The Story Behind Restaurant Lucie and the La Collab Series: A Conversation with Yannick Bigourdan
“It’s about creating something special and leaving a mark."
Restaurant Lucie | French | 100 Yonge St, Toronto, ON | Reserve with DINR
Introduction
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Restaurant Lucie is a testament to French culinary tradition, brought to life by restaurateur Yannick Bigourdan. Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Yannick to discuss the inspiration behind Restaurant Lucie, the emotional connection to his roots, and the innovative La Collab Series that has been capturing the attention of food lovers across Toronto.
A Culinary Journey Rooted in Family
Yannick’s latest venture, Restaurant Lucie, holds a special place in his heart. It’s not just another restaurant in his impressive portfolio but a deeply personal project that pays homage to his French heritage and his beloved grandmother, Lucie.
"Lucie is my 12th restaurant in the city and the only one that is distinctly French," Yannick shares. "I was born in France but left at 18, and for many years, I didn’t feel a professional pull back to my roots. However, during the pandemic, when we were all forced to slow down and reflect, I felt a strong desire to reconnect with my French culture."
This introspective journey led to the creation of Restaurant Lucie, named after his grandmother, who passed away in 2021. "My grandmother was an incredible cook," Yannick recalls fondly. "Every morning, she would go to the market, pick up whatever looked good, and cook me delicious lunches and dinners. She dedicated so much time to cooking, just for the two of us, and I felt really privileged to have that experience."
The Vision Behind Restaurant Lucie
The vision for Restaurant Lucie is to create one of the finest French restaurants in Toronto. For Yannick, that means doing things on his own terms and pushing the boundaries of French cuisine in the city. Instead of recruiting local talent, he decided to bring a team directly from France. "I wanted to create a true French dining experience, and to do that, I needed a team that was immersed in the culture," Yannick explains. "All our upper management, from the general manager to the chefs, were working in France just a year ago."
This dedication to authenticity extends to the menu, although, interestingly, none of Yannick's grandmother's recipes have made it to the restaurant's offerings. "My grandmother was a home cook," Yannick says with a smile. "Stews and hearty dishes like Coq au Vin with potatoes were more her repertoire. But her spirit of generosity and genuine care for others is something we strive to infuse into every dish and interaction at the restaurant."
The Birth of La Collab Series
One of the most exciting developments at Restaurant Lucie is the La Collab Series, a monthly event where chefs from different culinary backgrounds come together to create a unique and exceptional dining experience.
"La Collab was born out of a need to introduce our Head Chef, Arnaud Bloquel, who came directly from France with no connections in Canada," Yannick explains. "I thought, what better way for him to connect with the local culinary community than through collaboration? When chefs work together, they create a bond that goes beyond the kitchen. That’s how La Collab started."
The concept quickly gained traction, with each event featuring a new guest chef who creates two or three dishes, while Chef Arnaud complements the menu with his own creations. "What’s exciting is that the food served during La Collab is something you won’t find on our regular menu, nor will it be served again," Yannick says. "It’s a one-night-only experience, which adds to the allure."
Creating a Culinary Community
La Collab has not only enriched the dining experience at Lucie but has also fostered a sense of community among chefs and diners alike. "We’ve seen growing interest from both diners and other chefs," Yannick notes. "Some guests have attended every single collab, and we’re starting to see a community form around these events."
The series has also become a point of pride for Yannick. "I want to create a narrative, a history with these collaborations," he says. "We’re numbering them, and maybe one day, we’ll have 100 collabs. It’s about creating something special and leaving a mark."
Looking Ahead
As the La Collab Series continues to grow, Yannick is committed to keeping the momentum going. "We’re aiming to host these events monthly, except in December when everyone is busy," he says. "The next ones are lined up for September, October and November, and we’re excited to see where this journey takes us."
For Yannick, the true reward of all his hard work is the pride he feels when he walks into one of his restaurants. “When I see happy people, good energy, and a buzzing atmosphere that’s how I define success. I want to be able to sincerely tell anyone I meet, ‘Go to my restaurant,’ because I’m proud of it. Financial success can be unpredictable, but if I’m proud of the experience we’re offering, that’s what satisfies me most. I’m happiest when I’m on the restaurant floor, interacting with guests and helping the team— that’s what I love.”
Conclusion
Restaurant Lucie and the La Collab Series are not just about fine dining—they’re about creating experiences that celebrate culture, community, and the joy of sharing a meal. As Yannick continues to build on this vision, there’s no doubt that Lucie will remain a cherished part of Toronto’s culinary landscape for years to come.
Get Tickets to the upcoming La Collab Event on October 3rd, 2024
The 5th event in Restaurant Lucie’s exceptional culinary series, join us for a night with two of the finest French Chefs in Toronto, Chef Romain Avril alongside Chef Arnaud Bloquel. Hailing from 1 and 2-Michelin star restaurants in France and the UK, Chef Avril is locally known for his culinary excellence at La Société Bistro and Colborne Lane.
Restaurant Lucie | French | 100 Yonge St, Toronto, ON | Reserve with DINR
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