DOMINION DOMINATES DOWNTOWN

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Say hello to Dominion Square Tavern, a unique gastro-pub that comes as a most-appreciated addition to the downtown Montreal restaurant and bar scene.

Opened in late December 2009 by Alex Baldwin (of the fashionable Baldwin Barmacie) and Alexander Wolosianski (of the legendary Whiskey Café), Dominion Square Tavern is rapidly turning into the darling destination of the Montreal in-crowd.

“Until now there was no real midrange restaurant downtown. Your choices were either a really haut-de-gamme restaurant or Peel Pub”, says Wolosianski.

Built in a 1926 building, Dominion is one of Montreal’s oldest taverns. It was also one of the first gay bars of Montreal in the 1960s. The vintage Dominion Square Tavern sign actually still hangs in the back alley.

Today, it is a tasteful bistro reminiscent of old England, Paris and New York. The space has been completely revamped, keeping original elements such as the stained glass and the iron shields that are displayed high on the walls and remind us of Canada’s history.

On the menu you’ll find delicious and comforting items such as pork knuckles, braised lamb, mussels and bacon, marinated mackerel and pan-seared salmon.

Nothing extravagant, but definitely fresh, “with about 80% of all products coming from Quebec”, says Dominion’s chef (and ex-chef of Leméac), Eric Dupuis.

During the day, a table d’hôte menu is served for 16$ including a daily appetizer and a choice of either fish or meat as a main course. Chances are you’ll be eating that meal next to a Stickeman lawyer or Sunlife advisor since the tavern is located at the heart of Montreal’s business quarter.

In the evening, the crowd “trendifies”, as movie-goers, hockey fans and concert ticket holders rush to the nearby Scotia Bank Cinema and Bell Centre.

You’ll also bump into the occasional hipster who exceptionally dragged himself out of Montreal’s Mile End to go sit at the long copper bar and sip on a good whiskey – be it a Glenfiddich, Macallan 18 year, Bowmore 15 year, or a Johnnie Walker Blue Label…the choice is yours and the list is long.

A lot of time and research has obviously been invested into the place and it shows. Dominion Square Tavern is a brilliant combination of unpretentious food and prices, solid service and uncommon vision.

We wish Alex Baldwin and Alex Wolosianski much success, and long life to Dominion Square Tavern!

PS. The cool kids sit at the bar (next to 1915 replica coffee machine)

Dominion Square Tavern

1243 Metcalfe Montreal,

QC H3B 2V5

(514) 564-5056

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