“This really is a dream come true for me. It was one of the most intense challenges of my life, and I’sm so proud and honoured to represent Quebec and Canada,” said Hughes in a statement about the competition, which has only ever been won by one other Canadian — Rob Feenie, in 2005.
The toque was floored when the secret ingredient turned out to be one of his favourite foods — lobster. His winning menu was made up of a lobster roll with a bloody Caesar cocktail; lobster poutine; lobster and onion ring salad with carrot butter and avocado; lobster mushroom risotto; and jerk-spiced lobster.
Hughes and his two sous chefs from Garde Manger competed in the cook-off last July in New York City and, up until now, have had to keep tight lipped about the outcome.
Photo courtesy of the Food Network.
