Rufus & Anna: Rotisserie, Hummingbirds, and Memories of the Blind Pig

Antoine and Mathieu, the faces behind the Super group (Blind Pig, Junco, Waverly, Mineral, Cour Arrière, Éléonore), launched a brand-new project last June: Rufus & Anna. After running the Blind Pig for a decade, their vision of hospitality has naturally evolved. More mature and thoughtful, it now takes the form of a warm, welcoming space designed especially for their neighborhood.

The name Rufus & Anna pays homage to two species of hummingbirds—a poetic nod to nature, but also to the owners’ signature style of naming their projects after birds, as they did with Junco and Éléonore.

They dreamed of creating a space where the Hochelaga community could gather around good food and attentive service. And what better than a rotisserie to evoke that comforting, convivial feeling? The spirit of the Blind Pig still lingers: subtle nods to the beloved bar remain in the decor, a gentle reminder of the past.

The menu, crafted by Nicolas Mara (formerly of Bungalow), strikes a perfect balance between indulgence, refinement, and generosity. Expect oysters, a rotating seafood platter, and shareable starters like honey-glazed chicken wings, smoked gazpacho, smoked trout, Caesar salad, heirloom tomatoes with nectarines, and a silky chicken liver mousse. As for mains, the fall-off-the-bone ribs—slow-cooked in their smoker—are an absolute treat. The smoked flank steak, served with a bright, herbaceous chimichurri, is equally impressive. And of course, the rotisserie chicken—available whole or half—comes with coleslaw, fries or salad, and their signature brown gravy: rich, flavorful, and downright irresistible. We had to hold ourselves back from drinking it!

Side dishes rotate with the seasons. When we visited, during Quebec’s peak asparagus season, they were served pan-seared and in a salad with hollandaise and parmesan crumble—a real gem. For dessert, don’t miss the strawberry shortcake if it’s still on the menu: Quebec strawberries, crème fraîche, basil oil, and a dense, tender cake. A sweet finish to the meal.

Our unanimous favorite? The cocktail list. It absolutely blew us away. Brilliantly designed by the team, the menu follows the migratory path of the Rufous hummingbird to Guatemala. Each cocktail pays tribute to a stop along the journey, featuring regional ingredients for creations that are as beautiful as they are delicious. The migration begins here in Quebec, with the Fleur boréale cocktail: “The departure. The first flutter of wings under the tall pines. The hummingbird leaves the northern wildflowers, carrying with it the scent of the boreal forest.” This drink features a Quebec gin with conifer notes, elderflower, and lemon. The menu then takes us through Ontario, New York, Vermont, the Appalachians, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, the Gulf Coast, Yucatán, and finally, Guatemala.

In the evening, the atmosphere is festive, vibrant, and inviting. It’s the perfect spot for a lively date night, dinner with friends, or simply enjoying good food and drinks. The space can even be semi-privatized—a great option for group gatherings or birthdays.

The decor, imagined by Antoine and Mathieu with their friend Patrick Blanchette, is warm and “retro-modern.” A blend of light wood, caramel leather, and vintage lighting creates an elegant yet cozy ambiance. The long dark stone bar and plush banquettes make you want to stay all night.

Rufus & Anna is all about attention to detail at every level, with a passion for the craft that shines through in every dish, every drink, and every smile.

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: July 09, 2025

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