A Sparkling Evening at New City Gas to Celebrate Quebec's Talents
On Monday, May 26th, 2025, the RestoMontréal team had the pleasure of attending the Lauriers Gala, a much-anticipated event that transformed New City Gas into a true hub of Quebec talent.This standout moment, capping off the culinary year, gave us the chance to reconnect with familiar faces from the finalist announcement a few weeks earlier and experience the celebration live. To learn more about the finalists, check out our dedicated article.
The evening began smoothly with a pre-gala where two awards were presented before the red carpet officially kicked off the festivities. Guests from across Quebec mingled and reconnected in an atmosphere that was both relaxed and buzzing with excitement.
Read also:
Les Lauriers Gala 2025: Quebec's Standout Culinary Talents Revealed
The gala then gained momentum with the first two blocks of award presentations, each hosted by renowned personalities from the Quebec culinary scene.
Between the official moments, conversations flowed and applause echoed throughout the venue. After the delicious intermission, the event resumed with an emotional tribute to Daniel Pinard, recognized for his exceptional contribution to the culinary world.
The final segment, led by the dynamic and unpredictable Antonin Rivard-Mousso, wrapped up the award ceremony on a high note. This year, winners remained on stage to chat with the host, sharing the stories behind their businesses and the challenges they had overcome.
The evening continued in a festive atmosphere with the kitchen party, offering a golden opportunity to extend conversations, network and raise a glass to the industry's success.
Award Winners Who Shone Throughout the Evening
Throughout the evening, winners were announced to enthusiastic applause and curious anticipation. The announcements punctuated the event, showcasing talent from across Quebec.
Here are this year's standout winners:
- Restaurant of the Year: Le Clan in Quebec City
- Chefs of the Year: Alexandra Roy and Charles Provencher-Proulx of Melba in Quebec City
- Tribute Award: Daniel Pinard
- People's Choice: Dominique Rioux
- Mixologist of the Year: Sabrina Touzel of Foxy in Montreal
- Sommelier of the Year: Jonathan Strokowski Ross of Tanière³ in Quebec City
- Business or Initiative of the Year: Tablé(e) au féminin
- Culinary Culture Ambassador: Allison Van Rassel, Salut les gourmands
- Culinary Tourism Award: Les Cocagnes of Frelighsburg
- Canteen of the Year: Cantine Côtière in Saint-Fabien
Other awards were also presented during the evening. To discover the full list of winners and learn more about each, visit the Lauriers website. It was a true showcase of talent and creativity that fuels Quebec's culinary scene.
A Gourmet Intermission That Celebrated Local Artisans
The intermission turned into a feast in the form of a cocktail dinner, highlighting the craftsmanship of passionate artisans and the richness of Quebec products. A generous moment, designed to spark curiosity and bring people together over delicious bites.
Here are some highlights from the evening:
- noodles from Maison de Soma;
- hearty pizzas from Danny St-Pierre of Pan American Pizza;
- cocktail shrimp from Moishes;
- refined sushi from Geneviève Everell (Sushi à la Maison);
- bites prepared by Fisun Ercan and Gabrielle Hiller-Rivard;
- 100% local charcuterie and cheese platters from Aux Terroirs;
- unique popcorn from Racines Boréales and
- the all-chocolate table from Callebaut.
The welcome cocktail, available with or without alcohol, was created by Simon Faucher, 2024 Mixologist of the Year, in collaboration with Alambika and UBALD, and presented by Éduc'alcool.
Many more bites and drinks rounded out this gourmet spread, in a relaxed atmosphere that encouraged mingling, conversations… and second helpings.
A Festive Celebration to Close the Evening
After the final award was presented, the evening continued in a festive and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for celebrating the finalists, winners and the industry as a whole.
Conversations, laughter and music filled the space as the kitchen party continued. Everyone had the opportunity to extend their connections over a drink and a few final bites.
Congratulations to the winners, finalists and all those who, directly or indirectly, help showcase Quebec's culinary scene and enrich this vibrant industry.
A heartfelt thank you to the gala organizers for this memorable evening. The RestoMontréal team is grateful to have been able to attend such an inspiring and unifying event.
