The fourth largest city in Canada and the second largest urban market in Ontario, Ottawa is home to the first Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute outside of Europe. Ottawa’s thriving food scene, with its local and international chefs and its multicultural and multilingual sensibility (you will hear English and French spoken in the streets), is the perfect venue. The city, a bustling metropolis, is surrounded by scarcely urbanized natural wonders. But don’t let the wilderness lead you to the wrong conclusion; Ottawa has a reputation for inclusiveness and impeccable politeness.
Originally from Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, Chef Hervé Chabert has been with Le Cordon Bleu for 16 years. Hervé was selected twice in France’s Coupe du Monde de Patisserie (The World Pastry Cup) and has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants across France before relocating to Canada.
He says, “Becoming a chef takes, patience, hard work and discipline. You must cook with your heart and be passionate in doing so. It doesn’t happen overnight, it takes a lot of observation and practice before you have the right techniques and knowledge. Nothing comes easy, you must continue to work hard every day.”
Here is a peek into his favorite adopted city, Ottawa.
What is your go to restaurant?
Signatures Restaurant at Le Cordon Bleu. It’s right on our campus, and Chef Yannick dishes are hard to resist. It has an extensive wine list and pairings; there’s also a few classic cocktails like the French 75 (Champagne, gin, lemon juice and simple syrup) – which is always a nice choice.
What is your favorite restaurant for a special occasion?
I like Fairouz in Somerset village. Their modern Middle Eastern food is fantastic, and the restaurant has a great atmosphere. Their confit tuna with argan oil and hibiscus pickled shallots is excellent. www.fairouz.ca
What is your favorite local food to eat or prepare?
If in Ottawa you must try a classic Beaver tail – it’s a ‘go to’ here in the winter especially. It’s a pastry dough that’s hand-stretched and deep fried then topped with classic cinnamon, sugar and lemon. Then a healthier option in the summer: local berries! Ontario grows some of the best berries, and I like to incorporate them into some of the pastries I make.
What ingredient can you find in your city that you can’t find anywhere else?
Pure maple syrup! There’s nothing quite like it. It’s made from the sap of maple trees in the early spring. The sap is boiled down to produce maple syrup and sugar. Ottawa and the surrounding area is full of Sugar Shacks where you can go and try the syrup and sticky taffy – it’s a sweet Canadian treat!
Where do you like to go on a Saturday night?
I’m an Ottawa Senators NHL fan. If they’re playing locally, then you’ll catch me at the Canadian Tire Centre on a Saturday night over winter watching the game. Ottawa is full of festivals and events, especially with it being Canada 150, there’s things like Mosaic and the Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light show.
What is your favorite attraction in the city?
The food and entertainment in the ByWard market; it’s lively and you have some excellent restaurants and bars. There is also fresh local food stalls and European bakeries on every corner.
What is your favorite shopping street?
Rideau Centre in the ByWard Market. It’s four levels of great shopping – you name it and they have it. Also Sparks Street. It’s more boutique style stores and designer, but it’s nice to be outside and walk around – admire the heritage buildings.
What is your favorite museum?
Ottawa is full of national museums, and they all have something I like about them, but the Nature Museum is at the top of my list. It has great exhibits and a huge area on dinosaur fossils as well as an enormous blue whale skeleton.
What is your favorite monument in the city?
Parliament Hill by far; it’s the cultural heart of the city, and its incredible Gothic-style architecture overlooks the Ottawa River. It’s covered in gargoyles and bosses carved into the stonework on the buildings. It is also right next to the Peace Tower (a 92m clock tower with a focal bell).
Are there any secret things that you love to do in your city?
Walking in the many parks. Ottawa is surrounded by a greenbelt, so it’s full of parks, nature, and a long canal that takes you from one end of the city to the other. Even in the winter, it’s a beautiful city to go for a walk at night downtown near the market, and you can also catch the Winterlude ice sculptures.
