Les Faiseurs: A meeting between pottery and coffee

Opened since July 2018 on St. Laurent Boulevard, Les Faiseurs combines the art and technique of pottery with its relationship to tableware and cuisine. The establishment takes on the roles of both restaurant and pottery studio; a direct approach with the material.

Les Faiseurs is the project of Sarah M. Saint-Arnaud (ex. Olive et Gourmando, Taverne Square Dominion). Sarah worked in the restaurant industry for a long time and eventually wanted to open her own establishment, which she envisioned as taking the form of a cafe. In her spare time, she makes pottery for fun. Her hobby aroused the interest of those around her who wondered where and how to make pottery. Sarah decided to combine her passion for working with clay with her cafe project. At Les Faiseurs, you can approach the raw material from many angles, whether it’s during its conception during a class given on site, during the purchase at the café boutique, or simply in the contact between food and tableware. The name “Les Faiseurs” – The Makers – brings to mind the idea of making, of creating, as we make food and pottery.

Sarah specifically chose this location because its shape lent itself perfectly to her project. Older buildings in the city often have locations that are built deep into the ground, depriving the back of these spaces of light. The location of Les Faiseurs also has this surface, but all along the boulevard. Thus, the cafe and workshop sides receive generous natural light, thanks to the large windows making up the entire exterior wall. So, on one side, the cafe seats 29, and on the other, a series of pottery wheels that can accommodate members and students. The decor is charming and uncluttered, and focuses on the light and spaciousness of the place. A little yellow terrace (one of the most beautiful in town) is established on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. The decor is designed by Atelier Catherine Catherine. In addition to the location, a large part of the aesthetic of Les Faiseurs comes from its cutlery and cups, made by the Montreal ceramist DOMPIERRE. For the cafe, she has created an exclusive collection in which to savour their dishes and drinks.

The cafe menu is designed in collaboration with Christelle Tanielian, blogger and author of her own cookbook. Sarah was looking to offer fresh, unpretentious, seasonal market cuisine, taking full advantage of her geographic proximity to the Jean-Talon market. The menu will grow and slowly take shape, stopping at about five or six dishes. The crudités plate to share is a generous plate for two, accompanied by two varieties of very good homemade hummus – the plate is also available in individual portions. The cookies are homemade and go perfectly with the establishment’s original hot drinks – such as the excellent matcha latte – prepared by head barista Elsa Lavoie. The beans used here come from the local roasting company ZAB. “It was very important for me to work with a Montreal roaster,” says Elsa. In addition to the cookie selection, Les Faiseurs sources its pastries and viennoiseries from another Montreal-based company: Croissant Croissant. Les Faiseurs follows its mission successfully by serving light, seasonal dishes that are ideal for all tastes.

Les Faiseurs perfectly maintains the desired relationship and harmony between pottery and food. The cafe is an appreciated addition to Boulevard Saint-Laurent, bringing a wave of freshness with its simple and delicious cuisine.

Written by Sophie Monkman
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: December 23, 2021

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