Free Rein: 6 Gastronomic Evenings Not to Miss at Les Labours Restaurant
Les Labours, located within the Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix in Baie-Saint-Paul, known for its farm-to-table approach, is a true gem of Charlevoix, sourcing some of its ingredients from its own garden and among the finest products of the region. To celebrate the return of warmer weather, Les Labours offers an unprecedented gastronomic experience: Free Rein. During six gourmet Thursdays in May and June, one or two exceptional guest chefs will take the reins of the kitchen each week and will have carte blanche to offer an exclusive menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients from the Charlevoix region. Accompanied by the Les Labours brigade, each guest chef will craft their dishes right before your astonished eyes in the restaurant’s large, open kitchen.
Each evening will be a celebration of regional cuisine and culinary art, accompanied by bold food and wine pairings, local beers, and innovative cocktails that will tantalize your taste buds with every bite. Add to that captivating entertainment and live music for evenings that promise to be full of flavor!
Please note that reservations are required for the Free Rein events, and we recommend booking quickly as spots are likely to fill up fast.
Program Details:
May 2: Chef Jean-Luc Boulay – Le Saint-Amour
To kick off this series of gastronomic evenings in style, Les Labours will have the pleasure of welcoming Chef Jean-Luc Boulay. At the helm of the renowned Saint-Amour restaurant, a true institution of Old Quebec City, he offers refined French cuisine highlighting local terroir products. His expertise contributes to showcasing Quebec cuisine on the international stage every day.
Price: $150 and $250 with pairings per person
May 9: Chefs Éric Lessard and Charles Gignac – Le 101 Restaurant de quartier
For this second evening, two chefs will delight your taste buds at Les Labours: Éric Lessard and Charles Gignac. Both former chefs at the famous Saint-Amour restaurant, they now bring their talent to Le 101, a contemporary family establishment located in the Saint-Roch neighborhood of Quebec City. Charles is known for his passion for sharing and culinary pleasure, while Éric, as a pastry chef, takes us through time with his delightfully retro desserts. A culinary experience not to be missed!
Price: $100 and $200 with pairings per person
May 16: Chefs Émeline Péro and Laurent Gauthier – Les Botanistes
At the heart of Les Botanistes’ plates, vegetables, fruits, and herbs take center stage, accompanied by carefully selected proteins. Émeline Péro and Laurent Gauthier, visiting for the occasion, will ingeniously exploit the treasures of Les Labours’ gardens to concoct a local and seasonal menu. Get ready for an authentic vegetable exploration in Charlevoix!
Price: $100 and $200 with pairings per person
May 23: Benoît Poliquin – AlbaCORE
With over 25 years of experience in the Quebec and American culinary world, Benoît Poliquin invites us to discover his gastronomic vision through AlbaCORE, his neighborhood restaurant nestled near Saint-Jean Street in Quebec City. Showcasing the delights of the sea, both raw and cooked, as well as seasonal plant products, AlbaCORE offers imaginative and flavorful cuisine. Get ready for an atmosphere that is both relaxed, warm, and sophisticated.
Price: $100 and $200 with pairings per person
June 13: Table Arts Evening with Les Labours Chef Patrick Dubé and Painters from Galerie Iris
After spending over 25 years exploring kitchens around the world and immersing himself in new techniques and cultures in Europe, Patrick Dubé finally settled in the Charlevoix region. As the chef of Les Labours restaurant, he takes advantage of fresh ingredients harvested directly from the garden to concoct a truly authentic farm-to-table menu. For an extraordinary evening, the chef will be in the kitchen while painters Annabelle Marquis and Céline Brossard will delight guests by creating live art. An experience that promises to be as delightful for the eyes as it is for the taste buds.
Price: $100 (cocktail reception) per person
June 27: Chef Stéphane Modat – Le Clan
Stéphane Modat, a staunch advocate of local culinary treasures, enthusiastically responded to the invitation to close out this exceptional program. At the helm of Le Clan restaurant, he celebrates Quebec cuisine by showcasing artisans, foragers, and the gems of our terroir. His commitment to local products is reflected in every dish. We can’t wait to discover the delights that the chef has in store for this special evening at Les Labours.
Price: $100 and $200 with pairings per person
Extend the Pleasure at Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix
Les Labours, located within the Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix, offers an exceptional experience that you can extend by staying at the hotel. Why not enjoy a relaxing weekend in Charlevoix, where you can discover the gastronomic delights of Les Labours while enjoying spring in the region? It’s also an ideal option if you’re teleworking on Fridays and want to extend your stay for a well-deserved getaway. Book your spot now for this not-to-be-missed event.
Bon appétit!
Written by Fabie Lubin
Photography by Groupe Germain
