Chef Profile – Les Stevens

Executive Chef Les Stevens
Restaurant: Harbour City Bar & Grill, Halifax

What is your favourite item on your menu?
Always something that features Nova Scotia Pork. It is so versatile and underrated.

What is the best thing about being a chef?
The lifestyle.  Each day allows a new experience.  Never a set routine.

What is the one Taste of Nova Scotia product that you can’t live without?
Smeltzer’s Honey…..I use it everywhere.

Why is it important to support local businesses?
I grew up in rural New Brunswick and we always were mostly self-supported. The freshness and quality differs greatly from imported products from foreign countries.  Also the environmental impact of trucking and shipping comes into question.  Bottom line, support your local communities!

What is your guilty pleasure?
I’m a sucker for a good ‘ol steamed hot dog.  Anything from the “secondary cuts”, the unmentionable bits….sweetbreads, fois gras, tripe, etc.

What is your favourite kitchen “tool” or gadget?
My sous chef(s)

What is your ultimate comfort food?
Turkey Tetrazzini with leftovers….my mother in law’s dish that I adopted….Thanks Elaine!

What is a piece of advice you have for home chefs?
Don’t over complicate meals.  Keep it simple

What is the best meal you have ever had?
Classic steak tartar and pommes frites at L’Express in Montreal.   

Any other info you would like to share about cooking?
For those out there entertaining the thought of becoming a chef, please walk into the industry and view it as a lifestyle and not as a job. There is a whole world out there to see and everywhere in this world needs cooks…..Get out there and experience it for yourself.