Smokin' up Some Brunch

The Pitch

Southern-style barbecue options abound in Montreal's present-day restaurant scene; look back a decade ago and all we had were rotisserie chicken joints.  Bofinger pioneered the movement in 2007, followed by Le Boucan in 2010; then the genre exploded with Blackstrap, Diablos and Dinette Triple Crown.

While not the most hyped of the bunch, Le Boucan has quickly gained a foothold in its Little Burgundy neighborhood.  With its diminutive dining room filled on a nightly basis, the only option at expansion was to add a second outpost – which took place in January of this year on Rosemont's Masson promenade.  Today I was invited here to sample the newly-introduced brunch menu; a first for either location.

tagged:  BRUNCH

The Mood

The second offshoot's interior is a departure from its older sibling.  Asides from additional square footage and ceiling height, the décor is less rugged and makes extensive use of wood and tile paneling.  By the time I showed up at 1:30PM, the space was sparsely-occupied; perhaps I dodged the crowd, or locals could be outdoors enjoying a final stretch of Indian summer.

tagged:  WHERE IS EVERYBODY?

The Food

So what does a smokehouse brunch look like?  Le Boucan suggets an elevated, decadent take on classics such as french toast, waffles and tourtière; with strong smoky/charred notes prevailing.  The meats take on a supporting role and the Southern influence is obvious in both food – bourbon cherries, refried beans, cornbread – and drink – peach/habanero or corn/tonka bean mimosas.

$17

$17

Hawaii Five-O French Toast

"coconut, smoked ham, grilled pineapple, bourbon confit cherries, coconut-vanilla english cream"

$16

$16

Veggie "Bruche"

"toast, fried beans, plantain fritter, mexican cheese, grilled poblano & tomatillo, ancho oil, habanero sauce"

tagged:  ORIGINAL DRINKS

The Verdict

As a fan of Le Boucan's original location, the addition of brunch to the BBQ house‘s repertoire brings me joy mixed with jealousy towards Rosemont dwellers.  If, like me, you reside closer to the Notre-Dame base, a trek over to Masson may be in order.  But it won't be for too long; apparently brunch can spread like wildfire; shhh…

Price per person:  $25.50