Renée Lavallée, chef and co-owner of The Canteen, (Dartmouth, NS), is interviewed with NAC executive chef, Kenton Leier, about how living in a new area of the country influenced their cuisine, work-life balance, and what this talented chef would like to do next!
Chef Lavallée was the Resident Chef at the National Arts Centre in August of 2021.
Chef Renée Lavallée was born and raised in Shawville, QC. She left home at an early age to attend George Brown College in Toronto. After more than 20 crazy years in the business, including many stints in restaurants around the world, Renée has now called Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, home for 15 years.
After a brief hiatus to raise her family, Renée jumped back into the ring to open The Canteen. After fewer than three busy years, The Canteen opened up a brand new full-service restaurant and takeout shop called Little C only two blocks from its original location.
Renée has a long list of professional accolades, which include a first place in The Gold Medal Plates in 2014, and has been the spokesperson for a number of culinary brands and organizations, including Taste of Nova Scotia, Select Nova Scotia, Community Food Centres Canada and Dairy Farmers of Canada. Some may also recognize her from her appearance on Top Chef Canada in 2019.
Renée is an ardent supporter of local farmers, fishers and various other types of food producers. She can often be spotted at any number of local farmers’ markets with Doug, daughter Zoe and son Philippe in tow. We’re very excited she’s returned to share her award-winning vision of East Coast cuisine!
Executive Chef Kenton Leier brings enthusiasm, passion, and creativity to the kitchens at Canada’s National Arts Centre.
He is a second-generation chef, born and raised in Saskatoon, in the heart of the prairies. His culinary philosophy relies on the use of sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients of the highest quality, and letting their inherent qualities stand out in his dishes.
Chef Leier led teams in Ottawa’s finest hotel kitchens before moving to the NAC in 2017. He has cooked for celebrities, politicians and dignitaries, won numerous medals nationally and internationally, and taught young cooks at Ottawa’s Algonquin College.
He is committed promoting growth and excellence in his team at the NAC and leads them in their mission to represent the best in Canadian cuisine.
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