An Exciting Future

ERICA ARCHAMBAULT: An Exciting Future

FOR MONTENEGRIN CUISINE!

Erica Archambault is a Canadian born executive chef who, having earned her culinary stripes, like many of the best, in the restaurants of Paris, has made the decision to move to Montenegro in search of the next chapter of her career. Erica previously worked at Septime - a Michelin starred restaurant, ranked number fifteen in 2019’s 50 best restaurants - for eight years, five of which were spent as the executive chef. She then left to set up her own business, offering exclusive dinners and events, which she ran successfully for two years. Only a couple of weeks ago Erica took the next step in her impressive career and landed in Montenegro! It’s here that we spoke with her and learned of her reasons for leaving behind the rush of the Parisian dinner service and stepping into the wild culinary delights of Boka Bay!

In the short time that she has been here, Erica has already fallen in love with the stunning coast of Luštica Peninsula, and has spent much of her time since arriving, wandering the peninsula, tasting as much as she can, meeting and speaking with locals and asking as many questions as possible, in order to get a sense of what it is that makes Boka and Montenegrin cuisine unique! She spoke of her desire to create uniqueness in her food, by, rather than simply bringing Italian or French cuisine to Montenegro, blending her culinary experience from Western Europe with traditional local flavours to establish her own interpretation of the culinary identity of Montenegro - always ensuring that produce is locally sourced and sustainable!

When we asked how she manages to connect with the culinary identity of a new place she told us, “I talk a lot! I spend time with locals, with grandmothers and mothers and ask lots of questions!”

“Erica previously worked at

Septime - a Michelin starred restaurant, ranked number fifteen in 2019’s 50 best restaurants - for eight years, five of which were spent as

the executive chef. ”

It’s this inquisitive nature that has helped Erica to so successfully adapt to the new challenges that are faced when entering a completely new culture with its own culinary identity, and a skill that will be invaluable as she looks at how to reinterpret traditional Montenegrin dining! She told us that in order to understand the cultural identity of a place at a deep enough level to even consider your own interpretation of their cuisine, you have to live it. It’s not enough to vacation, you have to immerse yourself to and gain the experience that can only come with making a place your home!

For the moment, Erica is unsure about the exact form that her new experience will take. However, we are certain that great things are coming, and we can’t wait to see what new culinary pleasures await!

A Place To Belong