This text is part of the special Plaisirs booklet
The aperitif platter is a must for convivial and festive gatherings. Even if we love to improvise combinations, it may be easier to rely on the expertise of caring professionals who arrange magnificent platters between land and sea.
The urban aperitif
Mélanie Cos and Quentin Quesse, originally from southwestern France, were all the rage during the summer in Montreal parks by offering three different boxes of local cold meats and fine cheeses to enjoy in the great outdoors. There are several variations, including a vegetarian box that includes three Quebec cheeses, a veggie pâté, hummus, green olives, pickles and a sliced baguette. The caterer offers his boxes for home delivery.
The cheese board
As its name suggests, La Planche à fromage suggests assortments of themed boards of artisan cheeses from several Quebec companies such as the Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac. In the form of a monthly subscription, four to six cheeses are assembled by a cheese maker and delivered to your home. Lesser-known vegan products and cheeses are also available in limited quantities.
Fishmonger Odessa
When the sea tempts guests, Odessa Poissonnier is the perfect choice to start the festivities. The catering service offers a large selection of seafood and fish platters, including the L’Éphémère oyster tasting box, which changes its variety every year. In addition, oysters are accompanied by their description: age, origin, taste, etc. Each oyster has been selected by a chef including the renowned Chuck Hughes. Reservations must be made 72 hours before the event.
Food Come
This butcher specializing in cold cuts, supplier to several renowned restaurants in Montreal, has been offering excellent take-out choices since 2017. Currently, there are three platters designed especially for the holiday season. The deli meats, a must-see of the place, presents a selection of artisanal pork, marinated vegetables, dried fruits and breadsticks. A cheese platter from Quebec and another of canned European seafood are also available.
Blue & marbled
Seven platters of aperitif delights are set up at the charming boutique on avenue du Mont-Royal Est. That of the Terroir will delight the taste buds of lovers of local products, while the Cousin and Le Voyageur platters, made of European cheeses, will provide food for adventurers in search of elsewhere. To this offer are added charcuterie platters such as the Plancha charcuterie which includes a country pâté, bresaola, smoked ham, and more! All accompanied by dried fruit and croutons.
Granny Bar
Le Bar Mamie is a board bar located in La Petite-Patrie where it is possible to get assemblies of aperitifs, made up of cold cuts and Quebec cheeses, various condiments as well as a fish of the day, to take away. The Bar Mamie also has a nice wine list in private imports; you can therefore add a bottle to your order. Delivery is only offered within a limited radius.
Hamel cheese dairy
As for this family business, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, the selection is very interesting. Several sizes of homogeneous or mixed boxes are available according to your desire of the moment. Roquefort, Comté or goat cheese, Serrano ham, dates, walnuts, jelly… The products can be local or imported. For large groups, we aim for the Artisan or Charcutier box.
Sharcootery
The young Quebec company Sharcootery is above all specialized in making boxes for brunch. Its know-how has extended to the gourmet experience of the aperitif, because there are three formats of boxes to enjoy in good company for all kinds of occasions. The company serves Montreal, the South Shore and the North Shore within a radius of 35 km. You can also choose the halal or vegan version of the proposals.
Small hollow Corsica
Corsican-inspired, this wine bar located on Cartier Avenue in Quebec City offers an aperitif box to take away and delivery on its menu. There are homemade charcuterie, pork rillettes, liver pâté with spices, an assortment of cheeses and other culinary delights. Why not take the opportunity to add a few bottles of Corsican wine from the Mediterranean basin!
As an aperitif
Launched by the young entrepreneur Dominique Gabias in 2019, À apéro is aimed at a wide audience; its offer is gigantic! Whether for an aperitif for 2 vegans or for 5 to 7 employees of 15 people, the company meets the demand. A variety of cheeses, cold cuts, savory and sweet bites, fruits, vegetables, tofu, hummus and many other fine products are arranged in a fan shape on the platters.