience," explains Anne-Marie Noreau.

Indeed, drawing on the performing arts for inspiration, the work carried out centres on architecture skilfully integrated into its historic setting, creating a contemporary link between past and future. Built to the north of the original building, the new nine-storey hotel complex now includes 108 rooms, suites and five-star penthouses with an unobstructed view of Vieux-Québec and the Laurentians, as well as exceptional new amenities.

The complex's two distinct sections are connected by the Passerelle, a long glass structure that also serves as an art gallery presenting works by local artists. Amenities include an indoor glass-walled pool with access to a 9th-floor terrace, plus a rooftop terrace overlooking Carré des spectacles. There's also a fully equipped gym on the 1st floor, and the renowned porter, valet and doorman service is available 24 hours a day.

Those who know the place, and regulars at the neighbouring theatre, are familiar with the famous Ristaurante Il Teatro du Capitole, with its 150 seats across two floors plus a front terrace on Place d’Youville. A second restaurant, BŌ Cuisine d’Asie, in the building next door, blends Asian and Québec cultures and seats 98, including 20 around the open bar/kitchen and 40 on the terrace. For events, the spaces have been enhanced with the addition of a hotel bar, new meeting rooms, revamped private lounges, and the Confessionnal, a multifunctional reception room that can accommodate up to 250 people.

For its part, the Clubby bar, located directly on the floor below reception, at the foot of a spiral staircase, serves cocktails and champagne in a chic decor and a hushed atmosphere, with a large bar and access to another long outdoor terrace.

Although the Théâtre and the Hôtel Le Capitole are now independent entities, they still offer accommodation, meal and show packages that add to the comfort and reputation of this venue, whose renown is already well established.

Anne-Marie Noreau, who has worked at the Capitole for over 10 years, points out that the hotel complex’s location plays an important role in its success. You have to see the city’s spectacle, which is ever-present all around and offers an impressive view from the rooms and suites, among other things.

According to the owners, with its new hotel, renovated theatre, the renowned Ristorante Il Teatro (now on two floors), its brand-new gastronomic offering from BŌ Cuisine d’Asie, and diverse packages, Le Capitole Hôtel is now the benchmark for high-end tourism, leisure, and business in Québec.

Over 250 people are employed there. The clientele is 50% from Québec, while the US and the rest of Canada account for a significant share of the annual customer base, with Europeans bringing up the rear.

Hôtel Le Capitole
lecapitole.com
972, rue Saint-Jean
Québec, QC G1R 1R5
800-363-4040

Just climbing the path to the Auberge des Falaises, in the heart of a wooded area, creates a special atmosphere that continues throughout the stay.

Whether it's to stay in one of the 42 rooms with a view, 33 of which have a whirlpool bath, a lounge, a fireplace, and a balcony, to hold a business meeting or banquet there, or simply to enjoy the panoramic dining room Le Perché Gourmand, whose table is a genuine gastronomic experience, the hosts of the Cloutier family have dedicated themselves for nearly 40 years to ensuring every visitor has an unforgettable stay.

The main pavilion also offers three condo-style apartments, each with two separate bedrooms that can accommodate two couples or small families. They offer all the comfort of 4-star classified units and are fully equipped with a kitchenette, dishes, bedding, washer, dryer, and everything you need to prepare meals on site.
The inn also offers a Nordic spa with a pool, including massage therapy and other health treatments. These services are also available to people who are not staying at the inn.

Discerning food lovers will savour one of the evening tables d'hôte, which will leave no one still hungry. From amuse-bouche to dessert, with refined starters and surprising mains in between, nothing is left to chance in Chef Alain Morel's kitchen. And that view of the Saint-Laurent estuary, which one never tires of!

The founding couple, with their son David handling general management, has just invested over a million dollars in various modernization work begun in 2019. Almost every corner of the inn has benefited. A tour of the property with David made this clear.

