Cap à l'Aigle. Small village 3km away from La Malbaie in Charlevoix, towards Tadoussac. Breathtaking views of the river and its belugas. Top of the captaincy of the sailing club, a new restaurant, Le Refuge. In twelve short months of existence, the bistro promises to be a must in the region.
There are two years, the place was deserted. The kitchens were asleep for three years. A few tables and some chairs were enthroned here and there with a simple coffee. But the potential was there. The large windows directly overlooking the St. Lawrence and off on the banks of Kamouraska gave urge to revive the place.
That's where staging a shock triumvirate: Pierre Giroux, former porter at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in La Malbaie, Clermont Michel, former chief in the National Capital Belfry Steak House and the renowned Continental, and Renald Paradis who was owner of the bar laughing Saw La Malbaie. "We went for the forces of everyone," says Pierre Giroux. Through his many years at the Manor, it knows moult people, while Renald is an expert behind the bar, and 40 years experience enthroned in kitchens with Michel Clermont.
Taking advantage of the momentum of the renovations to the marina by the Port of Refuge Cap-à l'Aigle, the three partners were starting last year than the bistro. In six weeks the transformation was complete: walls, furniture, home decor, adding close to the terrace of diners for eight people, lounge bar kind. The place is more than inviting either for breakfast, at lunch time or late night suppers. At that point Renald Paradis said they recently hosted "just 150 guests for lunch! "It is understood that reservations are highly recommended.
But still, except for canoe racing on the river in February, operating days in a year are still counted in a marina! While hell were you going to do, gentlemen, in this mess to paraphrase Geronte in The cheats of Scapin of Molière? "There was a lack in terms of restoration in the area of ??Cap-à l'Aigle," said Pierre Giroux, who is delighted with the collaboration of bed and breakfasts nearby, sending to their customers Refuge. And spend their first winter, "we went to get the corporate. "Thus, companies, organizations or families can book places to organize Christmas parties if there are 20 or more. The owners also rely on winter sports clientele with skiers and snowmobilers.
The river, an inspiration
side menu, the Mighty River is obviously inspiring leader: stewed lobster Thermidor and shrimp, bouillabaisse in Tuscan refuge chowder with cod, salmon, shrimp, scallops, mussels and clams, all topped with a lobster bisque, not to mention Big Bob whose management is particularly proud: "We're the only ones in the region to this battered cod in tempura batter with a velvety lobster and a fried egg! "Says Mr. Giroux.
As for fields, we will be especially tempted by the lamb shank braised in red wine, duck legs duo or steak & egg served of refuge, of course with an egg topped with a fondant and goat oyster Charlevoix.
While all the main ingredients are not Charlevoix, it nevertheless feels a desire to serve as much as possible so inspiring the products of the country of a peace time, starting with the cheese. Time will tell whether the Refuge will table a larger place still to produce. After all, the menu is still young ...
Already, we see that the quality of service is at the rendezvous. Starting with the special touches offered by the chef as mouthing this morning: a jar of yogurt and creamy custard served with berries.
At last, it even seems that belugas make the tail of Cap-à l'Aigle wharf to book!