L'Autre Version Decides to Close Before Costly Place Jacques-Cartier Revamp

Just as city hall prepares to spend $5 million to spruce up Place Jacques-Cartier for Montreal's 375th birthday, a well-regarded restaurant around the corner from the Old Montreal landmark has closed. L'Autre Version, which Le Devoir critic Jean-Philippe Tastet raved about a mere nine months, made the sad announcement today on Facebook. The statement divulges that after a summit with city officials last month, management calculated that L'Autre Version could not survive the lengthy makeover of Place Jacques-Cartier without financial support. "Malgré que ces projets apporteront beaucoup de richesse dans le Vieux-Montreal, nous avons pris la décision de mettre nos énergies ailleurs car je doutais fort qu'une entreprise comme la nôtre ait une chance de survie sans trottoir ni rue pendant près de 3 ans et sans aucun support financier, considérant l'expérience des 3 premiers mois (entre septembre et décembre) de ces travaux qui furent extrêmement dommageable pour nous."

Other restaurant owners have concerns about the city's plans for Place Jacques-Cartier too. The decision to pool terrasses in the centre of the square could pose problems for servers at peak pedestrian hours, some have noted. "I’m all for progress and creative innovation, but logistically this is going to be a nightmare. It makes no sense," Stevie B. Hamron, of Restaurant Harlow, told the Montreal Gazette.

There is some good news from L'Autre Version, however. Principal Jessie Lassonde will rebound on Bernard with partner Pierre Jean, and chef Marc-André Lavergne. The trio's new fish and seafood restaurant, Le Pier 66, will open in March.