Taverne Gaspar : New kid in the old town |

All photo credits: Cindy Boyce, photographer

To invite someone is to take charge of his happiness
during the time he spends under your roof.
~Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

How could have I turn my back on the nicely presented invitation from Group Antonopoulos (owners of such places as restaurant Suite 701, Hotel Place d’Armes and Rainspa) that came with a bottle opener? A sweet touch that made me more eager in anticipation of the event’s day. And then it came, where among friends, fellow bloggers and journalists, we got to enjoy the evening and discover the cuisine of the new kid in town, Old Montreal restaurant, Taverne Gaspar. An old english style tavern with a twist and first class charm, sure to appeal to both locals and tourists.

As an interior designer, I always do a run through of the space’s decor and layout. My eyes locked on the rough but charming interior of the modern tavern with its bricked walls, beautifully strewed with wooden elements, all conceived by the team at Camdi Design. The lighting design is simple yet vintage styled with single bulb as fixtures for some of them. The presence of darkly tainted mirrors such as the one hovering above the length of the room, ads more light and first glass elegance to the space. The words ‘men’s club’ came to mind as my first impression. I wouldn’t have been surprised if a bunny (as in Playboy bunny) would step out serving us a drink! The interior and stand-alone ambiance does have that masculine flair and charisma, but worry not, it is only an impression – ladies are of course welcomed. I sure did!

While enjoying a pre-meal cocktail to mingle with the attending guests, I see a gentleman filling a row of shooter glass with whisky. My eyes wanders about the room, and I realise that each seat had its row of shooter glasses waiting for the same treatment. He sees the frown on my face and understood my silent concern. «No worries miss, it’s for the tasting». What a relief! Being ‘wasted’ was definitely not on my menu that night. Nor is it ever…

After the guests were all seated, the dinner was ready to commence. It started with a short class of Whiskey or preferably Bourbon 101, and got to taste 7 kinds of them, including a majority of Jim Beam Bourbon – definitely the real kind. A definite savvy way to start the night! Did you know that to be called a Bourbon, the whiskey needs to come from the United States? All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon… The bests are from Kentucky. (Visit www.jimbeam.com for more info on the subject).

Our throats fully warmed up, taste buds gleefully awaiting more flavors, we were ready for some solids. The rest of the night was spent conversing and eating and laughing, and more eating if not most items on the menu starting with finger food like the mini pies trio of beef & blue cheese, chicken pot and a tourtiere, then straight to appetizers like a beet salad, then oozing into in-mouth satisfaction with scallops and pork belly, and their signature burger, the Tavern burger with manchego, spicy aioli and onion rings (true-burger-addict-approved!), to name a few. I enjoyed most of what I ate, especially the main course dishes. With some dishes, though respecting tradition like the lobster slider, I would have appreciated a twist say, a different bread for that particular one. But other than that, I was very satisfied. As the dinner was done tapas-style, I am not sure of the actual size the plates are normally served to an indivudual. A go-back is thus required.

If I would need to recommend one menu item to try before you leave the Tavern, is their amazing pecan pie. We often skip dessert, but pray, do not skip on this. Trust me and all who were seated with us that night who savored on it. It’s literally to die for…

As the menu is a nice mix of tradition and contemporary, it’s easy to choose your meal with your emotions, from nostalgia to adventure. You can also benefit from their daily specials where duck confit and braised pork shank are part of.

To go back to Brillat-Savarin’s quote, Taverne Gaspar and Group Antonopoulos excelled in taking charge of our happiness then for a great part of happiness lies in the precious time spent with friends, and even strangers, with great conversations and laughter, over an amazing meal – food for thoughts, food for soul. And this is exactly what we experienced at Taverne Gaspar. For every situation, choose your moment of happiness, and at Taverne Gaspar, with the right party, you’re sure to find it.

Dining in great company. Here with fellow blogger Patrick of men's fashion blog Je Suis L'aristocrate

Taverne Gaspar is run by Zach Suhl, ex-owner of the resto-pub Brunoise and its kitchen by Mario Guerrera, former executive chef at the W Hotel and sous chef at restaurant Cube. Located and recuperated from an old 19th century factory, Taverne Gaspar seats 120 guests indoor and 60 on their terrace on De la Commune. The copper covered bar is a beautiful design focal point where guests can often find themselves observing a ‘fish scaler’ preparing oyster and seafood platters. Local beers are offered as well as their housebrand’s. A definite must!

Live. Laugh. Love.

I N F O

The door: 89 de la Commune E. Montreal, QC , H2Y 1J1 (view map)