Interview with Recipe to Riches’ Savoury Pie Winner Alcide Desveaux

You referred to your type of cooking as “old school.” Who taught you how to cook?

I basically learned to cook by myself having to feed my 4 kids, although my wife did most of it. Then, when I opened the Sarnia Bridge Club, my son Dave taught me a lot more.

Have you cooked your entire life?

No, I started in the late 1950s when I was living by myself in Montreal before I joined the air force. I have always been passionate about food, so seeing my recipe as a President’s Choice(®) product for Canadians to buy is overwhelming.

Is this an inherited recipe or have you made it your own?

The recipe is inherited but I’ve added my own special touches.

As a winemaker, I am curious, what kind of wine would go best with your winning Acadian Meat Pie?

Any red wine is good but I like a good pinot noir.

When all the liquid disappeared from cooking the meat, I have to know, what did you avert disaster?

My first reaction was “I’m finished” – but then I realized we just evaporated the water and were able to put it back in.

Do you feel the product conveys that “taste of history” you wanted to share?

Yes I do. I feel the pie will make Canadians feel at home because it truly is an original, Acadian recipe.