We could start with “once upon a time” as the story of Inès Gauthier amazes. We even perceive the themes of a fable; that of a hardworking and passionate young girl who seizes every opportunity that life puts in her way. Like opening her first restaurant at 16.
The conversation had barely started when Inès Gauthier was already setting the table: “My father always told me: either you dream your life, or you live your dreams. »It does not take more to understand where the determination and candor of this entrepreneur at heart come from.
Daughter of Eric and Fanny Gauthier, the founders of Ateliers et saveurs – a company that offers cooking and mixology lessons – Inès fell into the potion when she was very young, discovering very early that cooking is her real passion. Not only did she quickly get her hands dirty with meal preparation, but the stars aligned for her to publish two cookbooks. His dream was always the same: to have his own restaurant.
When the Gourmet District project got underway in Quebec City, in the Sainte-Foy district, its instigators suggested to Éric Gauthier to open a first restaurant there. The father decided that the offer should be made to his daughter instead, seeing it as an opportunity to make her childhood dream come true.
A family project
This other alignment of stars or her lucky star means that Inès finds herself today at the head of Mlle Inès – L’atelier du hamburger. The main interested party is careful not to take all the credit. “All the research and development was done with my two young sisters, my mom and my dad,” she says. We took all the tastes we liked and put them in our burgers – I love burgers! We all worked together on the menu. My sister Lili is a good reviewer and Jade, the youngest, loves it, eating! It really is a family project! “
Inès Gauthier’s idea was to make her favorite high-end dish. “I love burgers, but it turns out a dish that is fast food, so we want to return it “fast good”, She illustrates. We deconstructed every part of the burger. We have done research and development on each item: bread, meats, sauces, cheeses. For six months, we worked with a master baker to make THE best brioche burger bun. The result is a vegan bread with mashed potatoes and maple nuggets, ”she adds, with pride in her voice.
Korean, Thai, classic, BLT, with poultry, its menu offers the hamburger in several variations. “My father is crazy about truffles and he said: why don’t we add truffles to a burger? The trigger led to the creation of Inès’ favorite dish on her menu. “The HQ burger. This is my must-have. He is dead! “
The slate is also topped with poutine and pogos made with German sausage and waffle batter, among others. Playful and well done. Undoubtedly in the image of the head of creation.
Listening to him speak, we feel that Inès Gauthier was involved in the whole process of ideation, openness and management. His name is obviously not only on the sign of the restaurant. Not surprisingly to hear her say that she will continue her college studies in business management techniques. “It would be the most logical”, believes the one who plans to “resume the business of [ses] parents and have several restaurants. “
For now, as she studies in Montreal, she will manage her restaurant remotely. “I would like to be there at all times, to go there every weekend, it’s something that belongs to me, that is close to my heart. Emotionally, it’s quite difficult, but we have a trustworthy person who keeps us informed. And my dad is going too. That’s why I say it’s a family project. We are all involved. Another proof: his mother will open a cocktail bar there, and his father a new Ateliers et saveurs branch. “We encourage each other as a family to go further together,” says Inès Gauthier wisely. Like an invitation to follow the next chapter in its history.