With one of the longest lists of private imports, La Champagnerie, on Saint Paul Street East in Old Montreal is the city’s first and only champagne bar. Whether it’s a prestigious champagne to celebrate an auspicious occasion or a more affordably “bubbly” to enjoy with Chef ’s famous beef heart black pudding on a weekday evening, this is the place for champagne lovers of all tastes and budgets. For a truly memorable experience guests can join Pénélope Delorme, a sommelier since the age of 18, who will teach them how to open their own bottle using the ancestral Sabrage technique. Aside from La Champagnerie’s desire to “democratize” champagne with visitors and locals alike, the bustling go-to restaurant has become known for its unique menu, which the chef changes regularly based on what produce is available locally. Popular favourites include salt and pepper crispy chicken livers, octopus tempura and burrata from Puglia. Elegant, unique and all the rage with the younger crowd, who can be found sharing huge house platters of shrimp, oyster, lobster and snow crab, La Champagnerie has a relaxed, happening atmosphere. Depending on your style, it’s quieter during the week and livelier on weekends when there’s a larger crowd and a dance floor.
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