“We are trying to change the perception and the soul of the Palais,” Emmanuelle Legault immediately emphasizes.
Recently, the Palais des congrès was talked about for the strong presence of itinerants and for its expansion plan on the ice. But it’s another project that the president and general manager of the place wants to discuss. But why is she in the company of Gaelle Cerf, who gave birth to street food in Montreal with the Grumman’78 truck?
Yes, Gaelle Cerf is in charge of the new Buvette des Lumières, set up at the Palais des congrès near the entrance to rue Saint-Antoine, at the corner of place Jean-Paul-Riopelle.
The refreshment bar opened quietly last September three days a week, from Tuesday to Thursday. Very recently, we decided to add a lunch menu.
What restaurant was in the premises next to the refreshment bar? The 3 Amigos… “That’s not the emblem of Montreal,” explains Emmanuelle Legault. “We want to show that we can offer something else at the Palais and show the DNA of Montreal. »
Gaelle Cerf is clearly a restaurateur who reaches out to people with values of quality and accessibility, both gastronomic and social. She co-founded Les Survenants, a non-profit organization to which we notably owe the First Fridays of street food at the Esplanade of the Olympic Park, and which last summer managed the café at the Viger square and the break -crust of Place Émilie-Gamelin. “We adapt the offer to the community,” she summarizes.
The closure of Grumman’78 in the middle of a pandemic and a diagnosis of breast cancer changed the vision of the work of the founder of the Association of Street Restaurateurs of Quebec. “I’ve been sick and I don’t want to get into traditional catering anymore. I find it perfect to have short-term projects. »
The Buvette des Lumières is therefore a “pilot project”, but its ephemeral nature is intended to inspire the holding of other events. “It’s big here, it leaves room for a lot of creativity,” underlines Gaelle Cerf.
Highlight artists? A pop-up during the Book Fair? Emmanuelle Legault wants the Palais des congrès to become something other than an anonymous place in people’s minds where international events are presented and which people cross quickly to avoid the cold. “We want to become a destination for Montrealers. You have to live in the place. »
La Buvette des Lumières certainly makes you want to stop there. Because let’s be frank: the current food offering (Subway, Tim Hortons, Burger King) does not highlight Montreal gastronomy.
Since La Buvette des Lumières is located in the heart of the action, Gaelle Cerf and her team cannot count on a full kitchen. “We have a panini press and a few induction hobs,” she says before ordering a few dishes. You’ll see, what we’re going to eat is basic. »
It’s too modest, we realize after tasting the arctic char crudo (from the Opercule urban fish farm in Ahuntsic!), the celery root salad and the beef tartare served with bagel croutons.
Gaelle Cerf and her team – including Maxime Rousseau and Samuel Beaulieu – are in test mode, it was said. It was recently, for example, that they decided to offer online reservations with Libro and take part in MTLàTABLE. They also want to host private events. “We didn’t know what to expect, so we listened and adapted. »
It is known that Emmanuelle Legault is asking the provincial government that the Palais des congrès be expanded, especially since Quebec has already spent millions to expropriate land east of Saint-Urbain Street.
Eventually, the current facilities will not be able to accommodate certain large-scale events. In the meantime, the Palais des congrès is nevertheless practically full for the next two years. The last financial year was even record-breaking for the economic impact of the 280 events hosted.
In addition to presenting immersive exhibitions with Oasis, the Palais des congrès now has themed zones on its floors. One on the St. Lawrence River and another in an après-ski setting. The goal is to highlight Quebec’s tourist attractions. “Conference organizers no longer want a traditional venue. You have to have added value,” argues Emmanuelle Legault.
But why would the Buvette des Lumières remain ephemeral? “I just want to be a mentor here,” Gaelle Cerf responds.
“Gaelle and I have lots of ideas,” promises Emmanuelle Legault enthusiastically.
