Overlooking the St Lawrence River and Dufferin Terrace, in the heart of Quebec City, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is a landmark of elegance and history. The hotel was built in 1893 to promote luxury tourism and named after Louis de Buade, count of Frontenac.
Having dinner at one of the Chateau’s restaurant, La Cafe de la Terrasse was perhaps one of the best meals I will have in 2012. Chef Jean Soulard keeps up with the upscale European style ambiance by offering a menu that is fresh and inspiring.
Set in a 18th century casual setting, the restaurant offers a locally harvested seasonal and themed dinners. Friday evening is a seafood buffet and what a feast that was, fit for a Princess I would say. I am personally a huge fan of seafood and could be critical at time, but this one blew me away. Not only was the selection impressive, but every single dish was cooking to perfection. Never before I had tasted salmon so tender and delicate, it was packed with flavor yet melted in your mouth.
Here are some of the highlights from the dinner…
Row of assorted salads
Two kinds of Oysters on the shell
Melt in your mouth shrimp salad
Couscous pilaf in a glass
Coconut shrimp dedicated to the delegation from Louisiana visiting during the Carnival
Seafood terrain
Steamed whole salmon
As if the seafood wasn’t enough, you get a steamed whole lobster as your “side”
There were at least a dozen desserts, but this one caught my attention
Ginger cookies with chocolate
Cheesecake with maple pecan sauce (the best of them all!)
The property is beautiful to visit, dine or stay. The Chateau offers Valentine’s escape, elopement and winter family fun packages
