Chef Samy Benabed of l’Auberge Saint-Mathieu, in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc, in the Mauricie is getting a lot of attention lately.

Last Fall, Sammy won the Food for Thought Award from the San Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, one of the most prestigious culinary competitions in the world for young chefs.

And earlier this week, Samy came home with the Révélation de l’année at the Lauriers de la gastronomie, an event which highlights the talent and work of the artisans of the food and dining industry across Quebec.

Sammy is 30 years old, he grew up in the Trois-Rivières area and is the son of Moroccan immigrants.

He uses his apron to assert his identity.

Here is my conversation with chef Samy Benabed.