LAURIER PUBLIC CHOICE AWARDS  

A leading figure in healthy eating in Quebec, Geneviève O'Gleman is renowned for making food accessible, simple and delicious. A nutritionist, best-selling author and presenter of ‘Savourer', she has been inspiring people for over 20 years to better eating without compromise. The recipient of several awards, including the Public's Choice Award, she has a unique gift for proving that healthy eating can be anything but boring.

A graduate of the ''Institut de Tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec'' (ITHQ), Robert James Penny, also known as Bob Le Chef, has worked in the kitchen of the famous Misto restaurant in Montreal and presented culinary segments on TV shows such as '' L'Épicerie'', ''Des kiwis et des hommes'' and ''Pour le plaisir''. He is a well-known and much-loved figure in the world of the province of Quebec gastronomy.

Renowned for his meticulous craftsmanship and deep connection with local and regional produce, Jean-Luc Boulay is a leading figure in the province of Quebec gastronomy. A chef, restaurateur and mentor, he is also well known to the general public as a judge on the TV show ''Les Chefs!'', where his love of sauces has become legendary. Recently appointed to the ''Ordre national du Québec'', the province's highest honour, he embodies a cuisine that is refined, generous and deeply rooted in Quebec's culinary heritage.

Colombe St-Pierre is the head chef and co-owner of the restaurants Chez Saint-Pierre and La Cantine côtière. An internationally renowned chef, she specialises in local produce from the Bas-Saint-Laurent region and is a champion of food sovereignty. Named Chef of the Year at the first Lauriers gala in 2018, she has been a mentor on the TV show *Les Chefs!* since 2022.

Jean-Michel Leblond, also known as Chef John Mike, embodies a festive, daring and deeply unifying style of cooking, at the crossroads of fine dining, music and entertainment. Through his restaurants, television appearances and creative projects, he offers an unpretentious experience where pleasure, instinct and conviviality come together. Driven by a free spirit, he transforms every venture into a vibrant, generous and authentic occasion.

A chef, restaurateur, presenter and entrepreneur, Martin Picard showcases bold and creative Quebec cuisine at his establishments: the restaurant and sugar shack ''Au Pied de Cochon'', and ''La Cabane d' À Côté''. In addition, together with his team, he launched the ''Au Pied de Cochon Cidery''. He also introduced as wide a range of related products and various spirits. He now co-host the programme MasterChef Québec, having previously been the presenter of the television shows ‘Chef des bois' and ‘Un chef à la cabane'. His work has had a significant impact on the Quebec culinary scene and he is often regarded as one of the province's most influential chefs.

By focusing on locally sourced produce and short supply chains, Normand Laprise, chef and co-owner of the restaurant Toqué!, has profoundly transformed the province of Quebec's culinary scene and inspired more than one generation of chefs. A Knight of the National Order of the province of Quebec and winner of the James Beard Foundation Award, in 2025 he received the Icon Award at North America's 50 Best Restaurants, crowning his influence spanning more than thirty years on the North American gastronomic scene.

Ricardo L'Arrivée, a renowned TV host, culinary author and entrepreneur, is famous for his programme ‘Ricardo'. Broadcast on television in the province of Quebec and beyond, he shares his recipes, cooking tips and his love of food. Ricardo is also the author of numerous best-selling cookbooks, which have helped to popularise cooking and make it accessible to all. As an entrepreneur, Ricardo has launched several food-related businesses, including a cooking magazine, a leading recipe website, restaurants and a range of kitchen accessories.

As a presenter, speaker and spokesperson, Sister Angèle has carved out a special place in the hearts of Quebecers. Her accent, energy and humour have made her a prominent figure in the media and culinary worlds. A graduate of the ITHQ, where she also taught, she has published cookbooks that remain to this day ever-popular. She is a Knight of the National Order of Quebec and a Member of the Order of Canada.

Stefano Faita, a leading figure on the Montreal food scene, is co-owner of several restaurants in Montreal: Impasto, Pizzeria Gema, Chez Tousignant and Vesta. He is a gifted culinary communicator and co-hosts of the popular TV show MasterChef Québec. He also has launched a wide range of Italian products available in supermarkets, featuring his friendly, smiling face.