ELLE Gourmet Taste Talks

Chef Juan Lopez Luna Finds His Mexican Soul at Alma in Montreal

In this episode, brought to you by Tourism Montreal, chef Juan Lopez Luna—co-owner of Alma—joins ELLE Gourmet Editor-at-Large Catherine Lefebvre to reflect on his long journey back to his Mexican roots and the rediscovery of his culinary identity. This turning point ultimately led Alma to be named Best Mexican Restaurant Outside of Mexico in 2025 by Culinary Mexicana. You can also read his portrait in the Spring/Summer 2026 issue of ELLE Gourmet. Lesley Chesterman, who was a restaurant critic in Montreal for 20 years, shares her thoughts on the city’s food scene in her second cookbook, A Montreal Cook: Recipes and Reflections from My Kitchen. And, Kate Boushel—mixologist and co-owner of the Barroco Group (Atwater Cocktail Club, Milky Way, FoieGwa)—reveals her go-to recipe for the perfect paloma, one of Mexico’s signature cocktails. Subscribe to Taste Talks by ELLE Gourmet for insider conversations on cooking trends, culinary travel, and food culture. Each episode brings you closer to the people and places shaping what's on our plates. Join our newsletter [https://ellegourmet.ca/newsletter/] Visit our website [https://ellegourmet.ca/] Subscribe to our magazine [https://ellegourmet.ca/subscribe-2-for-1/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ellegourmet.ca/] Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.