Owner, Le Gros Restaurant
Photo and questions by Maureen Provençal
Pique: What’s your food/wine philosophy in 25 words or less?
PT: Freshness is the No. 1 quality.
Pique: One food you can’t live without?
PT: Tomato/salad.
Pique: What food/drink should people be more open to trying?
PT: Seafood and champagne.
Pique: Weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
PT: Crocodile (tastes like veal).
Pique: Most memorable meal you’ve ever eaten?
PT: At the opening of Craggy Range Winery in New Zealand.
Pique: Exact moment you decided to become a chef?
PT: In school in Switzerland, when I was 14 years old.
Pique: What’s your solution for a last-minute meal?
PT: Steak, frite, salad.
Pique: Greatest professional moment?
PT: When I was 24 years old, I served Pierre Trudeau at Madame’s, my first restaurant in Whistler.
Pique: Where would you go to eat, if you could go anywhere in the world?
PT: Le Crocodil Restaurant in Strausbourg.
Pique: Where would you go for your last meal in Whistler?
PT: Join Hoz and Joel at Val d’Isere for steak, frite, salad.
Pique: What brought you to Whistler?
PT: Skiing.
Pique: Personal hero?
PT: Umberto.
