Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

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.

Photo: Tourisme Outaouais launches the first edition of L’Outaouais en Cuisine, a public culinary
competition on February 26, 2025, in Gatineau, where top regional chefs and aspiring students
will showcase local flavours in a gourmet showdown. (TF) Photo: Courtesy of Tourisme
Outaouais