AC alum takes home culinary trophy

June 15, 2016

After winning the grand prize at the prestigious Canadian Culinary Championships in February, Algonquin College alumnus Marc Lepine received his trophy — and the keys to a new BMW — on Tuesday.

"It feels great," said Lepine, who put Ottawa on the culinary map with his restaurant, atelier. "To know I beat out 104 chefs is pretty awesome."

Lepine, who received his sommelier certification from the College, reclaimed his national title at the championships at Kelowna as part of the Gold Medal Plates series of culinary showdowns that take place across the country. Lepine last won the grand prize in 2012, making him the only chef to have ever won the championship round twice.

"No one has ever done this twice," said James Chatto, National Culinary Adviser and Head Judge at the competition. "Marc's dishes are intellectual and extraordinary ... In 2016 he won all three of the event's competitions once again; he was at a different level from the rest of the field."

Ottawa Magazine food critic and Gold Medal Plates Senior Judge Anne DesBrisay praised Lepine's accomplishment and noted that it was also a win for the city. (Read her story about Tuesday's celebration here).

"Marc, you and  your tea have made Ottawa very proud," she said. "Not just for your Gold Medal Plates accomplishments, but for raising the bar for dining in this city."

You can read more about Lepine's winning plates here and here.