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Duck and foi gras pate surrounded by  flaky
           pastry. Opposite: Lobster roll from Panache
           restaurant food truck. Opposite middle: Cheese   QUEBEC WINE & FOOD
           ship at  the riverside Farmer’s Market. Opposite
           bottom: Diners enjoying the fare at Lapin Sauté.   f course, if you’re reading this, great food and wine is at the top of
                                                           your to-do travel list. Quebec City is a fine destination for foodies
                                                           who can enjoy culinary experiences ranging from simple bistro
                                                           fare to sublime fine dining. The narrow streets of the Old City are
                                                Olined with charming outdoor cafes with menus and prices to suit
                                                every cruiser’s taste and budget. Although this is a French-speaking province,
                                                almost all servers speak excellent English.  Don’t be surprised if you taste a bit
                                                maple syrup during your meals; it’s used to flavor everything from cocktails to
                                                stews and desserts. Try a Caribou cocktail -- a sweet Québécois alcoholic bever-
                                                age quaffed fall and winter to take the chill off.  Served hot, it’s made of red wine,
                                                hard liquor (usually whiskey), and, of course, maple syrup.
                                                There are a host of great eateries in Quebec City; here
                                                are some that we enjoyed:

                                                Celebrating 50 years in business, Restaurant La Crémaillère is a fine dining
                                                restaurant in Old Quebec that doesn’t take itself too seriously. International
                                                cuisine is served in the two spacious dining rooms, where many dishes, ranging
                                                from Caesar salad to Crepes Suzette, are prepared table-side. The service is ex-
                                                pert but unpretentious. Don’t be surprised if the owner’s son picks up a guitar
                                                to serenade guests with popular ballads and a few French folk songs. Lunch:
                                                Tuesday–Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner nightly 5-10 p.m.; Rue Sainte-
                                                Anne; (418) 692-2216; www.cremaillere.qc.ca

                                                Award-winning Le Pain Beni offers innovative French-Canadian cuisine fea-
                                                turing regional products in a relaxed bistro setting. The comfortable main din-
                                                ing room is inside an old stone house while street-side outdoor seating is ideal
                                                for people watching. The three-course lunch is seasonal and a good value. It’s
                                                located near the famed Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and art-lined Rue du
                                                Tresor in the heart of Upper Old Quebec City. 24 Ste-Anne, Quebec City, Que-
                                                bec; www.painbeni.com

                                                French farm-house-charming Lapin Sauté is right in the middle of the busiest
                                                tourist area in lower Old Quebec, yet it offers a wonderful affordable dining
                                                experience with consistently great French bistro food. As the name suggests,
                                                rabbit dishes including sausages and a lasagna are specialties. End your meal
                                                with a signature maple-syrup crème brûlée. On a sunny day, opt for the flowery
                                                patio with its view of tiny Félix Leclerc Park. Mon-Thurs 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.;
                                                Fri 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sat 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sun 9 a.m. 10 p.m. 52 Rue Du
                                                Petit-Champlain; 418 692-5325; www.lapinsaute.com

                                                Le Petit Cochon Dingue is a charming family dining spot in the heart of lower
                                                old city. Reasonable prices, rave reviews for its food and indoor and outdoor
                                                seating make it an ideal breakfast, lunch or dinner stop. The extensive menu
                                                features bakery goods, crepes, sandwiches, quiche, soup, salads and pizza. Its
                                                staff has a reputation for be very friendly and helpful.  Mon-Wed, Sat-Sun 7:30
                                                a.m. - 6 p.m.; Thu-Fri 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.  24 Bd Champlain; 418-694-0303; www.
                                                lepetitcochondingue.com

                                                After staying three days, our ship sailed out onto the Saint Lawrence Seaway,
                                                Quebec City’s skyline faded in the distance, but the memories that rivaled those
                                                of our European journeys have stayed with us. We looked forward to returning
                                                to this marvelous city, so for now it’s just adieu until next time.


                                                On the  Web: www.quebecregion.com, www.bonjourquebec.com, www.ile-
                                                dorleans.com






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