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We
recently had the opportunity to spend
a few days in Quebec City. If you've
never been, this destination should be on
your list of places to see - whether for the
sites or culture, or just to take in the dining
scene. The local cuisine is both highly
influenced by French cooking (always
delicious) and at the same
time uniquely Canadian. Unusual
game meats are commonly featured, as well as
rustic, hearty meat pies. Maple syrup is
another typical ingredient, but gets used in
some very interesting ways.
Here are our
recommendations for top dining
spots:
Chez Rabelais
- 3 out of 5
Location: Charming! Nestled
right in the Quartier Petit Champlain
at the top of the Casse-Cou stairs, in a
historic stone building.
Ambiance: Somewhat small inside but cozy
with an eccentric interior.
Food: Fixed
price menus are offered
with limited but interesting French- and
Italian-inspired choices. Dishes are
straightfoward and not
overly complciated but offer an
easy elegance, prepared and seasoned
well.
Service: Friendly and well-timed.
Prices: Moderate ($15 for two-course
lunch, including "Irish" coffee)
Crêperie Le Petit
Château - 2 out of 5
Location:
Very convenient - right next to the Chateau
Frontenac.
Ambiance: Open, bright, casual.
Food: Given the name, we stopped here
for a quick crêpe lunch. The menu had lots of
variations on standard crêpes, all tasty and
simple. There is also an extensive breakfast
served in the morning as well as fondues at
dinner.
Service: Fine, quick.
Price: Inexpensive (under $10)
Aux Anciens
Canadiens - 3.5 out of 5
Location: Easily
accessible within the Old City.
Ambiance: Very traditional setting and
decor, as well as waitstaff dress. Borders
on kitsch.
Food: If you want to try traditional
Quebecois cuisine, this is where you need to
go. Some dishes are a bit
plain while others are more noteworthy,
particularly the trio of tenderloins
(wapiti, buffalo, venison).
Service: Servers seem a bit rushed but
they are attentive.
Price: Expensive ($20-30 per entree,
fixed price menus are
available)
Le
Champlain - 4.5 out of
5
Location:
Located inside the Chateau Frontenac.
Ambiance: Incredibly romantic - if you
can get a seat in the glassed-in room
overlooking the St. Lawrence River, you will
love it!
Food: Every dish and every course is
impressive. The food is highly refined and
excellently executed but still draws from
traditional, rustic influences. Highlights
included the rabbit tournedos and veal filet as
well as the mignardises at the end of the
meal.
Service: Warm and welcoming. Guests
are excellently cared for but the
ambience never comes across as stuffy.
Price: Expensive ($25-35 per entree,
fixed price menus are
available)
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