Published on November 24, 2023
Le Géraldine, Grand Winner of the 2023 Restaurateur Award
The restaurant Le Géraldine in Saint-Eustache was named the grand winner of the 6th edition of the Aliments du Québec au menu Restaurateur Award during the 85th anniversary gala of the Association Restauration Québec (ARQ) held on November 21 in Montreal.
This special award aims to recognize restaurateurs participating in the Aliments du Québec au menu recognition program who stand out for their initiatives and commitment to sourcing, using, and showcasing Quebec food products.
Le Géraldine stood out among the 15 nominated restaurants. In addition to the refined and memorable dining experience offered by chef-owner Olivier Robillard and his team, this bring-your-own-wine restaurant showcases an ultra-local, seasonal cuisine created in collaboration with regional producers and artisans.
For the past six years, Olivier has taken his role as an ambassador of Laurentians products very seriously. In addition to maintaining his own garden located at Domaine Lafrance in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, Olivier has created a culinary laboratory where he experiments with new techniques and explores countless ways to work with local ingredients before featuring them on his menu.
“We are fortunate to be part of a region filled with people who are as passionate as we are, and to have the opportunity to showcase their products in the creation of our dishes. For us, it is truly a source of pride to be recognized by the Aliments du Québec au menu program. Our goal is to offer an authentic culinary experience while highlighting the richness of our terroir.”
— Olivier Robillard, Chef-Owner, Le Géraldine
LE GÉRALDINE
163 Saint-Eustache Street
Saint-Eustache, QC
J7R 2L5
Dive into the world of Le Géraldine with its chef, Olivier Robillard:
https://youtu.be/XszgeRcizzQ
Two Other Outstanding Finalists
Once again this year, competition among the 15 nominated restaurants was intense. On average, these establishments source more than 90% local ingredients, an impressive score. Two restaurants also stood out by finishing among the top three.
Microbrasserie Le Presbytère
(Mauricie)
1360 Principale Street, Saint-Stanislas-de-Champlain, QC G0X 3E0
The jury particularly appreciated the exceptional role played by chef Isabelle Dupuis and brewer Francis Boisvert, co-owners, in educating their clientele and introducing them to new Quebec products.
Le Hatley at Manoir Hovey
(Estrie)
575 Hovey Street, North Hatley, QC J0B 2C0
The jury highlighted the excellence of chef Alexandre Vachon, who works at the heart of a Relais & Châteaux establishment. With his innovative and creative approach, he brilliantly showcases the many products from his region on the menu.
Selection Criteria and Judges’ Comments
Restaurants in the program were evaluated based on several criteria:
- the proportion of local products or producers on the menu
- how local products and producers are highlighted on the menu, in the dining room, and online
- sourcing methods
- the restaurant’s involvement and creativity in promoting local foods.
“Le Géraldine truly impressed us thanks to the commitment and vision of chef Olivier Robillard. His collaboration with regional producers is beautifully reflected on the plates. Congratulations to him and his team!”
— Louis-Philippe Marchand, Jury President and Director of Operations at Aliments du Québec
“Once again this year, we see the continuous evolution of Quebec restaurateurs in promoting the artisans of our terroir. This year’s grand winner, Le Géraldine, captivated us with its authentic approach to highlighting the producers and foods of its region.”
— Arnaud Marchand, Chef and Co-owner of Chez Boulay, Les Botanistes and Le Bedeau, and Ambassador of the Aliments du Québec au menu program
“It is exciting to see the growth of Quebec’s restaurant ecosystem. Once again, Quebec positions itself as a leader in the gastronomy of today and tomorrow. Congratulations to Le Géraldine for standing out this year!”
— Jonathan Lapierre, Director of Commercial Restaurant and Food Services, Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ)
Previous Winners
The Aliments du Québec au menu Restaurateur Award is now in its sixth edition. Le Géraldine joins an excellent list of past winners:
- 2022: O’Thym (Montreal)
- 2021: La Maison Boire (Granby, Montérégie)
- 2020: Le Champlain at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (Quebec City)
- 2019: La Cuisine (Chicoutimi, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean)
2018: Chez Boulay (Quebec City)