Built in 1895, the former second home, with its seaside look, was first occupied by a wealthy American family. In 1983, Denys Cloutier and his wife Reine L’Heureux acquired the well-appointed residence on boulevard des Falaises in Pointe-au-Pic. This residence with its Mediterranean decor was transformed into a charming country inn. At the time, it had only 12 pretty rooms.

Auberge des Falaises
aubergedesfalaises.com
250, chemin des Falaises,
La Malbaie QC G5A 2V2
418.665.3731

Réal Veilleux explains that the idea for Physotech was born in 1983, while he was living in Florida with his partner. He became sole owner of the gay men’s care business in 2022.

 
Both men frequented a centre in Miami that offered muscle electrostimulation services. After discussing with the owner, they had a revelation and, upon returning to Montréal, began the process of opening a similar centre in the Village. Physotech was born in September 1983.

They then began adding new services to their offering and quickly became the only full-service men’s salon in Montréal. "We wanted to create an environment for men who want to look after their appearance, where they would feel comfortable," says Réal. Physotech is a health, wellness and aesthetic centre that has primarily served gay male clients for several decades now.

 
Electrostimulation (manscaping) remains one of Physotech’s most popular services, offering muscle toning without gruelling workout sessions. Electrostimulation is also a method of choice for those who cannot train because of an injury. In a 30-minute session, this sophisticated yet delicate machine replicates the brain’s signal to the muscles as a mild electrical current, causing the muscle to contract. "Thirty minutes of electrostimulation equals two hours of traditional intensive training," explains Réal Veilleux.

 
More recently, in the mid-2010s, electrostimulation entered "ultra" mode with XBody workouts, the perfect combination of EMS and a workout of just 20 minutes. "It’s the new wave in fitness: electrostimulation in motion rather than at rest," he says, and Physotech has firmly become the Manscaping specialist.

 
Over the years, the clientele has changed and needs have become more refined. Younger clients are now keener on hair removal than on electrostimulation. "In the weeks leading up to major Pride events or big gay parties during the year, we see a significant demand for our services," says the owner. "Even today, the culture of fitness and looking good persists among many men of all ages," he adds.

 
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the business, now with a permanent home not far from its previous locations, around rue Atateken (formerly Amherst). While the address is on boul. René-Lévesque, the premises are on the ground floor of a recent condo tower and offer a view of the barber section through a large bay window at the corner of rue Atateken.

The owner of Physotech is delighted with the 2018 move. The premises are better suited to the various services and better match the type of clientele received there. Its location at the heart of major real estate and development projects currently underway helps sustain interest in Physotech and its appeal. "For 40 years, we've instilled in Montréal's gay men the art of taking care of their bodies, and that makes us proud," concludes Réal Veilleux.

 
A team of five experts, regularly trained to stay at the forefront of their various disciplines, provides the services. Electrostimulation, laser hair removal, tanning, massage therapy and barber/hairdressing services undergo continuous refinement.

Physotech is open five days a week (closed Sunday and Monday). Appointments are made whenever possible.

PHYSOTECH
physotech.com
1070, Boul. René-Lévesque Est
Montréal (Qc) H2L 0E1
514 527.7587

No establishment, of any kind, can last 85 years without letting its customers catch the scent of its history and tradition.
Especially when your name is La Binerie Mont-Royal.

This essential and symbolic place for traditional Québécois cuisine moved in 2019 to larger premises just a few steps from the original location, better able to welcome its ever-growing clientele. Even so, you can feel how much its owners since 2005, Jocelyne Gingras and Philippe Brunet, value this aspect of their legendary establishment.
What's more, when they took over, they were both nearing what is usually taken to be retirement age. Now, retirement is far from their thoughts, even though they've long since passed that age. "We just kept going," jokes Jocelyne, who worked much of her life as an accountant, her first profession. She worked in hospitality and restaurants for a while, both here and elsewhere.
That's because Philippe, for his part, has restaurants and hospitality in his blood. He spent years in senior roles in the restaurant and hotel industry, with the Hilton chain (including the one in Québec), then at Disney in Orlanda, Florida, before returning to Québec and taking on the acquisition of La Binerie.
Founded in 1938 by Léonide Lussier and located on the famous avenue of the same name for 81 years, La Binerie Mont-Royal serves traditional Québécois cuisine in its purest form. Roast pork, stew, bacon, cretons, poutine, pâté chinois... and no less than 32 tonnes of fèves au lard are prepared here each year.

