I was born and raised in Ste-Foy, Quebec in 1962, where I began my culinary career early as a cook's helper at the Hotel Loew's Le Concorde. A year later and only 16 years old, I moved to Stratsbourg, France to begin formal training in the career that would become my life-long passion. After a rigorous three year training program, I received my Cordon Bleu Certificate with a Mention.

Returning to Canada in, I was hired as Chef Saucier at the renowned Chateau Laurier Hotel in Ottawa where I had the opportunity to cater special functions at the Canadian Parliament. In 1981, I accepted the position of Chef de Partie for the Hotel Plaza de la Chaudiere in Hull, and was soon promoted to the position of Sous Chef. It was at this time that I was invited to join Culinary Team Canada.

During the next two years, the team competed internationally and enjoyed tremendous success. I won Silver for the Individual Cold Platter competition in Singapore, the team won Silver in the Hot Cuisine Team Competition in Frankfurt, then we went on to win the Gold in Chicago.

In 1983, after two years of travelling the world with Culinary Team Canada, I decided to explore Canada, and moved west. I worked at the Grand Prairie Inn as the Executive Sous Chef for two years, then continued my trek westward to the coast where I worked as a Food Service Consultant for the Meridian Hotel and the Pan Pacific Hotel. In 1986, I became the Executive Chef for the New Whistler Conference Centre, where I relished the challenge of serving up to 2,500 meals per day.

I accepted an offer to move to Yellowknife in 1994, and became Chef for the Yellowknife Inn, Territorial Catering, and L'Atitude Restaurant. In the past five years, I have opened a Jazz & Blues bar and restaurant, and worked as a Food Service Consultant.

In the fall of 1998, I formed the first NWT Culinary Team. My team joined over 200 other chefs from 13 countries to participate in the International Culinary Competition held in Quebec City. I was particularly excited to participate, as the Northwest Territories had never participated in this competition before. With a menu comprised of Northern delicacies, our team proudly brought home the Gold medal and the Canada Cup.

During my lifetime, I have traveled to 32 countries and all five continents to learn about the foods and cultures of the world. Even with the world to compare this land to, in a very short time I fell in love with the North and decided I would make Yellowknife my home. I decided that this would be place to fulfill my lifelong dream of opening my own French restaurant.

After two years in business with my partner Julia, L'Héritage continues to grow & expand with new dishes and feature. We have been featured in Where To Eat In Canada and featured in CAA/AAA, Dinning Guide 2002 and Award of Excellence in Wine Spectator 2002 & 2003. We welcome all ideas & comments and look forward your emails.

Bon appétit!
     Chef Pierre LePage