Cute New Lunch Counter Brings Tartines and Fried Chicken Sandwiches to Plateau

Here’s a new lunch tip for the Plateau — Julian’s Comptoir Gourmand has opened up on Mont Royal (at St-Urbain), with light meals from two longtime staff of Villeray Spanish restaurant Tapeo.

Co-owner Danny Van Dam, a ten-year manager at Tapeo, opened Julian’s in recent days with Ruben Sa Pimentel, a waiter for several years at the Villeray institution.

“We wanted something that was a bit more low key, open during the day.”

(Indeed, there is nobody named Julian involved here — it’s partly a play on the word julienne, given the veg-friendly menu.)

Much of that menu — and the space itself — is rather green, sporting plenty of west coast vibes. Salads and tartines figure prominently on the menu. The salads stay simple (and will change seasonally), with bulkier items optional, such as house-made salmon gravlax, vegan croquettes, or a yellowfin tuna tataki.

Then for tartines, there’s a salmon option with sour cream, balanced out with marinated cucumber, onion, and fennel; a mushroom spread with a poached egg; and an avocado toast.

Julian’s Comptoir Gourmand/Supplied

In the sandwich department, Julian’s steps into heavier territory. Montreal may not be much of a fried chicken sandwich town, but not here, with a buttermilk-dipped piece of poultry, fried and served with slaw on a brioche bun with hot sauce.

“It’s spicy sweet and salty at the same time.”

Julian’s Comptoir Gourmand/Supplied

Lastly, there’s coffee and desserts — think café-style options — that will change daily.

The space itself it quite charming — converted from what was previously pita sandwich spot Falafel Avenue, it features a mural of plants and plenty of soft colours.

Julian’s Comptoir Gourmand/Supplied

STATUS — Julian’s Comptoir Gourmand is open at 111 Mont-Royal Avenue West from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed Monday.

• Julian’s Comptoir Gourmand [Official]