Dear lovers of authentic flavors, today, I invite you on a journey back in time, well before the doors of elForne opened in the heart of Montreal. The story of my restaurant is more than just an entrepreneurial adventure; it’s a passionate tale, woven from childhood memories, culinary explorations, and a deep love for Mediterranean cuisine. Prepare to discover the roots that nourished the soul of elForne.
Inspiration: A heritage of flavors and sharing
My story begins far from professional kitchens, in the warm setting of family gatherings. Imagine a joyful tribe, my mother, my father, my three brothers, my cousins, my aunts, and my uncles, venturing on picnics in the lush nature of the mountains. These outings were much more than simple meals in the open air; they were moments of sharing, laughter, and discovery.
Our young legs eagerly covered many kilometers, forging unbreakable bonds with every step. The call of the ocean also drew us to campsites by endless beaches, where the marine nature offered us a fascinating spectacle. The invigorating iodine tickled our nostrils, mingling with the freshness of seaweed and its distinctive scent as it dried in the sun. Sea urchins and freshly caught fish became the treasures of our explorations. The sea salt, crystallizing on our skin, was tangible proof of our aquatic adventures. What a delight it was to savor the delicate flesh of sea urchins in sandwiches, or to feast on simple yet incredibly delicious tomato and olive oil sandwiches!
These picnics were orchestrated with maestro-like skill by my father, a true leader of the grill. Whether it was succulent lamb chops or other delicacies, he delighted our palates with passion. Stays at my grandfather’s cabin, nestled by the sea, extended this communion with nature and its authentic flavors. It is in this fertile ground of gustatory and olfactory experiences that my passion for cooking took root.
Echo of the oven: Symbol of conviviality
Beyond family memories, a powerful image marked my imagination: the old baker’s oven in my village. It was not just a cooking tool, but a true beating heart of the community. Everyone brought their dishes, their breads, their sweets, creating a symphony of aromas and flavors. This oven symbolized sharing, generosity, and the joy of gathering around a good table.
It is this spirit that I wanted to instill in elForne: a place where people feel at home, where the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean are shared and savored. The name “elForne” itself is a tribute to this heritage, an echo of the words that designate the oven in the different Mediterranean languages: “forno” in Italian, “horno” in Spanish, “four” in French…
Journey: A quest for knowledge and flavors
Before settling in Montreal and opening elForne, I had the chance to discover Mediterranean cuisines. After exploring the world of commerce through my studies, I finally listened to my heart and completed an accelerated training that allowed me to acquire solid skills in cooking. Armed with these foundations and this thirst for learning, I explored various culinary horizons, from ambitious personal projects to enriching experiences abroad in Greece, Italy, Norway, and the Netherlands. These travels were an inexhaustible source of inspiration, enriching my palette of flavors and my culinary techniques.
I wandered through colorful markets, exchanged with local producers, and learned the secrets of ancestral recipes. Each country, each region, offered me a new chapter in my culinary journey. I was fascinated by the simplicity of fresh ingredients, the power of spices, and the generosity of the dishes.
Essence of elForne: Simplicity, refinement, and flavors
All these experiences have shaped my style of cooking, which I describe as simple, refined, and full of flavors. At elForne, I strive to enhance fresh, seasonal products, drawing inspiration from the scents and colors of nature. Each dish is a story, a journey, an invitation to share a moment of conviviality.
A taste of the adventure
I hope you enjoyed this journey to the sources of elForne. This is only the first chapter of our story. In the upcoming articles, I will tell you about the opening of the restaurant, the challenges overcome, the moments of joy, and the projects to come. Stay tuned for the rest of the elForne adventure!