Francisco Randez On Edgar Hypertaverne Makeover

Francisco Randez comes off as a vibrant sort but the model, media personality and Hà partner (see photo above) recently took stock of his social calendar and made a discovery.

"I noticed that I don't go out anymore. I mean out. Why? On the Plateau, and even a bit further, there are no places for adults 35 and over. There's no way I'm going to a loud, cramped, uncomfortable club anymore. It's not going to happen."

Enter Edgar Hypertaverne, the Mont-Royal Est bar that closed this summer after over a decade in business. Randez has taken over the space and plans to reboot with a new look, courtesy architect/designer Francois-Martin Mortier d'Aumont, and a new name.

Food will be part of the mix too, thanks to chef Gavin Givaja, late of the Académie Culinaire, Le Sinclair, Apollo and Hôtel Place d'Armes.

"We're building the kitchen and menu now. It's very unique. Gavin has carte blanche to explore and express his personality. The format will be small plates to share. Between $8 and $15. I think it's a format that works well in Montreal right now."

Randez reports that the food will hint at Asian influences but will not stick to any one theme in particular. As for the beverage program, Randez wants "quality and variety."

Look for the facelift of Edgar Hypertaverne - new name and all - to open sometime in October, Wednesday to Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

[Photos: Randall Brodeur]

· All Plywood Reports [-EMTL-]