On Monday evening, March 26, the New City Gas venue in Montreal’s Griffintown was transformed into the epicenter of Quebec’s gastronomic excellence for the 7th edition of the Gala des Lauriers de la gastronomie québécoise. This year’s edition blended festivity and reverence, as 17 new laureates were crowned in front of a crowd that included culinary luminaries, dignitaries, and members of the public.

Gala des Lauriers: A Celebration of Local Talent, From Earth to Table

With a renewed artistic direction by renowned creative director Nicolas Fonseca and presided over by legendary chef Normand Laprise, the 2025 Gala des Lauriers delivered on its promise to honour those who define and elevate Quebec cuisine. Finalists, past winners, and industry trailblazers exchanged aprons for red carpet elegance, creating a dazzling ambiance worthy of the occasion. Notable hosts included chef Antonin Mousseau-Rivard, food personality Perle Morency, and sommelier François Morissette.

The emotional high point of the evening came with a moving in memoriam tribute to the late Daniel Pinard, awarded this year’s Laurier Hommage for his lifelong contribution to the culinary identity of Quebec. The honor was presented by botanist and agricultural visionary Patrice Fortier.

The Repas des étoiles: A Feast by the Best

Guests were treated to the much-anticipated Repas des étoiles, curated by previous laureates and finalists, and orchestrated by the talented team behind Les Survenants. On the menu: an unforgettable array of delicacies by some of the province’s brightest talents, including Chef Fisun Ercan (Chef of the Year 2024), Gabrielle Hiller-Rivard (Pastry Chef of the Year 2024), Simon Faucher (Mixologist of the Year 2024), Maison de Soma (Gastronomic Tourism Award 2024), and Geneviève Everell (Public’s Choice 2024), among others. It was a meal that reflected the spirit of the Gala des Lauriers itself—bold, elegant, and deeply rooted in local terroir.

A Transparent, Industry-Led Recognition Process

What sets the Lauriers apart is their rigorous and democratic selection process. Winners are determined by a 50/50 vote split between a 9000+ member Brigade des Lauriers and a jury of respected professionals from all corners of Quebec’s food industry. This year’s jury was once again chaired by Normand Laprise and included voices from wine, tourism, agriculture, and culinary education, such as Pasquale Vari (ITHQ), Damien Girard (Viandes bio de Charlevoix), and Geneviève Vézina-Montplaisir (Caribou).

This model ensures that peer recognition and expert evaluation both play key roles in celebrating excellence—from farmers and fishers to chefs and sommeliers.

Strong Institutional and Community Support

The success and growth of the Gala des Lauriers owe much to the dedication of its partners. The event’s organizers extended heartfelt thanks to André Lamontagne, Quebec’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, for renewing his essential support. Founding partners including Daniel Lacombe of LDE Éco-Logixx, the ITHQ, and Tourisme Montréal were also acknowledged for their unwavering commitment.

2025 welcomed several new collaborators, including Colabor, Terroir et Saveurs du Québec, and the Société du Réseau Économusée. Media partners Caribou and Tastet also helped amplify the reach of the Gala’s mission: to celebrate and elevate Quebec’s gastronomic culture.

A Future Rooted in Excellence

The 2025 Gala des Lauriers was not just a celebration—it was a declaration. Quebec’s culinary community continues to grow, innovate, and inspire. This year’s laureates stand as proud representatives of a cuisine that is local, sustainable, creative, and world-class.

For the complete list of 2025 laureates, visit lauriers.ca/laureats-2025

SEE ALSO: NUMIX Awards 2025 | Oto’s Planet Rockets to Grand Prix Glory