EPISODE 2: CARIBOU GOURMAND
When we first came up with “The Chef’s Seal” series we had some simple but important goals:
– Introduce seal to a new audience
– Showcase the fantastic chefs and restaurants that have looked past the propaganda to embrace a truly Canadian protein
– Let those who are responsible for choosing the products explain (in their own words) why seal deserves a place on the menu
– Encourage our fellow Canadians to get out and try it for themselves
To help achieve this we turned to the chefs themselves to tell their “Seal Story.” You may notice a theme among these chefs: they are all young, they are all talented, and they have all embraced a “local food” mindset when it comes to selecting product. They don’t settle for items that don’t meet their standards or do not fit into their vision. Everything they use is carefully selected and we are proud they have chosen SeaDNA seal meat for their menus.
Delicious, incredibly nutritious and truly sustainable; seal has been a part of Canada’s story for generations. We believe it is time for seal to take a step forward and for our country to embrace and utilize this gift mother nature has bestowed upon us.
We also wanted folks in Montreal to be able to see this video series and then, most importantly, make plans to go experience seal. So, we will focus on one establishment for a month before moving on to the next. We hope this will allow you at home the time to support the restaurants here in Montreal that are embracing and elevating our unique Canadian food identity.
Please enjoy this video series and share as much as possible!
To view Episode 1 of The Chef’s Seal – “Smoked Butter Seal” click here.
The Chef: Guillaume Paimparay
Guillaume Paimparay is originally from Normandy, France but now calls Quebec home alongside his wife and partner Ines. Previous stints at Decca 77, Nuns’ Island locale Les Enfants Terrible and Steak Frite along with high-end catering gigs led Guillaume and Ines to Caribou Gourmand which they have run for the last year and a half.
The Dish: Seal Loin Tataki
Chef Paimparay: ” I had never tasted seal meat before. I was surprised by the colour especially. I had already tasted deer, I tasted a lot of game. But very few have come close to seal. I find that it has an exceptional feel in the mouth. It is delicate. It is tender. It is tasty. It is slightly iodized. It is just a perfect balance when one looks for game meat.”
“It is an overpopulated species, hunting quotas are very strict, harvesting and distribution is controlled. It is a privilege to have a wild meat like this we can enjoy. We explain to [customers] it is always better to eat a little bit of wild game meat like this than to go to fast-food restaurants and eat mass-produced meats.
Ingredients: Seal Loin, Sea Buckthorn Coulis, Black Garlic Aoli, Jerusalem Artichoke Chips, Young Sprouts, Mustard Seed Caviar, Blueberries
The Place: Caribou Gourmand
Casual, comfy and a menu that provides a vast array of great local ingredients with a unique spin.
As Caribou Gourmand says on their website: “It’s a pleasure to share with you our love of food by combining gourmet seasonal ingredients, our Normand roots and Quebecois influences. All that, of course, in a relaxing and convivial atmosphere.
Caribou Gourmand:
5308 St Laurent Blvd
Montreal, QC
(438) 387-6677
http://www.caribougourmand.com/
Hours:
Lunch: Wed-Fri 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Evening: Wed-Sat 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm (11:00 pm Fri & Sat)
Brunch: Sat & Sun 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
For more information about SeaDNA Seal Products and the seal industry: www.seadna.ca.
SeaDNA Seal Meat is prepared in CFIA/HACCP approved facilities and can be sold in any retail establishment from coast to coast to coast. For inquiries: sales@seadna.ca.
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