Celebrating National Chef’s Day with Executive Chef Francois Lecouvez

At Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, dining is about creating memories as timeless as the mountain views that surround us. This National Chef’s Day, we celebrate those who transform ingredients into experiences, inspiring moments around the table and inviting us to savor every bite. Executive Chef Francois Lecouvez embodies this philosophy, blending his French culinary roots with a passion for locally inspired cuisine.

A Journey from France to Jasper

Chef Francois’ love for the culinary arts began in the warmth of his grandmother’s kitchen in France, where dishes like beef bourguignon were more than just meals – they were moments of connection that brought his family together. “I always really enjoyed cooking with her,” he recalls. “It was a way to spend time together by bringing joy to the table.” This early immersion in shared culinary moments ignited a lifelong passion: creating togetherness through food.

Trained in Michelin-starred kitchens and seasoned by international experiences, Chef François has mastered the foundations of culinary artistry: technique, patience, and respect for ingredients. “Luxury isn’t about extravagance,” he explains. “It’s about taking something simple and making it exceptional.” A perfectly executed mashed potato, elevated with the finest locally sourced butter, embodies this philosophy – proof that excellence doesn’t require opulence.

Bringing the World to Jasper

After years abroad, Chef Francois and his wife sought a life connected to nature, in a place where he could continue sharing his love of cooking with others.  Drawn by Alberta’s breathtaking landscapes and Jasper’s welcoming community, they found the perfect place to continue his culinary journey. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, with its legacy of timeless mountain hospitality, was his natural choice.

From the moment he joined the Lodge, Chef Francois was inspired by the potential in his team. Together, they transformed the menu, sourcing local ingredients at every opportunity. He leads with mentorship, patience, and respect – ensuring both culinary excellence and team growth, while creating a culture where every dish reflects their shared pride.

Stanley’s: A New Dining Experience

As part of the Lodge’s ongoing evolution, current dining experiences are being reimagined. During this transformation, Chef Francois has been instrumental in developing the menu for Stanley’s Kitchen & Bar, a new restaurant at the golf clubhouse. Bringing together Canadian flavors, Stanley’s will bring together elevated comfort dishes and steakhouse classics like steak tartar, scallops, salmon carpaccio, to handcrafted burgers and indulgent desserts.

“When guests visit the resort, I want their dining experience to be the highlight of their stay.” Chef Francois explains. “It’s about quality, making people feel special, and the joy of sharing a meal together.”

Orso Trattoria: A Taste of Italy in Jasper

As winter settles over Jasper, Orso Trattoria takes center stage with a refreshed menu designed to warm the season. Recently recognized with a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award as Best of the Best for 2025, Orso continues to delight guests with inspired Italian flavors in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Chef Francois and his team have thoughtfully crafted a selection of dishes that invite guests to slow down and savor every bite against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks and timeless mountain views of Jasper National Park.

Sustainability and Local Flavors

With sustainability at the core of everything they do, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge culinary team continues to look for ways to reduce waste, repurpose kitchen trimmings, source responsibly, and support local producers. From Alberta beef and Yukon potatoes to small-batch cheeses, locally made butter, and seasonal vegetables, every plate reflects the spirit of our beautiful surroundings and respect for the environment.

A Celebration of Connection

Join us in celebrating National Chef’s Day by experiencing Chef Francois’ inspired creations at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, where every meal tells the story of Jasper’s beauty, connectedness, and culinary excellence.