Rue Principale trailblazer

Bistro L’Autre Oeil to move next fall

L’Autre Oeil will be moving at the end of October 2017. This popular bistro has yet to announce its new location, but the owners did confirm that it will be near the present site on Principale.

“Following months of negotiations with the building’s owner, for the second time in 10 years, we haven’t been able to close a deal and become its new owner. So, we’re moving!,” explained the bistro’s owners in a message.

The building currently housing the bistro is on the market for $579,000. According to city records, it was built in 1922 and is owned by Gatineau resident Gilles Dulac. His son is the real-estate agent selling the property.

When the property was listed for sale, the bistro owners were forced to explain and reassure clients that only the house was for sale and not the bistro itself.

“After investing our heart and soul for close to 20 years, we came to the conclusion that our love and passion were bigger than what 55 rue Principale could offer us.

 

”We might as well invest in a property that will be ours,” wrote the owners.

The owners did not specify where the bistro will re-open next fall, but there are many places to select from on rue Principale. The Bamboo building, 68-70 rue Principale (Studio Martel), and the Old Bistro Bord’Eau at 31 rue Principale are just some of the properties for sale.

L’Autre Oeil opened its doors in 1998 as a small café-bistro offering 23 select brews; it has evolved into a specialized bistro offering more than 545 beers from 30 countries. For many, the bar is seen as the trailblazer in the revitalization of Aylmer’s rue Principale.

“Last summer, if you recall, we celebrated our 18-year anniversary. And like all teenagers becoming adults, we leave the nest to fly with our own wings, taking on a brand new adventure, without forgetting our past. What can we say, life is full of surprises!”

The real-estate agent declined to comment to the Bulletin on the negotiations.