Hugo Riboulet and Jérémie Falissard, two renowned French chefs, will join us at the Village Gourmand for our great delight. They first met on the set of the 14th edition of Top Chef in 2023 and have remained friends ever since. While visiting Montréal en Lumière, they will honor us with an exclusive appearance at the Village Gourmand, showcasing a four-hands culinary demonstration. An event not to be missed!
Hugo Riboulet
Raised with a love for good food by his grandparents and mother, who cooked extensively, it was only natural for Hugo Riboulet to turn cooking into his profession. After earning a professional culinary degree, he gained experience working with renowned Michelin-starred chefs such as Régis and Jacques Marcon, Laurent Azoulay, and Massashi Ijichi, who became his mentor.
At the age of 20, Hugo joined the three-Michelin-star kitchen of Clos Des Sens in Annecy as a chef de partie under Laurent Petit. Three years later, he rose to the position of sous-chef.
Hugo is someone who doesn’t waste time, always aware that life can change unexpectedly, even when everything seems perfect. By the age of 23, he demonstrated that with hard work and passion, one can achieve great things. He participated in Top Chef and won the 14th season. In 2024, he was also crowned France’s Pizza a Due Champion.
His cooking is predominantly plant-based, with vegetables taking center stage in his dishes. Proteins are typically used as condiments. He has a passion for vegetables, often using them in their entirety and exploring various creative preparations.
Hugo has since co-founded Groot with Albane Auvray, a gourmet street food restaurant specializing in pies and Pithiviers.
John Mike
Jean-Michel Leblond is a Montreal-based chef whose career has been rapidly growing following his recent television appearances. He won the first season of *"Chef de bois,"* broadcast on VRAI and ZESTE, captivating his social media followers with his original recipes and dynamic personality. With over 15 years of experience leading several restaurants, he also stood out in TVA's flagship show, *"Sortez-moi d'ici,"* in the spring of 2023. His first television project as the main host has been airing since August 2024 on ZESTE, exploring the fascinating behind-the-scenes aspects of his life beyond the kitchen. You can follow his culinary adventures on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
A long-time music enthusiast, he fulfilled his dream by releasing his first single, *"Good to the Bone,"* in April 2024, and his debut EP on August 9th!
In addition to television, music, and social media, Jean-Michel invites himself into your kitchen with the release of his very first cookbook. Discover authentic recipes inspired by the flavors of every season, elevated with his best sauces and marinades to cook *à la John Mike*.
March 9, 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM