REVIEW: Le Champlain at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec City
Located inside the grand Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, known as "the most photographed hotel in the world," you'll discover a signature dining experience unlike any other in Québec City.
Le Champlain at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Le Champlain features cutting-edge haute cuisine created by one of Québec’s hottest restaurant chefs, Stéphane Modat, author of "From My Backyard To The Castle." Blending the very best of its heritage with the latest design trends, Le Champlain creates a unique and memorable culinary discovery that is second to none.
Making your way through the iconic 1893 castle that towers over the Saint Lawrence River, significant architectural features both historic and modern abound—as you ready for the spectacular evening ahead of you.
Le Champlain at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Once you pass through the grand staircase passing the 1608 Wine & Cheese Bar (the perfect spot for a pre or post dinner cocktail), turn left to be greeted by the massive modern masterpiece that holds Le Champlain Restaurant's extensive wine collection.
The maître d' welcomed us with champagne upon arrival as we made our way through the lavishly designed riverfront dining room offering panoramic views of the Saint Lawrence and beyond.
Le Champlain at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
As the maître d' pulled our chairs out, we took to our seats, while she placed the crisp linen napkins on each of our laps.
Affording quite possibly the best view in the house of uninterrupted views of the seaway, we were inspired to try the "carte blanche" 5-course tasting menu, making an even easier choice to add on a wine pairing with each artful dish.
Le Champlain at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Starting off with our 1st wine pairing, I took to Instagram to show off the enchanting scenery enfolding around us.
Le Champlain at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
The hotel and restaurants(s) are undoubtedly highly instagrammable from any angle you obscure.
A special offering from the famed executive chef, fresh red deer from Québec—fried to perfection.
Le Champlain at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
The 1st course was an artistic masterpiece full of color. Obviously.
Le Champlain at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Le crabe des neiges, fresh snow crab from Gaspésie—a delicious staple to Québec cuisine.
The 2nd course was a finely presented example of smoked Canadian sturgeon.
Le Champlain at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
With a distinctly moist after bite, it had us craving more.
The 3rd course endeared a favorite French staple—seared foie gras.
Le Champlain at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Fresh from Marieville and marinated in Northern fruits, maple caramelized almonds, beet juice reduction, cedar powder, peppermint fleur de sel—we promise you'll savor each and every bite.
TIP: To avoid stains, be sure to cut delicately into the fruit, as they are quite tender to the touch (lending to the amazing flavor).
The 4th course presented itself as a seafood lover's favorite: plump and juicy Atlantic sea scallops.
Le Champlain at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Seared to perfection and placed over crème de pesto and fresh gnocchi made in-house—the dish welcomed autumn with open arms.
For the 5th course we enjoyed Canard. Although fresh duck is not a regular dish I've ever been known to order (can't remember the last time), this was a complete surprise and I couldn't have indulged more. What have I been missing?!
Le Champlain at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
With its crispy, flavorful skin, succulent texture and taste—this turned me into a duck lover for sure. But, perhaps only when you find yourself at Le Champlain in Québec City.
As dessert approached, our flutes were filled with Tattinger Champagne, while being presented with a delectable mascaparone coupled with seasonal berries—both fresh and geléed.
Ending a magnificently well-orchestrated evening at this landmark dining destination could only mean one thing: making another reservation soon.
Always available by foot and Uber, but should you take the Bentley, complimentary valet parking is available.
