Martin Juneau does not hide it; the pandemic has been tough on morale. Here is a little bit that his partner Louis-Philippe Breton and he had started thinking about the future of their Pastaga restaurant.
Posted yesterday at 11:00 a.m.
The decision was made by mutual agreement, and with serenity: they will hand over the keys to their premises on boulevard Saint-Laurent at the end of 2022, which also marks the end of their lease – and their 11e anniversary, the restaurant having made its first service on December 31, 2011. “Let’s say that we are closer to the end of our career than the beginning! », mocks the chef.
The two partners have had many adventures over the years: the street truck and counter Monsieur Crémeux, the wine merchant Cul-Sec, Le Petit Coin Épicerie, Le Marché des Éclusiers… The only one to have survived the vagaries of catering is Tricot Principal, on Chabanel, as well as Volet, the private import agency. “The Pastaga has always been the cornerstone of these projects”, notes Martin Juneau, who intends to devote his free time to his family.
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
The next generation is coming to Pastaga!
This is where Francis Duval and Geneviève Beaudoin enter the equation. The couple also met in the kitchens of Pastaga. He was a cook and she was a pastry chef. Francis, who was there from day 1, then went through the Butterblume and Helicopter kitchens. For a year and a half, he has been head chef at Pastaga. “I’ve always had a good relationship with Martin,” he says. “You ran away twice, but you always came back! “, teases Louis-Philippe. Geneviève stayed for a few years and then refined her art at Patrice Pâtissier and at Mousso. The two had been looking for quite a while to start their own project.
But, for now, a smooth transition is planned. Pastaga won’t disappear right away, but the couple will eventually put forward a new identity. “We have the opportunity to do it at the right time, for us it will also be an apprenticeship”, remarks Geneviève. “We would like to go back to what the Pastaga was at the start: small dishes to share and a wine bar”, adds Francis.
To all those who have promised themselves to go to Pastaga for 11 years, now is the time to do so. Moreover, the establishment is participating in the next edition of MTLàTABLE, from November 3 to 13, with a three-course menu at $55. There will also be a big party on December 31. Details to come.
6389 Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Montreal