It's finally our last meal in Quebec City. And, Restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens was the restaurant of choice.

This restaurant is a "well-worn tourist destination," serving up country cooking in a Quebec style. The historic, red and white building has small windows, low ceilings and tight dining quarters. The servers are clothed in historic garb, and the former house has lots of small rooms.

The historic Maison Jacquet, one of the largest houses in upper-town in its day and the oldest in Quebec, was built in 1675-76. The site was granted to François Jacquet on November 30, 1674 by the nuns of the neighboring Ursuline Convent. Its thick walls, solid joints, marvelous wainscoting and recessed cupboards are characteristic of the houses constructed during that period. The premises consist of two buildings, that on the westernmost side being the newest, and that on the east dating back to the French Regime. Several prominent figures have resided in Maison Jacquet, including the author of the novel "Les Anciens Canadiens", Philippe-Aubert de Gaspé, who lived here from 1815 to 1824. Though it is contradicted by history, the myth persists that General Montcalm also lived and died in this famous house. Since 1966, the Maison Jacquet has housed the restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens, internationally know for its fine cuisine and warm hospitality.

We didn't have reservations, but they managed to fit us in. I looked over the menu with precise calcualtion to see how much Canadian money I had left and what I could get (with the hopes that it would break out even with tip so I didn't have to exchange any back). There are a few things they are known for - wild game, meat pies and sugar pie. The menu has a wide range of items, though - including wapiti, which is elk and common in Quebec City.

First, we were served some fresh bread, which was pretty decent.

So, I ordered a couple appetizers - wild caribou and bison rillettes, confit of carrots ($7) and Quebec meat pie with homemade fruit preserves ($12). I became fascinated with rillettes after being served one at a cook-off, and my fellow judges explained to me what I was eating. Rillettes are similar to pate - made with pork (or other meat) that is cubed/chopped, with lots of salt and cooked slowly until the fat is tender and easy to shred, and then it's cooled to form a paste. This was good, but not super exciting. I did appreciate the pairing of the carrots, which gave off some sweetness to the dish.

The Quebec meat pie elicited a similar response from me. The meat itself was fine - I think more seasoning would help? But I relied on the combination of the fruit preserves with the meat for a more balanced bite. Think of a flaky pot pie with a side of applesauce. It's fine, just not crazy amazing.

For dessert, I ordered the maple caramel bread pudding, which was very good. So rich, but the perfect texture and not fussy with chocolate chips or anything like that. Just mapley, caramely and thick.

Overall, I think the restaurant was OK. It was dark, and it was clearly more touristy. The food was a bit on the bland side - but traditional. So, there is value in that. But, the bread pudding made the meal worth it for me. Definitely good.

Grade: B

Lakeview Golf Resort & Spa hosted the 33rd Annual Festival of Food & Wine from Jan. 20-22 under the theme "A Taste Of It All: A Culinary Celebration of Food & Wine Festivals Past."

This festival is always intriguing to me because they bill it as this sort of weekend getaway, but for locals, all the main events happen mostly on Saturday. I reached out to the organizers to see if I could cover it and to get more information about the schedule of events. They invited me to join them.

One cool part of the festival is that they have all sorts of vendors set up along the main exhibit hallway - candies, cookware, jewelry, dog treats - all sorts of things in the Artisan Marketplace!

Another big part of the weekend is the workshops and seminars - like "The Art of Tea Tasting," "The Art of Dessert," "The Art of Craft Beers," and "On The Farm."

Eating, of course, is also a big part - like the "Nuevo Mexican Lunch Buffet" and the 7th Annual Iron Chef Competition, which featured returning champion Chef Donnie Orr vs. Chef Jason "JJ" McFarland.

