If you too have succumbed to the new wave of natural and biodynamic wines, here is a new address not to be missed. Located on Atateken, on the eastern edge of the Village, the Mineral Bar, a project of Mathieu Ménard (Le Blind Pig, Aperitivo) and his partner Steve Grenier, has everything it takes to become one of your new favorite wine bars.
There is first the space, superb, dominated by an oval-shaped bar overhung by a Japanese-inspired ceiling structure, and also integrating metal, leather and polycarbonate, with lighting that modulates and transforms, creating different atmospheres, from aperitif to late evening.
Signed Blanchette Architectes, design has already stood out several times: recipient of the magazine’s Grand Prix du Design Canadian Interiors, he also won six mentions at the Grand Prix du Design de Montréal, including the Platinum Laureate in Lighting.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Natural wines are featured at the Mineral Bar, and they are offered at friendly prices.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The Mineral Bar has already won several awards for its design, signed by Blanchette Architectes.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The menu is made up of several starter-type dishes, such as this tuna tataki with green curry hummus, fennel salad.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The owners of the Mineral Bar, Mathieu Ménard and Steve Grenier
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Moreover, the two owners, and their other partner within MAS Hospitalité, Antoine Ormandy (Blind Pig), have just acquired Bar Waverly and will work again with the architects to refresh the decor of this Mile End institution, in 2022.
And then what about the wine list, which will quench all thirsts, at low prices, because this is the philosophy put forward by Mathieu Ménard. “We want to be an accessible refreshment bar; I like better that people come more often, than to sell my bottles too expensive and to find myself without turnover. “
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The place also offers a nice menu of signature cocktails, such as Katana, a blend of vodka, kalamansi, yuzu and bubbles.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The photogenic burrata, on its fig chutney and panko crumble
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The rear section of the Mineral Bar
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The Fish Taco: breaded cod, mashed avocado and corn tortillas
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Bottles from private import agencies like Ward & Associates, Le vin dans les voiles, La QV or Décuveurs will generally cost you in the $ 40 or $ 50 range, there are even 1 liter formats at $ 42 or $ 44. Pet nat, maceration wines, funky rosés, thirsty reds, natural wine lovers will be delighted. “Otherwise, you have a gin and tonic or a beer!” », Launches the latter, laughing. Or one of the signature cocktails of the place, which are all very colorful and refreshing.
Open in the heart of summer 2020, the Mineral Bar still remains a well-kept secret of the Village, since the place was closed for many months with the pandemic, before finally reopening in spring 2021. Meanwhile, Mathieu Ménard launched, a few doors down, the Apéritivo, an Italian-inspired gourmet grocery store, where the entire Mineral menu is now cooked. The menu is essentially made up of small plates, to eat alone or to share. Burrata with fig chutney; tuna tataki with green curry hummus and fennel; fish tacos “without chips”: you can go there as an aperitif or treat yourself to a full dinner.
1641 rue Atateken, Montreal