Prominent Montrealer and star of the big screen, Jay Baruchel, might just be the biggest fan of Les Rôtisseries St-Hubert (st-hubert.com) next to of course me. I was devastated when the location nearest to my home closed a number of years ago, nonetheless, I never miss an opportunity to enjoy their cuisine whenever I see the familiar red and yellow chicken icon.
While I have a particular preference to the St-Hubert Express format, let me share with you my very first experience at the St-Hubert zone at Place Bell in Laval. Located on the suite level, the represents the ultimate experience for hockey fans attending games of the American Hockey League Laval Rocket – the farm team for the Montreal Canadiens. In addition to an exceptional view of the game, you get to enjoy food service throughout the game.
I tried to get a booking last season, but with only 16 tables of four available per game it proved to be a very tough ticket. So acting a few months in advance this time around I chose a date with my three friends Nick, Mel and Kosta, and succeeded in locking in a reservation.
For starters, you will not get to order from the regular St-Hubert menu. The tables cost $300, taxes included. You can reserve a few tables or the entire zone for private events. We chatted with Rocket group sales representative Denis Voutos before the game and he confirmed that bookings remain solid.
Let me say that this was such a fantastic and fun way to spend an evening. The vantage point of the rink is fantastic and the table setup allows you to engage with your friends.
The St-Hubert Zone includes a private bar where supporters can buy beverages. Karl Leclerc is the man pouring the drinks and he told me how much he loves working each game.
Servers make their way through the zone throughout the game. It all starts off just before the opening faceoff when bowls of traditional and creamy coleslaw are placed on the tables. That is followed by a nice cold cut platter, featuring some meat and crispy pita bread. The second service comes during the first intermission with two St-Burgers cut into halves. Made with a crispy chicken breast and served on an artisanal poppy seed bun, we all thoroughly enjoyed this. And for Jay Baruchel, they did include the amazing St-Hubert sauce you love so much. But that was not all. A tasting dish was equally shareable and appreciated. It included 12 wings, six chicken breast fillets, eight Thai chicken satays, 10 crispy ribs
During the third period it was time for dessert and along came a delicious bag of brownies. They were soft and complete with chocolate chips inside. A fantastic way to conclude our meal for the night.
Annik Labrosse, the vice-president of marketing for St-Hubert, notes that they are key sponsors of the Rocket. The St-Hubert logo even appears on the team jersey. As for the zone, when the Montreal Canadiens were building the complex their team had the idea for such a concept. “Hockey is very much part of our DNA in Quebec,” she said. “Our partnership with the Rocket is such a good fit.”
I asked Mark Weightman, the vice-president of Development & Operations for the Laval Rocket and Place Bell at Groupe CH, what his thoughts were on the zone. “It is such a success we might very well consider creating a second one,” he speculated.
To make a reservation contact the corporate suite sales department at 1-855-595-2200 option 1, or by email at loges@rocketlaval.com or if you want to reach Denis Voutos at dvoutos@rocketlaval.com. There is more information at https://www.rocketlaval.com/en/zone-st-hubert.