Through the frenzy of the second service, behind the grill, you can find the executive chef, Jean-Michel Blouin, hard at work cooking the meat as only he can do. Passionate, creative, motivated; his love for cooking has not changed since the opening of the restaurant in 2000.
Just yesterday, he created his first menu and wowed his first customers. He knows how to charm and fascinate them, no matter if they are regulars of the Restaurant Beffroi Steak House or here to discover the menu for the very first time.
True maestro in the kitchen, he likes to add his personal touch to classics of yesterday and of today. Meat no longer holds any secrets for him. He takes the time to choose it, cut it, season it, cook it and manages the ageing of the finest pieces.
To say the least: the Restaurant Beffroi Steak House experience reflects perfectly the Executive Chef’s vision.
Here is a fascinating insight inside Jean-Michel Blouin’s work and life.
I’ve been working for JARO Hotels for 18 years now. I am currently the Executive Chef of Restaurant Beffroi Steak House.
It’s a long story. In fact, as a teenager, I lived in the suburbs and every Friday and Saturday night, I would go into town and that’s when I discovered that a hotel was under construction. I followed the evolution of the building and every time I passed by, I thought to myself: “One day, I will become a Chef in the hotel’s restaurant.” Once the walls were up, I came by regularly to see if there was anyone I could give my resumé to. Finally, I saw an ad in the newspaper and not only did I send my resumé once, twice, but three times. I was called back for an interview and since that day, I’ve been working for the restaurant. I started as first cook as soon as the restaurant opened. The ultimate dream was to become Executive Chef, which I accomplished in 2006.
Team spirit, but above all, family spirit. Several employees have been here for a very long time. My daughter now works with me, so family is important to me. I am part of the JARO family too, only my family name is different. When something goes wrong or doesn’t go as planned, it affects me like if it was my restaurant. The feeling of belonging has been flowing through my veins for a long time. I never come to work unhappy, I like it too much!
The first Executive Chief who was here, Denis Chabot, gave me a lot of places to express myself. He knew from day one that I wanted his job and he gave me all the space I needed to emancipate myself. Even if I am at the top of the hierarchy, I can still evolve, every day is different. I also have a good relationship with Mr. Robitaille and his daughter Nancy, which has helped my sense of belongings.
The most important moment in my career is when the general manager and the owner asked me to be Executive Chef in 2006. I was only 26 at the time, so it was a big risk, which turned out to be very rewarding. This is definitely the highlight of my career with JARO Hotels.
It’s to create and see how people react to what I do. The simple act of grilling meat on natural coal brings out distinguished smells and tastes. When customers come to me only to thank me, that’s very rewarding and it fuels my passion. I’m also a big foodie so that helps!
Steak rubs. It’s magical! It’s magic on scrambled eggs, on grilled vegetables, on fish … it’s magic everywhere. I make it homemade and make sure I put a salt-free base in it, since it’s not good for your health, but also because it’s not good for the steak, it hardens it.
First, our dry-aged prime rib. We dry age it for 40 days in a humidity-controlled environment, which makes the meat more tender. But also our prime rib, which has made the steak house famous.
I like everything outdoors and going camping with my daughter. I really like snowmobiling in the winter. My daughter and I would also like to go to Europe next year.
Jean-Michel Blouin is a real asset in the kitchen and a pillar of Restaurant Beffroi Steak House. His passion and work ethic are essential and continually help to improve the growth of the company. Feel free to greet him on your next visit at Restaurant Beffroi Steak House!
