At this time of year Québec City is a cozy cubicle of culture in a wintry landscape. Its claim to being the cradle of French civilization in the Americas guarantees a certain atmosphère de romance, seconded by its UNESCO status as a world heritage centre.

For a “petit gars” (little guy) the city holds its own for romance and culture not only in Canada but around the world.

The snow began to fall shortly after my arrival at the airport. By late afternoon all flights were cancelled, and by cocktail time I was lovin’ it. Let it snow, let it snow.

Ensconced in an URBANIA VIP suite at ultra chic Château Bonne Entente, I watched the white stuff blanket the treed courtyard of the hotel. A few lights pierced the falling curtain of dusk as my colleagues and I reconnoitred the hospitality suite.

With the help of a friendly bartender, a colourful spread of hors d’oeuvres and cocktails enticed me to experiment with photographing the scene before our dinner reservation in the hotel’s ‘Le Monte Cristo’ restaurant. Bonne Entente proudly furthers the culinary traditions of the city with dishes prepared by award winning Chef Marie-Chantal Lepage.

While fellow photographer David and I alternated cameras and courses, our dining companions mercifully forgave us for doing our job. Not that we lost out, but trying to make food look as good as it tastes requires a healthy dollop of patience from all concerned.

A winter evening passes delightfully in the company of friends and fine cuisine. Five savoury courses with accompanying wines and conversation took us through the entire evening --- a salutory experience!

PHOTOS
For best viewing: click on any photo to enlarge, then click on white side arrows (> or <) within the frame to advance or go back.

1) Metallic snowman. A viewer bearing an uncanny resemblance to Star Wars robot ‘R2D2’ peers through the snow on the Plains of Abraham.

2) Toronto skyline. My flight from Toronto was on Porter Airlines from the downtown Island Airport which offers great views of the city during takeoff.

3) Château Bonne Entente courtyard in the snow.

4) Drinks in the hospitality suite appeared made to order as a colourful splash against a white background.

5) Foie gras appetizer / mango ring & chutney / walnut crumble

6) Dinner: rack of lamb + braised beef ribs were a double sampling of the main courses offered for the evening.

7) Dessert was a ‘sweet delight’.

8) Executive chef Marie-Chantal Lepage.

Please note: Story and photos copyright © Gary Crallé 2012. Not for commercial reproduction without written consent.

Château Bonne Entente

3400, chemin Sainte-Foy

( 418 653-5221 or 1 800-463-4390

www.chateaubonneentente.com

Office du tourisme de Québec / Québec City Tourism

http://www.quebecregion.com/en

• 835 avenue Wilfrid-Laurier,
  Québec, QC G1R 2L3
  Tel.: 1-877-783-1608 or 418-641-6290
• Fax: 418-522-0830

Porter Airlines   www.flyporter.com