MEET THE CHEF: Martin Parker of Restaurant Le Cellier in Gatineau, Québec

BY TRIPVEEL EDITORIAL STAFF | January 2020

Hilton Hotels

Tripveel sat down with Executive Chef Martin Parker of Restaurant Le Cellier in Gatineau, Québec.

Executive Chef Martin Parker of Restaurant Le Cellier in Gatineau, Québec

Executive Chef Martin Parker of Restaurant Le Cellier in Gatineau, Québec

Where did you grow up and where have you traveled to that has helped inspire and shape your cooking philosophy? 

I was born and raised in Gatineau, Québec and have worked here my whole life. My inspiration came from my parents who are great cooks. My mother loves gardens and fresh vegetables and herbs (she provides the restaurant with fresh herbs and flowers all summer long) so everything was always homemade.

Restaurant Le Cellier in Gatineau, Québec

Restaurant Le Cellier in Gatineau, Québec

Tell our readers an interesting fact or two about yourself. 

I read a lot of recipe books, almost like a novel and am very curious about this.

Tell us about your absolute favorite food and why readers should try it if they haven’t already. 

I love seafood and the Seafood Risotto at Le Cellier is a-must. It has been on the menu for six years and it is still going being ordered like crazy.

Restaurant Le Cellier in Gatineau, Québec

Restaurant Le Cellier in Gatineau, Québec

What are three ingredients that you simply couldn’t live without? 

Butter, cream and garlic. I could go on, but those 3 are the best!

We love the art behind plating. What do you love about designing the perfect dish?

I love the perfect balance between taste, looks and texture. A well-made dish will always balance those three in my opinion.

Restaurant Le Cellier in Gatineau, Québec

Restaurant Le Cellier in Gatineau, Québec

Tell us about one of the most creative dishes you’ve created?

Probably the Foie Gras Bonbon. This is a piece of foie gras delicately wrapped in potato strings and fried until crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

Restaurant Le Cellier in Gatineau, Québec

Restaurant Le Cellier in Gatineau, Québec

Share your most recent awards and accreditations with us! 

I participated in the Gala Des Grands Chef for three years which was an honor to be invited and I also participated in the Défi Des Chefs for 3 years, which I won once.

What are some of the latest trends you’re seeing in top restaurants across the globe?

Vegan and vegetarian dishes are picking up a lot. So we have to get creative very creative to impress.

What’s your favorite cocktail or liquor?

We make the Basil Smash cocktail here. It is a mix of ginger liquor, simple syrup, bitters, lime and lemon juice and fresh basil.

What do you love about being the Executive Chef at Restaurant Le Cellier in Gatineau, Québec?

Working in different restaurants with different people, menu and ingredients is a good challenge.

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