Two restaurants in Quebec, mainly in Granby and Quebec City, have been talked about for the right reasons in recent weeks. The first has obtained a green certification while the second has become one of the most beautiful discoveries of the year.
First, Granby's Boire House received the prestigious LEAF certification at the beginning of the summer. It is one of the first restaurants in the country to receive it, confirming the implementation of best environmental practices. This initiative, which was launched in 2009, is in place for restaurants wanting to reduce their environmental footprint as part of their activities.
For owner Brian Proulx, it's the culmination of two years of hard work, reading and learning about LEAF certification. His first wish was to open a restaurant, be profitable, be green and limit his carbon footprint. A simpler goal to accomplish as soon as you start your business.
More than 600 points were evaluated by the experts. Among other things, the distance between the restaurant and the producers, the method of transport, the fresh and organic products, the equipment, the materials used in the restaurant and for the building as well as the energy used.
Other projects are still in the boxes of the businessman to do more for the planet.
Also, the ARVI restaurant in Quebec ranked among the best new restaurants in Canada in 2019. It was the magazine Air Canada enRoute that made the announcement in its most recent issue.
A reporter from the journal visited anonymously, for a month, nearly a hundred establishments open for less than a year. He then selected 35 names which made him discover a different experience.
As far as ARVI is concerned, this choice comforts the owner of the establishment, Julien Masia. Initially, the concept of proximity to customers, from the beginning to the end of their experience, shook conventions. Being part of this ranking gives him the proof that he was right to believe in his vision.
Overall, ARVI has created the concept of "free kitchen, free team", where the customer is literally seated in the chef's kitchen. Also, the cooks prepare the dishes at the same time, take care of the service, decry the menu and present the wines.
Next October, enRoute magazine will unveil the top 10 best new 2019 Canadian restaurants in Toronto.
Here are two new proofs that innovative things are still happening in Quebec cities and restaurants.