Thazard: from Small Fish to Big Fish

In Mile End, one day follows another, though each is different from the last. Restaurants and shops grow at a great speed, while others disappear, then reappear, improved.

When Café Sardine on Fairmount Street East closed down, Thazard was born — the small fish had grown too big for the pond. "Thazard is a kind of mackerel, but it's mostly a tribute to Balthazar, a bistro that we like in New York," explains David Schmidt, the young 30-year-old entrepreneur and owner of Maïs, Datcha, Kabinet, Le Mal Nécessaire and la Maison Sociale.

Hidden behind Thazard are four other partners who've already seen success in the restaurant business. "We love wine, people and eating well. And when the concept is good and you believe in it, everyone comes!" David adds.

More than a Name: A Concept

With the new name also comes a new concept. "We offer Japanese cuisine in a setting reminiscent of the French bistros of the '40s, with an Art Deco esthetic," says David. At Thazard, the five friends take the dining experience even further.

Comfortably seated amidst decor that has just the right old-fashioned touch, customers can admire the waltz of the carts that stop from table to table. The carts carry appetizers and snacks that are perfect for waiting patiently between courses. "We offer kimchee or even homemade chips with Cajun spices and seaweed," David says.

Another cart is a throne that carries dessert and scotch. In between the two, diners are tempted by a choice of three ramen soups or the charcuterie platter, which also comes in a version "from the sea." "We make our own charcuterie meats. We also like to serve vegetables from Quebec and seasonal products. The cart can change according to our inspiration," David explains. Thazard's menu clearly has something for everyone's tastes.

An Accessible Menu

At Thazard, customers don't leave with a huge bill. That's what attracts an eclectic fauna made up of students, young professionals, Japanese people who stop by for the experience, as well as restaurant employees. "That's also because we're open late!" says David.

With two courses, which range from $7 to $14, it's easy to dine on a budget of $20. Unless, of course, one indulges in a cocktail, sake or glass of wine carefully selected by the five partners.