What’s changed since the move? Apart from the decor, though a good deal of it was salvaged, they can now serve 95 people at a time instead of the 23 before. As for the menu, items had already been added over the years since 2005. The winning recipe behind the place’s success was kept, however. "Most of our customers followed us, and the fèves au lard are definitely still the star," says Jocelyne, who still spends many hours at the stove preparing meals and at her pastry oven making her meat pies and other treats you can buy to go.

Notably, there’s no deep-frying in the kitchens. Everything is oven-baked. In the basement, they’ve even rebuilt the legendary fèves au lard oven from rue Mont-Royal. Philippe prepares the recipe and bakes them every day.
Ask them which part of the year is busiest and the answer is surprising: December, in the lead-up to Christmas. Their traditional Québec Réveillon dishes have become increasingly popular: soupe aux pois, ragoût de boulettes, tourtière, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, fèves au lard, and more. All are prepared in individual portions and can be ordered in whatever quantity you need. Other offerings include pâté chinois, meatloaf, ragoût de pattes et boulettes, roast pork, maple ham, beef with vegetables, and more. Several varieties of pies (apple, raisin, sugar) and meat pies (salmon, chicken, meat, tourtière) are also available to round out these meals.
To move with the times, they’ve added four poutine varieties to the menu, all with oven-baked fries.
Finally, don't look for the huge vertical sign that once adorned the rue Mont-Royal facade in front of the building. It couldn't be installed on rue Saint-Denis, so they hung it in the stairwell to the mezzanine, where it's a hit. Like everything else, for that matter. The counters with banquette seating, dotted with small Tiffany-style lamps, are charming and encourage conversation, which has always mattered to Jocelyne and Philippe.

It's a safe bet people will still be talking about it in 80 years.
The kitchen closes at 2pm early in the week, but stays open until 9pm on weekends.

La Binerie Mont-Royal
labineriemontroyal.com/
4167, rue Saint-Denis,
Montréal, Québec H2W 2M7
(514) 285-9078

Just after the Matapédia River empties into the Restigouche, across from the village of Matapédia, you reach the Interprovincial Bridge that spans the river and takes you into Nouveau-Brunswick. From this point, the two provinces share the riverbanks.

This is where Route 11 begins, running through much of Nouveau-Brunswick and becoming a highway after the city of Campbellton. But between these two points, Jo-Anne and Danny Lagacé created a unique oasis in 2022 on a large property along the Restigouche: Appalaches Dômes & Spa.

 
This entrepreneurial couple began developing their project around 2019. After spending some time searching for the ideal site, and because of the COVID pandemic, it wasn't until 2022 that they finally acquired this site, which already included a house. For them, this type of accommodation continues to grow in popularity among people seeking an alternative to traditional camping and hotels. Such lodgings existed in several regions in Québec and Nouveau-Brunswick, but not in Restigouche. It was in this context that the retired Armed Forces member and his spouse decided to launch this project.

For summer 2024, three domes are available to vacationers. "There are plenty of cabins in the area, but nothing like the dome experience," explains Danny Lagacé. Unlike other similar setups, these domes have a distinctive wood-and-aluminum structure. It's a concept developed with an Ontario supplier: beautiful, sturdy, and well-insulated.

