On a roadtrip on the Côte-Nord, it was impossible for me not to visit the local microbreweries. More than just beer brewers, modern microbreweries are generally an encounter with the history of a place. The Microbrasserie Saint-Pancrace in Baie-Comeau is no exception.

From the outset, the name of the place refers to a part of history. Saint-Pancrace is the name of a nearby bay. It is said that in the days of Prohibition, smugglers would take refuge there to make their alcohol deliveries without being seen. One story even claims that one of them must have thrown his cargo overboard when he was about to get caught. It is on this note of history that the microbrewery was developed, going so far as to link each beer with a legend of the Côte-Nord.

Let's say that the basic concept totally charmed me. But the experience?

Respecting my expectations, the pub is a friendly and warm place. I really liked the decor and especially the large frame explaining the entire process of making alcohol. While the starters are very varied and offer something for all tastes, the main courses are more limited: burgers, pizzas, poutines. But a great place is given to local producers such as Coop Gaïa, a local vegetable farm and Boucherie les 3 P’tits Cochons in Baie-Comeau. A small note at the bottom of the menu attracted the sweet tooth in me: Order (3 starters) and we take $ 1 per dish chosen!

So I chose this option by selecting three starters: bourgots in brine (you might as well taste the local specialties!), Duck rillettes and maple-smoked salmon. My boyfriend goes for the chicken and pepper panini with a poutine.

While waiting for our meals, we sip a pint of house beer. La Baie Cachée, a sour haskap beer, is in my favor. His legend? It seems that Baie Cachée, located not far from Port-Cartier, is forever changing its location ... It is even said that it is impossible to return there once you have found it! Believe it or not, we will not doubt its totally refreshing tangy and fruity flavor.
My companion, for his part, quenches his thirst with Uapishka, a sweet white whose name comes from the legend of the Groulx Mountains, called Uapishka in Innu. According to reports, the snow is so white there that it causes "memory blanks".

Although we couldn't miss tasting the beers, the cocktail menu particularly impressed us, especially with the great emphasis on alcohol here. The beer cocktails looked delicious too!

The dishes arrive in front of us and I am a little surprised ... even disappointed, I did not expect a presentation in small mason jars. The whole thing is pretty, but I imagined something more ... greedy! I envy my spouse's plate, which is very generous. I start on the bourgots. Oh! Ih! The waitress confirms to me that it works or it breaks, whether we love it or hate it. I am rather in the second camp. I try again in front of the big portion and there is nothing to do. I don't get used to the texture, the look, or the taste. But I still congratulate myself on having tasted! I jump on the smoked salmon and enjoy it. Well lacquered in maple and cut into large pieces, they look like delicate little candies. Finally, the duck. The flavors are nice, but they remind me more of pork. Do I have my palate disturbed by previously tasted sea snails? The onion confit served on the side is divine and the mixture with the rillettes does it. When it comes to breads, I would have liked something smoother and more diverse than the slightly dry croutons. In short, I am a bit disappointed. Maybe I made the wrong choice! I take a look at my boyfriend's gourmet plate, who is happy to share it with me. The panini is delicious with its tasty pesto, grilled red peppers and crunchy ciabatta bread. Lesson of the day? In a pub, stick to pub food!


In the end, I was more charmed by the place itself and by the beers, than the food. I would definitely stay here again, but to continue discovering the legends associated with it.


Note:
7/10
What struck me most about my visit:
Local products used on the plate as well as in the glass
The house specialty:
Pub kitchen

The most expensive main meal on the menu:
SALMON PIZZA Grizzly salmon, sour cream, spinach, onion, capers. Served with salad or house fries, $ 17.75
The cheapest main meal on the menu:
SMALL POUTINE STP Homemade fries, veal stock and Walker sauce, Boivin cheese, $ 9.75

Do I recommend this restaurant:
Yes
What time of day did I visit:
Having dinner

The mosts:
- Local products highlighted
- Friendly service
- Decor

The lessers :
- Little variety of menu