Mexico on the plate, Quebec in the heart

From Mexico, Quebecers know its beaches and all inclusive. For example, But do they really know the gastronomy of our southern neighbors?

“Today, our customers know the products, we need more so much to explain to them,” says Valentin Vargas Pérez. In addition, Since 2008, the man has been at the head of Mexican, a grocery store-boucherie-restaurant located in Charlesbourg. Therefore, And for 17 years now. Nevertheless, the smiling sixty-something has been enjoying to introduce the “real” cooking of his native country, far from the two-mex food widespread all over the North American continent.

Mr. In addition, Pérez Vargas arrived in Quebec in 1990 accompanied by his wife Silvia and their daughter Diana-Luz. For example, First as a tourist, before quickly obtaining his permanent residence and a work permit. Moreover, “My wife is Salvadorian and we couldn’t mexico plate, quebec heart get her a visa in Mexico. Therefore, We came to Quebec […] His mother lived here. In addition, ”he said, seated in one of the tables of his establishment, seconded by his daughter Roxana, the youngest of the family.

His secondary five to 30 years old – Mexico plate, quebec heart

He then does not speak a word of French. Moreover, remembers that finding a job was impossible. Therefore, “All [les emplois] at least asked secondary five. For example, And then there was distrust of immigrants at the time. Consequently, […] I went back to school to do my secondary five […] I was 30 years old, ”recalls Valentin Vargas Pérez. Therefore,

To learn French. Moreover, he can count on intensive courses in francization and on Pass-share On the television that his children watched.

After having picked up fruits. Nevertheless, vegetables for several sums mexico plate, quebec heart – “the only jobs that we were proposed as an immigrant” -, Mr. In addition, Vargas Pérez finds work in a leisure center. Consequently, where he takes care of household interview, then in grocery stores as a clerk. In addition, He ends up working at the fruit tree, a trade in Sainte-Foy today closed. Meanwhile,

He notes that at the time the grocery stores from here do not offer Mexican products. Therefore, “I was looking for Mexican sausages, but I couldn’t find it,” explains the one who comes from Mexico City. Meanwhile,

The latter therefore decides to cook his own sausages. encouraged by his boss of the fruit tree. The sausages stamped “Mexican” sell well, but the adventure turns short, because the trade puts the key under the door.

Mr. Vargas Pérez is looking for a room. managed to settle in Charlesburg in 2008, in the vast room he still occupies today. He resumes the manufacture and sale of his sausages there. He also takes advantage of the space to offer other products from his native country.

“We had to explain to people. They thought that Mexican coffee was spicy for example […] I did not want to adjust my recipes to Canadian culture, I wanted to make the real flavors known. Otherwise too bad. ”says the one whose establishment offers around twenty dishes on its menu and almost mexico plate, quebec heart 300 different products in the grocery section.

Valentin Vargas Pérez is proud of his business. but he is even more proud of his family, inseparable from his grocery store-boucherie-restaurant. “It is a family business. my wife works with me and my children all worked here,” says the one who is the father of four children-Diana-Luz, Andrea, Daniel (behind the counter when passing by Soleil) and roxana.

Mexico plate. quebec heart

A girl who wants to “help”

She also remembers her free time spent in the paternal shop “to help and eat”. “I worked there from 13 to 22 years old,” she notes. Above all. she remembers tours with her father in Beauce and on the island of Orleans, the trunk of the car full of products, to meet foreign workers.

“We also sent money. People confided, told how their mexico plate, quebec heart employers treated them. Some were afraid. I was trying to help them. ”

— Roxana Vargas Vanegas

This desire to help precarious workers pushes her to wonder what she can do. The young woman. born in Quebec, will specialize in international recruitment for local businesses and thus “ensure that the employer and the worker find their account, whether it is beneficial for everyone,” says the one who works today at Dubreton.

Helping others to integrate into Quebec. In addition, “to understand the system” according to Roxana’s words, is one mexico plate, quebec heart of the values ​​conveyed by the family. The grocery store-Boucherie-Restaurant is a place of discoveries for Quebecers-“We have customers of the Gaspésie who stop when they. are passing through Quebec!” underlines Mr. Vargas Pérez – and a place of mutual aid for seasonal workers from the South.

“It’s part of our identity,” said Roxana Vargas Vanegas. Speaking of identity, she notes having asked several times in the past “What am I?” What language am I talking about? ” While she admits having “grew up in Latin culture more than Canadian”. But today, when asked, the young woman proudly answers: “I am a second generation Canadian.” An answer that makes her father sit next to her.

Valentin Vargas Pérez has had Canadian citizenship since 1993-“it was not as difficult at the time. ” he believes-, but claims to feel more Mexican than Canadian. “I came here, I mexico plate, quebec heart was an adult. We no longer change, ”he laughs. Before observing that conversations in the family circle are in Spanish. that he is proud of the Latin accent he has kept when he speaks French. “I’m comfortable like that, I sound true,” he says.

Mexico plate, quebec heart

What do you like most in Quebec?

Valentin Vargas Pérez: Quality of life and tranquility in Quebec!

Roxana Vargas Vanegas: Security.

What do you like in Quebec?

Valentin Vargas Pérez: The cold! [rires]

Roxana Vargas Vanegas: The food is not very diverse, many burgers, poutines, fries, hot dogs …

You are an immigrant, you have chosen Quebec and want to share your story? You can write to our journalist at the email address omougeot@lesoleil.com