Yet what makes them even more unique, he adds, is that they overlook one of the province's most beautiful landscapes. More domes will be added over the years. In the meantime, the building next to reception will be fitted out to optimize the welcome for guests, and a shop will be set up there offering branded merchandise alongside a range of local products.
Treat yourself to nature and an exceptional experience

 
Appalaches Dômes & Spa: glamping at its best, ideal for singles, couples, friends, honeymoons, small groups, romantic getaways, wedding or Christmas gifts, and busy people who just need a break.
With unobstructed panoramic views of the mountains and rivers, blue skies, sunsets, and stargazing at night. This insulated dome, comfortable in all seasons, stands on its own foundations, protected from cold and snow, and offers little luxuries like heated floors throughout, air conditioning, a pellet stove, and more. Comfortably settled in rocking chairs or with the included WiFi, you can browse the internet on your laptop or tablet before snuggling into a warm bed.

  
Each dome features a full bathroom and a kitchen equipped with a hot plate, toaster oven, fridge and freezer, microwave, and a Keurig latte machine, plus most of the equipment needed to prepare a good meal. Finally, you can relax in the hot tub year-round.

 
After investing in 2022 in the conversion of the neighbouring Flatlands church into a high-end cottage, le Island View, offered for rent by Old Church Cottages, Jo-Anne and Danny Lagacé now have the wind in their sails to carry out their tourism project and help expand Restigouche's offerings.

"Travellers heading to Gaspésie, the Iles-de-la-Madeleine, or other Maritimes destinations will find an exceptional spot for a one- or multi-night stopover in an enchanting setting just a few kilometres from the Interprovincial Bridge, year-round," they assure.

Appalaches Dômes & Spa
booking.oldchurchcottages.com
62 Islandview Dr.
Flatlands, NB
506 329.5444

By Pierre Perreault

From the outside, it's easy to miss, blending into the facade of the building that also houses the Cabaret Lion d’Or at the northeast end of the Village. But step through the door of Au Petit extra and you're in a space decidedly from another era: an imposing bar at the far end facing the entrance, coffered ceilings hung with beautiful chandeliers and light fixtures, and tables dressed in white. The walls are lined with grand, stylish mirrors in various styles, and finally there's the giant chalkboard, where the menu is handwritten in fine script that adds to the venue's charm. 

The large windows overlooking rue Ontario feature wide-slat wooden blinds that soften the light as needed and keep some privacy for customers who choose to sit at the raised platform running along the storefront. Needless to say, this offers an interesting view of the rest of the dining room and the diners inside. At the back, on a large blackboard, an Oscar Wilde quote sets the tone: "I can resist everything except temptation"

And the temptation is a menu. Au Petit Extra serves classic French bistro cuisine. Opened 38 years ago, it has expanded a few times over the years, growing from 40 to over 100 seats in recent years.

André Baillargeon took over in 2016 after working there for about fifteen years as a maître d’hôtel and sommelier, among other roles, and it remains very popular. At lunchtime, the crowd often includes staff and business leaders from the area, including hôpital Notre-Dame and the many offices and shops. In the evening, pre-theatre diners from nearby theatres, local residents, and people drawn by the atmosphere and flavourful food make up most of the all-ages clientele. Also worth mentioning is the wine list, with its many affordable private-import options, about thirty of which are available by the glass.

The menu remains unchanged at lunch and dinner for now: classic, with a few seasonal changes to the dishes on the menu. Au Petit extra specializes in duck in all its forms: foie gras, confit, and magret. The fish soup and warm goat cheese salad are also very popular at lunchtime. Fish and seafood are always available, and they offer a very good vegan and gluten-free option. With the imminent arrival of a new resident chef, an evolving menu will be introduced that remains just as inviting.

With the pandemic, limited kitchen staff, and frequent closures, they chose to offer a menu with a good variety of appetizers and main courses, while occasionally adding or changing a few dishes, which loyal customers have appreciated, says André Baillargeon. "This pandemic has changed how we do things in many ways, and it will certainly continue to have an impact for a long time. We don’t just want to do well, we always want to do better. That’s exactly the little extra," he adds.

