When it comes to meeting and event planning, chef Christophe Luzeux believes that understanding and fulfilling the client’s needs is important, especially when developing a menu tailored to their specific event.
“Our goal is to create a unique culinary experience that not only meets but exceeds their expectations,” says Luzeux. “A key element of our culinary philosophy is a strong commitment to using local ingredients. My team and I are passionate about supporting local farmers and suppliers, and we make a concerted effort to incorporate locally sourced products into our dishes whenever possible.”
Luzeux has been executive chef at the Halifax Convention Centre since 1993 and has received many regional, national and international accolades over his career.
Born and raised in Lille, northern France, he started his culinary education at the age of 16. He graduated from the Lycée Michel Servet and worked in several Michelin star restaurants before moving to Canada in 1989.
“My passion for cooking was ignited at a young age while spending time in the kitchen with my mother,” recalls Luzeux. “Watching her transform simple ingredients into delicious meals fascinated me. The joy I saw on my family’s faces when they enjoyed her cooking was truly inspiring. It was in those moments that I realized the impact food can have on people. The idea that I could create something that brings happiness to others was a powerful motivation for me.”
He shares insights with Corporate Meeting Network about menus, food trends and sustainability.
Do you have a food philosophy?
Absolutely! Our food philosophy at the Halifax Convention Centre is rooted in freshness, quality, and local first. For over 30 years, our culinary team has taken pride in creating dishes from scratch, ensuring that everything from bakery items and desserts to soups and sauces is made in-house. This commitment to scratch cooking not only guarantees the highest quality but also allows us to infuse our creativity into every dish we serve.
We are advocates for using local ingredients, we believe that supporting local producers enriches our community and enhances the flavors of our food. Our dedication to freshness means that we are always on the lookout for new local products that can elevate our menu.
Have any favourite ingredients?
One of my personal favorite ingredients to work with is fresh Nova Scotian fish. The delicate and fresh nature of fish makes it incredibly versatile and fish pairs beautifully with a wide array of ingredients. Whether it’s a simple preparation highlighting the fish’s natural flavors or a more complex dish with bold accompaniments, Nova Scotian fish never fails to impress our guests.
What unique services or menus do you offer?
We take pride in creating custom menus that align with our clients’ visions and preferences. Our process is highly collaborative, ensuring that our clients’ vision is fulfilled.
Our Local Flavours Program is a standout feature. It partners with over 80 local suppliers to source the freshest ingredients for our kitchen. This commitment to local sourcing guarantees that your guests enjoy high-quality, fresh ingredients. Our menu items are thoughtfully crafted to highlight the best of Nova Scotia’s food scene, ranging from traditional dishes to innovative takes on classic recipes.
What are some food and beverage trends that you’re seeing?
One of the trends we’re seeing is the growing emphasis on local. This trend is not just a passing fad, but a movement that continues to gain momentum. Our clients are increasingly looking out for locally sourced ingredients and valuing sustainable practices.
There’s a significant shift towards healthier eating options and an awareness of dietary requirements. We are seeing a surge in demand for vegan options, gluten-free dishes, and other specialized dietary accommodations. This is an area where we take great pride, we enjoy the challenge of experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to ensure that all our guests, regardless of their dietary needs, receive an exceptional culinary experience.
What are your thoughts on managing food waste & sustainability?
We take a lot of pride in reusing and repurposing as many raw ingredients and leftovers as we can. We’ve recently started working with Second Harvest, the largest food rescue organization in Canada. Using their app makes it easy for extra ingredients or meals to be redirected to local charities who are feeding and supporting those in need. Our team ensures the food we donate meets safety standards and is well marked, so it can be enjoyed by community members as if they were our guests. We’re committed to learning as we go, and I know there will be even more improvements and impact to come.
