Restaurant L'Orygine, Québec City, Québec: Meet The Chef

We sat down with Executive Chef Sabrina Lemay of Restaurant L’Orygine in Québec City, Québec. Chef Sabrina has a thirst for new taste adventures that she continues to create gourmet and harmonious menus. L’Orygine exudes fresh and simple cuisine in a warm, authentic setting.

The creative and organic dishes inspired by a modern lifestyle are intended to be balanced and gourmet for your greatest pleasure!

1. Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?

When time allows, I enjoy having my coffee in my garden, with my family, and my domestic hens! ;)

2. Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?

I was “Chef of The Year 2019” at the SCCPQ for the city of Quebec and our restaurant L’Orygine has been ranked 4-Diamonds by the CAA-AAA each year since 2019.

3. Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?

I always tell my young cooks to be like sponges. To absorb as much information as possible, to be inspired by their peers and their environment.

4. What do you typically cook at home?

I use a lot of spices that we're not supposed to use, I love Indian, Asian, and South American cuisine.

5. What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?

I love working with vegan food, especially homemade seitan.

6. What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?

Sweetbreads, porcini praline, and peach... it was delicious!

7. Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?

In my early days in the restaurant industry, I cooked for Alicia Keys. She then came to sign my chef's jacket right in the kitchen!

8. What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?

It’s @sabishlala (But I’m not posting a lot haha!) Don’t hesitate to follow our restaurant page @bistroorygine to discover our cuisine! ;)

9. What cocktail or beverage do you enjoy most?

Negroni is my go-to!

10. Tell our readers why they should visit L'Orygine in Québec City?

To taste the flavor of our gardens and discover that eating vegetables can be amazing!