Another curiosity of the place: a rooftop garden. For several years now, Petit Extra has been growing herbs and aromatic plants, vegetables, and flowers on the building's roof, and can offer fresh seasonal produce alongside what they source from the market.
All in all, with its warm decor, inviting atmosphere, remarkable table, well-stocked wine cellar, and attentive staff, Au Petit Extra is as good as any other establishment of this category in Montréal, and we say so without pretension.

Lunch is served Tuesday to Friday, dinner Tuesday to Saturday. The restaurant closes for three weeks in summer and the week after New Year's. The kitchen also provides catering for the two reception rooms of the Lion d'or.


Restaurant Au Petit Extra 

aupetitextra.com
1690, rue Ontario est,
Montréal, Qc H2L 1S7
(514) 527-5552

Le Richmond, the Italian restaurant and market complex in Griffintown, is a far cry from what childhood friends Luc Laroche and Paul Soucie originally envisioned and created. After co-owning Misto on rue Mont-Royal est until 2015, they set out together to combine their respective talents and bring Le Richmond into the world, a first-rate place.

These two enthusiasts of travel and gastronomic getaways chose for this purpose a 3,200 sq ft industrial space dating from the late 1800s on rue Richmond, south of rue Notre-Dame, to set up a restaurant that would bring out the architectural richness of the place, all guided by the creative imagination of renowned designer Luc Laroche.

 
You have to see the result: after expensive and complex investments, in 2013 they opened a 230-seat dining room, with about 30 of those on the mezzanine overlooking the main dining area, and 90 seats in the inner courtyard under a retractable roof. The whole thing is a true masterpiece of good taste and daring. And we haven't even gotten to the menu yet!

 
Black-painted steel, brick, and hemlock wood elements, both structural and decorative, evoke the Montréal of 1886, when this building was built. They are, however, used with a modern approach and help create a friendly, warm decor. When the retractable roof opens onto the restaurant's terrace, the interior greenery echoes the large trees growing outside, and you can enjoy nature and the present moment.

 
In 2016, the jury of the 8th Grand prix du design in Québec was so impressed that it awarded the concept its vote. They noted the quality of this stand-out concept, which delves into history to create an inviting interior.

Success came quickly, so much so that by 2015 the management, now made up of co-owners Ertan Eren (general manager) and Luc Laroche (president), partners in life as in business (photo above), had begun extending the food offering with a new concept occupying the space next to the restaurant on rue Richmond. That's how Marché italien Richmond came about, acting as a kind of "pantry" for the Richmond, as its general manager explains.

 
Here you'll find a bistro-market-caterer in an open-concept space where you can enjoy a glass of wine and a plate of antipasti at the bar, savour a full meal on the bistro side, and find exclusive gourmet products as well as a selection of takeout dishes.

 
The items available at Marché italien Richmond are prepared by executive chef Liam Fanning and his team: gourmet recipe boxes for preparing your favourite dishes at home, gourmet boxes specially prepared for the virtual 5 à 7, or favourite desserts to satisfy a sweet tooth.

 
The general manager explains that the Richmond anticipates continuing its partnership with the events industry, including the Grand Prix F1 de Montréal and other major annual events. The catering business has continued to grow since the pandemic and remains popular. The Richmond has a room on the restaurant's 2nd floor for receiving groups or holding special events.

A menu that transports and surprises

We sampled a few dishes from the Richmond's menu that truly convinced us of the inspiration running through its kitchens. For starters, the Burrata (roasted eggplant purée, confit tomatoes, prosciutto chips, herb oil) and the Seared Scallops (beurre blanc, salmon roe, sea asparagus, herb oil) two dishes, flavourful and surprising for the taste buds. 

For the main course, the Icelandic cod (fregola, lobster bisque, salsa verde) and the pasta flambéed with truffles, served on a cheese wheel: spectacular! For dessert, a blueberry and lime entremet (almond and citrus shortbread, lime syrup, blueberries) and a chocolate and apricot mousse (apricot coulis, caramelized pecans) completed this Italian-flavoured feast.

