After gathering our belongings we decided to skip a big breakfast and get on the road to Quebec City. Our drive was a mix of cloudy skies, flurries, and very thick fog! Not exactly the stress free start we were hopping for but mother nature has a mind of her own. Halfway there we stopped at a Tim Hortons (my favorite coffee chain after Starbucks) for some coffee and donuts. I chanced fate, took a Lactaid pill and enjoyed every bite of a maple frosted donut!! Before heading into the city center we stopped at Montmorency Falls for some pictures. There were a couple other cars in the lot (several more pulled up after us - who also happened to be from Massachusetts). We figured out that the open entrance was all the way to the right of the visitor center. We also considered driving up to the top for more photos but were too excited to get into the city. We pulled up to the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac and the valet greeted us and helped with our luggage. We walked into the lobby and entered the check in line. We were helped by a very friendly gentleman who also happened to be from the area we just drove from. After a nice chat and an easy check in our room was ready with one small exception. The foam pillows I requested weren't in the room yet but he was sending someone to deliver them right away. Room 6128 was on the 6th floor and offered a king bed, a bigger bathroom than at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu but it also had a noisy air system. A few minutes after we arrived a staff member knocked on the door with our foam pillows. Perfect! We grabbed our hats and gloves and went out to explore the area and to visit the Christmas Market. We started with the pool area then on to the lobby, stores, bars, and restaurants. The hotel is stunning and maintained to the highest degree. The Christmas market was incredibly busy! Two different areas of stands and people were packed in at both. We looked around an the artisan crafts for a bit and purchased a couple of items. We were hoping to enjoy a pork shank at the restaurant inside the market but unfortunately right when we were hoping to enter they were closing for a bit. Instead we opted for something sweet! I have seen pictures and videos and finally here I was able to try maple syrup on snow! How could I have not tried this sooner! Decadent, sweet, and oh so yummy! For lunch we decided to just go nearby to Le D'Orsay Pub. We were seated right away at a high top table. We ordered a couple of drinks and settled into the warmth. Greg ordered the sausages with duck fat roasted potatoes while I enjoyed the fish and chips. The food and service were both very good. After lunch we walked around Quebec City a bit more before heading back to the Fairmont. I especially had to make a shopping stop at Delices Erable & Cie. After a rest in our room we decided to enjoy a drink at 1608 wine and cheese bar. We were seated a a high top table and our server brought us snack mix along with some popcorn. We ordered the Corpse Reviver and the Little Wing. Both drinks were wonderful! Our dinner plans for the evening were at Le Lapin Saute. We walked from the hotel down to Petite Champlain Quarter. This was the area I had been dying to see! Between the brick buildings and the decorations it feel magical here! We entered Le Lapin Saute and told them of our reservation. We were seated right away and had drinks ordered. To start we opted for the Maple Whiskey Smoked Salmon, the Maple-wood Smoked Duck Breast, and the Foie Gras with Maple Blueberry Compote. Our plates were clean when the staff came back for them! All three of these dishes are outstanding but my personal favorite was the Foie Gras. Add the fresh baked bread brought to us and I'm in heaven! For our entree we decided to go with the Cassoulet. I have had several cassoulet's including my own and this is the absolute best. This dish has something for everyone and plenty for 4 people (Our eyes were definitely bigger than our stomachs)! The dish includesVegetables, pork belly, duck leg, rabbit leg, duck sausages and a side salad! At this point we were incredibly satisfied and insanely full. Would you like any dessert? I guess we can't leave without trying the Berry Sugar Pie! I can't wait to go home and try to make a sugar pie. This pie had a wonderful crust, a creamy texture, and the berries cut the sweetness. Perfect! Every single item that came out of the kitchen was well balanced, plentiful, and cooked to perfection.
Le Lapin Saute is a casual restaurant with comforting food and it is also in my top favorite meals we have ever enjoyed! When I think of my favorite restaurants I think of pricey and beautifully plated meals. Le Lapin Saute with their amazing flavors is of the same caliber!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Categories
All
Archives
January 2020
|