Dinner is served at Restaurant Le Spirit Lounge
by Sarah Rogers
 |
Photos by Sarah Rogers
|
It's not any surprise that Le Spirit Lounge draws curious looks from passersby through its tinted windows every day. Although the restaurant is sporting a new coat of bright orange paint and pots bursting with flowers, the Ontario East eatery has been around for almost nine years, serving up warm and wholesome food to Montréal's vegan and food-curious population.
Le Spirit Lounge offers a set menu every day consisting of a soup and a stuffed crepe. Dessert is optional. All of the food served is vegan and as locally grown as possible. On the night I was there, I savoured a delicious Iroquois soup-a melange of zucchini, squash, leeks, coconut milk, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds-and a most-filling sweet potato crepe topped with fiddleheads and roasted peppers. For dessert, I had the chocolate mousse which was convincingly creamy.
At some point in the restaurant's existence, customers who were unable to
complete their meals were charged an extra two dollars.
Notwithstanding the vegan menu, what separates this restaurant from other restaurants is the set of rules patrons must adhere to if they wish to experience a meal at Le Spirit. What are the rules?
- You're required to finish everything on your plate, down to the last spoonful. To discourage waste, patrons are asked to choose between a regular and reduced or even child-sized portion. (Apparently, at some point in the restaurant's existence, customers who were unable to complete their meals were charged an extra two dollars; nowadays, you'll only be charged with infuriating the chef and owner, who may decide to bar you from returning.)
- Cell phones must be turned off
- They only accept cash which means no credit or debit cards
- Wine and beer are available, but only a glass per visit is served
If you go
1205, rue Ontario Est
Tel: (514) 522-5353
Opened 6 to 10 pm Tuesday thru Sunday, closed Monday
If you're a large group, call to make reservations. |
What is veganism?
Veganism is a philosophy and lifestyle that seeks to avoid the consumption and use of animal products. Vegans generally try to promote the use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of the whole environment, namely to protest the exploitation of animals. In practice, a vegan will abstain from eating any animal products including honey, eggs and dairy products as well as articles made from an animal's hide and bones. |
|
|