A resourceful team
A graduate of Collège Lasalle in 2012 at age 20, Liam Fanning began his culinary career at a very young age. What started as a culinary interest grew into a passion over the years. After his first two years working in various restaurants and high-volume catering services in the Montréal region, he continued to gain culinary experience in Ouest-de-l'Île de Montréal, on Île-du-Prince-Édouard, and across Europe.

Since the opening of restaurant le Richmond in 2013, he has been a pioneer in its kitchen. He worked his way up from chef de partie to executive sous-chef. In 2017, he went to Italy to refine his skills with renowned chefs specializing in fresh, seasonal ingredients. Back in Montréal, Liam became executive chef of Groupe Le Richmond in 2020. Since then, he has designed the menus and overseen the teams at restaurant Le Richmond, Marché Italien Le Richmond, and the dining room, a total of about 30 people.
The owner-partners, for their part, offer complementary talents and experiences that serve the company's interests well.

 
Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, Ertan Eren continued his studies in Québec with a second bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering specializing in systems and mechatronics at Université Concordia. After graduating in 2013, he joined Le Richmond and took charge of project management for the group's first restaurants in Griffintown. His knowledge of budgeting, forecasting and finance, combined with his passion for hospitality and gastronomy, led to his promotion to general manager and to his becoming one of the owners of Groupe Le Richmond.

For his part, a true fashion enthusiast and entrepreneur at heart, Luc Laroche began his career in the early 1990s by creating Lùk by Luc Laroche, an ultra-chic men's underwear line. He led its design and marketing in Canada and the United States for over 14 years before setting off to conquer major ready-to-wear houses such as Château Lingerie, the Spanish brand Mango, and then Tommy Hilfiger in New York, where he served as vice-president of retail operations for North America. Returning to Montréal with impressive expertise in finance, business development and retail, he launched into an entirely new venture in 2011: the restaurant business, with Misto. A few months later, he began work on a major project, the restaurant Le Richmond in Griffintown, taking full charge of the interior design and overseeing the project.

 
In addition to all this, for the past five years he has been vice-president, operations support at LCI Éducation, the international division of the renowned Collège LaSalle, which comprises five schools and offers more than 60 programs. It is now present on five continents and has 23 higher education campuses that train over 17,000 students annually around the world.

___________
Le Richmond
377, rue Richmond
Montréal (Qc) H3J 1T9
514 508.8749
lerichmond.com

Le Richmond marché italien/Bistro
333, rue Richmond
Montréal (Qc) H3J 1T9
514 508.8749
lerichmond.com

Aficionados are well-aware that Cantharellus cibarius, known in French as girolle or Chanterelle commune, is a species of basidiomycete fungi belonging to the Cantharellaceae family. This mushroom, widespread across the Northern Hemisphere, is esteemed for its culinary excellence, ranking among the most renowned and sought-after in its category.

By analogy, the same can be said for the French "bring your own wine" restaurant La Girolle, nestled in Quebec's Saint-Sacrement neighborhood, which has been a well-known and sought-after destination for 23 years. Owned by Chef David Grenier (photo) since 2018, the establishment has preserved the spirit and values of its founders while naturally evolving its menu over the years and seasons.

Let's highlight some of the famous dishes available. Starters include: Deluxe Charcuterie Plate, Escargot Pastry in Cheese Sauce, Flavors of L'ile d'Orléans, Bison Carpaccio with Truffle Emulsion. Main courses particularly appreciated are: Scallop and Shrimp Risotto, Grilled Lamb Loin with Spanish Sauce, Duck Breast with Port and Serviceberry, Braised Sweetbreads à la Forestière, Land and Sea / Black Pudding with Spices, Deer in Mushroom Crust with Périgord Sauce, Salmon Pavé with Mango Salsa, Chef's Style Beef Fillet Mignon, Pork Tenderloin with Cheddar Fondue and Balsamic.

