Chateauguay

Resto Melodie Quebec Canada: Serving up Faith and Food

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Rosie Awori – Local Journalism Initiative

A heart for meaningful community impact is the driving force behind Allison Grier Hull’s feeding initiative at her restaurant. Sister Allis as she is fondly referred to doesn’t see her restaurant as a business but as a call from God.

Situated on 121B Bd Maple in Chateauguay it is well placed next to two high schools. And since the semester has begun every weekday from around 12:45 pm a wave of hungry high schoolers flood into Resto MQC. The air is filled with the aroma of spices and the melody of old hymns. The students, initially loud quickly settle into a peaceful atmosphere as they wait for their lunch.

Sister Allis established Resto MQC in 2020 after feeling called by God to leave her nursing career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and serve the community. Initially, it was an outreach ministry to help the Elderly, the Homeless and the Youth in Montreal but after a while, she felt the need to focus more on the youth. The restaurant prioritizes providing affordable lunches for students at Howard S. Billings and Gabriel Roy High School. For just $5, students can choose from an array of meals such as a plate of rice, chicken, plantains, and pasta, along with a free bottle of water.

“Everyone knows that around lunch time the priority is the kids, some people get upset about it but I know that they (the students) are the main reason I am doing this,” she explains to the CONTACT.

“Providing them with an affordable meal is important, it helps them focus in school because if they can’t afford lunch how will they go through their day? The restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s a tool for ministry. “This isn’t a business,” she says with conviction. “It’s a way to share God’s love and provide for those in need.”

Sister Allis’ most popular dish is the jerk poutine – which infuses Jamaican jerk chicken and the famous Quebec staple, poutine.

“This recipe,” she discloses, “came straight from the heart of God.” The combination of well-seasoned jerk chicken, crispy fries and gooey cheese curds just came to me as I was asking God what to offer the students.”

While Resto MQC offers a variety of delicious and freshly made dishes, it’s the atmosphere that truly sets it apart. The restaurant’s warm and inviting ambiance, coupled with the soothing music, creates a sense of tranquility that is hard to find in other fast-food establishments. Students come not just for the food, but also for the calm environment.

Sister Allis is clear that her motivation is not profit or self-interest, but rather all for the glory of God. Her faith is an integral part of how she operates the restaurant, from the way she treats her customers to the way she manages her finances. Every decision she makes is guided by her belief in God, throughout the interview she often said “it was His business” referring to God.

As I sat and observed the students enjoying their meals, I couldn’t help but observe the positive impact that Resto MQC is having on them. One student dropped something and exclaimed with an expletive. And before Sister Allison could remind them that no swear words are permitted on the premises. His fellow student quickly corrected him, “You can’t say that here.”

Sister Allis, is not just interested in their physical formation by way of the meals but even their emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.

The restaurant has books and magazines for the students to read from Bibles to other positive literature that will help them make better choices and inspire them to reach for their goals. The name “Melody” reflects Sister Allis’ vision of disciples united in praise. As she explains, “Disciples united as ONE is like a Melody of praise to the Lord God.”

Resto MQC is a registered charity, and any support is welcome. Whether it’s a donation, volunteering in the kitchen, bringing books for the students to read or simply spreading the word about their mission, every contribution helps ensure that they can continue to serve their community.

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A love letter to Nigeria from Bola’s Cuisine in Chateauguay

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Since she arrived in Canada almost twenty years ago, Bola has been cooking her way through festivals, parties and private events all while nursing a dream of having her own restaurant to showcase the diversity of Nigerian cuisine.

Now, on the eve of the first anniversary of Bola’s Cuisine, Bola is excited to celebrate twelve months of success and learning. She invited the CONTACT to the restaurant to sample the culinary delights and share her journey into entrepreneurship.

“It hasn’t been easy, but this is my dream,” she says.
Bola, like most migrants came to Canada, with the hope for a better life. She was seeking refuge from turmoil in her country and wanted a safer and more stable life for herself and her family.

For years, Bola juggled multiple jobs as she saved up for her dream. She studied the intricacies of the restaurant business as it relates to Montreal. Growing up in Nigeria, her mother was a well-known restauranteur, and she grew up lending a helping hand and cooking some of the dishes. She recalls the bustling energy in the restaurant as people would come from various towns to enjoy the delicious food.

“People who heard about the food from others would come from far to eat there. So, it’s there that I learned about food and how to cook and it just became a passion for me,” she explains.

In Canada, it was hard for her to stay away from the kitchen. She started by making food for individuals, which soon became events and parties. She even had a stand at the Chateauguay Food Festival for the past few years. Her food gained a loyal following with patrons eager to sample her jollof, egusi soup, fish among others. The events and festivals not only gave her experience but grew her client base. But as the demand increased, she soon found it hard to meet all the needs as an individual caterer. And so, a year ago, she opened the doors of Bola’s Cuisine

The name Bola, which is also her name, means honour and her hope is that her food can honour the rich culinary heritage of Nigeria. She says that food is more than just sustenance, but it also brings together, it also heals and it also comforts.

“We have food that we give to women who are pregnant – like pepe soup that helps them through the duration of their pregnancy. Some foods are for children that help the strengthening of their bones,”she says. “Different foods have different purposes, there’s rice we eat at weddings and food for new mothers and so on. Food is a way to connect and share stories.”
The menu at Bola’s Cuisine is laden with a wide assortment of Nigerian delicacies that offer a sensory journey through the country’s diverse states. Bola says her motivation is not just fueled by her passion but even her children. Her daughter Priscilla came in during our interview and ensured everything was well placed for the pictures. She also expressed her admiration for her mother for all she has done and continues to do.
Bola hopes to expand her restaurant in the coming years and hopes that the economy will allow as the past few months have been a bit challenging. Because she has chosen not to compromise on the quality of her ingredients, she notes that lately the costs have increased. She hopes the government in Quebec can help young entrepreneurs weather the current economic storms so they can continue pushing their enterprises.
Bola’s Cuisine is located on 79 Boulevard d’Anjou in Chateauguay and is open everyday except Monday, when Bola takes time to recharge and spend time with her family.

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