Old Quebec (Vieux Quebec), the historic section of Quebec City, is surrounded by 400-year-old stone walls and dates back to 1608. Meander the cobblestone streets and alleyways, flanked by 17th and 18th century buildings and historic sites, like the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires and La Promenade des Gouverneurs---a boardwalk with sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River. There's plenty of outdoor recreation nearby, including boating, fishing and ice skating on the St. Lawrence River and golfing at Club de Golf De L'Auberiviere and Club de Golf St.-Laurent. The neighborhood is chock-full with shops, boutiques, cafes and elegant restaurants, including French cuisine.
Le Champlain
The dining room, with white linen-topped tables, fresh flowers, candlelight and views of the St. Lawrence River, is located at Le Chateau Frontenac, one of Old Quebec's most well-known hotels and landmarks. The AAA four-diamond restaurant is under the helm of chef Jean Soulard---the first Canadian chef to be awarded the "Maitre cuisinier de France---and offers an extensive menu of classic French cuisine. Chef Soulard seasons his dishes with herbs grown on the rooftop of the hotel and uses local farm produce, meats and game. Diners can order the nightly tasting menu with or without wine pairings, or from the a la carte menu. The menu changes frequently but might include starters such as foie gras, local cheese platter and salmon croquettes. Signature entrees include streak frites, rack of lamb and beef Wellington. Local game dishes are a specialty such as guinea hen and caribou stew.
Le Champlain Restaurant
1 Rue des Carrieres
Quebec, Quebec G1R 4P5
Canada
(418) 266-3905
fairmont.com/frontenac
Cafe de la Paix
This multi-room restaurant, located one block from Chateau Frontenac in Old Quebec, features a large menu of French country dishes. Appetizers include rabbit terrine with pistachios, parma ham with melon, parmesan fondue, snail casserole with Pernod, coquille St. Jacques and salmon with raspberry vinegar. Specialties of the house include quail with cherries, sweetbreads with truffles, beef tartare, grilled lamb chops and veal kidney with port. There's also fresh, house-made pasta.
Café de la Paix
44 Rue des Jardins
Québec, Quebec G1R 4L7
Canada
(418) 692-1430
cafedelapaix.restoquebec.com
Auberge du Tresor
The dining room located in an inn in the heart of Old Quebec overlooks the Place d'Armes and Chateau Frontenac. The menu changes seasonally but features appetizers such as roasted quail with maple sauce, escargots with braised cabbage and asparagus with citrus honey sauce. There are fish dishes such as Canadian salmon with ginger or Alaskan crab with lemon and butter. Meat dishes might include duck breast with gooseberry sauce or veal medallions with Marsala wine sauce. The restaurant also features classic dishes for two, including Chateaubriand, rack of lamb and beef Wellington. Save room for the deserts including caramel custard, crepes Suzette or Grand Marnier strawberries.
Auberge du Tresor
20 Rue Sainte-Anne
Quebec, Quebec G1R 3X2
Canada
(418) 694-1876
aubergedutresor.com
About The Author
Pamela Wright is a freelance writer, author of more than two dozen guidebooks, and hundreds of articles. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including "National Geographic Traveler," "Family Circle," "Family Fun," "Backpacker," "Hemispheres," "Cooking Light," "Yankee" and more. An active member of the Society of American Travel Writers, she holds a Bachelor's from Michigan State University
