A new cocktail and raw food destination has opened on Verdun’s famous Wellington Street. P2 (in the former premises of Bistro Paname) is the new project from the team behind Bar Palco.
Published yesterday at 11:00 am.
“We always wanted to open a cocktail bar by the fountain, but it wasn’t available,” says co-owner Charles-Étienne Bégin. When the Paname adventure ended, the team seized the opportunity while maintaining the charm of the space with its impressive bar and mosaic ceramics.
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Three signature cocktails: Riders on the Storm, Brown Sugar “Baby” and Gibson
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
The house martini, the Gibson and the oyster platter
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Riders on the Storm (tequila, mezcal, coffee liqueur, Aztec bitters, espresso)
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The cocktail menu, signed by Nina Castilla, changes depending on the season and special events. The syrups, oils and spices are homemade, “in synergy with the kitchen”, under the direction of Kevin Aves (Pamika, Sobremesa, H4C, Maison Saint-Paul).
“I want it to be beautiful and match the flavors,” says the mixologist, who also wants to surprise his customers with original additions to already familiar cocktails. Here, the espresso martini is reinvented with tequila, mezcal and an Aztec bitters.
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Halibut gravlax with dill and chorizo oil, spicy pumpkin cream, candied poblano, celeriac and nasturtium
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Halibut rolls with white butter, leeks, daikon and sour cream
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Nina Castilla also pays homage to fall (and early winter) with her Pumpkin Spice Flip (made with bourbon, Frangelico, sherry, and pumpkin spice syrup) and her latest addition: “Brown Sugar. Baby” (with rum, brown butter, cocoa bitters and dark chocolate). You shouldn’t miss the house martini – the Gibson – with its marinated onions. Note for those interested: There is a nice selection of non-alcoholic cocktails.
On the menu: oysters, crudo, tartare and vegetarian dishes. “We really wanted to play with the raw material,” summarizes Charles-Étienne Bégin. There are a few comforting dishes on the menu for the cold season, but freshness is available all year round. An example: halibut gravlax, beautifully colored with dill and chorizo oils, spicy pumpkin cream, candied poblano and celeriac. The halibut is also available in a bun with white butter, leeks, daikon and sour cream.
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
The P2 room can accommodate approximately fifty guests.
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
From left to right: Kevin Aves (chef), Nina Castilla (mixologist) and Charles-Étienne Bégin (co-owner)
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The chef’s homemade focaccia (learned working with Dany Bolduc at H4C) pairs beautifully with the dishes. “I mix my Mexican and South American heritage with my favorite cuisines, Japanese and French,” explains Kevin Aves.
P2 wants to differentiate itself from its other festive destination, Bar Palco. We come here for a late night aperitif in a cozy atmosphere, to the sounds of hip-hop, R’n’B or 1990s music. The team is even pleasantly surprised to find former Palco customers who are now looking for a place where they can chat over a (good) drink. “We want to bring people from Verdun and beyond to discover the world of cocktails in a cozy atmosphere,” says co-owner Charles-Étienne Bégin. Mission accomplished ! Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5:00 p.m. until late at night.
4847 Wellington Street, Montreal