At this very chic, very intimate restaurant in Le Priori hotel, mod light fixtures are set against stone-and-brick walls, and a secret garden terrace removes all street noise out back, making it perfect for a relaxing night with friends. Enjoy chef Christian Lemelin's elaborate take on lobster risotto, a scrumptious pork cassoulet, or fried duck with adobo spice and squash gnocchi (Fodors).

The interior is beautiful with modern decor, dim lighting and deep red colors weaved throughout. I started my meal with an adult beverage - because New Year's. I ordered the "Rhubarbtini," which had vodka, triple sec, eau de rhubarbe and zest.

Yes, I really liked this; but I also really like rhubarb. These martini glasses were like stainless steel. That was a new one for me. Our server helped recommend some drinks and was very accommodating with our broken French.

First up was some bread and oil. Not bad. Little salt, little parmesan, lots of oil - you can't go wrong.

For appetizers, we ordered: Québec farm raised bison tartar with «duxelles», figatelli from «cochons tout ronds» and whipped foie gras $ 24 (Created in 2012) - Celeriac and black garlic pudding, hollandaise with Aliksir black pepper, cipollini confit. It's such a small serving for $24, but man was it good. The tartar is so fresh, the whipped foie gras is light, and these flavors all together were just fantastic.

We also got the Foie gras «torchon» from Canard Goulu farm, golden poultry jus glaze $ 28 * (Created in 2012) Mushroom marinated in Xérès vinegar, confit gizzards, Québec plums & hazelnut, homemade brioche. We knew we needed to try this foie gras, and I was not disappointed. I was never a fan when I've tried it before, but it's also never been this creamy, this flavorful or this absolutely delicious. Paired with some pickled mushrooms, sweet plums and homemade bread - it only got better.

 Just live for the moment and forget about the time at Toast!, the restaurant at the charming Old Port hotel Le Priori (17 rue Sault-au-Matelot). Warm and trendy décor. Our cuisine is inspired by flavours from around the globe. The chef/owner, Chistian Lemelin, develops the daily menu based on what he finds at the market. Help support local agrifood producers! The atmosphere in the main dining room differs from that in the private lounge. Large indoor garden with a covered terrace that is heated in season (Quebec Tourism).

So, next up was the main entrees.

So, I ordered the surf and turf of BBQ octopus and seared veal sweetbreads $ 38 (Created in 2014) Sautéed spatzel and grilled pepper, oyster mushroom, corn, cream, parmesan cheese, blacklong pepper sauce, soubise flavored with saltworth, celeriac salad, coppa.

Wow. Both BBQ octopus and sweetbreads were new to me, but I fell in love with both. I love the slight chew of the octopus - just a little. And the flavors were beyond. The sweetbreads were much softer but with a delicious sear and umami-laden sauce. Lighter touches with the celeriac and the spaetzel salad topped it off. I was really blown away by this meal. I was beyond happy with how delicious and different it was.

After how amazing the meal so far had been, I couldn't NOT get dessert. We went with the Goat Cheesecake, caramelized fig with honey & cardamom with ginger butter cookie, butternut sherbet and buckwheat nougatine.

I love that this dessert wasn't overly sweet, but it certainly felt indulgent. Caramel-y, but salty and creamy. Definitely the perfect way to end the evening.

Do yourself a favor - if there's one restaurant to stop at in Quebec City, it's this one

Grade: A