Chuck's Day Off

"You would never think of a locksmith as being important to a restaurant's success. Earlier this week, we learned the hard way just how important they can be. Not only is the restaurant old, but so was the lock on the front door. Thursday morning we showed up for prep and couldn't get in. Ken & Joe spent HOURS helping us out and we managed to crank out another awesome night. I thought the least I could do for these guys was cook them a meal."

Music featured in this episode:Hollerado, We Are Wolves, The Stills, The Junction, Yukon Blonde

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Chuck Hughes

Chuck loves food. So much so his favorites are tattooed on his arms: bacon, lemon meringue pie, lobster and arugula just to name a few.

Growing up in Montreal, it was Chuck’s mom who inspired his love of cooking. She regularly had him join her in the kitchen where he did everything from prepping vegetables to washing up. During a successful but unfulfilling job in advertising, it was she who suggested he go to culinary school. After attending one in Montreal he immediately started working in some of that city’s hottest restaurants such as Globe, Tapeo and Time Supper Club. His first job? He was chef garde manger – the guy who prepares the cold appetizers. From there he quickly rose up through the ranks.

In 2006 he partnered with his two best friends and opened their first restaurant, Garde Manger, to rave reviews and packed seating. Last summer Chuck and his partners opened their second restaurant in Montreal, Le Bremner, to great success.

For Chuck, cooking is about keeping it simple, using fresh ingredients and having fun.