Lovers of hidden bars, in the spirit of clandestine bars (speakeasy), This is for you. The team behind Magpie pizzas is behind this new anonymous, intimate, chic and cosmopolitan, rather unique address: Magpie Magique.
Do you like secret addresses, are you not afraid to go through closed doors, or even dial a private code, to enter a subdued and mysterious universe, outside of time and above all outside of the world? Like the Big in Japan or the 4e Mur, Magpie Magique, located in the premises of the former Taverne Magpie, offers a relatively unique experience in the Montreal landscape.
Think: anonymous storefront (that of the old Tavern is completely intact) and secret entrance from the back, via Gilford. Again, it’s hard to guess what awaits us here. The only clue: a red light, a nod to Red Light. You finally have to open the door of “Takeaway deliveries” to discover Peter Popovic’s latest (Sparrow, Sardine, Corn). Soon, it will also be necessary to dial a secret code, sent by text message, since we intend to only let insiders who have reserved a reservation. For now, and to boost the opening, entry is still free.
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PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
In a subdued and eclectic atmosphere, we are offered a Persian-inspired menu, with tasty small dishes to share.
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PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
To drink: a list of classic cocktails, concocted with taste.
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PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
The Magpie Magique team, in order: Viliam Pretzelmayer (mixologist), Amin Eskandari (associate), Peter Popovic (associate), Kasra Bozorgzadeh (associate) and Chris Cristiano (chef)
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PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Hard to imagine what is hidden behind this anonymous door.
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Inside, it’s more of a subdued hotel lobby decor that awaits us. It takes a while for the eye to get used to it. Then the charm operates and we feel completely elsewhere, with a little music playing, surrounded by retro furniture, Venetian masks on the wall, Persian rugs on the floor and other low tables from Thailand.
If we have gone all out on the decoration, the food and drink menu remains rather short, although perfectly in tune, and surprisingly effective. As for drinks, classic cocktails are in the spotlight here (Manhattan, Moscow Mule, Negroni and a solid Sidecar, among others). To nibble on (because we come here for a light bite, no more), some divine plates to share, of Persian inspiration, this time: hummus with confit garlic, olives marinated in pomegranate molasses, roasted eggplant, mouhamara, etc. With pizza of the moment, of course. We come back to it to relax, certainly.
Open Thursday to Sunday, from 5 p.m.
380, rue Gilford, Montreal