There is a new universe that is beginning to welcome earthlings, in the Quartier des Spectacles. Galaxie Brasserie overlooks the lovely Esplanade Tranquille. When we passed by, on a Tuesday evening, the public space named in memory of Henri Tranquille and his bookstore was not quiet at all! A Mutek concert was held there and the evening promised to be festive.
Posted at 11:00 a.m.
The project was born out of an association between the Holder brothers and the Auberge Saint-Gabriel team. It was Thomas Csano (Majestic, Darling, Le Petit Dep) who transformed the large bare and new space into a joyful and colorful dining room, as he does so well. One can only be intrigued by the huge metal ceiling lights recovered from an old roulathèque. The artist Camille Picher signs paintings of favorite musicians of Quebecers. Another noteworthy detail: the base of the counter is covered with a mosaic of old tarpaulins from Montreal apartments!
If you are disoriented by the environment, you are on familiar ground with the menu and the wine list. Galaxie is a Montreal brasserie, that is to say that there is a little bit of everything, between French classics (tartare, bavette/fries, poultry), Italian touches (including the inevitable pizza!) and Quebec favorites ( oysters, mushroom toast, roll). During our visit, chef Guillaume Lepage’s crudo was made with tuna caught in Gaspésie. You will recognize several other of our star local ingredients, such as Bobines trout, Stimpson’s surfclam, vegetables from this or that garden.
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PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Bobines trout is cooked on its skin and placed on a corn, chorizo and coriander stew.
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PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
The mushroom toast is accompanied by a very rich truffled veal jus.
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PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Red tuna, plums and jalapeno? Why not ?
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PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Who says brasserie says flank steak!
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PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Night in Oaxaca is the favorite cocktail of the bartender Choyce Kotori.
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PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Choyce Kotori has worked behind the bar on the West Coast, among other places.
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PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Thomas Csano is the mastermind behind a decoration that is not trivial. Here, we can clearly see the mosaic of old linoleum that adorns the bar.
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PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Guillaume Lepage has worked for the catering services of Hoogan and Beaufort and the Auberge Saint-Gabriel, among others.
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Behind the bar, Choyce Kotori makes excellent cocktails (with or without alcohol). Nothing extravagant, but our Night in Oaxaca, based on mezcal, was executed to perfection. On the wine side, the menu developed in consultation with experienced sommelier Jean-Benoît Hinse focuses on reasoned, accessible choices, with an already generous selection that will continue to grow.
In short, for a classic restaurant experience in a funky setting, head to Galaxie, seven nights a week and lunchtimes from Wednesday to Friday.
1414 Clark Street, Montreal