Halifax is buzzing with excitement as master pizzaiolo Cédric Toullec receives a jaw-dropping accolade: he's been crowned one of the Top 100 Pizza Chefs in the world! This recognition has left Toullec, the culinary genius behind Lou Pécompany Pizzeria in north-end Halifax, utterly astonished.

At first, he thought it was a prank! "I told my team we had received the biggest scam," he laughed, recalling his disbelief over the prestigious honor. To him, such recognition felt too monumental to be real.

A Culinary Journey from Marseille to Halifax

Originally hailing from Marseille, France, Toullec set out three years ago to create a pizzeria that highlighted local ingredients and delivered authentic flavors. His commitment to freshness and local sourcing is what sets Lou Pécompany apart in a saturated market.

The Best Chef Awards, which ranks culinary talents in a manner similar to that of the Michelin Guide, evaluates restaurants without informing owners or staff, keeping the process secretive and genuine.

Pride Over Recognition

Despite the thrilling news, Toullec emphasizes that his true pride comes from his work and community. "I was happy before that happened. I didn't need that to be happy or alive. I was proud of what I was doing, my team, and Halifax," he remarked. For him, this accolade is simply a delightful "cherry on the cake."

Uplifting Local Cuisine

With this newfound international spotlight, Toullec wants to remind everyone of the importance of supporting local restaurants. "Small restaurants are really the soul and guardians of what Nova Scotia has to offer," he stated passionately. He believes there are countless gems in the community that deserve equal recognition.

As Halifax celebrates this achievement, Toullec's journey is a reminder that great food and heartfelt dedication can elevate a city's culinary scene on the world stage.