It is through the alley – or the kitchens – that we discover Casa Kaki, the first speakeasy festive aperitifs and a new project by Franck Nasso.
The owner of the Franck Maison Gourmande caterer, which opened in November 2022 on Saint-Laurent Boulevard in Mile End, knew he wanted to open this hidden place “for sunny days”. The room has the particularity of giving directly onto the back alley. Franck Nasso wanted to keep the friendly, festive and informal side of the place – formerly known as the wine bar and the shack Parasol lobster pot – all while putting your own spin on it.
We can therefore meet at this hidden address for a happy hour – the kitchens close around 8 p.m. – and enjoy many gourmet tapas-type starters. Franck has integrated some classics from his catering repertoire – cod fritters and their homemade spicy lime mayonnaise, gravlax and arancini with peas, mint and lemon zest.
-
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, THE PRESS.
A few dishes on the Casa Kaki menu: Puglia burrata, mini beef burgers, cod fritters, lobster nachos and the Pepina gin cocktail
-
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, THE PRESS
You can sit down directly in the alley!
-
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, THE PRESS
The two Kaki cocktails: the Pepina gin and the Marga matcha
-
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, THE PRESS
The Casa Kaki room directly overlooks the alley.
-
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, THE PRESS
You can access Casa Kaki by the alley or by the kitchens through a curtain of golden sequins.
-
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, THE PRESS
The owner of Casa Kaki, Franck Nasso
1/6
On the menu, there is also a burrata from Puglia with a homemade marmalade of tamarillo, carrots and chimichurri, a scallop ceviche and lobster nachos – the biggest success so far, assures Franck Nasso – with its tortilla chips house and its generous pieces of lobster. You can also enjoy dishes in small formats such as mini-burgers and small lobster rolls.
“I’ve only received compliments on the menu so far,” rejoices the owner. The new lair offers a balanced menu, specifies this autodidact, which can suit both those who want to fill their stomachs and those who want to snack while sipping a drink.
Speaking of drinks, we are entitled to a selection of natural or organic wines, private imports made by the owner himself. La Casa Kaki also offers two cocktails that pay homage to the color khaki, the Pepina gin, a gin and tonic with fresh cucumber juice, and the Marga matcha, a matcha margarita.
Franck Nasso was inspired by the jungle and Colombia – where he traveled extensively – for the decor of the premises. A mural depicting a tropical jungle was specially created by Montreal artist Ankh One. Franck even unearthed Colombian crockery, in enamelled and multicolored metal, which he had imported himself thanks to valuable contacts. Perfect little dishes for his new creations, he says.
A series of special events, beginning July 1 with Syrian-born Montreal singer-songwriter Nadine Altounji, will be held over the summer. “Slightly quirky things that are very Mile End”, explains Franck Nasso. Already, he is thinking about the future and Casa Kaki could reveal itself in a different light in a few months…
5439, boulevard Saint-Laurent or by the alley behind