Place du Marché, Old Port: Your search for authentic Quebec City Food starts at Place du Marché in the Old Port, a local farmers market that dates back to 1841. Here, artisanal goodies abound. Local pastries, jams and home-made apple, cranberry and pear ciders stretch over several aisles.
Micro Breweries: Also in the Old Port area is L'Inox Maitres Brasseurs , a highly-respected micro-brewery that features small-batch craft beer, a fascinating museum and an outdoor patio that attracts a young, hip crowd. Popular brews include Transat, extra-blonde and Trouble-Fete wheat beer (available year-round) while others such as Scotiche brown ale are available seasonally (November to May). A platter of artisanal cheeses or spicy Hungarian sausage are good pairing choices.
Next, hit the cobblestone streets to sample more specialties drawn from Quebec ’s renowned rural countryside. A visit to rue Saint-Jean is a must for stocking up on rustic breads, unique vinegars and Migneron cheese, from the nearby Charlevoix region. For a flashback in time, don’t miss browsing though the fascinating shelves at Epicerie (grocery store) J. A. Moisan, the oldest grocery store in North America. Founded in 1871, it's both a culinary museum and food emporium.
Quebec City Restaurants offer more than just history, as sophisticated palates will discover among the city’s contemporary yet classic restaurants. Renowned restaurateur Daniel Vezina, at Laurie Rafael restaurant offers an innovative take on classics with creations such as St. Apolinaire foie gras with fig and honey, and crème brulee with green tea coconut.
Another dining option is the award-winning Panache for traditional Québécois fare with a twist such as pan-seared venison with chanterelles and caramelized carrots. The chef offers good suggestions for local wines and liqueur pairings.
Chocolate Spa: To indulge in some luxurious chocolate without any guilt, try an energizing chocolate body wrap at Le Spa du Manoir. Located within the elegant Hotel Manoir Victoria , this 60 minute pampering treatment actually delivers health benefits – chocolate has twice as many anti-oxidants than green tea.
If you decide to overnight it, Quebec City's Château Frontenac Hotel is ideally located in the heart of this 400 year-old city and offers a “Culinary Delight” package that showcases the skills of Executive Chef Jean Soulard.