Canada’s top chef whose Montreal restaurant is a landmark just called it quits

After 32 years in the business, one of Montreal’s most esteemed chefs is hanging up his apron.

According to the Montreal Gazette, the legendary chef David McMillan of Joe Beef has made the decision to quit the kitchen, citing burnout and anger as two of the leading reasons.

 

Chefs Frédéric Morin (left) and David McMillan.

Joe Beef is a restaurant based in Montreal, Quebec that specializes in French market cuisine. The restaurant was opened in 2005 by David McMillan, Frederic Morin, and Allison Cunningham. The menu at Joe Beef is not set, but rather, changes for dinner service nightly subject to market produce. While the menu is not currently available online, Joe Beef is known for its high-quality steaks and seafood and ambient atmosphere.

At the same time, Eater is reporting that Joe Beef’s executive chef, Gabriel Drapeau, has left the restaurant in pursuit of a career in at-home meal delivery subscriptions.

McMillan was the co-owner of Joe Beef, and also Le Vin Papillon, Liverpool House, McKiernan, and Vinette. The Montreal Gazette reports that McMillan vowed to quit the restaurant business once he turned 50.

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