Pastek opened during the summer, daytime, but had to wait until mid-October before finally getting the liquor license allowing it to become the refreshment stall that Old Montreal’s new address aspired to be.
We can now drink very beautiful and exclusive artisan cuvées, chosen by the young sommelier with the predestined first name, Philippe Champagne, and cocktails – many of which are wine-based – created by Hugo Dallaire.
The youngest of the Tomahawk group (Santos, Uniburger, Unibar and soon Mignon Steak) is located at 209, rue Saint-Paul Ouest, in a large premises which, in recent years, had hosted clothing stores. Directly above, the Sonder chain has opened one of its boutique apartment hotels with around 30 suites.
It is possible to have breakfast at Pastek starting at 9 a.m. (weekdays), brunch starting at 10 a.m. (Saturday and Sunday), lunch between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (weekdays), then dinner between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. (Wednesday to Sunday). Lélia Vincent, partner with her husband Thomas Vernis and their partner Phil Kakon, explains to us that she aspires to open Pastek every day, as soon as there is enough staff to run the room and the kitchen without a day off.
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The space is bright, airy, chic with its very high ceilings and ancient architecture, while remaining cozy thanks to the comfortable furniture. The cuisine is very simple and relaxed. Chef Devon Skeaff (Bar Buca in Toronto, Au Pied de Cochon, Mano Cornuto …) offers a balance between fresh and vegetable dishes, for days when you don’t want to weigh yourself down, and more comforting dishes that go with the season. It is real market cuisine, with some Mediterranean touches.
At noon, we can expect sandwiches, sandwiches, salads and a pasta of the moment. A few of these options can also be found on the dinner menu, which also includes more substantial dishes, such as a beef tab, scallops and another well-garnished pastry. The evening snack section – for those who focus more on the glass than the plate – includes cheeses, cold meats, focaccia, canned fish and seafood, among others. The desserts are prepared by the two pastry chefs of the company Pain épices. The brunch scones, on the other hand, are made on site and they are divine!
The multi-purpose space seems to have already been adopted by the workers who return quietly to the neighborhood as well as by the residents of the Old Port, who come as much for a quiet coffee during the day as to gently party there once the sun has gone down. .
209 Saint-Paul Street West, Montreal
Visit the site of La refreshment bar Pastek