At Silver Lake, Bar Restaurant puts French gastronomy in the spotlight

Malo, an iconic restaurant in the Silver Lake district for fifteen years, has disappeared from the Angeline culinary scene. But the locals quickly came back to life with Bar Restaurant, an establishment with French accents. Behind this project, we find the historic owner of Malo, Jeff Ellermeyer. "He wanted a more elegant establishment, to create a Parisian-style neo-bistro", describes Pierluc Dallaire. The owner of the premises then called on this young Quebecer – a restaurant consultant who distinguished himself by helping to launch and develop Botanica – to set up his new restaurant concept, which opened in early November.

After several months of renovation, Jeff Ellermeyer (who also evolves in design and entertainment) has swapped the subdued atmosphere of the 700 m2, dressed in red and black (à la Jeanne Mas), for a more refined decor. “He thought of Bar Restaurant as an artistic studio, with many paintings, large plants and original sculptures from his collection”, explains Pierluc Dallaire. "More than a restaurant, we wanted to offer a special atmosphere." To accompany this decor reminiscent of Monaco in the 90s, with its dried palm leaves, its large jars and its nude tones, he spoke to chef Douglas Rankin, who went through the kitchens of chef Ludo Lefebvre (Trois Mec et Petit trois ).

The latter replaced Malo's Mexican dishes with unconventional French cuisine. Thus, we find Lebanese influences in green beans accompanied by hummus and falafel; Japanese with wakame béarnaise sauce to spice up the pork; or even twists such as onion and mushroom soup, mussels with dijon mustard, an octopus with sweet potato mousse, and a lamb tartare. “A concise menu that will evolve according to the seasons”, specifies the Québécois, general manager of the places, who compares this restaurant to Mary Celeste, in the Marais in Paris. Menus, at $ 43 per vegetarian and $ 53 with meat, are also available to customers.

The French touch will also be found in the service: “We welcome as at home” for each of the 100 place settings, provides Pierluc Dallaire. Thus, a wine cart will be offered from table to table to offer these beverages for tasting.

After renovating the bar (no reservation), patio and restaurant area on the ground floor, the trio won't stop there. They plan in 2020 to renovate the floor which will be dedicated to the organization of events.