Located in the First Nations hotel-museum in Wendake, La Traite restaurant recently celebrated its 16th anniversary with a special 5-course menu at $55. This tempting offer prompted my mother, her friends and me to treat ourselves to this sumptuous feast. I don't go to Wendake often, but each visit is a renewed pleasure. The Hotel-Museum is impressive, as is the longhouse that sits on its site. It’s a pure joy to immerse yourself in these authentic traditions!


La Traite is one of the high-end restaurants in the Quebec region, often chosen for special occasions, and this is felt as soon as you enter the dining room. The place also attracts many curious tourists, in addition to the guests of the splendid hotel.

Upon entering the hotel complex, one is initially surprised to have to go down to the basement to access the restaurant, but passing by the charming bar and crossing the dining room adorned with a magnificent four-sided fireplace, furnished with furs, wooden rope and stuffed animals, we are immediately transported into the world of indigenous traditions.


Since the menu was fixed, I let myself be guided, an experience that I particularly love. A little appetizer was even added, a salmon rillette, which opened the ball. The adventure then continued with a smoked salmon candy with oushata salmon: a simply exquisite delight! Next, an amazing corn and herb salad with scallops we were served. 


The third course was a corn and squash soup, garnished with herb oil. I thought it was bold to place it at this point, but it ultimately fit well into the menu progression. As a main course, a piece of just seared deer was presented to us. Although the meat was delicious, this dish impressed me slightly less compared to the rest of the menu.


To conclude in style, the sugar tart completely charmed me, especially with its careful presentation. To accompany this feast, we opted for a delicious wine recommended by the friendly sommelier, a Moraza, very affordable and perfectly matched.
What a memorable evening! The decor, the service and the harmony of the dishes were simply perfect. It’s a real joy to discover less common flavors and ingredients. Next time, I will be sure to try the famous Sunday brunches which seem fabulous to me.

 

Note : 
9.5/10


What struck me most about my visit: 
The interior decor and exterior architecture of the hotel-museum


The specialty of the house: 
Game meat / Sea bass

The most expensive main meal on the menu: 
Rack of wild boar, $55


The cheapest main meal on the menu: 
Pan-fried Arctic char or cooked octopus with corks, $42


Do I recommend this restaurant: 
Yes


At what time of day did I visit: 
Supper


Most : 
The service, the menu that is different, the authenticity, the experience

The lessers :
The location of the restaurant in the basement of the restaurant