Geppetto to Open El Gordo, With Tacos and Cocktails, in Little Burgundy

The complete makeover of a former antique store on the corner of Charlevoix and Notre-Dame Ouest is a few months away. Harvey Antiques will get a new lease on life as El Gordo, a bar and taco restaurant from Pizzeria Geppetto next door. Principal Geneviève Guertin, who also co-owns Le Bon Vivant down the street, offered some intel on her new project today. El Gordo will have a "simple menu, good vibe, and music," said the restaurateur.

The 35-seater will sport a prominent bar, with a tidy wine list, and an emphasis on beers and cocktails. Notable changes to the space include large windows on the Charlevoix side that open up onto the street. And, bonus, Guertin was kind enough to offer this preview of El Gordo's taco lineup:

Chorizo: Mexican chorizo, pickled onions, jalapeño jam, fried tiny cheese curds, salsa verde
Pollo feliz: Tomato, guajillo marinated, grilled chicken thighs, sour cream, smoked corn and poblano salsa, chicken chicharòn
Brisket: Spicy braised beef brisket, creamy apple, cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, crispy shallots
Barbacoa: Braised lamb or goat, Bulgarian feta, cilantro, mint and celery leaf salad, pickled tomatoes

Guertin and company expect to open El Gordo by mid to late April. A source familiar with the project adds: “There's a wraparound bar with hand-painted ceramic tiles from Mexico. On the Charlevoix side of the street, there will be 18 feet of windows. All the permits have been received and the construction is progressing well.” Check the floor plan below.