Traditionally, the appropriate gift for a first wedding anniversary is paper. As exciting as that sounds, Radek and I have decided to start a new tradition: foie gras. Yes, this sounds much better.
Obviously French food is available in any medium sized city. Too simple. Obviously French food is available in France. Too ambitious. Ahh, but a compromise lies just seven hours to the north. Quebec. Just right.
Always knowing when to splurge and when to save, we decided to stay at the famous Chateau Frontenac. Our room has a panoramic view of the St. Lawrence river and an active crane. Radek actually enjoys the crane because it reminds him of James Bond, although I’m not sure why that is.
Entering Old Quebec through the city walls you are instantly transported across the Atlantic. It’s that stark. Outside the walls is the crass reality of a North American city filled with street lights and gas stations and inside is the crumbling cobble-stony charm of Europe accented with cafes and bookshops.
Ever since an issue of Conde Nast Traveler highlighted a restaurant in Quebec that serves foie gras six ways, we knew that this would be a food pilgrimage. Which is why, aside from our outrage of a “meal” at Harry’s Bar in Venice, we have spent more on food here than ever before. I have only lost about 30 minutes of sleep over this fact because last night’s dinner extravaganza included: a smoked salmon amuse bouche, foie gras three ways, a trilogy of lamb and wild game and a selection of Quebec cheeses.
Tonight there will be more gluttony! Hurray for anniversaries and hurray for fake France!
|  | 
|
