Wine bars, refreshments, or places of small pleasures!

UPGRADE DAY

For the past few years, the effervescence of wine bars, or refreshment bars, has been in full swing. We can certainly link this boiling to an increased curiosity among Quebecers not only to drink local, but to drink natural – read here without inputs – products from small vineyards on a human scale. 

The wine bar is therefore the ideal place to gather with friends to discover pretty pinards that are rather rare on the market and where, sometimes, food becomes secondary.

You want to discover refreshments? Here are some recommendations! 

Vinvinvin 

Here is a very nice neighborhood refreshment bar which will particularly interest novices in the field, in particular thanks to a wine list with very playful appellations. From the outset, it is divided into two categories: “quiet” (without bubbles) and “not quiet” (with bubbles), then we are directed to revealing keywords, which will facilitate our choice; “mineral”, “thirsty”, “stars”, “punk” and “Chubby”. A wide selection of Quebec beers and spirits is also offered, which we wash down with small dishes that are not lacking in originality. An address to discover!

► vinvinvin.ca

► 1290 Beaubien Street East, Montreal 

Denise Coffee 

You have to venture a bit into the Parc–Extension district to come across this gem of a bar, where you can also eat very well. As soon as you enter, you are charmed by the warm place, with controlled eclecticism. Then we are taken care of by the charismatic Morgane Muszynski, who will skilfully play the puzzle to seat us. We drink very good nature that makes us travel, while feasting on small Japanese dishes by chef Marc Villanueva. You have to take the beef temaki!

► cafedenise.ca

► 386 Beaumont Avenue, Montreal < /p>

Pullman 

Impossible to talk about wine bar without mentioning the Pullman. We owe a huge debt to this institution in the making, for having cleared the ground for this style of restaurant in Quebec. Even after 19 years of existence, it is still a pleasure to settle there at the beginning or the end of the evening and enjoy a sensational wine list, ultra-competent staff and a vibrant atmosphere. All accompanied by oysters, as well as some dishes that have been on the menu for almost always: steamed green beans with truffle oil and almonds, mini bison burgers, or cheddar and bacon gougères.

► pullman-mtl.com

► 3424, avenue du Parc, Montreal 

The Fox and the Owl 

Bons vivants Thania Goyette and Louis Bouchard Trudeau – to whom we owe the Pied bleu (and one of the best blood sausages in Quebec!) – are behind Le Renard and La Chouette. This place, like their welcoming and jovial personality, is conducive to letting go and sharing. You can drink well there, at any time of the day, then they serve gourmet cuisine where the table can be filled with pies flambée, vegetable dishes, scoundrels and homemade cheeses. The wine list is full of privately imported products, all at reasonable prices. Dare to discover, and trust the team!

► lerenardetlachouette.com

► 638, rue Saint-Vallier Ouest, Québec< /strong> 

Kaviar 

Don't be intimidated by the homophone Kaviar, referring more to the “cave” prefix. and the suffix ” art ” than luxurious sturgeon eggs. Well nestled a stone's throw from the Quartier des Spectacles, this counter offers an impressive selection of wines by the glass, as well as a savory menu perfectly suited for a pre-show aperitif, or even before dinner. We appreciate the work of the team (and of a radiant host) to give themselves the means to make such a wide selection of wines accessible, for all tastes and budgets. 

Notice to caviar lovers (or curious)… You will also be in the right place to break the ice with a “caviar bump ” !

► kaviarmtl.com

► 30 Sainte-Catherine Street West, Montreal 

< h3>Scott Bar 

With its 30 seats at most, its relaxed but very professional service, a solid savory offer and a wide selection of wines, beers and ciders, Buvette Scott is a landmark for bon vivants. If we like the warm and vibrant side that this place exudes, we like even more what is on the plate and the glasses. The perfect plan? Descend natural bubbles from Quebec with duck ham and a dozen oysters, continuing with seasonal vegetables skillfully prepared with a just delicacy, which will go beautifully with a white from Eastern Europe. A place where happy hour can quickly turn into an evening plan.

► buvettescott.com

► 821, rue Scott, Quebec 

Buvette Gentille 

If you plan to spend a few days in Charlevoix in the next few months – and you're the type to plan your getaway according to your stomach – a stop at the Buvette Gentille will not be regrettable at all. The menu is full of magnificent products from the region, the latter worked in a concise way, sometimes with a touch of audacity. We love the reasoned wine list dotted with small discoveries, many of which are offered by the glass. Be careful, you absolutely have to book… And do it in advance.

► fauxbergers.com

► 73, rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Baie-Saint-Paul 

Bernache Café and Buvette 

When opening the Bernache café and refreshment bar in 2022, the basic idea was to create a gathering place not too far from downtown Sherbrooke, where wine was essentially the flagship product. Then, it was by getting our hands on a pearl in the kitchen – Céline Thiélin by her name – that the savory offer also became just as inspiring. To drink, the sommelier's approach is to work only with craftsmen who respect both nature (no chemicals in the vines) and the process (no input during vinification). This philosophy is not new to co-owner Samuel Lessard-Beaupré, who applies the same values ​​to coffee and micro-roaster Géogène, who is also its co-founder. We are therefore guaranteed to drink (very) well, from cup to cup!

► facebook.com/bernachecafebuvette

► 1120 , rue Prospect, Sherbrooke

Tommy Dion is a food columnist/critic and founder of the web platform and gourmet guide www .lecuisinomane.com