A local philosophy at Hélicoptère and Café Hélico

The Backstory

For the record, “Hélicoptère” refers to the familiar name we use for the maple tree samaras that fall in autumn.

“This name references Québec and its emblem, the maple tree. Helicopters are the seeds and fruits of these trees; it represents our values and our journey as a team,” explains David.

Local sourcing and showcasing Québec products are core values that Hélicoptère and Café Hélico share with Aliments du Québec au menu. Throughout the seasons, both establishments receive fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, poultry, meats, flours, and dairy products from Québec producers. David explains that the vast majority of food processing happens on site — for example, their hams, yogurts, breads, and pastries are all made in-house.

“You can’t get more local than that!”

Local at Hélico

It’s especially important for the Hélicoptère team to use as much of the whole animal as possible in their dishes. For example, pork is delivered whole from the family farm Porc Meilleur and processed on-site. The same goes for duck prepared in their kitchen. For six months of the year, the chef receives whole ducks from his supplier, Canard du Village, a family farm whose products are certified by Aliments du Québec. Located in Saint-Pie, the farm has been raising Muscovy ducks for over 20 years without antibiotics or force-feeding, and feeds them flax for added Omega-3 content. Jocelyne, from the fourth generation of owners, is about to pass the torch to her children, who will continue the operation with the same philosophy.

Between December and August, you’ll find confit duck legs on the café menu and braised duck breasts transformed into delicious dumplings on the restaurant menu. Hélico offers a cuisine that is creative and cosmopolitan, while always respecting the integrity of the products.

Speaking of the café, you’ll find particularly delicious lattes there. The secret? Organic Québec milk with 3.8% fat content. For this specific product, Café Hélico partners with Nutrinor dairy, whose products certified by Aliments du Québec can also be found in grocery stores. Located in Alma, Nutrinor is the northernmost dairy in Québec and sources its milk daily from nearby farms, most located within 35 kilometers. This boreal-latitude dairy contributes strongly to the local economy while reducing its environmental impact. Additionally, it is the only dairy farm that owns its own feed mill, meaning the cows are fed high-quality, locally sourced forage and grains. From farm to cup, it truly makes all the difference.

Continuing the Path

Hélicoptère and Café Hélico place great importance on local and seasonal ingredients. Their menu changes with the seasons to ensure exceptional freshness. During our early July visit, radishes, eggplant, zucchini, and garlic flowers were in the spotlight!

A grocery shop and micro-bakery will soon open in the space next door to the restaurant (4257 Ontario East). There, you’ll find their house-made hams, yogurts, and about one hundred loaves of bread per day (to start).

More than ever, we realize how important it is to buy and eat local. And it’s truly encouraging to see this philosophy embraced by the places we love.

The restaurant and café are currently open while also offering takeout, with a menu highlighting local and seasonal products. We highly recommend a visit!