Restaurant Panache in Quebec City. Stately and historical Quebec City, in Quebec, Canada is a very romantic destination. Old architecture has been well-preserved. The Saint Lawrence River is beautiful throughout the four seasons. Winter Carnival brings thousands of visitors to the area each February. But I prefer to visit this very walkable city off-season when it’s quieter — especially to savor the food at Restaurant Panache in the Auberge Saint-Antoine.
We’ve travelled to Quebec City several times to stay at the elegant Auberge Saint-Antoine. This wonderful hotel was recently named Canada’s “Number Two” hotel — clearly no one asked me for a rating because it’s always been Number One in my book.
The staff is very accommodating in this comfy and well-appointed Relais and Chateaux hotel. After a few hours of walking around Quebec City, you’ll need a snack. Who can resist the suggestion of a foamy cup of cappuccino and some warm-from-the-oven cookies — or a relaxing Kir Royale and an assorted cheese and pate plate — in front of a roaring fire at Panache’s little sister Cafe-Bar Artefact off the lobby?
For a more formal lunch or dinner, check out the creative menu at Auberge Saint-Antoine’s restaurant Panache. Many awards and accolades have been bestowed upon this beautiful restaurant and its chef for obvious reasons. Every single dish that I have tried has been a treat.
Breakfast at Panache is elegant. The plate of duck confit, poached eggs, wild mushrooms and wilted spinach was decadent and rich and so good, that I wanted to order it again and again. My second favorite item for breakfast is a tasty cheese and fruit plate with a cup of comforting European-style hot chocolate. The cheeses are all created in Canada and most are local to Quebec City area.
Venison, foie gras, duck and scallops took turns gracing our plates during a special Chef’s Tasting Dinner at Panache. Quebec is known globally for its bevy of wild game meats. Panache’s wine selection is world-class and reasonably priced. Ask the sommelier for wine pairing recommendations.
The dining room is quite rustic. The exposed wood beams and stone walls add character and old style to this lovely restaurant. A glass walled fireplace adds ambiance and warmth on cold Quebec days and evenings.
I cannot wait to visit Quebec City again and see what’s on the menu at Panache!
UPDATE June 2017: Restaurant Panache has closed and reopened as Chez Muffy, a farm-to-table concept, in honor of one of the hotel’s owners. “Muffy” is the nickname attributed to Martha Bate Price, matriarch of the Saint-Antoine hotel. The hotel retains the Panache-Mobile gourmet food truck which makes special appearances at Vignoble de Sainte-Pétronille vineyard on Île d’Orleans.
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