Remember Your Roots

Many of today’s hottest neighbourhoods in Montreal got off to a gritty and very practical start. Both Griffintown and Hochelaga were both centres for tanning leather goods. La Tannerie on Ontario east in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is a bring-your-own-wine restaurant that pays homage to the neighbourhood’s roots in name, style and substance. 

At a recent media event, we all trekked out to east to La Tannerie to get a taste of what they are cooking up. The restaurant is beautifully designed to feel like your kitchen at home. Cream coloured paneling with rough barn wood floors creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The large windows allow natural light to pour in across the restaurant as well. Subtle winks to the history of the area like pieces of tanned leather, plaid coats and candles are also wonderful touches. Three booths create a level of privacy that allows for a more intimate evening. La Tannerie also has a beautiful second dining room that can be reserved for extra special events.

La Tannerie is owned by the same guys who have found success with Le Blind Pig and the very well known P.A. Gargantua food truck. They are no stranger to people pleasing and La Tannerie will be no exception. These guys are passionate about their neighbourhood and want to draw more people in. The chef, Paul-André Piché has done a wonderful job of reinventing delicious scotch eggs (by removing the sausage and using blood pudding instead – brilliant) and serving up mouthwatering creations like Char, Magret de canard and so much more. They feature a concise selection of meal choices that change at varying intervals which makes it easy to return again and again.

We ended our evening with an excellent dessert from the newly opened neighbouring Gargantua Grilled Cheese Counter. The desert was an cranberry apple crumble that topped a delicious grilled cheese sandwich; a warm way to end our experience at the restaurant.

La Tannerie is an excellent addition to the neighbourhood and will no doubt continue to draw curious crowds into Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. You can check out their Facebook page to see more of what they have to offer.