Ok so after being completely wow'd by the Chateau Frontenac and the VIA Rail train ride down to Quebec City, I am unsure as to where to start. But I guess it is fair to start at the beginning.Today we left Ottawa to get on a 9:33am VIA 1 Train to Quebec City. Today we were truly what I have coined "VIA VIP". Tony and I rode first class from Ottawa to Montreal and then Montreal to Quebec City. As a VIP on VIA you get to relax in the Panarama Lounge (at each of the stations) which had
comfy couches and all the coffee and juice you could drink... This was a sign of what was to come on the train... On board the VIA to Montreal we had awesome scrambled eggs for breakfast, and on board the VIA to Quebec City we had for lunch mushroom stuffed chicken and veggies for dinner. To boot we were able to have all the wine we wanted - and it was VQA from Pelee Island so I was down with enjoying my fair share! What a day on the train. We were able to see beautiful scenery and lots of snow and I can honestly say that I truly love taking the train, it was so relaxing, the people were super 
friendly and a pretty cool experience. To the left are some of the picture from the day including the Panarama lounge, the sun rise at the train station - with our box of wine from the auction from the night before, and our view from the train as we enter into Quebec and more!!When we arrived in Montreal we had a good hour or so to enjoy the city, so we took that chance to take in the local flare. We went to a small pub and ordered some poutine and of course I enjoyed some wine. When I asked the server to see the wine list, she showed me that the only
wine they offered by the glass was wine that was "on Tap". Wine in Montreal, at least at this pub, was served like beer. I did find out that the wine was French -which was fitting for where we were, so appropriately I ordered a glass of the red and fully enjoyed it with my poutine. OMG. So good. I didn't have time to grab my camera when I saw her filling up a 1/2 litre bottle of wine at the bar - so I grabbed a shot with my blackberry - if you can make it out. But what a cool idea...what do you think about wine on tap?We arrived in Quebec City around 4:30pm and wow, it was cold. Both Tony and I commented that we should have brought our Canadian Goose Jackets with us. I was hoping for more spring like weather and brought my spring jacket... not quite the weather that we were expeirencing that was for sure. However, the city was beautiful. but freezing cold with high winds none the less. The last time I was in Quebec City - or Old Quebec was when I was 18 or 19 with Breakaway tours (please don't judge me on the Breakaway tour part) and to be honest, I remember seeing a few things on the trip, but don't fully have memories of the whole trip... I remember seeing Mt. St. Anne, an awing cathedral, and the gorgeous brick buildings and walls that are all around the city, but that is about it!
The Chateau Frontenac literally took my breath away. Wow, was all that could come out of my mouth. And I was staying 4 nights in this hotel... what am I doing right? I was even more excited when we got to our room. It was beautiful. To be honest, I have never stayed at any of the Fairmont hotels anywhere in the world, so this experience is truly a first. The room's reminded me something from the Tudors and the time of King Henry the VIII, and it was really like I had entered into a brand new world. I loved it. I actually felt like I was somewhere in Europe (even though I have never been there). The room and the chateau filled me with a lot of excitement. I was like a kid on Christmas eve. To your left you'll see a picture of our room. I am going to take some outside shots of the chateau today, so stay tuned for tomorrow's post.
We quickly got ready for the Wayne Gretzky Charity Dinner which was taking place at the Chateau with a 6pm reception as well as a 4 course dinner at 7. Unfortunately Wayne could'nt
make it to the dinner, but I/we were fortunate enough to meet and have dinner with his Dad, Walter Gretzky - who is such an amazing story teller. He had some very moving stories about Wayne and the Family, and I truly felt honoured to be at the intimate dinner with him and some great wine friends.The dinner was outstanding and we had everything from Foie Gras to local cheese, and not to mention some great Gretzky wine alongside each and every dish. Even though I am a BIG fan of the Wayne Gretzky wine lineup, I never say no to a chance to drink his wines - so I enjoyed them all! We had the Unoaked Chard and the Meritage with the reception and then enjoyed the Estates Bottled Riesling (one of my favourites and this months iYellow Wine Store pick), the Sauvignon Blanc (which has about 30% oak in it-and is soo good), the Cab Shiraz which was completely balanced between fruit and black pepper spice and the Shiraz Icewine - which is also Paxton's pick for the iYellow Wine Store this month!
At the end of the evening Tony and I had a very magical moment. Walter Gretzky signed both of our menus fron the evening - check out the picture I took. It was such a memory.
The evening was filled with Great food, Great wine, Great people, in the comfort of a beautiful Chateau. A great way to spend a Thursday - at least in my books!
Tomorrow is onto the Quebec City Wine Festival and much more I am sure - so stay tuned!
To visit the Chateau Frontenac online click here
To learn more about VIA Rail click here
To learn about the Wayne Gretzky wine Lineup click here
To learn more about the iYellow Wine Store click here
Cheers,
Ange
