By Anne Stairs

On November 25, 2015, Chez Moi Chez Toi launched itself as a niche Indian restaurant at the corner of Bondville Rd. and route 215. The restaurant’s staying power is a minor miracle. Most restaurants close within their first year, and when owner/operator Nicolas Jacques bought the building, he was still undecided about the kind of restaurant he was going to open.

An Unexpected Success

Who knew that an Indian restaurant, operated by a non-native Indian, would become a popular Brome Lake eatery with a customer reach across the region? It helped that Chez Moi Chez Toi got an early boost in 2017 by being featured on Quebec TV’s Coup de Food (stet). But it is the authenticity of Jacques’ cuisine that keeps bringing customers back.

Support and Influences

Jacques credits former Star Café owner, Richard Pilon, with helping him define the vision, and his parents and sister Katherine with helping him get started. In fact, his mom Susan still makes the My Mother’s Rice Pudding dessert.

The Challenges of Today

Operating a restaurant in a post-pandemic environment has its challenges. But the payoff for Jacques is to see a restaurant of his own design — a space defined by great food, good music, and a happy crowd.