“They’ve done it again” was my first impression when I walked in to the dimly lit restaurant with a very bright future. The latest brainchild from acclaimed local restaurateurs (and husband and wife team) Travis Champion and Monika Terlecki is sure to delight locals and tourists. I’ve known Travis and Monika for over a decade (man I’m getting old) and have come to appreciate and respect their fine taste for all things culinary and their attention to the details that make dining out experiences memorable ones.
Two years ago, Monika and Travis were part of the 5-member team that founded one of the most successful restaurants to have launched in the city over the past decade. Looking for a new challenge - and location - Monika and Travis found a gem at 479 Saint Alexis, in Old Montreal, on the corner of Notre Dame (head down McGill, turn right on Notre Dame, and the first street after Saint Pierre is Saint Alexis).
Like many of the standout restaurants in the Old Port, you won’t find any signs donning the entrance, but once you find L’Orignal, you’ll know exactly how to find your way back, thanks to the menu that greets you and the friendly team that serves you.
The location is in a greystone on one of the more quiet streets of our Old City. Words can’t describe the atmosphere, but one word of caution: make sure you don’t walk through the glass entrance that greets (maybe it was the wine/martini/scotch… but I digress).
Of course, any dining experience boils down to food, and not surprisingly, I was quite impressed.
Some of the starters will leave you wanting more: the lamb mini burgers in particular are insanely tasty.
L’Orignal offers an impressive array of tartares that cater to vegetarians (cucumbers) and meat lovers (tuna, salmon, duck, beef). But with a name like L’Orignal, you the focus will be on meat and seafood.
Filet mignon, veal shank, fish and chips, bison meat and a mushroom risotto are just some of the dishes that catch one’s eye on the menu, which ranges from $18 to $52 (for an intriguing filet mignon with maple syrup whiskey!).
L’Orignal opens tonight… I’ll be there with moose antlers on!
Here are directions to L’Orignal.