PHOTO: The dining room of Panache. (photos by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates)
The natural beauty and historic buildings of Quebec City attract visitors from all over the world, but this sophisticated mecca offers much more than architectural highlights.
With a French heritage that places an emphasis on high quality dining, gourmet eateries and charming bistros fill almost every neighborhood in this urban center. But it's Old Quebec City and the downtown area that features some of the most dazzling gastronomic displays. I was overwhelmed with the diversity of choices and the elegance that each restaurant managed to supply. Yes, Quebec City is an expensive place, but I found these dining spots to be worth the price.
Le 47ieme Parallele (The 47th Parallel)
This chic and casual bistro outfitted in dark wood and metal is a local favorite known for exceptional salmon tartare. Located right across from the Grand Theatre, this restaurant was packed with theater patrons enjoying a pre-show meal when I stopped in.
The gracious service features an extensive wine list and a curated dinner menu that blends French fare with other global influences. I sampled the famous salmon tartare, served on a crunchy bed of fennel salad, which was good indeed. Sea bass with a pureed sauce and a melange of grilled veggies served as my main course and I was almost too stuffed for my chocolate fondant with a salted caramel mousse. But I made room and stumbled out - engorged but happy.
Le Graffiti
A stylish and upscale restaurant with a romantic ambiance, both the decor and food qualify as works of art. Situated on the bustling Cartier Street, Le Graffiti is in the heart of all the nightlife action in Quebec City. Vibrant paintings line brick walls and starched linen cloths and candles top the tables.
PHOTO: Guests sit down at Le Graffiti.
The menu focuses on fancy Italian creations with a wine list as thick as a book. Although the signature dish is calf sweetbreads in filo pastry, I opted for house-made Tagliatelle pasta with chicken and a mind-blowing dessert featuring three different flavors of mousse. The entire experience at Le Graffiti represents Quebecois culinary excellence.
Panache
Located inside the 19th century splendor of Auberge Saint Antoine boutique hotel, Panache provides a multisensory dining experience. The hotel is filled with historic Quebecois artifacts as well as striking decor that features bold colors paired with antler horns all over the space. In French, panache not only means "style," it also means "antlers."
Once you get past the visual displays, the culinary display will also wow you. I couldn't believe the delicate tuna tartare arrayed with delicate edible flowers and herbs was actually edible. It looked more like a watercolor painting. But the taste was light and well seasoned, as was my grilled cod entree, fried in a crunchy batter for a clever take on Fish-n-chips.
PHOTO: The tuna tartare at Panache.
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