About
AboutLa Berengerie, is the oldest established restaurant on the island, and for good reasons. Quality, charm, taste, value, and all encapsulated in a romantic atmosphere. DescriptionThe establishmentEstablished in 1982, La Berengerie remains one of the most prominent places to eat on Galiano Island. The restaurant was designed and built by the family, whose members still run the business. Much has changed over the years on the island, many things have come and gone (including a whole-lot-of restaurants), but the caf and restaurant are the oldest established places to eat on the island, a testament to the dedication, quality and honesty of the place, the chef and proprietors. L'ambianceWhere else can one, enjoy the perfumes of fine country cooking, feel the warmth of a cat by the open fire, savor a good wine, and all the time while enjoying the unfolding drama of kitchen life. This poetic description of the place was left in our guest book, and it nicely sums up La Berengeries' atmosphere. Our older customers will fondly remember Madam, whose charmed demeanor exalted throughout, not only the building, but all of Montague and parts of the south end. Eclectic music permeating in the background, lighting just right, this was/is the place to bring a date, or your wife. The dining room itself, has the warmth of wood and red tiles, the embroided tablecloths, the candles and yet, one has the feeling that one is dining, en famille, in fact, one is. The restaurant is still run by the family and proxy members. The cafeBy 1990, the caf (La Boheme) was added out the back. With humble beginnings, it was more of a bar and grille that evolved in its early days to a diner repertoire. Even then, 'les boys' cooked out good grub at fair prices.. Glass roof, stone fireplace, good music, west-coast atmosphere, the kind of place where cash was king, and $6.50 bought you a meal with a side salad. Nowadays.. We havent lost our roots, we still have that west-coast easy, fair prices, we still fight the local fire department chief to have the fire lit, but now $14.50 will get you an Indian tali that Punjabi mother in-laws wish their daughter-in-laws would cook for their sons (an actual compliment from a visiting Indian mama).History Can you really call yourself an establishment if youve never had history in the place? Royalty-the king of Spain dined in the restaurant, movie stars-Jane Fonda, politicians -Christy Clark (premier of B.C), Phil fountain (grand chief of the first nations), Sven Robinson (M.P.), Mike Harcourt (premier of B.C.), and many moreSpecial patrons Rene Mahlo, Benoit Labbe. Art; the restaurant has both hosted and been used by more than a few local artists as a muse. Among the masters and toilers, Stewart Brands, Keith Holmes. So much more than just French FoodWe were foody before foody was trendy yet unpretentious. The restaurant remains a set menu, at $35, with home-made bread, soup, salad, choice of entrees (which if we havent sold out, including one meat, fish and vegetarian option), dessert and all at a fraction of city prices. The caf; offers a variety of ethnic (Thai, Indian as well as) and fusion dishes. The connoisseurs/locals choice; if you want more than to just grub up, and value for money.. Look no further on Galiano. All produce, is local, seasonal and organic when possible.
Details
