Laurier Lounge Founded in 2005, Laurier Lounge set out to create a memorable dining experience, based on French-Canadian culture. Originally from Quebec, trained Chef and proprietor Martin Maheux, imagined a concept that embodied the flavours of Quebec, and so he designed the menu based on his best experiences back home. Recently, Laurier Lounge has appointed a new Chef, Ryan O’Flynn, who began his tenure as a partner and chef in early February. Brought up in restaurants his whole life, O’Flynn’s parents owned an eatery, and his father managed the Alberta Culinary Team several times. He started developing his skills and career in Canada, and then moved to various parts of Europe, including the United Kingdom and France to further enhance and perfect his skills. O’Flynn brings his experiences and skills from Europe, especially France, to Laurier Lounge, and authenticity to each plate. He loves to work with seasonal meat, wild fish and produce. “To hold my heart to just one is impossible for me, it just needs to be fresh and seasonal,” he says. The partners at Laurier Lounge are mindful not to alienate any loyal clients, and will be appealing to new clientele too with their re-imagined approach to food. O’Flynn explains his is a signature menu, not necessarily signature dishes. He would rather have seven amazing dishes, than twenty average dishes, and he especially despises frozen food. We can expect to enjoy “Caramelized Onion Tart Tatin”, with ‘warm crottin de chavignol goat’s cheese and goats cheese espuma’, on the new menu. Maheax describes Laurier Lounge as quaint and ambient, with a unique take on traditional European fondue, characterizing it as fun, interactive, and delicious. “It is perfect to share on a romantic date, or with a group”. It is made with a “wonderful warm melting cheese sauce, and in that sauce is a combination of Gruyere DOC, Emmental, Vermouth, organic milk and a touch of cream with organic purple garlic from the farmers market,” adds O’Flynn. Although cheese fondue is prevalent at Laurier Lounge, he considers the beef fondue the signature item of the house. This dish was inspired by a fondue made by Maheux’s father 30 years ago. (Swiss fondue appetizer for two $26, Beef Fondue for two $67, Seafood Fondue for two $87, Chocolate Fondue for two $26). The wine list is specially selected to feature personal favourites of the owners, with bottles ranging in price from $35-$500. The average entrée price is $15-$35. Laurier Lounge is a unique experience and destination restaurant, perfect for a romantic outing, group celebration, or a regular dinner outing. It’s accessible to everyone, with reasonable prices and free parking nearby. Laurier Lounge is located in the historic Stanley House, home of Dr. George Stanley, best remembered as the designer of the Canadian Flag: 1111 7 St. SW, Calgary 403-228-3771 Visit www.laurierounge.com for menus. culinairemagazine.ca
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