Just yesterday, we had the chance to attend the 8th edition of the Gala des Lauriers de la gastronomie du Québec. For those unfamiliar with it, it's quite simple: television has the Gémeaux Awards, comedy has the Olivier Awards, and gastronomy has the Lauriers. It's a gala that celebrates culinary talent from across our beautiful province.
The first part of the evening took place at Théâtre Pierre-Mercure, where a red carpet and glasses of bubbly set the stage for the announcement of the winners and the awards ceremony. Hosted by Dany Saint-Pierre (chef, host, author, and founder of Pan American Pizza), the ceremony was punctuated by moving speeches, familiar faces, and a deep sense of pride in the incredible talent found across Quebec. The evening unfolded before the bright eyes and attentive ears of both active and behind-the-scenes members of the industry, as well as notable figures from the political sphere, including Soraya Martinez (Mayor of Montreal), Bruno Marchand (Mayor of Quebec City), and Minister Chantal Rouleau.
Here is a selection of the winners from this high-energy 8th edition:
Chef of the Year: Samy Benabed, L'Auberge Saint-Mathieu, Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc
Restaurant of the Year: Microbrasserie Le Presbytère, Saint-Stanislas-de-Champlain
Artisan of the Year: Jean Morin, Fromagerie du Presbytère, Sainte-Élizabeth-de-Warwick
Canteen of the Year: La Cantina, Kamouraska
Culinary Outreach: Normand Laprise, Toqué!, Montreal
Best Service: Marie-Josée Beaudoin, Sabayon, Montreal
Sommelier of the Year: Hugo Duchesne, Hoogan et Beaufort and Annette bar-à-vin, Montreal
Winemaker / Beverage Producer: Zaché Hall, Domaine de l'Espiègle, Dunham
People's Choice Award: Geneviève O'Gleman
Breakthrough of the Year: William Sirois, Le Mousso, Montreal
The speeches were filled with an overwhelming sense of pride, collaboration, and recognition. Many were surprised to receive such honors, Samy Benabed, named Chef of the Year, was visibly speechless, and Normand Laprise, upon receiving the Culinary Outreach Award, noted that he has never seen such a strong new generation in the kitchen as he has this year. A very promising sign for Montreal's culinary scene, which is already thriving and resonating far beyond our borders.
To see the full list of awards, visit the Lauriers website for all categories and recipients.
The festivities continued at the Studio-Cabaret of Espace Saint-Denis, where a creative, indulgent, and electrifying gastronomic experience awaited, perfectly reflecting the spirit of the industry. The bites were crafted by talented chefs and artisans, finalists and laureates from previous editions, giving us the chance to taste, celebrate, and connect with our peers.
Here are a few of the bites that delighted us:
- Snow crab dumplings - Stéphane Modat, Le Clan
- Truffle croque-monsieur and snow crab deviled eggs - Jordane Urbain and Guillaume Lepage, Le Molière
- Steamed duck bun with foie gras sauce - François-Emmanuel Nicol, Tanière³
- Dessert table presented by Callebaut and Éric Champagne
It was an evening that truly lived up to the incredible talent found here. Congratulations once again to all the winners and finalists of this 8th edition.
And some great news: next year, Quebec City will host the event! A decision driven by the desire to extend the reach of this celebration across the province. The host city will alternate between Montreal and Quebec City every two years.
Once again, congratulations on a beautifully executed gala, and thank you to RestoMontréal for such an inspiring event!
