New Restaurant Opening : HANG, The First Haute Cuisine Vietnamese Restaurant in Montreal
A city known for its vibrant food scene, Montreal is no stranger to upscale, trendy hotspots. Missing from the equation was Vietnamese fine cuisine. Now, a first of its kind, Hang arrives as the newest restaurant in the renowned hospitality group, JEGantic’s portfolio. Vietnamese cuisine will be elevated from its usual humble “mom and pop” eateries to a refined haute cuisine experience that celebrates the unique flavours of the Southeast Asian country. Montrealers will be welcomed to come “hang” and indulge in a culinary journey that reflects Vietnam’s rich heritage with an innovative spin on favourite dishes.
Taking a page from his travels, John E. Gumbley, CEO of JEGantic was inspired by Vietnam’s robust flavours and its fusion of Asian with French influences. Gumbley took his love of pho, a classic noodle soup and was fueled by the idea to elaborate on its ingredients. A man of great vision, he and his partner, Kaje Kandiah, sought a strategic partner to bring the concept to life. Enter Marylyn Tran, owner of Tran Cantine, the darling of the local Vietnamese food scene, and well-respected for her ability to modernize while honouring Vietnamese recipes and traditions. Despite Tran’s youthful appearance, she is a long-time veteran in the restaurant scene, who grew up working in her family’s restaurant, Pho Tay Ho, a Montreal landmark acclaimed for its popular pho and authentic Vietnamese dishes.
The restaurant’s official grand opening is set for Thursday, May 25th and is located at 686 Notre Dame Ouest in Old Montreal. While the name of their joint venture, “Hang” has the positive connotation of gathering at a neighbourhood hangout, it is, in fact named after Tran’s mother, who is the reigning matriarch still at the helm of Pho Tay Ho, 37 years and counting. Hang will do its namesake proud highlighting the best of Vietnam. Hang offers Vietnamese haute cuisine with recipes passed down by generations of the Tran family complete with an elevated twist. Familiar favourites like Tran’s raw beef salad will be a menu staple, alongside novel creations utilizing cherished Vietnamese flavours and textures. What an incredible marriage between classics and elevated elements, creating a depth in flavour that is difficult to achieve yet successfully done.
The classic pho will be elevated with wagyu and bone marrow, and the popular banh mi sandwiches will feature decadent foie gras. The most-anticipated dish that is sure to garner a plethora of photos is Hang’s specialty soup with sauce au vin, short ribs, and lobster. Doubling as an upscale cocktail lounge, Hang’s mixologists will combine Vietnamese spices and ingredients into its cocktails. There will also be a DIY MIX allowing guests to have a hands-on experience to create their own specialty cocktail.
We wanted to bring the vibrant flavours of Vietnam into a world of sophisticated cocktails and an ambiance of warmth. JEGantic along with Tran is set to introduce you to our exciting world, where the jungles of Da Nang meet an inner-city metropolitan lifestyle. – John Gumbley
Decor-wise, Hang is more than just a culinary experience; it is also a feast for the eyes. Upon walking through the doors, guests are transported to the vibrant and lush landscapes of Vietnam. Hang’s sophisticated ambiance is a stark contrast from the simplistic décor commonly associated with Vietnamese eateries. The restaurant’s design, a collaboration between Gumbley and Italo Di Pietro, of Anonymus Concepts, features exotic nature elements that mimic the dense greenery of Da Nang’s jungle. The soaring ceilings and striking wood columns add an impressive grandeur to the intimate 1,800 square feet space. Together, these key elements create a beautiful and immersive experience that marries exceptional Vietnamese cuisine with a breathtaking atmosphere.
For more information and for reservations, please visit their website here.
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