Chorney-Booth: Seeing stars! Canada's Michelin options expand with new guide for Quebec
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Two weeks ago, I found myself sitting in the back room of a restaurant in Quebec City as chefs Daniel and Raphael Vézina popped a bottle of champagne for a jubilant toast. Just the day before, their restaurant, Laurie Raphael, founded in 1991 by Daniel and named after his two children who took over the business several years ago, was awarded a Michelin star in the famed restaurant guide's inaugural assessment of the province of Quebec. After putting decades of work into their food and hospitality, the father-son team were feeling justifiably validated.
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Of course, not every restaurateur in the province was as chuffed. Quebec – the third region in Canada to receive a Michelin Guide after the Greater Toronto Area and the city of Vancouver – saw nine of its restaurants receive Michelin stars. Five restaurants in Quebec City, including Laurie Raphael, made the cut alongside only three in Montreal, and a lone spot in Rimouski. Three restaurants in the province also earned the prestigious green star, awarded for sustainability practices.
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The May 15 announcement created a wave of shock amongst Montreal restaurant insiders. The city is widely regarded as one of the best food destinations in North America, and many were expecting it to match or even outshine the 16 starred restaurants in Toronto or the 10 in Vancouver.
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'Today was a tough day,' chef Antonin Mousseau-Rivard admitted the evening of the announcement after dinner service at his excellent but star-free Le Mousso. 'But I'm feeling better now,' he added, surveying a sold-out room of satisfied customers having just feasted on his deeply imaginative, multi-course tasting menu.
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The general chatter online and on the street seems to be that while the Michelin inspectors – a small army of anonymous critics – appreciated the fine dining-style restaurants in Quebec City, they just didn't 'get' the more casual bon vivant energy of Montreal's best restaurants. Which is not to say Montreal came out of its first Michelin experience empty-handed: most of its best restaurants were recognized on Michelin's 'recommended' list (just one step below a star), and the city also received a good share of Bib Gourmand awards, Michelin's cheap and cheerful designation.
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Calgary Herald
2 days ago
- Calgary Herald
Chorney-Booth: Seeing stars! Canada's Michelin options expand with new guide for Quebec
Article content Two weeks ago, I found myself sitting in the back room of a restaurant in Quebec City as chefs Daniel and Raphael Vézina popped a bottle of champagne for a jubilant toast. Just the day before, their restaurant, Laurie Raphael, founded in 1991 by Daniel and named after his two children who took over the business several years ago, was awarded a Michelin star in the famed restaurant guide's inaugural assessment of the province of Quebec. After putting decades of work into their food and hospitality, the father-son team were feeling justifiably validated. Article content Article content Article content Article content Of course, not every restaurateur in the province was as chuffed. Quebec – the third region in Canada to receive a Michelin Guide after the Greater Toronto Area and the city of Vancouver – saw nine of its restaurants receive Michelin stars. Five restaurants in Quebec City, including Laurie Raphael, made the cut alongside only three in Montreal, and a lone spot in Rimouski. Three restaurants in the province also earned the prestigious green star, awarded for sustainability practices. Article content The May 15 announcement created a wave of shock amongst Montreal restaurant insiders. The city is widely regarded as one of the best food destinations in North America, and many were expecting it to match or even outshine the 16 starred restaurants in Toronto or the 10 in Vancouver. Article content Article content 'Today was a tough day,' chef Antonin Mousseau-Rivard admitted the evening of the announcement after dinner service at his excellent but star-free Le Mousso. 'But I'm feeling better now,' he added, surveying a sold-out room of satisfied customers having just feasted on his deeply imaginative, multi-course tasting menu. Article content The general chatter online and on the street seems to be that while the Michelin inspectors – a small army of anonymous critics – appreciated the fine dining-style restaurants in Quebec City, they just didn't 'get' the more casual bon vivant energy of Montreal's best restaurants. Which is not to say Montreal came out of its first Michelin experience empty-handed: most of its best restaurants were recognized on Michelin's 'recommended' list (just one step below a star), and the city also received a good share of Bib Gourmand awards, Michelin's cheap and cheerful designation.
