A New Neighbourhood Café and Shop Opens in Little Italy | Eater Montreal

"Tucked into the block where the fruiterie once stood at Beaubien and Casgrain, this grocery-store–plus–café was created by Dominique Goupil with counter seating for twelve and room for a terrasse in non-pandemic times. Intended to open in April but delayed to early December by COVID-19 and the discovery of a mystery brick wall during renovations, it now operates on a busy strip of Beaubien East. I see the care the team put into the space everywhere—from an old-school washbasin with floral-herby soaps to shelves laden with local and organic products (Le Conserverie preserves, maple syrup from Larguer les Samares, Gutsy kombucha, Fou du cochon pork, and pantry items from Chuck Hughes and Stefano). Chef Dominic Lefranc works in the open kitchen preparing “bouffe-maison” such as comforting casseroles, velouté soups, and grilled vegetables, while Goupil’s jarred homemade tomato sauce with pork and spicy Italian sausage is artfully displayed next to ceramic cups by Caroline McClish. Customers can expect daily sourdough and pastries from Toledo on Mont Royal, ZAB coffee from Paquebôt, floral bouquets from Leslylas, Québec cider from Choinière orchard and wine from Vignoble des Pins, plus a daily-changing menu of sandwiches and salads (I recently saw a vegan fried eggplant sandwich and a corned beef with pickle). Goupil says she wants a place that will be part of the neighbourhood, offering good food, good bread, flowers, and simple, homey meals." - Ivy Lerner-Frank