At the gates of old Montréal, the InterContinental Montréal opens a new provence-style brasserie: OCSO! 
MONTREAL, July 27, 2009 — “Montrealers, who are known for their refined gastronomic tastes, can finally pride themselves on welcoming a new dining establishment, with the flair of Provence, in the heart of the International Quarter, at the door steps of Old Montreal: Osco! will open its doors on July 29,” proudly announced Bernard Chênevert, General Manager of the InterContinental Montreal. “As the crowning touch to our complete transformation following, a $14 million investment, our concept is to open a true brasserie, full of life and charm, that will have its own identity and coterie of Montrealers. The guests of the InterContinental Montreal will certainly enjoy this authentic Montreal experience, one which they would never have anywhere else.”
Osco! means “very good” and “bravo” in Occitan, the ancient dialect of Provence. Its logo consists of its name, written in a lively script punctuated by a green olive as a humorous touch and a promise of sunshine.
Osco! expresses the concept of a French brasserie, with a pleasing decor consisting of banquettes, niches and convivial tables, the whole floating on a superb walnut floor and illuminated by imposing crystal chandeliers imported from Czechoslovakia. Everything is designed to make this new establishment unforgettable: attention to small details is the rule. The contrast between luxurious and spare materials recalls the unpretentious refinement of Provence. The Place Riopelle, visible through the abundant windows, seems to have been created especially to complement the decor of Osco! Two niches, the “Rotonde” and the “Bastide”, have been set up to accommodate executive meetings and cooking demonstrations. Guests will be entranced by the subtle smell of aniseed emanating from the neighbouring bar, the Sarah B., evoking the magical French “green hour” traditionally dedicated to the consumption of absinthe.
Under the guidance of renowned Executive Chef Christian Lévêque, who has been at the helm of restaurant services at the luxurious InterContinental Montreal for over thirteen years, the young Chef Mathieu Saunier is steering this gourmet adventure. Born in Martigues, a burgeoning part of Provence, Chef Saunier has exercised his culinary talents from Italy to Corsica, with stints in England and Tunisia. Three years ago, he arrived in Montreal to seduce local epicurean palates.
“Designed to delight Montrealers, Osco! presents its menu on a humble slate. The affordable prices will enable everyone to discover local Quebec products enhanced with the flavours of Provence. Extra virgin olive oil, lavender, honey, fine herbs and rosé wine from Provence will enchant the diners. The only thing missing will be the sound of cicadas!” exclaims the new Chef, Mathieu Saunier, with an irresistible southern accent. True to his southern roots, he offers a menu full of sunshine, with lobster bouillabaisse as a star attraction. And of course, fine cuisine is incomplete without fine wine! The Osco! wine cellar will please experienced connaisseurs and simple wine lovers alike. This eclectic cellar consists of around 1,200 hand-picked bottles, including a large assortment of rosés and enticing private imports.
Many Quebec companies have participated in creating this welcoming brasserie. The dishes and glasses are supplied by the small Quebec company 3 femmes & 1 coussin, well known for the originality of its products. The waiter’s uniforms are made to measure by the Quebec firm Bleu Mary and their trendy accessories are supplied by This and That. Even the music is “made in Quebec”: arranger Alexandre Legault has designed a cocktail of French melodies ingeniously rendered in “lounge” style. Many pieces of furniture are also Quebec creations.
Osco! is located at 360, St-Antoine street west, inside the InterContinental Montreal hotel, which has recently been renovated.
About InterContinental Hotels Group
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms. IHG owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, more than 4,100 hotels and over 600,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. The Group owns a portfolio of well recognized and respected hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites® and Candlewood Suites®, and also manages the world's largest hotel loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards, with 40 million members worldwide.
Business hours: 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.. Web site: www.oscorestaurant.com Tel.: 514 847-8729
INFORMATION
Monica Orr
Director of Sales and Marketing | InterContinental Montréal
514 847-8507 | Monica.Orr@ihg.com | montreal.intercontinental.com