A restaurant on a plane? It didn't take much to pique my curiosity. It has been two years since a former Boeing established its quarters on the very site of Quebec City Airport (YQB). The idea was to make it an attraction both inside and around. This is why street food concessions, bars and shows enliven the place. To board the aircraft and enjoy your meal, however, a reservation is necessary.
So that's what I took the time to do before going there, on a Saturday evening in August. My children aged 7 and 10 having always dreamed of flying, the opportunity was great to give them a taste of this aerial experience. So I hid the destination from them until it was time to turn the corner at the airport. Their eyes then became very round when they saw the gigantic device. “Are we going to eat on the plane? they hastened to ask. At my nod, the excitement was at its height! For effect, the location knows how to create it!
Aerial theme
Once the "security" passed, we land on a small site where the plane sits. Stairs lead us to the boarding gate. Once on board, we are directed to our seats. The interior of the plane is well lit and the walls are filled with highlights of aviation history. Some televisions project images related to the aerial world. The atmosphere is well established, but I had imagined a slightly more luxurious decor.
A young waiter approaches, introducing himself as our "flight attendant" for the evening; the wink is fun. On the menu, which fits on a single page, I realize that the choices are rather limited. Here too, I expected a little more refinement. The options stop at burgers, tartars and some snack classics.
The service
In order to push the theme to the end, our ordered dishes arrive on a trolley identical to those found on planes. However, as there is no kitchen on board the aircraft, meals are prepared in the adjoining restaurant, outside. They are therefore served on trays as airlines do, and in a cardboard box. I was also a little surprised by this presentation. Nevertheless, I was impatient to taste my dill and lemon salmon tartare which was a little hidden under the pile of fries and a generous salad. I liked the cut of the fish and the mix of seasonings was successful. The consistency was crumbly though, so all of the ingredients in my box came together quickly.
My companions
For children, only one choice was offered: the famous animal-shaped croquettes. Fortunately, they are my daughter's favorite. My son, for his part, preferred to opt for a big dish with the BLT burger. Against all expectations, and despite the imposing size of the burger, he ate it whole, claiming to have enjoyed it. My friend, who accompanied us, asked about a fish and chips which also turned out to be delicious.
All in all, the experience is worth the detour, but you go there more for the decor than for the dishes.
Good flight!
Note : 7.5/10
What struck me the most about my visit: The cockpit cabin.
The specialty of the house: Burgers
The most expensive main meal on the menu: Tartars, $34
The cheapest main meal on the menu: Poutine, $14
Do I recommend this restaurant: Yes
What time of day did I visit: Supper
Pros:
- The original concept
- The theme
- Decorative elements
- The service
Cons:
- Limited choices on the menu
- Presentation in cardboard boxes
