A celebration of ethical dining, conscious sourcing, and sustainable preparation, Perch inspires readers to cook with intention, support local producers, and embrace a deep connection to community.
Pre-OrderFine dining is meant to be an elevated culinary experience that emphasizes high-quality ingredients, expert preparation, and artful presentation. Yet it can also serve as a powerful catalyst for change, supporting local artisans and driving social impact. Chef Justin Champagne-Lagarde, owner of the acclaimed restaurant Perch in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, is doing just that.
His first cookbook is a stunning tribute to ethical dining and sustainable practices highlighting the seasonal bounty Canada has to offer. Embracing the deep connection between food and community, Perch goes beyond the plate to introduce readers to the farmers, fishers, and producers who contribute to Champagne-Lagarde’s exquisite and flavourful dishes. From Rabbit with Balsam Fir Sauce, Rose-Cured Spot Prawns, and Pulled Shank Chawanmushi, Perch shares with readers 50 delicious, low-waste recipes, while also sharing best practices for running a sustainable kitchen—such as transforming espresso grounds into hand soap.
With stunning location photography and images of each prepared dish presented in a thoughtfully paced and elegantly designed package, Perch is an invitation to the next generation of fine-dining chefs and home cooks alike to explore a new approach to cooking— one that celebrates thoughtful, ethical dining, and encourages a deeper connection to the food we eat.
“This book not only provides a blueprint on how to establish a great restaurant, but shares the effort it takes to build and nurture the community essential to support such a venture and the resilience required to make it a success.”
—Eric Robertson, co-chef/owner, Restaurant Pearl Morissette and RPM Bakehouse
“A beautiful tribute to our land, farmers, and their produce. A must-read!”
—Joe Thottungal, chef and restaurateur, and award-winning author of Coconut Lagoon and My Thali
“Chef Justin is redefining what it means to be a chef in Canada. With a focus on sustainability and creativity, this book offers a glimpse into a mind and a philosophy that has created a one-of-a-kind restaurant.”
—Jeremy Austin, chef and co-owner, The Pine
“This cookbook is a beautiful window into the world of Perch, a restaurant rooted in integrity, creativity, and a deep respect for the planet. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s the backbone of everything Justin Champagne-Lagarde and his team do. Perch is a celebration of Canadian food artisans and the beautiful produce they bring to the table. It’s an honest, inspiring, and delicious example of how a kitchen can make a difference.”
—Véronique Rivest, champion sommelier and owner of SOIF Bar à Vin
“Perch challenges all of us to question how we cook and why we cook, setting a vision for a better, more responsible table.”
—Mandel Hitzer, chef, deer + almond