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
With ‘Karate Kid: Legends,' Ben Wang is the 1st Asian American new ‘Kid' on the block
It didn't occur to Ben Wang right away that in taking on ' Karate Kid: Legends,' he'd be the franchise's first Asian American 'Kid.' And that gives him a lot of optimism. 'At first I didn't even think about that,' Wang told The Associated Press. 'That feels like a very cool and actually privileged position that I get to be in.' His casting happened, he said, in 'a world where that's normal enough.' 'Karate Kid: Legends,' which opens Friday, unites OG Ralph Macchio's Daniel and Jackie Chan's Mr. Han from the 2010 movie to help Wang's Li Fong win a New York City karate competition. In the original 'Karate Kid' movie, which came out more than 40 years ago, Pat Morita was the only main Asian American cast member even though it takes place in California's San Fernando Valley. His beloved Mr. Miyagi helped underdog Daniel wax on and wax off against white karate bullies. That arc has been replicated and flipped in sequels and offshoots ever since. The overall lack of Asian and Asian American representation all these years has been a lingering point of contention for some. Jeff Yang, author of 'The Golden Screen: The Movies That Made Asian America,' said he knows plenty of Asian Americans who find most of the Miyagi-verse entertaining. At the same time, even the recent Netflix 'Cobra Kai' series hardly had any young Asian American main characters. That lost opportunity felt like a 'loose, nagging tooth,' he said. 'It's always been a situation where the ancient or legendary martial arts master is transferring his skills not just to another generation, but into another community,' Jeff Yang said. 'In a way, that feels like for me as an Asian American, it turns it into a guilty pleasure.' The Asians who were there were 'either sidekicks or villains,' he added. When the first 'Karate Kid' film hit In Asia, there's a long cinematic history of elite martial artists-turned-actors ranging from icon Bruce Lee to Chan and Jet Li. But in Hollywood, Asian characters who did perform karate or kung-fu often weren't written three-dimensionally. Most of the stars who could shine for acting and on-screen fighting weren't Asian. 'In a way that's understandable,' Yang said. 'Martial arts is one of the things that was brought to the United States by soldiers who had been stationed in Asia, learned the practice, embraced the lifestyle and the discipline.' By the 1970s and '80s, karate dojos were becoming popular all over the U.S. in cities and suburbs. So 'The Karate Kid' debuted at just the right time. Ken Nagayama, a martial arts grand master who runs a school in the Valley, was an instructor at a North Hollywood dojo used for scenes in the original film. He recalls meeting Pat Morita. But, he wasn't thinking about casting. He was impressed by how much interest in karate shot up because of one movie. 'When that came out, so many people were interested in taking class, especially younger kids,' said Nagayama, who plans to watch 'Legends' with some of his students. He had 'a whole mix' of students of all races signing up. Steven Ho, a stunt coordinator and martial artist who lives in Los Angeles and has appeared multiple times on Conan O'Brien's talk shows, remembers Morita, Macchio and William Zabka watching tournaments he competed in to prepare for the first movie. He was such a fan of Morita that he never thought about how there were no other Asian actors. 'Pat Morita, to me, he was the lead,' Ho said. 'Also, if that were the only martial arts film out there, then yeah, it would be odd and I would be disappointed. But you gotta remember the '80s and '90s we were living in the golden age of Jet Li, Jackie Chan, films that featured … more authentic martial artists.' It's a full-circle moment that Chan is one of the mentors in this new flick. Wang is still in disbelief he got to do combat choreography with the superstar. 'He's the guy you think he is,' Wang said with a grin. 'He doesn't turn it off when he's not on set.' Martial arts movies made for new generations Ho happily points out that 'Karate Kid: Legends' is reinforcing how his 12-year-old twin sons are growing up without negative Asian stereotypes like he did. He'd rather a story have no Asians if the characters are going to be the butt of the joke. That history of stereotyping of Asian men is why he initially declined appearing on O'Brien's show. 'I thought 'Oh, he's a tall guy. I'm a short, Asian guy. They're just going to goof on me. They're going to go off on me,' so I said, 'You know, I'm gonna be out of town,'' Ho said. Luckily, the segments, which have earned millions of YouTube views, were crafted so Ho was the straight-man to O'Brien's buffoonery. Twins Jonny and Ollie, in fact, are real-life karate kids. The boys, known as the 'Twinjas,' know karate, mixed martial arts and other disciplines. They count Bruce Lee's daughter, Shannon, as a friend. They've appeared on 'America's Got Talent,' 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' and taught Kevin Hart and Snoop Dogg moves. They love 'Cobra Kai' for the drama and want to see 'Legends' for Chan. They have since been introduced to the movie that started it all. For Ollie, Miyagi was his favorite character. 'I think that in the first Karate Kids, how the teacher was Asian, I think being a teacher is better than being a student,' he said. Jonny says not every show or movie in this genre has to have an Asian lead, but when there is one, he takes note. 'I think that there's definitely a lot of other movies and shows that have Asian leads, like Simu Liu, the first Asian superhero,' Jonny said, referring to Marvel's ' Shang-Chi.' 'It's very significant.' The Twinjas, who are working on a children's fiction book that's part mystery and part action, are not shy about voicing their own desire for 'any opportunities that come our way, we'd love to take, especially for acting and using our martial arts skills,' Ollie said. Perhaps they'll get some inspiration from seeing Wang in 'Legends.' Wang considers it a 'point of pride' if young Asian American children view him as a benchmark so they can see themselves as the hero. 'The word I keep going back to is it's a privilege,' Wang said. 'What I love about this series is … there's this idea anyone can be the 'Karate Kid.'' ___ Associated Press videojournalist John Carucci in New York contributed to this report.
