Chez Eric, Wakefield, Québec

Chez Eric is one of those delightful places that one simply wants to claim for one’s own. It is a real treasure.

On the banks of a spring-fed stream, Chef Che Chartrand and his wife/partner Lisa have created not only a gourmet haven but one where the young, eclectic families of Wakefield head for a meal. A sandbox full of toys is  near the lovely outdoor patio.

Che is a perfectionist who believes in Canada.  We first met the Canadian Chef’s Congress where he was the first chef in the Province to represent Quebec. Yet he embraces the most local of ingredients.  His brilliant  2010 menu began with a Weed Salad then a Le Coprin Mushroom Ragout with puff pastry, cream and fresh basil from the backyard of Chez Eric.

Before growing season, I went on a foray with him into the country to visit one of the restaurant’s regulars,  a gentleman-farmer who is, as I write this, growing his lettuces, root veggies and “tons of tomatoes” and soon will be the source of Che’s beef.

It is as idyllic as any farm I’ve ever visited with green, rolling hills and wide open pastures for the herd of Highland cattle.

Food Day Canada Menu (from 2011)

This year, they’ll be celebrating Food Day Canada for an entire week!
Taster’s menu available from Saturday July 30th – Sunday August 7th

Special Food Day Taster’s Menu:  $37
Additional Wine/Beer Pairing with Québec’s Le Vignoble Rivière du Chêne and Borèale Beer:  $20

Chez Eric’s Weed Salad
($6 if ordered alone)

Local organic greens (Juniper Farms) tossed with edibles from the backyard at Chez Eric and a dried cranberry (Vallée des canneberges) and honey (Berg en dal) dressing.
Pairing: 3 oz of Rosé Gabrielle 2009, a dry rosé from the Dechaunac and Seyval Noir varieties

Québec Cheeses and Charcuterie
($12 if ordered alone)
A sampling of some of the finest cheeses from the Belle Province and charcuterie made in-house. Finished with pickled wild garlic from Québec, fruit, crostini bread and edible flowers from the backyard of Chez Eric.
Pairing: 3 oz of L’Adélard 2009, a unique golden white wine flavoured with Québec maple syrup

Local Meat Loaf with Cheese Curd Potatoes
($18 if ordered alone)
Made with premium local and organic ground beef (JIH Farms) and herbs from the Chez Eric backyard. Served with cheese curd mashed potatoes, local farmer’s veg (Juniper Farms) and a rich mushroom gravy (Champignons Le Coprin).
Pairing: 1/2 pint of Borèale Rousse beer, an all-natural ale with subtle bitter notes and a full mellow taste

Wild Québec Blueberry Pudding Chômeur
($6.50 if ordered alone)
Traditional French Canadian dessert of sweet white cake, wild blueberries and warm, sticky maple syrup. Finished with a pile of whipped cream.
Pairing: 1 oz of Vintage Glacée des Laurentides 2008, a late harvest white wine slightly less sweet than ice wine

Chez Eric is one of about 300 restaurants that celebrate Food Day across Canada. Contact them at the number below to reserve a table.

Chez Eric est l’un des 300 restaurants à travers tout le Canada qui participent au Journée des terroirs . Contactez Chez Eric directement, au numéro ci-dessous, afin de faire votre réservation.

28 Valley Drive,
Wakefield,
Québec J0X 3G0
T: 819 459 3747

www.cafechezeric.ca

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