Today we’d like to introduce you to Pascal Lucas.
Hi Pascal, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been very passionate about cooking and baking, even since a young age.
Seeing the joy of people after tasting my dishes has always been very fulfilling and purposeful to me.
I knew that I belonged in a kitchen, where I would learn countless techniques and recipes.
I started off as an apprentice in France as one must do, and slowly but surely making my way towards becoming a Chef.
In 2011, I took my family and we moved from a city called Lille in France. We moved to Houston to work for the Culinary Institute Lenotre located on the north of Houston.
Over there I got to transmit my knowledge and experience to the next generation of chefs. I am so happy to say that I have been able to teach over 1000 different students!
After working for 12 years at the institute, my family and I decided to make our dream come true.
We decided to open our bakery/cafe, which we named Chefs Providence.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One major struggle that we faced after opening our bakery/cafe, has been that the term “French” has been greatly misused over the years. We realized that most people have had bad experiences with other “French” food establishments in the past.
Most people have not experienced true and authentic French food; only some have, and that was in France.
French macarons are not supposed to be soggy and over-sweet.
French baguettes are not supposed to be tasteless and bland.
French croissants are not supposed to be greasy.
French quiches or tarts are not supposed to have a wet crust.
The list goes on…
To counter these issues, we started giving samples away. So, people could try for themselves before buying. This has worked wonderfully for us, and we are so glad that we changed the experiences of so many!
As you know, we’re big fans of Chefs Providence. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a French bakery/cafe, and our goal is to make people taste true and authentic French foods.
From Croissants, baguettes, desserts, macarons to savory dishes such as quiche, croque-monsieur to beef bourguignon.
Our chefs are trained in France and follow French recipes and skills that they learned over there.
We also offer our products at The Woodlands Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory was when I was watching Chef Paul Bocuse’s recipe videos. He was such a great Chef and teacher.
Contact Info:
- Website: Chefsprovidence.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefsprovidence/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066866748217
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/chefs-providence-no-title?select=oiBxWE9cbQIq6TRzs43cNg
