Jean-François Girard loves beautiful stories, those that make “dream and create hope”. When the former artistic director started in the restaurant business nine years ago, he first wanted to regain control of his own, to do something for him, but also to meet others.
Posted at 5:00 p.m.
This is how he found himself taking over, shortly after its opening, the Beaufort Bistro, on Saint-Zotique, in La Petite-Patrie. The name of the place was inspired by Francis Beaufort, a famous British hydrographer whose story immediately appealed to him.
But after nearly a decade in this cramped room and a pandemic that turned everything upside down, the restaurateur, who over the years has developed an event component and likes to welcome groups, has come to a realization: “Le Beaufort, for survive, had to move. » And it is on the Plaza Saint-Hubert, a commercial artery in which he says he believes a lot, that he found his new home.
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PHOTO MORGANE SHOCK, THE PRESS
A salmon gravlax with strawberries and dill, served on rösti with eggs Benedict, one of the main dishes for brunch.
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PHOTO MORGANE SHOCK, THE PRESS
Oysters with their mignonette
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PHOTO MORGANE SHOCK, THE PRESS
The owner takes care of the wine selection, which includes both more classic grape varieties and natural wines.
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PHOTO MORGANE SHOCK, THE PRESS
Italian coffee is in the spotlight at the Beaufort Bistro.
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In this former Reitmans boutique, he has created a large space tailored to his needs, ideal for large groups and other events. At the entrance, a window-counter allows you to order an Italian coffee on the go. Upstairs, a former dwelling uninhabited since the 1960s will become a speakeasy bar opening onto a roof terrace, a project that the owner hopes to complete in phase 2, next summer. And, icing on the cake, a large parking lot, behind the building, on Saint-André, will allow customers to get to the restaurant without worry.
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PHOTO MORGANE SHOCK, THE PRESS
Beaufort Bistro bar
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PHOTO MORGANE SHOCK, THE PRESS
Part of the dining room overlooks the Plaza Saint-Hubert. The wall is the creation of the painter Raphaël Montpetit.
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PHOTO MORGANE SHOCK, THE PRESS
The dining room is large and has several sections for groups.
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PHOTO MORGANE SHOCK, THE PRESS
Jean-François Girard is the owner of Beaufort Bistro.
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In the kitchen, chef Véronique Normand cooks a menu that includes several classics appreciated by customers, having evolved over the years like a good wine, such as the octopus plate, with its mashed corn, leek and fennel with pastis, chorizo , watermelon radish and Brussels sprout leaves. During the day, a hybrid brunch/lunch menu is offered, making the Beaufort Bistro one of the few places where you can have lunch in the area on weekdays (Wednesday to Sunday). There is always “Thérèse’s macaroni” on the menu for children, because Jean-François wants everyone to be welcomed at his restaurant. “We want to see friends, families, kids, teleworkers, bohemians, bankers, young people, the young at heart, solos who come to have a good time at the counter! “, he lists.
To celebrate this successful move and open the door to all these new great stories to tell, the Beaufort Bistro is organizing its official opening night on August 24 at 6 p.m., with guest chef Dominique Rioux. All you have to do is book your place to enjoy it!
6653 Saint-Hubert Street, Montreal