Twinning a vineyard and a restaurant, how can I be more satisfied?
It was on the Isle of Orleans, which alone was enchanting, that I went to try the Panache Mobile. It's hard to imagine a more idyllic place! This little green lung just minutes from downtown Quebec City never ceases to impress me with each visit, as much by the beauty of its landscapes as by the quantity and creativity of its agricultural entrepreneurs. The variety is so great you have to walk around it a thousand times before tasting everything
It is therefore on the site of the Vignoble Sainte-Pétronille that the Panache Mobile has been set up every summer, for a few years between mid-June and early September. Founded in 1988, the vineyard is simply spectacular. For once, we want to arrive well before our reservation time (which is mandatory). The reason is very simple: quietly share a good bottle on the terrace. You can therefore enter the vineyard to select the bottle of your choice, among the great variety of wines produced on site. Don't miss the Bridal Veil, their signature white wine that will delight all palates. Then, sit on the terrace with a bucket of ice while enjoying a glass of wine. Seated at your small round table, enjoy the view of the vineyards and the Montmorency Falls. When the time for your reservation rings, take your bottle with you to accompany your meal. Do you have any left? Take the bottle home! Nice, no?
Let's sit down! I was initially amazed and delighted with the sophistication of the place. We are far from the classic “fried potato trailer”… we are more like the gourmet restaurant. Not surprisingly when you consider that the Panache Mobile is managed by Auberge Saint-Antoine. It goes without saying that we feel the same attention to service as if we were in the establishment on rue Saint-Antoine, in Old Quebec.
The slate menu, the spaced tables, the covered terrace, it feels good. On the duo table, I had a view of the cute trailer and the action in the kitchen, while my companion could continue to admire the vineyards.
At the sight of my neighbors' plates, I was first tempted by the lobster roll, one of my cute sins and the specialty of the place. But since I had already tasted that of Muffy’s, the restaurant at Auberge Saint-Antoine, I thought I was going to go for the discovery and ... the menu looked so enticing!
As a starter, I jump on the gravlax of trout on faisselle. A fresh and beautifully presented dish landed in front of me. Pretty! I didn't expect less, given the undisputed reputation of Auberge Saint-Antoine. I prick my fork there and what a delight! Fresh herbs, pickled onions and trout melt in the mouth. The faisselle, this fresh milk cheese halfway between yogurt and ricotta, continues to bring a fresh breeze to the palate under this summer outdoor heat. On the finish, the röstis (a potato pancake) on which the whole is placed, offer a little salty side and just enough crisp. The start is like a lion!
It's time for the main meal. I chose the fennel and cucumber salad with lemon, grilled shrimp and sesame. Since the weather is awfully hot, I go for something light. The presentation is a little simpler than the entry, but it is visually appealing. I am surprised at the size of the shrimp, since I expected Nordic shrimp (my fault!), They are very meaty! I dip my fork in it and the taste fills me up. I am not a fan of Asian flavors, but the sesame is not too present here, just subtle enough to bring delicate aromas to the dish. Finely chopped fennel and cucumber, sprinkled with lemon, provide assured freshness. I got it right. The only downside is the lack of crunchiness. I have a vague feeling that the fennel and cucumber have marinated a bit too long, making their texture a bit softer.
However, it was with a full stomach, my throat well watered with the delicious Bouquet d'Orléans rosé and my eyes filled with beauties that I left, very happy to have finally tasted this little corner of paradise.
Note:
9/10
What struck me most about my visit:
The magnificent location
The house specialty:
Lobster roll
The most expensive main meal on the menu:
Regular lobster roll, $ 27
The cheapest main meal on the menu:
Fennel and cucumber salad with lemon, grilled shrimp and sesame, $ 16
Do I recommend this restaurant:
Yes
What time of day did I visit:
Having dinner
Most :
- Attentive service
- The quality of the ingredients
- Local products
- Bring your own wine
The lessers :
Price
