We sat down with Executive Chef Mitch Lacombe of Gitanes in Ottawa, Ontario. On “Canada's 100 Best Restaurants” list in 2023, Gitanes serves French cuisine using local ingredients and sustainably-sourced seafood, and is an Ottawa favorite known for its fine dining, chef-driven menu, and romantic ambiance.

gitanes ottawa review — Image: Gitanes in Ottawa, Ontario

1. Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?

I usually like to start my day off by spending some time with my fiancé Caitlin catching up over couple oat milk lattes followed by some exercise to help me wake up and focus for the day.

However, recently we just had our first child, so my mornings look a little bit different spending time with our son Felix.

2. Do you have any awards or achievements that you are you most proud of?

I was a part of the opening team at Bennelong, a restaurant in the Sydney Opera House, that achieved 2 hats in its first year. After a stint at an izakaya in Japan, I returned to Canada to be a part of the opening Riviera team as the sous chef, which was recognized as one of “Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants” in its first year as well as in En Route Magazine’s “The Top 10 Best New Restaurants” list. We opened Gitanes in 2019, where I am currently the Executive Chef. We have adapted through the Covid-19 years, opened a sister restaurant, GBurger, and earned a spot on the “Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants” list.

3. Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?

I have quite a few, some I have worked for and some I’ve followed the careers of since I started cooking. I will always remember my first fine dining cookbook, which I still read through, Daniel Humm’s “Eleven Madison Park.”

It’s important for new cooks to be open minded and to continue to try new things. There are many different directions this industry can take you.

4. What do you typically cook at home for yourself or your family?

These days with life being so busy we often enjoy ordering from some of our favourite restaurants around the city! However, when I have the time, I like to make comfort food, like pasta or curry.

5. What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?

I find restaurants are starting to simplify their dishes with a few less touches showcasing the quality of their ingredients and techniques, which I appreciate.

6. What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?

Throughout my travels I’ve tried different foods such as blowfish and crocodile. I can’t say these are foods I crave, but it was fun to try!

7. Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?

Quite a few! I once cooked for Oprah and her team when she came to town and she gave me tickets to her show, which I then gave to my mom. Cooking for the NHL teams staying at Brookstreet Hotel and listening to them talk hockey was also a pretty cool experience.

8. What’s your Instagram so that readers can follow you?

They are @mitchapalooza04 and @gitanes.

9. What cocktail or beverage do you enjoy most?

I generally lean towards a refreshing lager, although you can never go wrong with a margarita.

10. Tell our readers why they should visit Gitanes?

Located on the lively Elgin street, Gitanes is a hidden gem that transports you to the feeling of a small bistro in Paris. Our menu respects French culinary tradition, made with local and sustainable ingredients. The raw bar in our dining room showcases fresh Canadian seafood. We pair our dishes with an extensive wine cellar focusing on our favourite French regions.

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