Pépin commercial kitchen made a wide variety of savoury foods from scratch, using natural and local products. Hors d’oeuvre, savouries, fancy cakes and pies, pastries and breads were a must-buy for those shopping at the Moncton Farmers’ Market, now referred to as Marché Moncton Market, where Pépin had had a kiosk since its beginnings in 1986.
The onsite ‘pastry shop’ retailed goods made in the kitchen and in the summer, delighted ice cream lovers with homemade favourites such as Lemon Almond, Strawberry, Maple, Vanilla, Coffee, Raspberry and others.
November would be the start of a hectic period for Pépin. The kitchen was filled with gingerbread men, kifliks, shortbreads, cranberry, maple, chocolate cheesecakes, apple galettes, lemon curd tarts, chocolate cakes, appetizers, savouries, tourtières, fruit cakes, and many other fine foods. Patrons ordered weeks in advance to have their favourites for the holiday. They looked forward to the ‘Pépin Christmas list’ which was distributed locally and featured a large variety of foods to entertain. Several of the selections were also part of the catering menu which featured well-loved rabbit terrine, scallop ceviche, and a variety of exquisite hors d’oeuvre and sweets.
Catering services also kept the kitchen busy yearlong. Many prestigious gatherings were catered to by Pépin, Service de cuisine and always to the delight of guests. Most events were held in Moncton but many held in the surrounding rural area to celebrate the achievements of local companies.
Over winter and spring, Pépin held on-location culinary classes in pastry techniques, culinary methods, international cooking, etc. Terry also taught evening cooking classes at NBCC Moncton for many years. But the most fun lesson was had when the local kindergarten students came yearly to make pasta and roll noodles over 12 feet long. They still come today but it’s to learn about coffee roasting. Only adults get samples.
Terry’s years of travelling in Asia fuelled the desire to cook exotic cuisines and so, in 1991, the log building was expanded to accommodate a 40 seat restaurant.
Pépin Restaurant opened that autumn and its menu featured international cuisine. The Saturday night table d’hôte is fondly remembered by the many who spent the evening in this enchanting restaurant, feasting on the cuisines of Thailand, India, Viet man, Russia, Spain, Italy, etc. Sunday brunches and Dim Sum were also popular and appreciated. The restaurant was also used for parties, weddings, private functions, etc.
In 1994, the area hosted the first Acadian Congress and Pépin became the private restaurant for many functions, including one hosted by the French Consulate whose guests included the Mayor of Paris, Ambassador from France, Honourable members of the Canadian Parliament, and many other dignitaries from Acadie, Québec and beyond. Pépin was caterer of choice for many functions and activities held in the area that summer.