At just 33 years old, Alexandra Roy, chef and co-owner of the French-inspired restaurant Melba in the Saint-Sauveur neighborhood of Quebec City, has been awarded the prestigious title of Chef of the Year by the Société des Chefs, Cuisiniers et Pâtissiers du Québec, the oldest culinary association in the province. While she accepts the award with pride, she emphasizes the need for the association to adapt to the evolving culinary landscape in Quebec.

“We are a team, and everyone contributes fully,” asserts Alexandra following the receipt of the prestigious award. “It’s not always necessary to put a title on someone; the work can truly be collective and value everyone’s contributions.”

My conversation with Alexandra Roy reveals her desire for this institution, founded in 1953, to adapt its selection criteria to better reflect the profound changes within the culinary industry.