There is one thing that the Laurels of Gastronomy do particularly well: cast a wide net, to the four corners of Quebec. Once again this year, the selections are surprising and encourage discoveries. Here are the finalists in the main categories.
You’re all probably waiting to find out who will compete for the restaurant and chef of the year titles, so let’s start here. Ten tables were selected as having earned their Lauriers in 2023: Auberge Saint-Mathieu (Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc), Beba (Montreal), Hoogan et Beaufort (Montreal), Le Clan (Québec), Melba (Québec), Moccione (Montreal), Parcelles (Austin), Tanière3 (Québec), Verre lime (Chicoutimi), My rabbit (Montreal).
PHOTO PATRICE LAROCHE, LE SOLEIL ARCHIVES
The Melba restaurant, located in Quebec
In the running for their exceptional cooking skills is Samy Benabed (Auberge Saint-Mathieu) – who could go from Revelation of the Year to Chef of the Year in one year! –, Patrice Demers (Sabayon), Fisun Ercan (Ferme Bika, Saint-Blaise-sur-Richelieu), Marc-Olivier Frappier and Jessica Noël (My rabbit), David Janelle (La Cuisine, Chicoutimi), Mathieu Janes (Myranel, Deschambault ), Stéphane Modat (Le Clan), Gabriel Molleur-Langevin (Le Champlain, at Château Frontenac), Guillaume St-Pierre (Battuto et Melba) and Raphaël G. Théberge (Kundah Hôtel, Quebec).
Those whose wine service was exceptional last year are Nikola Da Fonseca (vinvinvin), Vanya Filipovic (My Rabbit), Joris Gutierrez Garcia (Hunting and Fishing Club), Jean-Philippe Reid (Lime Glass) and Amelia Stines (Tuck Shop).
As for the service itself, it was provided with finesse by Mélanie Blanchette (Bouillon Bilk, etc.), Roxan Bourdelais (Tanière3), Marina Marcot (Myranel), Dave St-Yves (Buvette Scott) and Alexandre Vincenot (Chez Saint- Rock).
Pastry is another category that tends to excite the taste buds. Bertrand Bazin (Chez Bazin), Éric Champagne (ITHQ), Paul Croteau (Battuto), Olivier Potier (Chez Potier) and Gabrielle Rivard-Hiller (La cabana sur le roc) have all created exceptional desserts in 2023.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Chef Andersen Lee is in the running for Revelation of the Year.
Let’s end this list with the Revelation of the year, because it’s always interesting to know who the “stars” of tomorrow will be: Andersen Lee (Uncle Lee), Frédérique Lévesque (Feuilleté Café), Chloé Ouellet (Au pasture), Elena Racevičiūtė Ouellette (Anemone and Mui mui) and Ronan Ulliac (Consulate General of France in Montreal).
Waiting for May 27
To find out the finalists for the nine other prizes which will be awarded on May 27 at New City Gas, simply consult the Lauriers website. Christian Bégin, who had to withdraw for health reasons last year, will not be present this year either – Francis Reddy and Christine Plante are reprising their duet – but he will present a tribute prize to Janette Betrand, for his contribution to Quebec culture and gastronomy.
The final vote is now open and all industry professionals (there are more than 7,000 in the “Brigade”) are encouraged to vote to choose the winners. Gala tickets are also on sale, at the preferential rate of $115 until March 31 (regular price: $150).
Visit the Lauriers de la cuisine québécoise website