Grenier, before acquiring the restaurant, had been actively involved in various kitchen roles, from dishwasher to cook, starting at the age of 18. Despite not attending prestigious culinary schools or holding renowned degrees in hospitality, his merit includes stints at famed establishments during travels in Australia and around the world, where he honed and developed his culinary skills.

Alongside the previous owners of La Girolle, he has cultivated the art of dining based on dishes that continue to contribute to the place's fame and draw a loyal clientele, in addition to developing an entirely new menu. Since Grenier took over, there have been no major changes to the venue: the carpet was removed, and some minor renovations were made. His motivation lies in maintaining consistent quality in the cuisine, always in line with market availability and seasonally affordable products.

In addition to the regular menu displayed on large wheeled blackboards, which changes with the seasons, one can always order frozen dishes for takeout, offering meals distinct from the regular menu and complementing the dining room offerings. This product, even post the 2000-2001 pandemic, continues to enjoy success. They also offer various takeout and reheat dishes (soups, salads, charcuteries, sweetbreads, black pudding, pork tenderloin, for example).

Indeed, La Girolle remains one of the rare "bring your own wine" (or beer) restaurants in Quebec City, a concept David Grenier assures will not change. This format is highly appreciated six evenings and three afternoons each week, from August to June. Its location outside tourist districts allows a month-long July vacation for the team of approximately 25 employees.

La Girolle can accommodate up to 140 guests in the evening, from Tuesday to Sunday, with 106 seats spread across two distinct sections. Reservations are recommended, especially from Friday to Sunday. Workers and residents of the neighborhood frequent it for lunch from Wednesday to Friday.

For history enthusiasts, the establishment Les Prés had been located here since 1990. La Girolle has been operating at this address since 2000.

Restaurant La Girolle
lagirolle.ca
1384, Chemin Sainte-Foy
Québec, QC, G1S 2N6
(418) 527-4141

Once upon a time, an upscale restaurant fancied having a laid-back, unpretentious little brother. That is how Le Conti came about, around 2005, in the premises next door to the Continental on Saint-Louis Street in Vieux-Québec.

When Mathieu Pettigrew and his partners at the time took over in 2010, they quickly realized that the Italian bistro would fill a niche that complemented its big brother. The warmth of its dazzling urban decor and the delights of its very trendy Italian cuisine invite you to discover the flavours and colours of today’s Italy, in a subdued, urban and thoroughly inclusive atmosphere.

Alex Boyer, director of Le Conti, makes sure that guests feel the place’s easy camaraderie, whether they come for lunch, dinner or a cocktail at the end of the day, and enjoy moments of relaxation and pleasure.

 
Mathieu Pettigrew wanted to create a quality, laid-back place for people who don’t want to sit down for two hours over a meal but still expect all the attention you typically find at the good places in the area. In summer, the place is bathed in light, its windows open onto the street on two sides, giving the impression of a terrace. Year-round, though, guests appreciate the old brick walls, which create a warm atmosphere, as well as the lighting, which encourages good conversation.

The wine cellar impresses with its large selection, made up mainly of French, Italian and American wines. It offers 5,000 bottles across more than 400 varieties, from the most affordable to the great classified growths.

Locals and visitors both appreciate this spot just steps from Château Frontenac. The Italian touch starts with the name and carries through to the menu. Le Conti revisits the classics: risotto, penne and linguine with flavourful sauces. For a more refined meal, go for veal, osso buco, salmon fillet or beef tenderloin. The antipasti platter pairs perfectly with a glass of wine during happy hour.

 
In short, at Conti Caffe you can count on a warm welcome, attention to detail, and attentive service. Not to mention the unique Italian-style dishes, which recall the Sgobba brothers, Angelo and Luigi, who created the forerunner of this restaurant.

Open daily for lunch and dinner. You can reserve or order online.

Conti Caffe
conticaffe.com
32, rue Saint-Louis
Québec (QC) G1R 3Y9
(418) 692-4191