Gérard Fischer is a prominent figure in the Outaouais food scene. A passionate chef, he has devoted nearly four decades to the culinary arts, both in restaurants and in professional training in the region.

For 25 years, he was the chef and owner of Le Tartuffe restaurant in Gatineau, an establishment renowned for its refined cuisine, authenticity, and constant focus on quality. Under his leadership, Le Tartuffe was established a must-visit destination for lovers of fine dining in the Outaouais region.

A versatile chef, Gérard Fischer has participated in numerous culinary competitions, both as a competitor and as a mentor, and has appeared in newspapers, on radio, and on television, where he has shared his passion for cooking, the promotion of local products, and professional excellence.

Driven by a deep desire to pass on his expertise, he turned to professional training in the early 2000s. Since 2005, he is a Chef-Instructor at the École hôtelière de l’Outaouais, where he trains the next generation of chefs with a focus on rigour, discipline, creativity, and respect for the profession. Deeply committed to his profession, he also represents western Quebec within the Société des Chefs, Cuisiniers et Pâtissiers du Québec, actively contributing to the promotion and development of the profession.

With his diverse background, Gérard Fischer remains an ambassador for Quebec cuisine, a respected teacher, and a key player in the culinary scene in the Outaouais region. His legacy can be found both in the dishes he has created and in the many chefs he has inspired and trained.

Mat Beausoleil is known for his passion for cooking and gastronomic expertise. He gained recognition as an award-winning food critic, restaurant consultant, and host of television shows featuring local chefs and artisans.

His career has brought him close to renowned chefs and onto television sets, including those of Gordon Ramsay, experiences that have shaped his view of gastronomy. Through his work, he shares an accessible and curious approach, focused on the creativity, technique, and emotion that each chef brings to the table.

Mat Beausoleil is also a member of the Ottawa Nightlife Council—Food, Beverage, and Travel, where he contributes to discussions about the gastronomy sector. As part of L’Outaouais en cuisine, he acts as the evening’s host and offers advice to the Outaouais Tourism team, helping to improve the event and the experience it offers.

Website: matbeausoleil.com
Social media: @matbeausoleil

Véronique Rivest is one of the most respected sommeliers on both the national and international stages. Her talent has been recognized on numerous occasions: Best Sommelier of Canada in 2006 and 2012, Best Sommelier of the Americas in 2012, and the first woman in history to reach the podium at the Best Sommelier of the World competition, earning second place in 2013.

Véronique is also an outstanding communicator who excels at sharing her passion for wine and the culinary arts in a natural and engaging way. A sought-after speaker and educator, she is a wine columnist for La Presse, the official sommelier for Air Canada, and the owner of two restaurants in Gatineau, Québec: Soif Bar à Vin and La Petite Soif.