Tale of Two Cities: Quebec City, Canada 9/27/2009

We heard rain pattering on the roof all night so had a pretty good idea what was in store for us today. We decided to have a cozy morning “at home” especially since we didn’t have far to drive for our exploration of Montreal. By the time we arrived in the historic district the rain had abated and it was quite fun to walk around in the mist. (See today’s pic). Fortunately, the weather wasn’t cold at all, about 60, so just light sweaters and our rain coats were sufficient. We decided to have a French brunch at a charming little restaurant called “Chez Suzette.” Ned chose crepes poulet et epinards (crepe with chicken and spinach served with a béchamel sauce). I had a quiche lorraine with a café au lait. Yes, a perfect French meal in the city of Montreal. We drove around and enjoyed seeing the different neighborhoods as well as the university. We were amazed at how big Montreal is! We decided to venture onto Quebec, knowing it would be about a 2 hour or so drive. It rained like crazy during the drive so we weren’t able to enjoy the scenery as much. The crazy thing about being in the Quebec province is that we can’t read very many of the traffic signs. It’s been a little confusing, to say the least, when huge traffic signs on the freeway are flashing different messages and we have no idea what they say! Also, we don’t have any idea why the lights blink green and then stop. Thank goodness Ned has been doing the urban driving!! Once we arrived in Quebec the rain had stopped and we were able to drive around the city and take it all in. We decided to try and find our camping spot for the night (which is another story) – ah yes, the beautiful Camp Coop Esprit. Another glorified trailer park and the bathrooms are in what appears to be an abandoned school gymnasium – in the basement. (Yes, Ned is accompanying me to EVERY bathroom visit). We didn’t feel like hanging around here, and we are only 9 km. from the historic district of Quebec, so we decided to return there for dinner. What a great choice and how romantic! It was one of those magical evening where you can wander around a city at night, enjoy the lights and mist, and have fun window shopping. The restaurant we chose for dinner was the best meal we have eaten yet on this trip! I had Atlantic Salmon in a mango sauce with crème brulee for dessert, Ned had pork loin with a thyme and maple syrup glaze, and a chocolate hazlenut mousse cake for dessert. Visually it was a work of art, and it tasted even better. So, not a bad day to start out in Montreal for brunch and end up in Quebec for a French dinner! After dinner we were strolling around in some of the shops. While looking at the postcards I spotted one that featured the restaurant we just ate in! It was called “Auberge du Tresor”. Who knew we had picked such a famous restaurant? We had so much fun we are heading back into Quebec tomorrow morning for perhaps breakfast croissants! (Yes, I know we are eating our way thru Canada…)