Our chef Frédérick Boucher is from Price, a small municipality located a few kilometers from the Reford Gardens. He spent his summers fishing in the rivers of the region and developing a friendship with the local farmers and producers. No need to tell you that he “lives” the land and that he cares about the development of a sustainable and resilient food ecosystem.
He started working in the restaurant business in the city of Rimouski, then moved to Montreal where he continued his cooking studies at the ITHQ.
He passed through the kitchens of Newtown, Decca 77, Laloux and Pastaga, to finally try out France (where he was initially only to spend three weeks there).
His adventure in France led him to work in the kitchens of Gravity, located in the 10th arrondissement in Paris, and then to go to the north of France, to Lille more precisely, where he worked at Bloempot, a restaurant offering a menu 99% composed of local products.
It was after a journey of almost 5 years in French territory that Frédérick returned to drop his bags on Gaspé’s soil in the spring of 2019.
We’re delighted to see him back at the helm of the Jardins de Métis restaurants this summer, with his seasonal cuisine featuring local flavors.
At the Villa Estevan Lodge, located at the heart of the Gardens, enjoy a culinary experience that celebrates the horticultural collections of The Reford Gardens and region’s producers who make our land so rich. More than 150 edible plants are picked in our vegetable garden and served to you as the flowers bloom. Our menu highlights regional products as well as those from responsible fishing from the St. Lawrence River. Visitors will be able to enjoy a unique culinary experience with a 3-course seasonal menu for $60 per person (does not include taxes and service). A menu for children is available.
Opening hours
You have to make a reservation using the calendar at the bottom of this page. Please note that you must purchase an entry ticket to The Reford Gardens to access the Villa Estevan Lodge restaurant.
The Café-bistro Le Bufton, located in the Reford Gardens Visitor Center, offers a quick and tasty menu in a friendly setting. The menu is available on site or for takeout: sandwiches, salad or soup of the day, and also homemade pastries and viennoiseries to enhance your coffee. Microbrewery beers and beverages are available to make your visit even more enjoyable.
Opening hours: Daily from May 31 to October 5, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for pastries and coffee; from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for lunch service.
We do not take reservations and you do not need an entry ticket to The Reford Gardens to enjoy a meal at Le Bufton .
The Buvette des Jardins, located in the Café Jardins building beside the Villa Estevan, offers you a halfway stop during your visit to the Reford Gardens. Come enjoy this enchanting setting to taste one of our small plates, local products and natural wines, or refresh yourself with one of our famous homemade ice cream bars and beverages.
Opening hours: from June 18 to August 24, 2025, Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
We do not take reservations for the Buvette des Jardins. Please note that you must purchase an entry ticket to the Reford Gardens to have access.