Some of the best food stories begin long before the first bite.
Welcome to Taste Talks, the official podcast of ELLE Gourmet, Canada’s premium food, wine and culinary travel magazine. Hosted by Editor-at-Large Catherine Lefebvre, each episode takes listeners behind the scenes with chefs, restaurateurs, winemakers and tastemakers whose stories begin in the kitchen, but rarely end there.
From Montreal and New Orleans to some of the world’s most exciting culinary destinations, Taste Talks explores the people, places and ideas shaping how we eat, drink and travel today..
Why Listen to Taste Talks?
Every destination has a story. Every chef has a journey. Every memorable meal begins somewhere.
Taste Talks goes beyond recipes and restaurant recommendations to explore the conversations behind today’s most exciting culinary destinations, global food trends and remarkable people. Whether you’re passionate about cooking, planning your next food-focused getaway or simply curious about the cultures that shape our plates, each episode offers a fresh perspective on modern gastronomy.
Meet your host, Catherine Lefebvre
As ELLE Gourmet’s Editor-at-Large, Catherine Lefebvre brings years of experience covering chefs, restaurants and culinary travel across Canada and around the world. Through Taste Talks, she explores the people, places and ideas shaping food culture today.
Episodes
Episode 1: Chef Juan Lopez Luna’s Mexican renaissance in Montreal
Hosted by Catherine Lefebvre, the first episode of Taste Talks features Chef Juan Lopez Luna of Montreal’s Alma, named Best Mexican Restaurant Outside of Mexico in 2025 by Culinaria Mexicana. Lopez Luna reflects on rediscovering his Mexican culinary roots, the evolution of Alma and the journey that helped redefine one of Canada’s most celebrated restaurants.
The episode also features longtime restaurant critic Lesley Chesterman, who shares reflections from her cookbook A Montreal Cook, and mixologist Kate Boushel, co-owner of the Barroco Group, with her recipe for the perfect paloma.
This episode is produced in partnership with Bonjour Montréal.
Explore the Stories Behind This Episode
Episode 2: New Orleans through the lens of West African cuisine
Catherine Lefebvre sits down with Chef Serigne Mbaye and Dr. Afua Effie Richardson of Dakar NOLA, ranked No. 4 on the 2026 North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list and named Best Restaurant in the American South.
The episode explores the rise of West African cuisine in New Orleans alongside the fascinating histories behind two of the city’s most iconic dishes – Bananas Foster and the muffuletta – through conversations at Brennan’s and Cochon Butcher.
This episode was produced in partnership with New Orleans & Company.
Explore the Stories Behind This Episode
Coming Soon
More conversations with chefs, culinary destinations and the people redefining food culture around the world.
Future episodes will explore remarkable restaurants, emerging culinary trends and unforgettable food experiences from Canada and beyond.
