MONTREAL — Laurier Gordon Ramsay has opened its doors, kick-starting a new era at the iconic Montreal location that housed Rotisserie Laurier BBQ for 75 years.
Laurier BBQ was an institution, so the move by Ramsay to reinvent the failing business was not necessarily embraced by critics. Nonetheless, the celebrity chef is clearly passionate about pleasing his patrons. “I’sm a control freak, so I want to get this one right first, focus on this one, silence the critics, let them know we haven’st damaged their goods,” he told The Canadian Press prior to opening.The Hell’s Kitchen star has put his stamp on his first Canadian restaurant, while also maintaining some of the charm of the original eatery. “Quebec-raised, grain-fed rotisserie chicken is prepared using the traditional restaurant recipe that dates back 75 years,” reads a Ramsay press release of the new menu, which will be executed by chef Guillermo Russo, formerly of Lucien and The Black Hoof in Toronto. “Burgers and smoky ribs share a billing with grilled salmon on a wood plank, a shrimp and crab roll and a porchetta sandwich with aioli and arugula. Perennial dessert favourites like carrot cake and sugar pie provide the perfect finishing touch.”
As for the restaurant design, the dining room includes banquettes for group dining, a theatre-style kitchen area for larger groups and a new bar area with a wine cellar.
Laurier Gordon Ramsay, located at 381 Laurier Ave. W., is open Sunday through Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
