Five Outaouais restaurants worth a drive

  • 主题发起人 主题发起人 guest
  • 开始时间 开始时间

guest

Moderator
管理成员
注册
2002-10-07
消息
402,179
荣誉分数
76
声望点数
0
Katharine Fletcher has found five delicious destinations offering inspired cuisine in the Outaouais. Along the way there are suggestions for what to do in West Quebec, too. (In fact, there’s tons to do dans l’Outaouais! Check more options at tourismeoutaouais.com)

1. Café 349
349 Main Street, Shawville
cafe349shawville.ca
(819) 647-6424

Ruth Smiley Hahn is locally renowned for having created this welcoming, airy restaurant where she and her capable, friendly staff offer home-made style fare at a reasonable price. Although she doesn’t offer breakfasts per se, Hahn’s delicious muffins* (the pumpkin-raisin are “to die for” in my opinion) are often freshly baked and warm from the oven. (*And, did I say large?)

Anything more?

It’s not merely the fresh specials, hearty soups, and regular menu items that keep locals returning for more. It’s also the ambiance Hahn has envisioned at this delightful little meeting place in the Pontiac’s shopping centre (Shawville). She is a long-time supporter of local artists and the Pontiac Artists’ Association, such that Café 349’s walls have become a gallery. So while enjoying your meal, check out the work.

Specialty coffee

Hahn also supports local businesses, knowing that by sharing business ventures, everyone benefits. Her coffee is freshly roasted by Raymond Sander Regier, artist-proprietor of Art Brûlant and Impressions Roasted Art and Coffee. Sander-Regier’s coffee has become a staple for many Pontiac residents. So why not sample a cuppa at Hahn’s and after dining, explore his gallery at 305F Main Street, and purchase some intriguing tasting, freshly roasted beans from plantations throughout the world?

Check opening hours

Check Café 349’s website for opening hour details but note it’s closed on Sundays; Art Brûlant is closed Sunday through Tuesday.


2. L’Ancienne Banque
76 Rue St Jacques, Chapeau
L’Isle-aux-Allumettes
facebook.com/LancienneBanque/
(819) 506-2030

Although still awaiting its microbrewery licence (expected autumn 2016), owner-operator Mike Chaput is excited about his new restaurant business venture in Chapeau. Deservedly so: after attending a Christmas party last year here, I enjoyed a hearty serving of a traditional turkey dinner.

In March I ventured back for a birthday party, where 10 of us enjoyed the modest menu which our group proclaimed to be “a carnivore’s delight.”

Family style with a twist

While many among our group ordered the generous serving of barbecued ribs, I selected the special, salmon. Tip: I asked for it to be cooked lightly as I like fish “on the rare side”, perhaps as you might. Served with mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables, the servings were hearty, with appetizers of soup or salad.

What’s the twist?

Chaput is opening a microbrewery. Indeed, he and his partners have already built an addition onto the 1916 bank. It not only houses the brand new kitchen, but also a microbrewery where he’ll create craft beer from hops grown on-island. So I join many Pontiac residents who are very much looking forward to the licence being approved so we can quaff truly locally crafted beers.

No worries, mate: full bar

Meanwhile, Chaput offers a respectable wine list plus several beers on tap. Find him pulling beers and spinning tales of local lore behind the bar.

What’s that? An intriguing history

L’Isle-aux-Allumettes has a fascinating First Nations history, being an island in the Ottawa River where, in the 1600s, Algonquin Chief Tessouat demanded tariff from all who paddled by. French explorer Samuel de Champlain recorded his meeting with Tessouat in his 1613 journals. (isle-aux-allumettes.com) Also wander Chapeau to visit the church … and Karl’s Bakery.

783 Route 105, Chelsea
fougeres.com
(819) 827-8942


Anyone who knows the Ottawa/Gatineau foodie scene likely knows that since 1993, Les Fougères has served fresh, locally or regionally sourced foods. Many also know the on-site Gourmet Store serves nutritious prepared foods to go – all created by the owner-chef team, Charles Part and Jennifer Warren-Part. However, did you know last Christmas saw the re-opening of Les Fougères with a breathtaking contemporary interior design? Rammed earth walls and bar recall the Gatineau Hills and Ottawa River, respectively.

