In recent years, gin has had the wind in its sails. This spirit, inseparable from the tonic, has many followers and Quebec distilleries are constantly emerging. And this, to the delight of our taste buds. If you are part of the group, there is only one address to remember in Quebec: Maison Livernois.
Located on the mythical rue Saint-Jean, a stone's throw from the Pub Saint-Patrick and in a building with character, the Maison Livernois is the temple of gin. The bar section contains no less than 200 different gins from all walks of life. As many Quebec gins, funky, classic, aged as rare gins like the new arrival from Japan, a gin with yuzu, which we had the chance to taste.
Tasting board
We arrive of course for the aperitif and opt for a magnificent gin tasting platter. The board is presented in a sublime way and everything is there to enjoy them the way you prefer: tonic, sparkling water, ice cream. We have options to taste the 3 house gins: Isle Verte (available only on site), Wilhelmine (the flavored house gin), Jules Ernest (the classic house gin). All three spirits are delicious, but the Isle Verte wins my favor.
Generous entrees
Question to support the whole, we order two starters. Warmly recommended by our attentive server, I choose the Livernois squid. And without any regrets. Rather than being served in fried rounds, the latter comes in thick slices of steak cut into portions. Let those who thought the squid was rubbery get dressed. I had never eaten anything so tender. Accompanied by a puttanesca sauce which is a real change from the usual assorted spicy mayo, the dish is a success. Only slight downside, the sauce tends to soften the crispiness of the breadcrumbs. For his part, my lover is served duck wings. Unable to choose between the two flavors, our server immediately offers him to do half and half. What service! He then delights in his gigantic maple & rosemary and buffalo wings. The latter being quite spicy, my boyfriend's favorites are the sweet ones.
Varied menu
Like the well-stocked and varied drinks menu, the main course menu also offers a wide range of choices. Difficult to choose among the signature dishes (Nagano pork tomahawk, beef tartare on marrow bone, Korean beef short ribs…) and the pub menu. Finally, we opt for an amalgam of the two: the livernoise pizza. The delicate homemade dough was topped with maple jowl bacon, caramelized peppers and onions and a mixture of house cheese. We only took one bite.
We then left, well sated, happy with our beautiful evening, arm in arm and enjoyed a pleasant stroll through the charming streets of Old Quebec.
Note: 9.5 /10
What struck me the most about my visit: The impressive collection of gins
The specialty of the house: Cocktails
The most expensive main meal on the menu: Nagano pork tomahawk, 36$
The cheapest main meal on the menu: Regular poutine, $16
Do I recommend this restaurant: Yes
What time of day did I visit: Supper
Pros:
- Felt decor
- Location in Old Quebec
- Drinks menu
- Attentive service
