Food on My Mind....As Usual :)

[Niko171]

Food and travel are on my mind a lot and since I seem to share my food and travel so freely I couldn't go without sharing my most recent 4 night trip to Quebec City with you. I had been planning on spending my New Years Eve in Quebec City for some time. It's been years since I had been there as a child. I decided on the Chateau Frontenac because if its history and charm (and it was a plus that it looked like a castle!). I've stayed at Fairmount Hotels before, but never splurged for the 'Gold Floor', I never saw the point. I decided to take the plunge this time around and all I can say is my Fairmount experiences will always be 'Gold' from now on.

Arriving at the hotel, we were whisked to the 14th floor for our own private check-in. Because I'm already a President's Club member, they knew my food, drink and accommodation preferences and had a list of things ready for me. The room was old, cosy and charming, nothing really to write home about but the service on the 'Gold Floor' was spectacular.

We decided to take a short walk to a Crepe restaurant at the base of the hotel. We indulged in a seafood crepe, an asparagus and cheese crepe and of course, some French wine. To be honest, I wasn't totally impressed with the crepes, I like mine better and the ones I have had in Paris blew these ones out of the water. The waitress was rude and brash but the restaurant was quite elegant and welcoming. The hostess was charming and helpful in directing me to the local cheese shop (yes, I love my cheese!).

Back at the hotel on the Gold Floor was reception time. Every night between 5-7 there are hot and cold hor d'oeuvres served in a private lounge along with an 'honor bar'. There was just SOOO much food! Quiche, crab claws, cheese and freshly baked bread with preserves, sushi and so much more. We were so full from the reception on most nights, dinner was just a salad or soup. It was hard watching others eating French Onion Soup and not being able to partake (I'm mostly veggie) so when I got home, the first thing I did was make it myself Ooie, gooie goodness made with port wine, much Gruyere cheese, caramelized onions - but I digress!

New Years Eve I enjoyed dinner in my room. Seafood Chowder to die for, creamy and full of clams, crab and gulf shrimp. VERY impressive. Then on to salmon in a puff pastry with spinach (another fav of mine) followed by the BEST creme brulee I have ever had in my life! If you have read my other reviews, you know I have had 'issues' with creme brulee before but this was perfect, maple and creamy with a not-to-hard sugar crust. Lovely evening followed by fireworks at midnight outside my window.

The last night that I spent in Quebec City, I visited a restaurant on the St. Lawrence River. For the life of me, I can not remember the name of it (it was booked by the Gold Concierge). Terrific view of the river and even better food. Again, being so full from the reception at the hotel but wanting to try the delectable menu I had to eat again! I thoroughly enjoyed pan seared scallops in a creamy white wine reduction accompanied by a lovely, fluffy, rice pilaf and roasted veggies. I was too stuffed for dessert but enjoyed a digestif of my favorite French liquor 'Poire Williams'. It was a perfect way to end my perfect trip to the lovely, old, Quebec City.

All in all, a wonderful trip I plan to do again.

If you plan to visit Quebec, I hope your experiences are as wonderful as mine were.

Many hugz, Tristan

 

[CupCake =)]

Love the Frontenac. Several years since I've been there, but she's a grand old dame, indeed.

Your reviews, like your taste, are always impeccable, Tristan.

Presumably that Gold Floor service is par for the course, not just laid on special for New Year's Eve.

But here's a question that raises for me. How do they celebrate New Year's Eve in Old Quebec? Was it spectacular? . . . Was there fireworks?

(apart from in your room, that is)

 

[Cleopatra]

Hey luv, you always make me smile!

I had heard that the people of Quebec don't make a big deal out of New Year's Eve and that is partly why I chose to go there. My regular New Years Eves usually consist of me cooking for 20 people who have nothing to do at my place I wanted a VERY low key night and that's what I got.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that the rumors were wrong and that they do see New Years as a big deal in 'New Quebec'. There was a large street party and yes, fireworks (that I saw from my room, warm, cosy, well fed, full of champagne and happily pampered) that lasted a full 10 mins. They were spectacular and I had a terrific view from the hotel.

I would hate to think the 'Gold Floor' was just for the holidays, they have set the bar so high now for my travels Many hugz Art!! Tristan

 

[Rag]

There is a little Italian restaurant a few blocks from the Frontenac. Forgot what it is called but the food is fabulous and all the waiters sing every 5 minutes or so. Fun place to be.

 

[Black Delilah]

Here you go.

http://www.auxancienscanadiens.qc.ca/

 

[MORRISON ALDRICH]

I just got very hungry :tongue:.