Asking Mon Lapin's Vanya Filipovic for a last-minute gift guide

People working in Montreal's hospitality scene are bona fide lifesavers. We have the best of times with them, turning our nights into pure magic, and they're always on point if things go sideways.

So what happens if we're scrambling for gift ideas at the very last second, when the holidays are right around the corner?

We figured, hey, why don't we ask someone who knows exactly what to do when we need some guidance during hectic times? Why not ask someone who's a master of their craft and has real commitment to authentic artisans like Vanya Filipovic?

SAY HI TO VANYA

A luminary in Montreal's vibrant restaurant and wine scene, Vanya's a reputation for seamlessly blending her roles as the founder of Dame-Jeanne Imports, the ex-drink director for renowned restaurants Joe Beef and Le Vin Papillon, and now co-owner of Mon Lapin.

With an extensive background rooted in her family heritage in hospitality, Vanya's played a pivotal role in shaping the natural wine movement in Montreal. A real trailblazer.

From Little Burgundy's restaurant row to embarking on Mon Lapin with Marc-Olivier Frappier—a testament to her unwavering dedication to innovation and new adventures—we thought she'd be just the person to ask about what to buy for a couple of gifts on short notice.

Her professional pursuits, love for travel, harvest work, and advocacy for quality experiences show that she's not only got a multifaceted approach to life, but she's an enduring influential force shaping Montreal's evolving narratives, wine and not.

VANYA'S LAST-MINUTE GIFT GUIDE FOR THE HOLIDAYS™

1. THE NEW PALOMA COOKZINE 

"I am a huge, huge fan of this sweet little Niçois resto on upper Saint-Laurent Boulevard. A cozy father-daughter duo who serve old family classics with pride and elegance. They just released a beautiful journal with their staple recipes and stunning illustrations. A must!" 

Available online on Paloma's online shop or in person at the restaurant, or at one of several outposts like Vino Rama, Butterblume, Librairie Gourmande, or Boutique Olive et Gourmando. 

2. THE NEW BEEZZ POURPRE CAN

"This started out as a collaborative project with Mon Lapin! We loved the idea of a Hydromel Desrochers sparkler with haskap berries and black currant. It was such a hit! We poured it in bottle, in magnum, and it somehow worked so well during every season! This year, Naline and Geraud of Hydromel Desrochers have released cute can versions, which I find so festive and easy to just crack anytime! Low ABV, juicy and a bit wild from those nordic berries."

Available at their online shop, as well as these retailers.

3. RESERVATIONS TO A MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE DINNER

"I’ve always loved this mid-winter festival, and this year marks its 25th anniversary. There is a very diverse and eclectic mix of artists, winemakers, and incredible chefs coming to town for collaborative events with our local restaurants. The website has the full program available, this year is going to be pretty epic from the looks of it!"

See what's coming up via Montréal en Lumière's website. 

4. CUSTOM KITCHEN TOOLS BY MADE IN MONTREAL

"I just discovered these guys a few weeks ago and was blown away by their gorgeous wooden products. Works of art, really! I’m a big fan of their cutting boards, but especially of their fresh pasta tools like the maple ridged pasta boards with handles, the ravioli molds, and the cavatelli boards! So beautiful, a truly amazing hand crafted gift." 

Available directly via them on their Instagram. DM for details! 

5. A MON LAPIN HOODIE

"I’m biased here, but these are so cozy! Embroidered in Montreal. Available in Alpine Green or Bone. Perfect gift, but also a perfect self-treat." 

Available on Mon Lapin's webshop.

6. SEEDS FROM LA SOCIÉTÉ DES PLANTES

"This company is amazing. Based in Kamouraska, they’ve created a world of such dreamy varieties of seeds for every herb, vegetable, flower, etc! Their website sells great books and posters, I love their illustrator. But more importantly, seeds grouped by categories; leafy greens, root vegetables, flowering plants, etc. My favourite is in the ‘KITS’ section; thoughtful mixes for aromatic plants, edible flowers, savoury herbs, etc, all designed for urban balconies!" 

Available via their website.

7. OENOPOLE'S CHAMPAGNE MAP, DRAWN BY BEN TARDIF

"Everyone who knows me knows my love of grower Champagne, and I import quite a few amazing domaines with my agency Dame-Jeanne. Fantastic fellow wine importer Oenopole has collaborated with the talented Ben Tardif for a stunning, fun, and very educational map of this huge and diverse region." 

Available on their website.

8. PANETTONE ALLA ELENA

"I look forward to this every year. This version has macerated apricots, dark chocolate, and orange zest. It’s such a stunner on a holiday brunch table!"

Available on Elena's website for pick-up or worldwide shipping. 

9. VINO RAMA WINE TOTE

"I love a good, sturdy wine tote with some flair. The new green Vino Rama (one of my favourite wine shops!) version is just perfect. While you’re there, pick up some fantastic wines from their selection and a few bags of Miette Chips!"

Available at their shop at 29 Beaubien Est.  

10. ANYTHING FROM LIBRARIE WINO!

"There is a shop in Burgundy called Athenaeum, and it’s a must-stop for me on every visit. Now we have our very own version in Montreal thanks to the wonderful folks behind WINO imports. A really complete mix of French and English wine books, magazines, great glassware, and fun wine art."

A visit in store is highly recommended, but you can also shop on their website (they ship worldwide) at 122 Bernard Ouest.