Weekend getaways are always a treat, and with our trip to the Eastern Townships of Quebec, we found a new, close by spot for short (or long) trips just a drive from Boston.
Don’t get me wrong. I do love the opportunity to fly to Ireland or across the country to Sonoma, but those long haul trips often end up being exhausting at the end, the antithesis of vacation.
Our quick drive to the Eastern Townships of Quebec brought us to Chateau Bromont, a luxury hotel in the heart of the countryside, flanked by a rolling golf course, ski mountains, and forests. We didn’t spend much time in our spacious, lovely room, because as usual, we wanted to explore, eat, and drink some wine!
The Chateau Bromont features an indoor and outdoor pool and hot tub, in addition to a bistro and a high end restaurant.
The outside of the building featured amazing views and lush gardens, complete with bubbling streams. The environment was completely serene, secluded, and perfect for a little getaway.
I always have food and wine on the brain, so I was excited to eat at the Chateau Bromont’s restaurant, Les Quatre Canards.
We started with an amuse bouche of phyllo dough with cheese and vegetables in a delicate sauce.
I, of course, had a glass (or 2) of sparkling wine.
We skipped appetizers because I had dessert on the brain already. Instead we skipped into entrees. I got the trout which was wrapped around crabmeat with a side of seasonal vegetables and a cauliflower truffle mash.
My husband had perfectly cooked beef (I even tried it!) with seasonal veggies and peppercorns. It was divine.
And then came dessert. A chocolate bomb, flaky layers of chocolate wafer, mousse, and a chocolate ganache, for him.
And for me, one of the reasons I came to Quebec, Tarte au Sucre, this one an upside down version. A maple sugar tart with ice cream, in a jar, is one of the most perfect things in the world. Maple sugar is not too sweet, not at all. There is no fake sugar flavor or overly sweet goo here, just a subtle hint of sweetness with creamy vanilla ice cream and a crunchy crumb crust.
It was one of the best desserts I have ever eaten. My pre-Quebec bucket list included local sparkling wine and tarte au sucre, two goals I met. It also included seeing a real live moose, which did not happen. And that gives me more reason to return.
All joking aside, Chateau Bromont provided the perfect place to relax, wine, and dine in a comfortable, luxe environment. Next time I will be booking a spa treatment and bringing a bathing suit to take advantage of the pools. And maybe doing some skiing, if the husband has anything to do with it.
Where is your favorite weekend getaway? It could be close or far, just a place you love to kick back, relax, eat, drink, and be merry?