Also, said Warren-Part, “We thought we’d bring the outside inside.” This makes perfect sense because the old farmhouse windows were replaced with several picture windows overlooking the garden and woods. During our evening’s meal, my husband and I were surrounded by trees.

And the food?

The couple’s new menu refreshes favourite offerings, where portions can be small or large so everyone can mix and match. And, of course, servers such as Manna offer advice not only on specials of the day but also share information concerning local producers.

Still available is Charles Part’s beloved Bouche du Saint-Laurent, where seared Grand Banks scallops and potted Matane shrimps perch upon a Clark’s Harbour salt cod ravioli – a tender surprise for the palate because the pasta is soft and creamy.

What else is there?

Upstairs find Galerie Old Chelsea (galerieoldchelsea.ca) where local artists’ and artisans’ works match the Parts creative cuisine.

L’Orée du Bois
15 Kingsmere Road, Chelsea
oreeduboisrestaurant.com
(819) 827-0332


If Les Fougères has creatively refurbished its farmhouse look, in contrast, L’Orée du Bois embraces its country home ambiance. Log walls are hung with local artists’ works, and warm lighting casts a cozy look and feel to the dining rooms.

Make no mistake: wait staff serve with distinction and panache, and the menu presents one temptation after another. Truly it’s a challenge to decide, so take your time, ask the sommelier for advice about pairings, and you’re in for a culinary treat featuring French and regional fare.

What’s special?

Chef Jean Claude Chartrand won the 2014 Maple Masters Award for his Beggar’s Chicken. It’s on my list to try but you must reserve ahead and go with a group, because this is an entire bird, stuffed with foie gras, chanterelles, and other tasty marvels such as Sortilège, a maple whiskey liqueur. Wrapped in lotus and maple leaves, Beggar’s Chicken is baked in a dish created by local potter Carol Froimovitch. When brought to the table, the waitstaff dramatically crack open the pot, releasing both steam and fragrances. Mmmmm.

What else is available nearby?

Tons! Before dinner go for a stroll in Gatineau Park, take a spa at Le Nordik (lenordik.com), else explore La Fab’s fabulous boutique and gallery (culturechelsea.ca).


5. Fairmont Le Château Montebello
Aux Chantignoles
392 Notre Dame, Montebello
fairmont.com/montebello
(819) 423-6341

Head east, to the largest log cabin in the world, Château Montebello. Although it’s a spectacular getaway resort with varied recreational activities, it’s a great choice for a wonderful meal, too. Aux Chantignoles’ restaurant’s ambiance allows one to dine window-side, overlooking the grounds’ lawn and gardens all framed by the Ottawa River.

Gastronomic feasts

Executive Chef Jean-François Fortin brings his passion for food to our plates. Browsing the menu is a “Canadiana” experience where we must select from a tasty variety of Canadian regional foods. Somehow we must choose from such entrées as Deer Wellington in Saskatoonberry Sauce or Pan Seared Arctic Char with Soft Shell Crab Tempura. Somehow you’ll cope with the conundrum.

Brunch, anyone? Not the time to diet…

Many know Château Montebello for its renowned smorgasbörd brunch, a true “groaning board buffet” where you can easily (over)indulge in local cheeses through to soups, salads, and chef’s special creations. Also note the buffet breakfasts are alarmingly decadent.

Recreational activities you said?

Yes: rent a bicycle or go for a horseback ride. Stroll the lawn, swim, spa – these are just a few onsite activities. Or go on a safari where you may spy rare blond bears at Kenauk: enquire at the front desk.

What else is available nearby?

Hire Camp Explora’s electric geobikes for a self-directed scavenger hunt with iPad “guides.” (campexplora.com) Voyage back in time and learn about the original seigneury at Parks Canada’s Manoir Papineau (pc.gc.ca).

b.gif


查看原文...
 
后退
顶部