When chef Marysol Foucault opened her restaurant Edgar on a quiet residential street in Gatineau, Que., in 2010, it quickly became a buzzing brunch spot. Foucault had worked in the industry for years and at the time ran a food blog with a large following. Now, 13 years later, the much-loved restaurant in the Val-Tétreau neighborhood is preparing to serve its last rillettes and shakshouka bowls. Foucault is closing Edgar’s doors for good next month, telling CBC Radio’s All In A Day earlier this week that she wants to work on other projects and spend more time with her family. “I’ve never regretted my choice to be in the neighborhood, and this neighborhood has been so amazing to me,” Foucault said. “I’m very proud of myself for lasting this long! Thirteen years, I think, is a long time in restaurant years.” All in one day10:49 After 13 years, Gatineau’s Edgar restaurant will close its doors for good Chef and owner Marysol Foucault talks about the difficult decision to call it quits and rest
Last day August 15
The thought of closing Edgar — named after Foucault’s father — first crossed her mind about a month ago, she told All In A Day. While she initially felt compelled to keep the restaurant open for her customers and staff, Foucault said she realized hungry Edgar’s patrons would have plenty of other great local options — and work pressures due to COVID-19 meant workers who they wanted to stay in the restaurant business they weren’t.” There is no shortage of choice either. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many restaurants to make tough choices, and Edgar’s was no exception, with Foucault closing its dining room and turning to takeout meals. However, the pressure related to the pandemic did not play a major role in her decision to call it quits, she said. Instead, she wanted to spend more quality time with her four-year-old son and her mother, who has health problems. “I’m a competitive person. I love challenges!” said Foucault. “And every time I saw it as a challenge, always [said to myself], I won’t let that get to me. I won’t lose.” Edgar’s last day is August 15th. Foucault said she plans to take some time off and then explore some new projects, including possibly writing a bilingual cookbook.
