Located in a old fire station, LABARAKE is a great spot for a 5 à 7 where one can enjoy a nice drink and urban comfort food.
Survival of the Fittest
It’s generally accepted that Montreal comes in second in North America as far as the highest number of restaurants per capita. With so much competition in one city it is not surprising to also see a huge turnover. So when a restaurant celebrates its one-year anniversary with pomp and circumstance, you know they are here to stay for a while. Such is the case for LABARAKE Caserne à manger.
LABARAKE was built inside an old fire house.
Location, Location, Location
LABARAKE looks very cool inside and out. The restaurant was built inside an old fire station at the entrance of the Angus Shops, today a Montreal East End historical urban landmark, which was once the former Canadian Pacific factory complex. The sleek open concept kitchen is quite impressive, I am a big fan of these.
Tuna lollipops!
Frenchified Nibbles
The restaurant’s menu is all about urban comfort food with a French twist. I was on the list of media guests invited to celebrate this anniversary while tasting the menu’s classic star dishes such as the Beef Tartar, Fish & Chips, Tuna Lollipops, as well as a sampling of the menu created by LABARAKE’s newest chef Joaquim Henri.
Chef on the Rise
Joaquim Henri is originally from France and he has worked under award-winning 3 Star Michelin Chef Jacques Chibois in France, as well as the sous-chef at Barocco/ Bocata and Auberge St-Gabriel in Montreal.
The kitchen at LABARAKE is open concept.
The Verdict
I was very much a fan of the restaurant’s ambiance, and the staff was very attentive and helpful. No doubt the terrace will be a packed in the coming summer months. Having only sampled a few bites I cannot comment on the full menu but the nibbles on hand were quite tasty overall, the Tuna Lollipops being my favorite. They are not reinventing the wheel here, just updating crowd favorites. I can totally see myself chilling here after a long day of work with friends and colleagues.
LABARAKE Caserne à manger
3165 Rue Rachel Est,
Montreal, Quebec
H1W 1A3
514-521-0777
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