Oma
A rustic table designed by Hakim Chajar
After launching Jane Café in Cowansville in 2023, chef Hakim Chajar has just opened the Ôma restaurant in Dunham, on the second floor of the Vignoble du Ruisseau. The chef, who was a finalist on the show Les chefs! in 2012, is returning to his roots, having grown up in Sherbrooke with his family. Meet a man who is passionate about his job.
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA OF OPENING A RESTAURANT IN DUNHAM?
I opened a café in Cowansville in 2023. One day, the co-owner of Vignoble du Ruisseau, Sara Gaston, came by. She told me she liked what I was doing and that she had a space to rent. I went to visit the vineyard and fell in love with it. The place reminded me of France and California where I worked when I was younger. I saw the potential of what I could do there with the great cuisine, the breathtaking view of the vines…
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO OPEN A CAFÉ AND RESTAURANT IN THE REGION?
I grew up in the countryside. I was at a point in my life where any sound or visual distraction disturbed me in my work and in my life. When I spent weekends in the countryside, I was not the same person. I felt more serene, while I became agitated again as soon as I resumed my activities in Montreal. So I made the decision to settle in Bromont.
YOU GREW UP IN SHERBROOKE. IS THIS A RETURN TO YOUR ROOTS FOR YOU?
Yes, absolutely! When I arrived from Morocco with my parents and siblings, we settled in Sherbrooke. We would go buy lamb and poultry in Sutton. My father loved the tranquility of the Eastern Townships. Later, when I lived in Montreal, I often rented cottages on weekends in the region. So this connection with the Eastern Townships has continued.
WHAT DOES ÔMA MEAN?
This term comes from an Arabic dialect and means “mother earth” or “the origin of life”. I wanted a name that reflected my desire to reconnect with the culture of the soil, the provenance of what we eat.
HOW DO YOU DEVELOP YOUR MENU?
The menu is based on the seasons and direct access to local market gardeners and farmers. It changes regularly. It can even be modified several times a week. Of course, I can keep the same protein, but it will be accompanied by a different garnish or a different vinaigrette. I am lucky to have a huge vegetable garden here on the vineyard. I have herbs, flowers, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, rhubarb… I like to have my ingredients on hand.
THE RESTAURANT ALSO HAS A BEAUTIFUL WINE LIST…
Yes, the wines all come from the vineyard.
YOU ALSO OFFER PICNIC BOXES.
Yes, however many boxes you need, just call the restaurant and order. I create a custom menu.
DOES ÔMA ALSO WELCOME GROUPS?
Yes, we have several rooms that can accommodate groups for weddings, private or business events. People can enjoy a majestic setting while eating a good meal.
To book : restaurantoma.com
