Experience Québec
Gourmet’s Pleasures
Stars and diamonds for Québec
It’s always flattering to receive a compliment, to see our partners’ efforts recognized and rewarded. In Québec, the art of eating well has never been so highly praised. In addition to the winners of the Grands Prix du tourisme, the Mobil Travel Guide and the CAA/AAA have just released their respective ratings for restaurants and lodgings. In all, seven Québec establishments were honoured. So why not step out of your kitchen and take a tour of our top restaurants?
"As artist, author and epicure Samuel Chamberlain put it," The gentle art of gastronomy is a friendly one. It hurdles the language barrier, makes friends among civilized people, and warms the heart." So while you may not parler le français as well as you would like, and it’s quite possible you’ll encounter people who speak "only a leetle beet of zee English" during your visit to Québec, we can guarantee you’ll break bread in gracious establishments boasting an atmosphere of fellowship and camaraderie.For the judges, it’s quality above all
Of course, Québec’s dining rooms are more than just a warm ambiance; they adhere to the highest quality standards, as evidenced by the prestigious Mobil Travel Guide. For many travellers, this publication, which has "The Trusted Travel Advisor" as its slogan, is the tourism bible. Each year Mobil’s inspectors, like their CAA/AAA colleagues, publish the results of their evaluations. In North America, they have awarded Four and Five Stars to 148 establishments from over 50,000 businesses. In Québec, four establishments received the Four Star award in 2004. This rating indicates that the restaurant or establishment offers quality and superior-class service, as well as a distinct atmosphere. In other words, an exceptional experience. The AAA (American Automobile Association) and its Canadian counterpart, the CAA (Canadian Automobile Association), award diamonds to the restaurants they visit. Of the 22,000 eateries evaluated, 57 have been awarded Five Diamonds, including three in Québec. A gourmet tour is in order. Here, then, are the winning restaurants!
Warning! Bring your appetite!
One bite is all it will take for you to see why Normand Laprise, chef-owner of Toqué!, has earned Four Stars. The restaurant recently moved to Montréal’s Quartier international (international district) on Jean-Paul-Riopelle, where it enjoys a view of La Joute (the joust), a magnificent fountain-sculpture created by the artist for whom the street is named. Toqué!’s gastronomy is based on market cuisine, featuring regional products and enhanced by the boundless imagination and daring hand of its chef.
A magnificent décor, created by Jean-Pierre Viau, and relaxed ambiance are an important part of the dining experience offered by Toqué!’s philanthropic chef. Philanthropic? Mais oui! Normand Laprise participates in the Tablée des chefs, a program aimed at curbing if not eliminating-waste, thereby reducing the problem of hunger. Its method: the safe recovery of leftovers. It would seem our chef’s heart is bigger than his stomach!
Another happy honouree is the Laurie Raphaël, in Québec City. Its chef, Daniel Vézina, and his better half have been welcoming gourmets for more than a decade. A globetrotter, Chef Vézina uses his travels to gather the exotic flavours that enrich his dishes, depending on what’s in season. Named "chef of the year" in 1997 by the Société des Chefs, Cuisiniers et Pâtissiers du Québec (Québec corporation of chefs, cooks and pastry makers), Daniel Vézina is always trying something new. His talent has contributed to the international recognition of Québec cuisine; hence the Four Stars awarded to his restaurant by the Mobil Travel Guide.
The Laurentides region also boasts Four Stars, thanks to Anne Desjardins, chef-owner of L’Eau à la Bouche, in Sainte-Adèle. The restaurant’s name means "mouth watering," and if its menu makes your mouth water, it’s because the chef "has the talent to make even a dish which required hours of research seem simple, juggling produce and flavours," according to the Relais et Châteaux Web site.
To ensure that you enjoy an exquisite gastronomic experience, each employee of this fine establishment must head back to school and take a 400-hour wine steward course, for they are expected to know how to pair wines with their chef’s creations.Diamonds... our best friends
For Marilyn Monroe, there was no contest: "diamonds are a girl’s best friend." They’re also pretty valuable in the eyes of the CAA/AAA! And for the fifth year in a row, the association has recognized three great Québec restaurants by awarding them the highest distinction: Five Diamonds.
The Société des casinos du Québec (Québec casino corporation) had a hot idea when it turned its ovens over to chefs Serge Rourre (Le Baccara, Casino du Lac-Leamy) and Olivier Rault (Nuances, Casino de Montréal). These great chefs have two things in common: their French backgrounds and their affection for Québec, which is reflected in each dish they whip up. What’s more, the Société des casinos’ restaurants are known for ensuring harmony between flavours and wines, earning Le Baccara the Best of Award of Excellence in 2004 from the prestigious Wine Spectator magazine. This award recognizes dining establishments that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to the quality and diversity of the wines in their cellars.Your visit is a reward in itself
Naturally, your visit is one of the most coveted honours a tourist business or destination could receive. Each time an establishment earns an award, the entire surrounding area wins. And above all, these establishments’ tireless efforts to achieve excellence have but one goal: to please you. So take advantage of your vacation in la belle province to treat your palate to the exciting-and subtle-flavours of Québec.
| Be a chef! |
Looking to discover the flavours of Québec? Visit our laureates’ Web sites. These award-winners are so generous they’re sharing some of their top recipes with you.
The winners of the 2004 Grands Prix du tourisme - gourmet dining
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André Quenneville
2007-11-20
