Page 17 - quebec
P. 17
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
Wine Dine & Travel Summer 2014 17

