To Market, To Market

It’s no secret that we love Le Richmond. We have been raving about this outstanding restaurant since it opened a few short years ago (Click here, here and here to read more!). Located in Griffintown, the restaurant has made quite a name for itself as a must try in Montreal. In a city like Montreal, however, where there are thousands of restaurants to choose from, even the best have to keep innovating if they want maintain their place at the top. Le Richmond is doing just that with the freshly opened Richmond Italian Market. Equal parts bistro, take-out deli, locally sourced market and quality goods gift shop, the Richmond Italian Market aims to blur the lines between their kitchen and yours.

Last week we were invited to come take a tour of the new market and sample some of the food they will be serving in the bistro. Featuring a full menu for those who wish to enjoy a meal in the beautifully decorated new space, the bistro menu features delicious pizzas, pastas, freshly prepared fish, meats and poultry and of course, delectable desserts. The bistro will be open for brunch as well as lunch and dinner.

The market section of the Richmond Italian Market features prepared dishes that can be eaten in or taken out and makes an excellent alternative to those leftovers you dread eating out of a paper bag, a fourth day in a row. They also serve up cuts of cured meats, local cheeses and produce that they use themselves in both their kitchens. Each of the curated products that sit on the shelves of the market have been taste tested to ensure that we are bringing home only the best. From delicious teas to an array of imported olive oils, pastas, chocolates, jams, produce and so much more, the Richmond Italian Market is a one-stop shop for both unique and refined taste.

While seated in the bistro at the market we sampled a lightly battered calamari in spicy aïoli (pictured above), roasted eggplant and ricotta in a homemade tomato sauce (pictured above), macaroni and cheese featuring 4 Quebec cheeses, a delicious, lightly salted cod in a white wine sauce and more. Each dish we tried was bursting with rich flavour and we could easily recommend each dish without a doubt.

Going a step further than just providing quality foods, le Richmond Italian Market also provides a very unique service. Say you’re preparing a dinner for four and you don’t have time to shop. With a little advanced notice, the staff at the market can prepare a basket of food for you based on what you want to do for dinner. This is an astounding way to develop a relationship with your clients that goes beyond a simple transaction.

Le Richmond Italian Market is a warm and open environment with an inspiring attention to detail that makes perusing the shop that much more fun. Large windows fill the space plenty of natural light while the massive, honey coloured wooden posts and ceramic tile floor maintain the spaces warmth.

Expanding a restaurant’s concept beyond the tradition of pulling into a table and being served food is a great way to pull ahead of the crowd and keep people talking. Le Richmond has done a great job with their market and once you’ve tried it, like us, you’ll be hooked too.

Photo credit: David Major-Lapierre

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