La Petite Soif: A New Hybrid Concept by Véronique Rivest
La Petite Soif, the latest project by renowned sommelier and restaurateur Véronique Rivest, officially opened its doors on October 24, 2024, in Gatineau. This new establishment, located in Espace Canevas in the Hull sector, blends a wine shop, restaurant, and gourmet grocery store!
Inspired by the changes brought on by the pandemic, La Petite Soif meets a growing demand for flavorful dishes and high-quality wines to take home while highlighting local producers. This hybrid model allows customers to enjoy a glass of natural wine, a seasonal meal, or small bites on-site, while also giving them the option to leave with gourmet products and carefully selected wines. Véronique has partnered with Roxanne Mant to bring this project to life.
A Three-in-One Concept: Wine Shop, Restaurant, and Gourmet Grocery
La Petite Soif stands out with its unique approach, combining three services in a single space:
- Wine Shop: A carefully curated selection of natural and organic wines, with a special focus on Quebec producers. Every visitor receives personalized advice to find the perfect wine for their tastes and occasions.
- Restaurant: A seasonal cuisine that highlights local ingredients, offering dishes to enjoy on-site or take away, along with ready-to-eat and frozen options to suit every need—whether it’s an intimate dinner for two or a meal for twenty guests at home.
- Gourmet Grocery: A variety of premium products from near and far, selected for their exceptional quality, catering to food lovers in search of authentic flavors.
Decisive Local Support
The realization of this ambitious project was made possible thanks to financial support from the City of Gatineau, in collaboration with Quebec’s Ministry of Economy and Innovation, as well as Brigil’s efforts to revitalize the neighborhood. This public-private partnership reflects a shared commitment to energizing the downtown area, providing residents with a welcoming gathering place, and attracting visitors from beyond the region.
The residents of Gatineau and surrounding areas were invited to celebrate this new adventure on Thursday, October 24, between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM, for the grand opening event. Visitors had the opportunity to explore the different spaces at La Petite Soif, enjoy homemade specialties, and leave with delicious products. For those curious, a press conference was even held at 10:00 AM with the owners to reveal the behind-the-scenes of this inspiring project.
About Véronique Rivest
Co-founder of La Petite Soif and founder of the wine bar Soif, Véronique Rivest is recognized as one of the best sommeliers in the world. With this new project, she aims to create a space of conviviality where wine, cuisine, and local culture come together, offering a delightful experience for food and wine lovers from all walks of life.
La Petite Soif promises to be more than just a business—it is set to be a key player in the revitalization of Gatineau. A wonderful discovery to be made!
Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
