Chef André Blanchet
With a decorated culinary career spanning more than 25 years, Chef André has travelled the world working in the UK, France and the US at several Michelin one-to-three-star restaurants. Fast forward to current day, the Senior Director of Culinary for Canada’s Envision Group says, “Developing tomorrow’s culinary leaders is the most rewarding dish of all.”
What Passion Makes Chef André Tick at Work?
“Creating a culinary culture where chefs can thrive. Early on, a mentor taught me that being a great chef was about much more than being great with a knife. He instilled people-centric qualities in me. It’s true, the happiest chefs make the best food!”
Where My Appreciation for Different Cultures Began.
“Working in some of the world’s top kitchens, I was exposed to many different cultures and that’s where the love affair really grew. I quickly learned that diverse teams make for stronger teams. There’s no better way to celebrate different cultures than through food.”
Foster. Nurture. Believe. Develop. Grow.
“At first, I never considered these words or themes to be part of a chef’s repertoire but now fully appreciate the importance of dedicating time and effort to personal growth. I work hard to instill this mindset amongst my team.”
Making the Jump to Food Service.
“I was asked why I wanted to go from luxury restaurants to food service when I joined Compass Group Canada. At the time, I just wanted to have a bigger audience to cook for.
Now it’s having a bigger audience to shape culture for. Thinking about how thousands of culinarians grow, about their development plan
and making sure their Compass experience is the best it can be -- that’s what really motivates me to bring my best self to work every day.”
Trusted and Empowered to do What I Believe is Right.
“I’m extremely grateful to work for a company that allows me to be my creative self, working with a certain level of autonomy to take an idea and run with it. I asked to create a platform for culinary culture, and no one questioned me. I was trusted, I was empowered, and I was given carte-blanche to do what I believed was right.
We all deserve a great place to work. And remember, the happiest chefs make the best food!”
More about Chef André:
Chef André is a culinary leader with an Associate's degree focused in Culinary Arts, Chef Training and Hotel Management, and Certified with the Interprovincial Red Seal. His 25+ year career has seen him work in high-profile restaurants and hotels in four countries and two continents. André loves all things coffee and was a finalist in the Canadian Barista Championships.
