lueur: the cool little sister of Laurie Raphaël

Laurie Raphaël, a flagship institution in Quebec, has a new little sister: lueur, a tiny bar-kitchen inspired by Japanese omakase, where the brother-sister duo Raphaël and Laurie-Alex Vézina, along with their team, once again showcase local products in a more accessible and relaxed format.

Hidden in a very small space connected to the restaurant through the kitchen, where La Serre used to be, lueur has just 14 seats. Here, there are no white tablecloths or formally dressed servers. Guests sit directly at the bar-kitchen, where they can watch the chefs plating their dishes before being served by them.

The chefs in question are Michelle Courtois-Beaudry and Nicolas Cadieux, who create the menu under Raphaël’s supervision. Nicolas was already working in the kitchens of Laurie Raphaël, while Michelle (his girlfriend, by the way) honed her skills at Le Clan with Stéphane Modat. The couple is supported in service by mixologist Pierre Vickers, who curates the cocktail menu.

At lueur, you’ll find the same commitment to quality and local products as at Laurie Raphaël (the two restaurants actually share the same pantry), but in a simpler format that is definitely easier on the wallet. “We want something ultra-simple. The same quality of ingredients as at Laurie Raphaël, but with fewer steps,” explains Raphaël Vézina.

No tasting menu

The short menu features a dozen small dishes to share, all priced between approximately $18 and $30. There is no tasting menu here, specifically to distinguish itself from the older restaurant. The dishes will change frequently, but to whet your appetite, here are a few highlights from the current menu: tuna crudo with plums and Quebec ginger; carpaccio of heirloom tomatoes with fresh cheese and pata negra; agnolotti with caramelized onions and beurre blanc; roasted cauliflower with Mornay sauce, miso, and burnt bread; confit halibut with brown butter, squash, and bacon; and so on.

“There is at least one dish that changes every week. We want to leave room for spontaneity,” Raphaël continues. “If we receive a delivery of beautiful oysters or caviar, it can be on the menu the same day.”

The wine list is also quite friendly, with bottles starting at $50-60 and several options by the glass. Although brief, the list has something to please all palates, from the most refined to the most adventurous.

To finish, a quick note on the rather eclectic décor, which also stands out. When you look up, you’ll notice the enormous mural by artist Marie-Ève Massicotte on the ceiling, which echoes the steel tree of Laurie Raphaël and the statue of Jean-Robert Drouillard guarding its entrance. The colorful neon lights create lovely reflections on the plates and cutlery. It’s both intimate and playful. In short, we love it!

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by lueur / Jocelyn Cadieux

Last update: October 09, 2024

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