About Sarah B.
This atmospheric absinthe bar is inspired by, and named after, the divine Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923), the queen of the French tragedy, whom Victor Hugo called the "Golden Voice" of the 19th century. When she traveled to Quebec in 1880 she memorably performed in the historic Nordheimer building, which today, is an integral part of the InterContinental Montreal. Her legend-and her spirit lives on long after her death…and is said to wander the vaults of the hotel!
Did you know…? Many decades are immortalized in our storied walls. Sarah Bernhardt has a bar named after her and now, you too, will be enchanted by the spirit of Sarah B. Just like the iconoclastic artist, our new bar Le Sarah B., is unique, mysterious, captivating, decadent and surprising. Here, the past blends beautifully with the present and old rituals, such as the intriguing absinthe service, coexist with the latest technology. Absinthe, an herb-based spirit containing 55 to 75% alcohol, is renowned for enhancing the creative energies of the great 19th century European writers and artists. Dubbed the "green fairy", it is served at the "green hour" and it still captures the creative imagination with its legend for mind-altering effects. The Sarah B. will no doubt be a favourite meeting place for business or pleasure whether you drop by for cocktails or bask in the attention of our hosts in our intimate alcove, the Green Fairy.
Absinthe
Absinthe is a highly alcoholic anise-flavored spirit derived from herbs, including the flowers and leaves of the herb Artemisia absinthium, often referred to as "grande wormwood". In historical literature it is called, "La Fée Verte" (the Green Fairy) for its natural green colour and its hallucinatory properties.
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Sarah Bernhardt
Sarah Bernhardt born Henriette Rosine Bernhardt in Paris on October 22, 1844, was a Comedie-Française actress often described as "the most famous actress in the history of the world".
The Green Fairy reached the height of its popularity in the 19th century – until it was blamed for causing serious intoxication due to its content of methanol, a supposedly neurotoxic alcohol.
Writer Émile Zola described "The Green Fairy" in his novel, L’Assommoir, his harsh study of alcoholism and poverty in the working-class districts of Paris. Absinthe was said to provoke madness in several artists of the time, including Baudelaire and Van Gogh. Absinthe was also well known for its abortive effect.
In 1875, prohibitionist forces, unions, the Catholic Church, doctors and the press, joined forces against this allegedly dangerous addictive psychoactive drug. As a result, it was banned in many countries where the "Green Leagues" claimed it was the menace of the times, turning people crazy and criminal men into beasts.
Although absinthe has returned to vogue, the legacy of absinthe as a mysterious, addictive and mind-altering drink continues to this day. Today, the elaborate "absinthe ritual" has been retained as part of its modern revival.
First, this bitter, potent spirit is poured into a special absinthe glass with a special slotted spoon place on top. Then, a sugar cube is placed on the spoon and ice water is dripped into the glass. Like pastis, absinthe is diluted with water three to five times its volume. Adding water is an important part of the final taste since it allows the herbs to "blossom" and bring out many of the flavours originally overpowered by the anise.
She was also called "The Golden Voice" and "The Divine Sarah" and she was considered by many to be the biggest dramatic actress of the 19th century. She was the first artist to be dubbed a "monstre sacré", or sacred monster a revered celebrity untouched by criticism.
Much of her personal life is cloaked in mystery. Her mother, Judith-Julie Bernhardt, was a celebrated Dutch courtesan. According to the Paris Police’s Courtesan File, Sarah may also have supported herself as a courtesan at the outset of her career.
As for her father, Sarah was never sure of his true identity and always kept her civil status a mystery. She had at least three sisters, but her mother favoured her younger sister, Jeanne-Rosine, also an actress, a long-felt source of grief for Sarah. Much of the uncertainty about Bernhartd’s life stems from her tendency to exaggerate.
Sarah Bernhartd died on March 26, 1923, in Paris and she is buried in Père-Lachaise Cemetery.
Her legacy lives on in many famous quotes:
"Life begets life. Energy creates energy… it is by spending oneself that one becomes rich".
"One should hate very little, because it’s extremely fatiguing. One should despise much, forgive often and never forget".
When legendary wit Oscar Wilde once asked, "Do you mind if I smoke?", she quipped, "I don’t care if you burn".
L'Entre Deux
Perfectly located between the OSCO! Restaurant and the Sarah B. bar, the Entre Deux is favourable for conviviality and pleasure. With its ART DECO alcove and its view on Riopelle Park, it is the ideal place to relax. A birthday, a 5-7 between friend, a particular event, and this space can be privatized for all occasions.
L’Entre Deux cab welcome a maximum of 35 persons.
For more information, please contact us at +1 514-847-8729
Green Fairy Alcove
An intimate moment, a need to relax?
Come discover the privacy of our Green Fairy Alcoves while enjoying an absinthe cocktail. In company of your guests, let a mysterious, warm and intimate universe surprise you during a 5-7! Enveloped by magnificent velvet drapes that may be drawn closed, this place is dedicate to exchange, relaxation and… absinthe‘s ritual.
For more information, please contact us at +1 514-847-8729
