Vivalia Bistro Express Gives Le Gros Jambon Diner a Salad, Kombucha Makeover

The principals behind Vivalia, a trader of organic foods, have taken over the former Le Gros Jambon/Cantine L'Orignal (once featured prominently on The Daily Show) on Notre-Dame Ouest in hyperactive Old Montreal. Vivalia Bistro Express, from Jean-Paul Widmer and Fernando Petruzziello, will serve as a brick-and-mortar restaurant extension of the company's wholesome ethos. More on Widmer here (edited for clarity): "Jean-Paul Widmer is a Swiss-raised, second-generation professional chef. He has travelled extensively throughout the world, and experienced diverse food cultures and diets. Inspired by his kids and wife, who have cooked alongside him in his kitchen at home, he has been led to eat healthier and to ultimately start his organic vegan food line. Vivalia thrives to make a long-lasting and beneficial change to everyone’s lives."

With that ambitious goal in mind, Vivalia Bistro Express will feature a salad bar, hot buffet, and kombucha on tap, a Chowhound tipster recently observed. The restaurant will have a liquor permit, and plans to offer meals for takeout.