2024-04-17 23:30:00
Fans of Asian cuisine, I have a new brand for you to discover, in Montcalm, which stands out for offering brunches and Japanese-inspired dishes.
The IS +86 Lunch & Izakaya, this is the full name of the restaurant, installed in the premises on René-Lévesque Boulevard left vacant by Café Sirocco after it was closed during the pandemic. It’s good to see this place, located very close to Cartier Street, coming back to life after a long closure.
Led by a group of young Chinese who chose Quebec for their university studies, the establishment is named +86 in reference to the telephone code to dial to call China.
“We met at Laval University and decided to work together,” says Lio, the manager and co-founder, who adopted Quebec after staying with me in France. In particular, she was the manager of the Cacao 70 café in Place Ste-Foy.
Innovation and tradition
The concept of the restaurant, which opened just before Christmas, is quite innovative. Breakfast is available 7 days a week, such as the classic two eggs and bacon, but the brunch plates with an Asian touch are worth the trip in my opinion.
I loved the eggs benedict with beef bulgogi and will go back to try their waffle covered in fried chicken and spiced syrup or the omelette topped with Cantonese sausage.
Eggs Benedict with bulgogi beef, a happy combination available at +86 Déjeuner & Izakaya.
Marianne White’s photo
“I like breakfast a lot, like the Quebecers,” says Lio, who admits to a weakness for her Korean BBQ breakfast poutine.
We also find Chinese churros on the menu, sweet and slightly salty donuts dipped in soy milk. “It’s the traditional Chinese lunch, it’s really good,” says Lio.
The second of them says that the owners were keen to offer this morning to meet a need in the sector since the departure of Le Cochon Dingue.
Long live fried chicken!
At lunchtime, we focus on a menu consisting of dishes from different regions of Asia, such as udon noodles, bento boxes with glazed pork that I have received praise for, as well as bowls such as poké.
And since last week, the restaurant has transformed in izakaya – meaning Japanese brasserie – Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
“There are a lot of small dishes and people can choose several dishes and share,” says Lio.
It serves Chinese and Japanese-inspired tapas, including delicious gyozas as well as soft-boiled eggs marinated in tea and lightly fried. Great find!
But the fried chicken fan that I am won over karaage coated with a sauce just spicy enough gochujang. To share… or not!
The chicken “kaaragee” at +86 Lunch & Izakaya is well spiced with “gochujang” sauce.
Marianne White’s photo
Meat or fish based plates are also offered, as well as tartares and ramens.
There are several vegetarian options available, including very good crispy tofu in a slightly spicy and sweet sauce.
Tofu Kung Pow the +86 Breakfast & Izakaya.
Marianne White’s photo
If you want to discover sake, Japanese whiskey or Chinese brandies, the restaurant also offers a very tempting liquid menu with original cocktails.
The owners have two other restaurants: +86 Gaufrerie in Cap-Rouge and a sushi restaurant, Takuno, in Plaza Laval.
+ 86 Lunch & Izakaya
- I like: the lunch offer with an Asian touch. His heart with the number 86 it allows them to be easily identified on the menu.
- I love less: the service a little too fast in the evening, when we often want to take our time and sip a drink.
- Good to know: The second floor of the restaurant, where there is a terrace, is expected to open this summer.
64, boul. René-Lévesque West
Open 7 days for lunch and evenings from Thursday to Saturday
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