Auberge Saint-Mathieu near Trois-Rivières earns Michelin star and Green Star recognition
Co-owner Samy Benabed, a self-taught chef from Trois-Rivières, was also named young chef of the year in Quebec's gastronomic awards.
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Auberge Saint-Mathieu, located in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc about 160 kilometres north of Montreal, has earned a Michelin star in this year's Michelin Guide Quebec, with co-owner Samy Benabed recognized as the province's most promising young chef.
Benabed, a self-taught chef from Trois-Rivières who studied biomedical analysis and philosophy before turning to cooking, has co-owned the restaurant for over three years. "I learned by myself to be a chef," he explained. "It was a long journey, but I think that makes the difference."
Benabed was honoured by the recognition. "It's kind of a surprise when you get that kind of mention, and it's pretty much what every gastronomical restaurant tries to reach to get the Michelin star. It's like the highest recognition in world gastronomy."
Benabed was also named chef of the year at the Lauriers de la gastronomie Québécoise. The restaurant ranked 98th on Canada's 100 best restaurants list. Auberge Saint-Mathieu also earned a Green Star in the Michelin Guide, signalling sustainable gastronomy practices.
Benabed credits his Moroccan roots for his culinary inspiration. "My parents that go back and forth to Morocco and they always bring back spices. Sometimes I use them to empower my, to give flavour powerness to my cooking." He expressed gratitude to his team and family for supporting his career. "I'm really grateful of my parents. That paved the way."
