November 27, 2006

CHEF DIDIER LEROY IS AWARDED FRANCE'S PRESTIGIOUS MEDAL OF THE CHEVALIER DE L'ORDRE DU MERITE AGRICOLE

TORONTO - Monday, November 27, 2007 Chef Didier Leroy was awarded France's prestigious Medal of the Chevalier de l'Ordre du Mérite Agricole on Sunday by the Consul General of France in Toronto, His Excellency Philippe Delacroix, during a private ceremony at the Consul's residence.

This award is given to Didier Leroy in recognition for his tireless work in carrying on the great French Culinary Tradition in Canada. One of the French Government's highest honours, it dates back to 1883 and is the equivalent of the Légion d'Honneur, but in the field of agriculture. At the present time, there are 23,000 recipients of this award in the world.

After graduating from the Ecole Hôtelière Médéric, in Paris, France, and having worked at many Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris, Didier arrived in Canada. In Toronto, he has graced the following restaurants with his talents: Auberge Gavroche, Opus, La Maquette, Azalea and The Fifth. He has also run a very successful catering company, Didier Leroy Cuisinier and has been the official Executive Chef for the French Embassy/Consulate General since 1990.

Over the years, Didier has trained and mentored many of Toronto's top young chefs. He has also propelled the restaurants he has worked in to top positions on the active Toronto restaurant scene.

Since the opening of his eponymous restaurant in 2004, Didier, with his partner Tory Edwards run the finest French dining establishment in Toronto. Here, Didier showcases his exquisite renditions of classical French cuisine through seasonal menus utilizing only the freshest and highest quality ingredients.