Meet a Montrealer: Julie Gilbert, Owner of Ô Deux Sœurs

Special collaboration with Florence Gagnon, president and founder of Lez Spread the Word

Ô Deux Sœurs (which loosely translates as “At the two sisters”) is a restaurant, a caterer and an organic grocery store that has hung out its shingle on Rosemont Boulevard for five years now. Owner Julie Gilbert and her team have made it their mission to continually reinvent the pleasures of eating, adding a philanthropic twist by offering their customers quality food at affordable prices.

With its “comfort food” style cuisine using local products, Ô Deux Sœurs also offers vegetarian, organic and gluten-free variations on its menu. On weekdays, you can select from the table d’hôte menu for lunch and dinner. On weekends, the restaurant serves up a sumptuous gourmet brunch.

You’ll also find a list of delicious sandwiches, salads, desserts and beverages that are served all day long. As well, their new selection of coffee and a variety of prepared meals are always available on-site.

For the past two years, the restaurant has been on a roll – literally – with the Ô Sœurs Volantes food truck, which dishes out equal parts salads in tortillas, meatball dishes and satisfied smiles. Ô Sœurs Volantes hits the road when Montréal’s food truck season starts on May 1.

Interview with Julie Gilbert, owner of Ô Deux Sœurs

Why did you decide to start your own business?

I love creating things in all forms, whether it’s something entrepreneurial or artistic. Creating concepts fascinates me. Just like human contact. The restaurant is a blend of my passions and my previous experiences.

Do you feel that women restaurateurs help each other?

Being a woman in the restaurant business is not always easy. Only about 10% of food trucks in Montréal are owned by women. Fortunately, there is a wonderful solidarity among women that developed early in the food truck movement that continues to this day.

Tell us about an obstacle you had to overcome as a woman entrepreneur.

Certain men sometimes find it very difficult to take orders from a female boss. I’ve got a few stories about that! Commercial cuisine has long been dominated by men. But I also see a change taking place, so that’s encouraging.

In May 2013, you were the first Montréal restaurant to take part in the “suspended coffee”* movement. Are you still doing this? Do you find that Montrealers are community-minded? Why did you start this project?

Yes, “suspended coffee” is still going strong. The mission of our restaurant, beyond serving quality food in a welcoming, homey atmosphere, is to contribute to the well-being and economy of the local community by encouraging small businesses but, above all, by encouraging and supporting human beings. No one is immune to bad luck, especially with what is happening right now. Buying or giving a meal or a coffee, giving someone in difficulty a break, that’s the foundation of human relationships.

What’s your favourite Montréal memory?

Ephemeral villages. The Marché des Possibles [open-air market in Mile-End]. Montréal has this inherent desire to open up our artistic senses, with sound as well as images. From MUTEK to museums to the Nuit blanche, we are really spoiled!

What’s your favourite Montréal restaurant?

Le Quartier Général. They always know how to surprise me with their culinary curiosity.

Where do you like to go for drinks with friends?

Alexandraplatz in the summer. Casa del popolo in the winter.

What’s the one thing anyone visiting Montréal should absolutely do?

Soak up the Francophone culture that’s woven into our richly multiethnic population. Go beyond the usual attractions like Old Montréal and take a stroll in Little Italy, the Jean-Talon Market, Mile-End, or go for a walk on the trails of Mount Royal Park or even the cemetery – it’s such a beautiful and peaceful place.

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Ô Deux Sœurs
780 Rosemont Boulevard
Montréal, QC H2S OB7
(514) 904-2639
Opening hours:
Weekdays: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Weekends: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

*Editor’s note: The “suspended coffee” (in Italian, caffè sospeso) movement began in Naples, Italy, wherein a cup of coffee is paid for in advance as an anonymous act of charity.