An incredible lineup of chefs were featured: Chef Jessie Teasdale from Lakeview Golf Resort & Spa, Chef Brandon Devoe from Hilton Charlotte University Place (Charlotte, North Carolina), Chef Donnie Orr from Bourbon Prime Steakhouse, Chef Joshua Brickey from Bourbon Prime Steakhouse, Chef Marion Ohlinger from Hill & Hollow, Chef Ahmed Azizy from Edgewater Bar & Grille (Charlotte, North Carolina), Chef Jason "JJ" McFarland from O Cocina & Flights (Tampa, Florida), Chef Mark Tasker of Table 9 and Lisa Biafore from The Tea Shoppe at Seneca Center.

I didn't get a chance to stay for the whole day, but I did swing by the "Nuevo Mexican Lunch Buffet," which featured tortilla soup, ensalada de la casa, salmon a la parrilla with grilled oyster mushrooms and charred tomato vinaigrette, spice rubbed pork chops with pipian red mole and smoked paprika vinaigrette, Mexican-style street corn, arroz verde and spiced rum bread pudding.

It's really a nice way to spend a lovely Saturday - whether that's if you want to stay overnight and get away or come for the day's festivities. Just give them a call beforehand to get an idea of the schedule so you can plan your day accordingly.

Who went this year? What was your favorite part?

No trip is complete without at least one brunch, right? Cochon Dingue made that happen for us before heading out of Quebec City.



It was a very busy restaurant, but very cute and like a mix between rustic but with clean edges. If that makes sense. We were seated quickly, and I immediately placed a coffee order. Well, I placed a hot chocolate order - which is an option if you don't want coffee. Win.


The menu has your typical eggs, bacon, oatmeals, waffles ... but something I don't always see is "egg casseroles." The smoked salmon, asparagus and fleurmier cheese one caught my eye.

The egg casserole came with a side of seasoned hash browns and onions, toast with homemade jam and a "little treat," which was essentially a smoothie.

This meal was likely the best meal with eggs I've ever eaten. I just don't get excited about eggs, but you know what fixes that? Literally putting an entire hunk of melty cheese on top, layered with smoked salmon and a few fresh spears of asparagus for a little extra somethin-somethin.

SO much food, and it was all really, really good. And, I may be converted to an egg lover after this casserole.

Grade: A

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

Charleston Restaurant Week is one of my favorite times of year! A bunch of restaurants in Charleston have a $30 fixed price point menu that is three courses (usually an appetizer, entree and dessert). It's a great way to try new restaurants, revisit old favorites and get a good deal on some of the pricier spots in town. 

The event, which began in 2014, was held this year from Jan. 23-28 - always held during the slow time for the restaurant business to help bring folks in. The week is sponsored by Buzz, with a lot of other folks helping contribute. And, it has a huge impact on the community - with an estimated 10,000 meals sold and half-million-dollar economic impact on the city in 2016. This year's celebration is estimated to be the biggest yet - but since it just wrapped up, it might be too early to tell.

The menus are available on the website, and reservations book up quickly. So, I always study what I want and make my calls accordingly. I managed to hit up two places this past year: Adventures Bar & Grill (which will be its own post since it's a new restaurant) and Dem 2 Brothers & A Grill. And while $30 may seem like a lot at the bbq restaurant, it's all about variety here and it's SO good, it's worth it to me.

Lots of other great restaurants participated: Adelphia Sports Bar & Grille, Adventures Bar & Grill, B&D Gastropub, Bluegrass Kitchen, Bricks & Barrels, Bridge Road Bistro, Celsius, Dem 2 Brothers & A Grill, Ichiban Pan-Asian Restaurant, Laury's, Leonoro's Spaghetti House, Mi Cocina De Amor, Paterno's at the Park, Quarrier Diner, Soho's at the Capitol Market, South Hills Market & Cafe, Su-Tei, The Block, The Chop House, Tidewater Grill.

There were really no bad options. I heard great things about South Hills Market & Cafe and Laury's and Paterno's -- man I wish I had the time to try Paterno's!

So, Dem 2 Brothers was good. So much food - but all absolutely delicious. I tend to forget about them because they're on the West Side; this is a perfect reminder to get there more.

So, where did you go for Restaurant Week? And, which were your standouts?