L'Affaire est Ketchup

I wasn't going to write a blog on this trip (to Québec City), but we had a meal tonight which spurred me to write it down for memory's sake. We are here because of my birthday, as I leave the middle third of my century. We have visited and admired the city of Québec before, and wanted to visit it again. Arriving three days ago, our time here has been varied. Weather up and down, but more sun than not; meals up and down, but more up than not: let me fill in the background.

We took the train, on points, from Aldershot (and that's another story: the parking lot was so full that we almost missed the train, and I had to park illegally), all the way to Québec. A long trip, but because it was the train we could get up and move about. And we travel to the centre of the city. Got in at 9:30 at night, the station almost deserted. A lovely young lady at a car rental booth gave us directions to the hotel, and it turned out to be easy walking distance. The neighbourhood is Saint Roch.

Since then, we have walked the three kilometres to the Lower Town and back a few times. This always involves hills, Québec having a Lower and an Upper Town. There are stairs to climb, occasionally ameliorated by an elevator. So our legs are tired when the day is done.

The meals, you say? We have had grilled cheese for breakfast which turned out to be quite wonderful. I tried a poutine, and lived to tell the tale. We had a disgusting meal last night at the hotel, because we didn't wish to go out in the pouring rain. So tonight was going to be a pleasant surprise, we hoped. The restaurant, called "L'Affaire est Ketchup" was well reviewed, and nearby. And we scored a reservation, not too shabby for a small place with only twenty seats.

Today turned out to be sunny, so we walked again downtown.

















We saw that there was a market by the port, and we went in to see what was there. Breakfast was in the end from there—a pain au chocolat, a croissant, an apple, some chocolate-covered cranberries, and some cheese curds. It was great, and reminiscent of what we used to get in Montréal.

Then we took a sight-seeing cruise on the river for a few hours, before coming back to the hotel for a quick shower and walk to the restaurant.

The meal was worth every penny and more. This place reminds you of being in someone's house. The guy doing the cooking was wearing a fedora, black t-shirt and shorts, singing with the music, and managing eight electric burners on two stoves, all by himself. He was even washing his own pots. The only other staff was serving, setting up tables, explaining the menu (written on a chalkboard) in either English or French, and generally keeping on top of things. Tastes were magnificent, portions were good, service was terrific, and the atmosphere was amazing. While not cheap, it was exceptional value. Hard to believe the chef was only about 28 years old! We immediately asked if we could come back tomorrow, but they are sadly closed. So we don't know how we will cope. And the name? It is a Québecois expression meaning "it's all good"—and that's about right.

Sigh. Maybe we have peaked too soon.




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Location:Rue de la Pointe-aux-Lièvres,Quebec City,Canada