La Mecque du Hambourgeois
For some time now, things have been moving in Tétreaultville. We saw the end of Bellerive, and rumors began to circulate that Simon Jodoin Bouchard, chef-owner of Chez Simon Cantine Urbaine, would be taking over the space with a new project. Recently, the mystery behind those doors has been unveiled, and (finally!) we can tell you all about it: This new project is called La Mecque du Hambourgeois.
Knowing Simon, he couldn’t stray too far from burgers—a domain he already masters to perfection. However, with this venture, there is a clear intention to elevate the offering, featuring refined burgers where the meat is the true star.
“It’s basically a steakhouse menu between two buns,” Simon explained during our interview. The restaurant will serve 45-day dry-aged meats, cooked to your preferred doneness. For those who appreciate this style, he recommends opting for a rarer preparation—medium-rare or even blue. “We’re seeing this trend explode in New York, and we want to bring the concept here, as it’s something you don’t often find in Montreal.” The team will collaborate with Boucherie 3A, a well-known neighborhood butcher renowned for its high-quality products, as well as an Australian wagyu beef producer.
Of course, the hambourgeois is the star of the show, but the menu won’t stop there. Expect to find carpaccio, aligot, hamburger steaks, salads, escargots, and more. One of the minds behind La Mecque du Hambourgeois is Omar Zabuair, known for his work at Coq de l’Est. In fact, a signature item from that much-missed restaurant has also found its way onto the menu—but we won’t spoil the surprise just yet!
Simon is launching this new spot in partnership with Mélissa Massicotte and Martin Gamelin, owners of the Cantine Chez Simon location in La Plaine. The grand opening is set for March 12, and we can’t wait to take a bite!
Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by François Couture
