The Gardens
Les Jardins du Monarque were born from a simple desire: to return to the family land and allow the kitchens of Monarque and Mitoyen to be even more deeply rooted in freshness and seasonality.
Imagined by Richard and Jérémie Bastien, chefs and owners, Les Jardins du Monarque are a natural extension of their restaurants’ universe, placing the product at the very heart of the plate, from field to kitchen. Each harvest directly inspires the menus, allowing the teams to work with ingredients of exceptional quality and freshness.
More concretely, Les Jardins du Monarque represent 1.7 hectares of land cultivated according to the principles of bio-intensive gardening. They also include three greenhouses, heated with electricity, which make it possible to grow vegetables year-round. The property, bordered by a pond and a small woodland, allows the practice of permaculture and organic farming principles. Ultimately, Les Jardins du Monarque mean more than 40 different varieties of vegetables and berries, shared within a radius of less than 30 km.
Richard & Jeremie
A well-established father-and-son duo in Montreal’s culinary community, Richard and Jérémie Bastien share the same conviction: that the product lies at the heart of every great cuisine. At the helm of Mitoyen for over 40 years, Richard Bastien—also behind Leméac and Café des Beaux-Arts—embodies a refined cuisine rooted in respect for the land. Jérémie, for his part, brings the breadth of his international experience to Monarque, where he unites tradition and modernity in one of Old Montreal’s most celebrated dining destinations.
The Jardins du Monarque project is a natural continuation of this legacy, while also awakening cherished childhood memories. For Richard, it recalls the large family harvests, loved ones gathered together, and meals joyfully shared. For Jérémie, it brings back summers at his grandparents’ home, where he would bite into a sun-warmed tomato, straight from the field.
These simple, genuine, and flavorful moments now live at the heart of the philosophy behind Les Jardins du Monarque : to cultivate with care, cook with respect, and share with generosity.
Léandre Raymond Desjardins – Head Gardener
After ten years in the restaurant industry, Léandre chose to return to the land to cultivate what inspires him most: fresh, local, and flavorful vegetables. He gained his first experience at La Ferme des Quatre-Temps, a school of discipline and innovation in bio-intensive gardening, before launching his own farm — Les Jardins de la Fourchette — which he successfully developed over five years.
Today, together with his team, he brings his expertise and energy to Les Jardins du Monarque, driven by the same passion for seasonal cooking and high-quality produce. Each harvest reflects his love of authentic flavor, respect for others, and pride in a job well done.
The Vision
The vision of Les Jardins du Monarque is to develop the full potential of a rich land, passed down from ancestors who cared deeply for its health.
It is also to grow high-quality vegetables, destined both for the city best tables and for the people of our neighborhood. It’s a commitment to being rooted in the community by offering products that are good, fresh, and authentic.