Montreal has a new restaurant to make a big impression. Hiatus throne at 45e and 46e floors of Place Ville Marie, where the observatory was located. From July 27, normally, it is by tasting Japanese-inspired cuisine in a chic space that we can look down on the metropolis.
Yoann Therer has a good track record. The Quebecer was chef at the famous L’Abattoir restaurant in Vancouver, after having worked at Araxi (Whistler). Back in Montreal for a year and a half, he made a brief stint at Mousso. His right-hand man, Iari Prassi, spent time on Floating Island. Olivier Vigneault, from Jatoba, will take care of the raw fish. In the dining room, we reconnect with a few former employees of the defunct Pastel, including Alexandre Plourde as executive director and sommelier Olivier Butcher. With well-crafted cocktails: Tim Robertson.
Hiatus is part of the A5 Group portfolio and will arguably be the most upscale offering from owners of Jatoba, Nomi, HÀ Vieux-Montréal and many other establishments.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
This fresh bluefin tuna is served on the beautiful dishes of Montreal potter Makiko Hicher.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
This milk roll will only make two bites!
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Depending on where you are seated, at the Hiatus you can see Mount Royal, downtown or the south.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The kitchen team also has a spectacular view.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Part of the Hiatus team: Alexandre Plourde (executive director), Stéphane Pilon (A5), chef Yoann Therer, Mia Abarbanel (maitre d’hôtel) and Alexandre Besnard (A5).
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
At 45e floor, there is a café open during the day.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
At 45e floor, this more subdued bar is perfect for a happy hour.
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Initially, Alexandre Besnard, Stéphane Pilon and the other members of the A5 team had thought of creating a sushi restaurant, but the menu took another turn, still very inspired by the Land of the Rising Sun, but without the rice. The plates are worked with an almost maniacal meticulousness, to delight the pupils as much as the taste buds.
The room designed by Sid Lee Architecture also celebrates this refined aesthetic that one might associate with Japan, but which in fact is inspired by the Public Hotel in New York. Light wood is everywhere. The walls and furniture of the Montreal studio Vaste are made of it. The dishes are the work of an excellent local ceramist, Makiko Hicher.
On one side of 46e floor, there is the dining room. On the other, private rooms that can be used for professional meetings or groups wishing more privacy. The bar which overlooks the south is also of a certain splendor.
Hiatus is also 45e floor which will be open at lunchtime for a quick experience, with an offer of bento boxes. The space, whose atmosphere is completely different, with its low ceilings and more subdued atmosphere, will be open for 5 to 7.
1 Place Ville Marie, Montreal