Friday, November 18, 2016
You are waking up in one of the most beautiful cities in the world and want to start your day off with energy to manage its famous hills? That’s what I look for when I brunch: simple and honest food that’ll bring a smile to my face. Here are 5 Québec City restaurants that offer experiences that stand out:
1 Le Pied Bleu
Hearty and festive brunchThis Saint-Sauveur bouchon lyonnais will charm you with its genuine, generous and humble cuisine. The Pied Bleu’s food is a modest, fresh Quebecois rendition of a nose-to-tail cuisine featuring offal and giblets. It’s a hearty and festive brunch that is best enjoyed with a group thanks to its menu served for the whole table. If you’re in for tasting something new, try the pig ear cake. It’s salty and crunchy and makes a great conversation starter. Finger licking good!
2 Le Café du Clocher Penché
Bold, bright and colourful brunchLocated in Nouvo St-Roch, across from the church with a crooked tower, the Café du Clocher Penché is my favourite place to enjoy brunch in Québec. Le Clocher’s cuisine is grounded in a locavore philosophy, yet audacious. For brunch, enjoy the finesse of the bostock with crème fraîche or a delicate grapefruit emulsion salmon tartar. If decadent food is your desire -as it is usually the case for me- indulge in l’abbé Chamel’s buckwheat waffle with Turlo's farm ham, brie, mushrooms, an unctuous béchamel sauce topped with a poached egg.
Find out more about Le Café du Clocher Penché
3 CIEL! Bistro-bar tournant
Breakfast with a viewThe CIEL! bistro offers the most remarkable view of Québec City. It is a rotating restaurant where in 90 minutes, 563 feet above sea level, you’ll experience a plunging 360-degree view of Québec City’s unique landscape. The CIEL!’s weekend brunch is a play on Québec’s traditions. CIEL! knows how to wow palates, one local ingredient at a time. A tasteful cuisine that I enjoyed with my Croque déjeuner, served with a generous portion of in-house smoked meat.
Find out more about CIEL! Bistro-bar tournant
4 Chez Boulay-bistro boréal
Rich boreal flavours
Credit: Allison Van Rassel
Located on St-Jean street, one of the most tourist-friendly neighbourhood in town, Chez Boulay stands out among tourist shops and souvenir stores. For brunch, Chef Arnaud Marchand portrays rich aromatic flavours of the boreal forest; a direct contrast with its lively location inside the city walls. On the menu: fish, meat and rich flavourful dishes served in savoury sauces. Le Pêcheur is my favourite dish featuring duck fat seared potatoes and delicately smoked halibut.
Find out more about Chez Boulay-bistro boréal
5 Lapin Sauté
Charming and romantic brunch
Credit: Le Lapin Sauté
Le Lapin Sauté’s rustic decor seduces tourists, whereas its cuisine attracts locals. Located in the Petit-Champlain district, le Lapin Sauté is a quaint and charming restaurant. When the temperature drops, the fireplace is lit and makes a very romantic setting. For brunch, I’m a sucker for the maple-seared eggs served with meats, local cheese, baked beans and the rabbit rillettes; the perfect balance between sweet and salty.
Find out more about le Lapin Sauté
About Allison Van Rassel
Journalist, columnist and blogger, Allison is passionate about Québec City’s culinary culture. Curious and aware of the latest culinary trends, Allison makes the region’s foodie culture shine bright.
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