An elevated French dining experience in Toronto, Lucie celebrated authentic French heritage with a special curated menu during August.

There is something about August in Paris that makes it one of the most treasured places to visit. The air seems sweeter, the flowers brighter, the sun is warmer, the wine is crisper, the cheese is sharper and the food even tastes better — if that’s even possible.

Toronto’s celebrated fine French restaurant Lucie, located at 100 Yonge St. in the heart of the city’s financial core, celebrated its French heritage with “August in Paris,” a four-course curated menu for $95 per person (excluding beverages, taxes and gratuities), allowing patrons to savour the exquisite flavours of French cooking exclusively during August.

Executive Chef Arnaud Bloquel drew from his childhood and experience of living and working in France to transport diners to the wonders of Paris through their tastebuds. Lucie’s menu for August in Paris included canapés, an amuse-bouche, L’Aubergine Violon (marinated Chinese eggplant, cherry tomato and pecan cream, prawns and smoked cucumber jelly), Les Saint- Jacques (scallops, chanterelle, roasted almond, granny smith apple and cider emulsion), L’Agneau (Provençal roasted Ontario lamb saddle, green olive cream, chickpeas and reduction jus), La Noisette (choux pastry, hazelnut praline espuma, chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream) and mignardises (sweet treats).

Lucie is the latest triumph and dining experience from noted restaurateur Yannick Bigourdan, the award-winning owner of notable Toronto restaurants, such as Splendido, Nota Bene and The Carbon Bar. Opened in 2023, Lucie is, in his own words, his heartfelt tribute to his grandmother and growing up in the South of France:

“Once home, the cooking started, and the wonderful smells in her small and tiny house would fill every single crack as if there were too many scents to handle.”

“Lucie is named in memory of my grandmother, who played a very important role in my childhood growing up in the South of France,” says Bigourdan. “My parents worked long hours, and Lucie’s house was my second home. She cooked lunch and dinner just for me, often giving me vin sucré, a mix of red wine, sugar and water. She made a point of going to the local food market in the town’s main square where she would find the most incredible guinea fowl, chicken, eggs, cheese, lamb chops, fresh vegetables and so many more treats. Once home the cooking started, and the wonderful smells in her small and tiny house would fill every single crack as if there were too many scents to handle. Her days were simple, making me happy with her craft, and did she ever excel at it!She gave me so much and I hope I was able to give her enough love back. This restaurant is an homage to her love, dedication and undivided attention.”

Whether it is August in Paris or any of the other 11 months, Lucie is an elevated experience of fine French cuisine where the tastes, smells and love of French cooking can be enjoyed in Toronto throughout the year.

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