When I sat down with Groupe Sportscene President Jean Bedard recently, he spoke glowingly about the restaurants under the company umbrella: La Cage, Brasserie Sportive; Moishes Steakhouse; PF Chang’s and Avenue.
We were chatting at the now-former PF Chang’s on Decarie, which will be converted into a state of the art Cage facility by next spring. Bedard asked whether I had experienced the newly renovated Bell Centre location, urging me to do so. On a recent Sunday afternoon, I did just that.
The place looks magnificent. Featuring a completely modern look, designed to offer an immersive experience in this legendary sporting atmosphere! There are two levels, with the lower one having experienced the multi-million dollar facelift. What a thing of beauty! There are several giant screen walls, not to mention the three new private rooms, perfect for business meetings or groups. The open kitchen concept adds a nice touch.
“I am extremely excited to unveil this new Cage, a new emblem that will make the network proud,” commented Bedard. “The Cage is sports at its best: atmosphere, food, beer and everything there for exciting sporting evenings!”
La Cage offers a menu that emphasizes freshness and local appearance in all of its establishments, consolidating its position as a pioneer in the province by encouraging the local economy through its partnerships with large and small producers in Quebec. The Bell Centre location can accommodate over 500 diners at a time and employs 140 people.
This was my first time at a Cage establishment in a long time and I was thrilled to see Bedard already making good on his promise to do something unique with the Moishes’ brand. Recently a Moishes steak was added to the menu, so that was naturally my first choice. It is AAA Alberta beef striploin, aged 60 days, available for $32 including fries and a salad. I thought it was excellent and would order it again, although I do fancy the chicken and ribs there as well.
Louis-François Marcotte, the executive chef for all La Cage restaurants, told me that he worked closely with former Moishes owner Lenny Lighter on choosing the right cut of steak to be in keeping with the iconic restaurant’s stellar reputation. Lighter has stayed on to manage the St. Laurent Blvd. dining establishment.
When you walk into a La Cage, you can immediately help yourself to a basket of popcorn for your table. There are plenty of drinks to choose from. I ordered a soft drink and then started off with delicious lobster tacos. After my steak, I saw the Moishes Mille-Feuille on the menu, so of course, I had to try it. Since I was tight on time, manager Kevin Beaudry put it in a box and I enjoyed it immensely later back home.
Marcotte said that the Mille-Feuille sales have been through the roof at all La Cage locations. “It is already a popular Quebec dessert,” he said. “But with the Moishes’ branding, it has taken on a new level.”
They have a lot of interesting items on their menu and I hope to explore other
La Cage locations in the near future.
Work is now underway on transporting the old La Cage at Carrefour Angrignon and relocating it with a similar look to the Bell Centre in part of the old Sears spot. There are more than 40 La Cage locations in the province.
La Cage Brasserie Sportive at the Bell Centre is particularly crowded before and after events. It is located at 1212 Rue de la Gauchetière O, Montreal QC H3B 2S2. You can call 514-925-2255 or log on to www.cage.ca.