Salt Lick Podcast w/Lesley Chesterman & David MacMillan: Surviving the Mid-Career Burnout

Co-Host Lesley Chesterman

Montréal native Lesley Chesterman attended ITHQ before working as a professional pastry chef and cooking teacher in Montréal and France. She served as the restaurant critic at the Montreal Gazette for 20 years, with work appearing in numerous international publications. A regular contributor to Radio-Canada shows, she has authored such award-winning cookbooks as Make Every Dish Delicious and Un week-end chez Lesley, and has another cookbook scheduled for release this year: En Accord, a book focused on wine with food pairings. Now president of the prestigious Eastern Canada jury for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Chesterman also writes a newsletter on Substack called Lick my Plate and co-hosts the podcast Salt Lick. In May 2025, Chesterman was made a Commander of the Order of Montréal. @lesleychestrman

Co-Host David McMillan

David McMillan is a defining figure in Montreal’s restaurant scene, co-founding an acclaimed empire that includes Joe Beef, Liverpool House, Vin Papillon, and McKiernan Luncheonette. His culinary education began at the ITHQ in Montréal, followed by internships at prestigious restaurants in Europe and Canada, where he experienced both the intensity and discipline of French kitchens and the gentler, ingredient-focused philosophy of British Columbia’s Sooke Harbour House. After a successful decade as chef at Globe restaurant, where he met future business partner Frederic Morin, McMillan then opened the popular downtown brasserie Rosalie before taking a year off due to stress and health issues. His return to the industry came unexpectedly when he, Morin, and Morin’s wife, Allison, transformed a small café into Joe Beef. The restaurant revolutionized Montreal’s dining landscape, turning a remote neighbourhood into an international food destination and attracting celebrity chefs like Anthony Bourdain and David Chang. In 2018, McMillan sold his shares in the Joe Beef group to turn his attention to winemaking, where at his Eastern Townships winery, Hayfield Farm, he has joined the ranks of Quebec’s talented winemakers to produce wine in one of the planet’s most challenging climates. In 2025, he began the Salt Lick podcast with co-host Lesley Chesterman, and in November 2025, McMillan will be returning to the restaurant scene with his co-chef and business partner, Derek Dammann, in their new restaurant Grille Nature, located on the West Island of Montreal.

Antonin Mousseau-Rivard

Antonin Mousseau-Rivard is a celebrated chef based in Montréal and the founder of Le Mousso, a restaurant acclaimed for its bold, creative interpretation of Québec cuisine. With roots in a family of renowned artists, Antonin artfully merges gastronomy and artistic expression in his culinary creations. His innovative approach has garnered significant recognition, positioning him as one of Canada’s most influential culinary voices. Committed to sourcing local ingredients and pushing culinary boundaries, he continually reinvents traditional flavours, captivating diners and critics alike with his unique vision for modern Québec cuisine. @lemousso

Stéphanie Labelle

Chef Stéphanie Labelle is a passionate culinary artist known for her innovative approach to pastry. After completing her studies at ITHQ, she honed her skills in acclaimed kitchens, including a transformative stint with Pierre Hermé in Paris. Stephanie has worked alongside esteemed mentors like Bertrand Bazin and Hans Brouillet, perfecting techniques from wedding cakes to artisanal breads. Her diverse experiences culminated in the opening of her own pastry shop, Patisserie Rhubarbe, in the vibrant Plateau Mont-Royal. Committed to combining tradition with creativity, Chef Labelle continually delights her customers with exquisite desserts that reflect her love for the craft and the art of baking. @rhubarbe_mtl