A few blocks from the Jean-Talon market, in a section of rue Bélanger that does not look like much, Rose de mai surprises with its refined side that combines quality, simplicity and proximity.
Posted at 3:00 p.m.
Arnaud Pessione (former manager of Café Replika, Italian of origin who grew up in France) and Samantha Puth (senior graphic designer at ELLE Quebec and ELLE Canadaborn to Cambodian parents) have been serving coffee beans there since August, from Café PS, a small Montreal roaster that forges close ties with producers.
“Offering quality in a very short space of time” is the mission given to the couple behind Rose de Mai, a name reminiscent of that of the house where Arnaud Pessione grew up. “In a gourmet meal, you’ll stay three hours, while in a cafe, you’ll serve the best coffee with good service in a three-minute condensed,” he observes.
-
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
In the cup, we offer the beans of Café PS, a Montreal roasting house whose workshop is located behind the Gia restaurant.
-
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Samantha Puth and Arnaud Pessione serve coffees, teas, hot chocolates, pastries and sandwiches.
-
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
The aesthetics of the place and the furniture were created by Montreal designer and cabinetmaker of Japanese origin Mitz Takahashi.
-
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
The pastries are “picked” every morning at the Joe la Croûte bakery.
-
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
A variety of sandwiches are offered.
-
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Rose de mai is located at the corner of Bélanger and Saint-Vallier streets.
1/6
This quality is also evident in the spice blend of the homemade chai latte and in that of the pumpkin latte, for which he roasts his squash grown organically in the Eastern Townships. In the biscuits and tiramisu cooked by Samantha too, as well as in the ingredients purchased from local merchants (pastries from Joe la Croûte, meats from Pascal le Boucher, teas from Camellia Sinensis).
On the menu for lunch, the ham and cheese croissant sits alongside the bánh mì and the marinated green papaya salad, Samantha’s family recipe. All served in a minimalist space signed by designer and cabinetmaker Mitz Takahashi. A must detour after a visit to the market.
500 Belanger Street, Montreal