Good news: Maison Publique – the highly anticipated new restaurant of Montreal chef Derek Dammann and superstar cook Jamie Oliver – is opening its doors on Wednesday, October 10.

Last Saturday, I had the chance to celebrate my birthday during their soft opening brunch. I couldn’t have asked for a better present!

The Place
Located at the corner of Marquette and Gilford, Maison Publique is a charming British-style tavern. The ambience is cozy and unpretentious, just like a neighborhood pub should be. The space has an open kitchen, a 12-seat bar and a private dining room in the back. I also heard that a street-side terrace is planned for next summer.

Maison Publique: cozy and unpretentious, like a neighborhood pub should be.

Derek Dammann was the man behind Maison Publique’s concept and décor.

The partnership is the first Jamie Oliver’s investment in North American. But Derek Dammann was the man behind the concept and the décor. He was also the one developing the gastropub menu focused on Canadian ingredients.  And considering his experience, you can expect to find more than the usual fish and chips.

The Food
For the soft opening test run of their new brunch, Derek has prepared a menu including Haddock Chowder, Bison Tongue Sandwich, Muffins with Sausage & Eggs and Pancakes with Bacon & Pear Butter.

Maison Publique’s ‘soft opening’ brunch menu

We started with a Pepperoni Caesar that comes with this cute little serving of seafood. The presentation was impeccable and the drink was perfectly seasoned. One of the best Bloody Caesar’s I’ve ever had.

Maison Publique’s Pepperoni Caesar

Then, my husband and I ordered the Brunch for Two recommended by our waitress. If you are a meat lover like me, you’ll be in heaven. They served us a plate full of pork, homemade sausages and a delicious bone marrow with rosemary and fleur de sel.

Maison Publique: Brunch for Two

Pork, homemade sausages and a delicious bone marrow with rosemary and fleur de sel.

As sides dishes, the classic breakfast beans, eggs and some incredibly buttery toasts. Everything was excellent.  I’m not a huge fan of blood pudding but I couldn’t stop eating that one. I also had the fabulous Quiche Lorraine, courtesy of chef for the birthday girl. Yay!

My birthday quiche!

I couldn’t leave without dessert, right? So I had to order the Salty Vanilla and Nutella Soft Serve Ice Cream. No regrets! It was so good…

Salty Nutella & Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream

Service
Waiting staff was amazing and super friendly. Everyone seemed so happy to see the place finally full of clients. I felt very welcomed. Can’t wait to come back, have a beer and try the official menu.

MAISON PUBLIQUE
4720, rue Marquette (map)
(514) 507-0555
twitter.com/maisonpublique