The town of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville can consider itself lucky to have hosted the Mercat1484 since last February. The address, which fuses Peruvian and Iberian cuisine and carefully chosen wines, is the result of the collaboration between chef Mario Navarrete Jr and sommelier José Lopez.
It was destiny that brought together the two experienced restaurateurs. José Lopez – one of the pioneers of the tapas trend in Montreal with Casa Tapas and Pintxo, and who has his wine agency Sommelier Indépendant – was contacted by the owners of the premises. He immediately thought of Mario Navarrete Jr (Madre, Raza, Calleo) to join him, the two having already worked together more than 20 years ago.
-
PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
The ceviche at Mercat1484 perfectly combines tangy and slightly spicy, with a few grilled corn kernels that crunch under the bite.
-
PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Papas a la huancaina are revisited by the chef, with a “modern twist”.
-
PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
The wines chosen by José Lopez pair with the chef’s dishes.
-
PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
The sommelier’s selection of pisco
-
PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
The Pisco Sour, a classic Peruvian cocktail
1/5
What happens when two restaurant veterans team up? An assertive cuisine, with tangy, colorful and slightly spicy tones, with a welcoming and personalized service. The menu highlights Peruvian dishes revisited by the native Peruvian chef. The restaurant already has its classics: the ceviche which is bathed in a tasty leche de tigre, the papas a la huancaina, a dish of potatoes served with a spicy and creamy sauce that Mario Navarrete Jr enjoys breaking down, the lomo saltado, a dish beef, and the foie gras empanada – a recipe that the chef has had with him since 2005.
Quebec ingredients – duck breast, braised pork, halibut, marinated beets – sit harmoniously alongside Latin American ones. And a few nods to the sommelier’s Spanish origins brighten up the menu, like the octopus alla gallega.
-
PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
The warm colors of the room promise an enveloping experience.
-
PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
A private room can be reserved for groups who wish to experience Mercat1484.
-
PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Chef Mario Navarrete Jr (left) and sommelier José Lopez
1/3
As for drinks, the wine list put together by José Lopez reveals his preferences for organic Spanish wines, but also highlights Italy, France and even Argentina. “People want to travel. I serve them little gems that enhance Mario’s dishes,” exclaims José Lopez, who does not hesitate to offer food and wine pairings to the volunteers. If you prefer cocktails, don’t hesitate to order a Pisco Sour, a Peruvian classic, made with pisco imported by the sommelier.
In the evening, dishes can be chosen à la carte or in a five-course tasting formula, which includes dessert – a pleasure not to be sulked. The menu changes with the seasons, and is reinvented in a ceviche (Tuesday) and BBQ (Wednesday) formula. The restaurant is also open on Thursday and Friday lunchtime. There are therefore multiple opportunities to discover this newcomer from the South Shore who is sure to take you on a journey.
1484, rue Roberval, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
Visit the Mercat1484 website