Culinary showdown in Gatineau brings in chefs from across West Quebec

Tashi Farmilo

Tourisme Outaouais has announced the launch of L’Outaouais en Cuisine, a culinary competition set for February 26 at the École hôtelière de l’Outaouais, located at 584 rue Maclaren Est in Gatineau. Created to spotlight regional talent and celebrate the area's culinary identity, the event will feature 13 chefs, each collaborating with students from the school to craft dishes showcasing locally sourced ingredients. Open to the public, the competition invites attendees to sample the creations and vote for their favourite.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate our chefs and the richness of our local products while supporting the next generation of culinary professionals,” said Geneviève Latulippe, president and CEO of Tourisme Outaouais. “We want people to leave not only with a memorable dining experience but also with a deeper appreciation for the creativity and dedication that define our region’s food scene.”

Among the competing chefs are names from some of the area’s most respected establishments, including À La Dérive Brasserie Artisanale, Biscotti & cie, Le Napoléon Bistronomie Québécoise, Restaurant OmegaBon, and Moulin Wakefield Mill Hôtel & Spa. The event’s guest of honour, Manuela Teixeira, president and CEO of Square Old Chelsea, emphasized the competition’s role in fostering culinary excellence, calling it “a remarkable showcase of the skill and passion that make Outaouais an exciting gastronomic destination.”

A jury of esteemed chefs—including Éric Chagnon-Zimmerly of North & Navy, Justin Champagne-Lagarde of Perch, Marc-Olivier Eloy of Club de golf de la Vallée du Richelieu, and Yannick LaSalle of the Supreme Court of Canada—will determine the winner, while guests will cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award.

The event has been made possible through support from the Entente sectorielle de développement du secteur bioalimentaire de l’Outaouais, in collaboration with the Quebec government, regional municipalities, the City of Gatineau, and industry partners. Additional contributions come from event coordinator Wapokunie Riel-Lachapelle, content agency Wenov, and the École hôtelière de l’Outaouais.

Tickets for L’Outaouais en Cuisine are available now, with details on pricing and purchasing options accessible through Tourisme Outaouais’ official website at outaouaisencuisine.ca.