QUEBEC CITY'S ELEGANT BEAUTY - LE CHATEAU FRONTENACStory and Photography by Pamela A. Campbell
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MEET THE STAR LE CHATEAU FRONTENAC wins our vote for "Model of the Year" - we never get tired of photographing this beauty because every angle is her best angle - exactly why Quebec City's popular landmark retains the title of "the most photographed hotel in the world." Season after season, the star of Quebec City remains magnificently poised atop Cap Diamond, resplendent by day in reflective green (copper) and orange (Scotch bricks) and surrounded by magical, mystical light by night. HISTORY AND FAME THE 'CASTLE' laid claim to fame from the very beginning. Influenced by the Middle Ages and Renaissance architecture of the 19th Century, it was American writer Emily Post's father, architect Bruce Price, who built the luxurious Le |
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Chateau Frontenac for Canadian Pacific Railways. Originally designed with 170 rooms in 1893, guests can now reserve 605 rooms in six wings.
We spent 50 minutes walking the halls and listening to entertaining tidbits of history. Le Chateau Frontenac inherited its name from the Count of Frontenac, Governor Louis de Buade, who shaped life in New France from 1672 to 1698. See how many times you can spot the Count's coat-of-arms in the hotel. For those of us too young to remember the dates, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth stayed at Le Chateau in 1939, then in 1943 and 1944 it was the site of the Quebec Conferences of World War II. U. S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, were the world leaders in attendance.
As we retraced the steps of the hotel staff in a bygone era, we discover spectacular views and marvel at treasured antiques and old photographs. In the warmer months, Executive Chef Jean Soulard's herb garden is brimming with basil, rosemary and tarragon in the inner courtyard, in full view between the copper roofs and turrets. CUISINE A LE CHATEAU FRONTENAC
This is not an attempt to excite your tastebuds. I just want to share the pleasure we experienced dining in this all but perfect restaurant that oozes elegance and atmosphere of the best kind. A harpist entertains, the wait staff attend in period dress and appetites are tastefully awakened course by course with the finest wines. The tasting menu is delightfully tempting. Smoked Char and Sturgeon Mille-feuille Vinaigrette with Capers and Gewurztraminer, Les Sorcieres 1997, starts the meal. Artichoke Bottoms, Candied Apples and Grilled Quail with Pinot Noir, Dopff & Irion Alsace 1997 is followed by Honey and Goat Cheese Sherbet, Veal Cutlet with Truffles and Chive Flavor with Jean-Francois Lurton 1997 Merlot, Small Lettuce Bouquet, Singapore Cake and Offley, Baron Forrester Reserve 1975.
On the dining scene Le Champlain features the versatile Cafe de la Terrasse. Here you can feast on sumptuous buffets or choose the specialty nights that offer a variety of fare. For Italian food lovers select "Thursday Night in Italy" or if your passion is seafood opt for "Friday on the High Seas" and if you're free on Saturday you might like to be serenaded by musicians while enjoying a buffet bursting with flavorful favorites. A la carte menus present classic appetizers, savory soups or fresh salads from the Quebec heartland. Entrees feature the Catch of the Day, Pasta Our Way, The Meat Market or Fast and Flavorful.
Dessert here is "Sweet Temptation" and we can vouch for the irresistible Crunchy apple maple tart with English cream. Yummy! Espresso, Cappuccino, Spanish, Brazilian and Irish Coffee are refreshingly good after the chef's impressive culinary display. For relaxing afternoon tea and fine pastries Le Cafe de la Terrasse becomes the city's 'bistro' - it's the place to people watch as street performers outdo each other on the Dufferin boardwalk. So eat, drink, and be merry at Quebec City's symbol of culinary excellence brought to you by Le Chateau Frontenac and Executive Chef Jean Soulard and his wonderful team. Here's to a gourmet rendezvous!
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If you find Le Chateau Frontenac as fascinating as I do, join the year-round guided tours (hours vary) for an insider's glimpse at life within the 'castle' as it evolved during the past 100-odd years. Costumed guides (ours was Marie, a chambermaid) take visitors through the wings while re-telling stories from the past.
It would take forever to name them all, but Le Chateau has hosted royalty, national and international leaders and celebrities throughout her illustrious years.
LA VERRIERE DU CHAMPLAIN is Le Chateau Frontenac's latest addition to their already famous cuisine. Executive Chef Jean Soulard commands attention with an extensive menu filled with his innovative culinary creations.
Pairing regional foods with wines is presented with delicious Foie gras with spicy Porto sauce and 20-year-old Grahams, Mussel soup and green herbs, Rooster roll and crab with Esteva 1997, Ferreirinha, Stilton chesse with Calem Vintage 1994, Singapore cake and Dona Antonia, Ferreirinha Private Reserve.
Chef Soulard wows us with Gaspesian Salmon roasted with garlic cream and Halibut and Smoked Salmon in millefeuille. Grilled beef tenderloin,Bordelese sauce, Marinated Lamb Chops from Charlevoix and potato puree with garlic.
TOP 10 REASONS TO STAY AT LE CHATEAU FRONTENAC