Chasse-Galerie, a New French Restaurant, Prepares to Soar on Saint-Denis

PLATEAU — The former Bastoun, on Saint-Denis below Rachel, has been made over as Chasse-Galerie, a French restaurant slated to open soon. The name of the new restaurant, from principals Christian David, Carl Gauthier, and Vianney Godbout-Lannister, refers to a folk tale about a group of voyageurs that makes a deal with the devil. There are references to La Chasse-galerie everywhere, of course; postage stamps, popular Québécois music and film, the La Pitoune ride at La Ronde, even the label for Unibroue's Maudite beer. Now the legend has inspired a restaurant — stay tuned for details as it prepares to welcome its first customers.

MILE END — Robin des Bois, the "resto bienfaiteur et bénévolat" on the Main, recently went under the knife for a round of spiffy renos. Full gallery of the restaurant's new look here.

Photo credit: Robin des Bois / Myriam Lafreniere

PLATEAU — Another Plateau-Mont-Royal fixture, Tampopo noodle house, recently unveiled an upgrade of its own. "On a travaillé fort pour que les rénovations de la semaine dernière se fassent le plus rapidement," management wrote. "Une toute nouvelle toilette, un nouveau mur en bois rough, la climatisation, des belles petites tablettes zen..."

Photo credit: Tampopo

LITTLE ITALY — Mercado, a new Mexican restaurant in the former Tartufo d'Oro from chef Fabian Enriquez (late of Old Montreal's Titanic) will hold its invite-only grand opening on Wednesday, July 6. Management writes that "Mercado's goal is to take the Montreal's Mexican food scene beyond the Taco. It puts forth a unique and creative Mexican inspired menu, for both dinner and brunch, which incorporates authentic Mexican flavours but with a modern twist. It offers the diners the opportunity to experience gourmet Mexican food in a modern and trendy environment, inspired by urban Mexican culture."

QUARTIER LATIN — Bar Passeport, a mainstay on the alternative Montreal music scene since 1982, closed over the weekend.