Sarah B. A new absinthe bar opens at the InterContinental Montréal 
MONTREAL, July 27, 2009 — As part of its complete transformation following a $14-million investment, the InterContinental Montreal is proud to unveil its new bar with a novel concept: the Sarah B., an absinthe bar that has opened its doors on July 23rd. “As part of our new outlook, we are very excited about opening an original bar with an identity and decor designed to appeal to Montrealers. Guests of the InterContinental Montreal will appreciate this taste of authentic Montreal and enjoy an experience they won’t find elsewhere,” explains Bernard Chênevert, the hotel’s General Manager.
This intimate and original setting takes its name from the divine Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923), the queen of French tragedy described by Victor Hugo as the “golden voice” of the 19th century. Her travels brought her to Quebec in 1880 where she gave a memorable performance in the auditorium of the historical Nordheimer Building. Since her death, it is said that her spirit still roams the site, which is today part of the InterContinental Montreal.
Two reflecting faces form the logo of the Sarah B., a meeting of profiles that suggests intimacy and closeness, with a hint of madness and seductiveness: pure Sexytude! A glass of absinthe sits full of promise between the two. With sumptuous walnut floor, a mantelpiece, Murano chandeliers and velvet banquettes, the hip 19th century decor creates an eclectic atmosphere that’s pure Sarah B. This new bar invites guests to rediscover the rituals and legends surrounding the mysterious elixir, known as absinthe. From the art of decanting to the mystic hallucinations, the rites and tales of the “green fairy” are revisited.
Set against a musical backdrop provided by renowned DJ Alexandre Legault, this bar is also the perfect rendezvous for cocktail hour, or “heure verte”, also known as “5 à 7” (or “5 à 10”…). Behind the stately 35-foot bar, an attentive staff serves up exclusive cocktails created by Alexis Morisseau, head barman, with the collaboration of Francesco Lafranconi, a reputed mixologist known for his fanciful creations. They draw inspiration from the adventurous spirit of Montrealers in creating their absinthe-based inventions. A large selection of wine by the glass and beer on tap is also available.
The Sarah B. offers a variety of delicious tapas prepared by Provençal Chef Matthieu Saunier. These little morsels of sunshine are a nod to the menu created for Osco!, a brasserie with the flavour of Provence which, as an extension of Sarah B., welcomes those who don’t want the evening to end.
The Sarah B. also offers two intimate, plush rooms each with its own relaxing fireplaces. The superb green velvet curtains framing the Green fairy alcoves may be drawn for a quiet chat over a glass of absinthe.
The Sarah B. is located at 360 St-Antoine St. West, in the heart of the International Quarter and at the doorstep of Old Montreal, inside the new InterContinental Montreal.
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