Finally a book on and by the famous chef of Toqué! Normand Laprise. With Toqué! A creator of a new Quebec gastronomy , the chef has the opportunity to talk about his philosophy and eagerness to change the image of Québec’s cuisine. The book takes a look at Normand Laprise’s career, childhood, training, mentors and sources of inspiration. It is also an opportunity to introduce all of the people who have helped him make his restaurant one of the best in North America : stock farmers, market gardeners, seed growers, pickers, trappers, truck farmers, fishermen, cheese makers as well as a kitchen crew of more than 20 chefs and an entire service team. Dominique Malaterre’s splendid photos show all of the beauty of works created by these outstanding artists and make this a mouth-watering experience. Her pictures take us inside the kitchen for a look at the unusual world of passionate chefs.   True to the chef’s ideal, the book includes complex recipes that have made the restaurant’s reputation. There are also more simple recipes and techniques for a larger audience. Readers will learn how to fully use a tomato or strawberry or how to cook a delicate lobster medallion. Leaders support the recipes and help the reader understand the chefs’ creative process. Cooking advice give ideas on how to break fresh ground and develop alternatives. The book ends with an alphabetical and a thematic index as well as a glossary, making it a true culinary bible.

Normand Laprise was born in Kamouraska. He has been the chef owner of Toqué ! since 1993 and of the Brasserie T ( Quartier des Spectacles ) since 2010. Toqué ! is renowned for being one of North America 's best restaurants. In 2005, the restaurant was awarded Five Diamonds (the highest rank) by the Canadian Automobile Association and the American Automobile Association. Since 2006, Toqué ! is a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux gourmet restaurants with the “Grand chef” designation. In 2009, Normand Laprise was appointed Knight of the Ordre national du Québec (the highest distinction granted by Québec’s government).