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Cision Canada
3 RESTAURANTS FROM "GROUPE LA TANIÈRE" SELECTED IN THE 2025 MICHELIN GUIDE
QUEBEC CITY, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ - The first edition of the MICHELIN Guide in Quebec, Canada features only nine starred restaurants and approximately a hundred recommendations for the entire province. In Old Quebec, a rare feature is noted: Groupe la Tanière, a collective composed of three restaurants including Tanière 3 (2 stars), Légende (1 star), and l'Orygine (recommendation), in addition to the lounge bar, Le Vieux Carré, has the immense honor of having its three signature restaurants selected by the renowned Guide. This family business, with nearly 50 years of experience and three generations, stands out for the excellence of its establishments. GROUPE LA TANIÈRE 1977 La Tanière restaurant opens its doors, founded by Laurier Therrien (Karen Therrien's uncle) 2001 Karen Therrien and Frédéric Laplante become the new owners of the restaurant 2014 Légende restaurant opens its doors 2018 l'Orygine restaurant opens its doors, in associaciation with a new generation of co-owners chefs and restaurant directors, François-Emmanuel Nicol, Roxan Bourdelais, Sabrina Lemay and Philippe Veilleux 2019 Tanière 3 restaurant opens its doors 2023 Chef Elliot Beaudoin becomes co-owner of Légende restaurant 2024 Vieux Carré lounge bar opens its doors "This recognition marks an important milestone for the Groupe la Tanière, which has continued to evolve since its founding in 1977. Today, this award symbolizes decades of hard work, rigor, and creativity—a dream nurtured over the years, now a reality. It is a source of great collective pride for our entire team, from past to present, and a wonderful recognition of the work of our chefs, their brigade, the artisans, and collaborators across all our establishments. It also underscores the importance of our loyal customers, who always inspire us to excel." The Groupe la Tanière, comprised of a team of passionate culinary people, who shares common values that serve as the foundation for their inspiration. A true pioneer of boreal cuisine who has successfully reinvented an avant-garde and sensory approach to the gastronomic experience, the Group and all of its establishments strongly value local producers to showcase the terroir and local expertise. Hospitality, attention to detail, and culinary creativity are at the heart of their identity, allowing each of the four signature locations to express their own personality, reflecting the chefs and restaurant directors, who interpret the essence of contemporary Quebec cuisine in their own way. All driven by the same dream of pursuing the development of Quebec's unique cuisine identity inspired by its terroir and history, all teams from the three restaurants still manage to differentiate themselves through their approach and vision, which are reflected in each chef's cuisine. TANIÈRE 3 | 2 MICHELIN Stars Tanière 3, a two-star MICHELIN restaurant, is run by co-owners Chef François-Emmanuel Nicol and Restaurant Director Roxan Bourdelais, who also received the MICHELIN Outstanding Service Award. Tanière 3 is the only restaurant in Quebec province and the second in Canada to hold this distinction, the highest awarded in the country to date, out of a maximum of three stars. The ultimate gastronomic experience allows us to travel, throughout the evening, through three completely different environments where the hidden ingredients of the boreal forest are prepared and narrated for our greatest pleasure. The restaurant's is located 7 rue Don-de-dieu, near Place Royale. "These two stars are both a recognition and a starting point. We receive them with humility and enthusiasm, and they motivate us to go even further in our mission: to showcase Quebec gastronomy on the world stage." François-Emmanuel Nicol, Chef-Owner of Tanière 3 LEGEND | 1 MICHELIN Star The Michelin-starred Légende restaurant has now been run by the co-owner chef Elliot Beaudoin for several years. He is the youngest chef to receive a MICHELIN star in Canada. Celebrating its 10 th anniversary, with a bistro-meets-gourmet restaurant approach, Légende has become, thanks to its experienced team, a benchmark in the Old Port for local cuisine, enhanced by the exceptional work of Caroline Beaulieu, the sommelier of the year at the 2023 Lauriers de la Gastronomie awards. Drawing on his extensive travels, the chef offers a creative approach that combines overseas culinary techniques with local ingredients for a true gastronomic discovery. The restaurant, located at 255 Saint-Paul Street in Quebec City, is open every evening from 5 p.m. L'ORYGINE | MICHELIN Recommendation The Michelin-recommended restaurant l'Orygine is run by co-owners Chef Sabrina Lemay and Restaurant Director Philippe Veilleux. In Quebec City, there are only about fifteen other restaurants that have received this same recognition. Aiming for a more relaxed gastronomy, inspired by the garden, Chef Lemay first creates her dishes around fresh local garden produce to highlight all their colors, textures, and aromas. This is followed by a highly sensory cuisine for a generous and refined culinary experience. The restaurant, located at 36 ½ rue Saint-Pierre in Quebec City, is open every evening from 5 pm. It is also at the same address that you have the opportunity to discover the lounge bar Le Vieux Carré, with the same philosophy as Groupe la Tanière. It is the perfect place for an aperitif or to end the evening with the original cocktail creations of the bartender team, led by Philippe Veilleux.
