Betty's With A Dash Of French Sophistication!

Phil Hopkins, known to many readers as one of the YT's principal theatre reviewers, has written extensively about his international travels during a writing career spanning more than 35 years.

Today, we hope you enjoy the first of his Canadian articles as he winds his way from Quebec City to Toronto, via Montreal, Ottawa and the famous Niagara Falls.

Every time the national news bursts onto our screens and there's mention of political intrigue, countless editors rush to their image banks and hastily grab an image of Leeds Town Hall for use as a screen backdrop!

It used to be a standing joke amongst many regional journalists since the building had absolutely no significance to the story being covered and was located 200 miles north of the capital; but, somehow, it never looked out of place! It was majestic and imposing.

And so it is with Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, these days known as the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, one of Canada's most iconic hotel buildings which, invariably, flashes across our screens whenever something important happens in North America! A building which is not only synonymous with Canada but is also said to be the most photographed hotel in the world.

Afternoon Tea

So it took me all of two seconds to say 'yes' when Le Chateau's Director of Public Relations, Marie-Claude Brousseau, invited me to join her to sample the hotel's famous afternoon tea. Did she know she would be meeting a graduate of Betty's? A Fat Rascal connoisseur?

But, with an air of confidence that belied the fact that she had only been in post six months, my delightful host had little to worry about, confident that the city's 120 year old landmark hotel would be up to meeting the demands of Yorkshire's leading cake connoisseur!

We sat down in the beautiful Champlain Restaurant, a classic venue featuring cutting edge regional cuisine created by one of Quebec's hottest restaurant chefs - Stephane Modat.

"We had a $75m dollar re-fit in 2014," purred Ms Brousseau in her broken French accent "but, despite that, I am sorry," she added, "I cannot eat with you or I will double in size! Please, eat everything, I think my partner would do the same!"

She laughed as waiter of 18 years Mathieu helped me select an appropriate tea blend from the vast array available, whilst serving me a glass of chilled apple cider, a local tipple.

Famous Visitors

The hotel is located on the site of the Saint-Louis Forts and Chateaux which, for more than 200 years, were the official residence and seat of power of the French and British governors. And it has played host to an array of music and film stars, sports personalities and political figures during its illustrious career.

"The first wing of Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac was inaugurated in December 1893. Christened the Riverview Wing it had 170 rooms, 93 of which had bathrooms and fireplaces, remarkable luxuries at the time," said Ms Brousseau.

She was interrupted by the arrival of a beautiful three tier cake stand; not a fat rascal in sight. But, there was an impressive selection of salmon sandwiches, savoury fancies and, of course, the customary scones and jam. I polished off the sarnies but struggled to consume only one scone.

"I'm afraid I've been defeated," I confided to the now grinning Ms Brousseau, "I'm unable to eat all three scones," I said.

"You 'av done very well," she said, "but do not forget, you must now go to the cake table!" I didn't like to let the side down so, despite a groaning stomach and tightening jeans, I made a valiant effort to waddle four metres across the room for a slice - or three - of gateau from the Chateaux!

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac owes its name to a flamboyant French governor called Louis de Buade, Count of Frontenac who guided the destiny of New France from 1672 to 1698. Indeed, his coat-of-arms can be seen on the outside wall of Le Chateau's entry arch and in many other areas within the hotel. History casts a long architectural shadow over Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac where a 300-year old stone bearing the Cross of Malta emblem is among the interior stones of the hotel's vaulted lobby.

Best Job In Quebec!

"This must be one of the best jobs in Quebec," said Ms Brousseau, confiding that already on more than one occasion she had had to give the paparazzi the slip as they tried to pursue film stars and musicians into the lobby.

"The staff 'ere are absolutely wonderful. A joy to work with," she said. "Is there a better job in the world?" she asks.

Probably not. The hotel welcomed King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939 and, in 1952, the Chateau Frontenac was transformed into a movie set for the Alfred Hitchcock movie, Confess.

It has been visited by Paul McCartney, Steven Spielberg, Leonardo DiCaprio, to name just a few and in August 1943 and again in September 1944, Le Chateau Frontenac became the centre of the Quebec Conferences of World War II involving US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Churchill and Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King.

"I have been here six months," said Ms Brousseau, "and I am learning every day. But I have a dream. Who knows, one day I may be head of PR at London's Savoy Hotel. Now that would be a day to celebrate!"

At that she bade her farewell, Mathieu served me another cuppa and, soon after, I waddled off into Quebec City's early evening, knowing that I would not want an evening meal, and back to my less ostentatious reality!

Afternoon tea is served at the Champlain Restaurant from Tuesday - Saturday 2-3.30pm and costs $41 per head (£22.50) plus taxes and service which is not included. Remember to tip!

QUEBEC FACT BOX

Visit: www.quebecregion.com
OR
www.QuebecOriginal.com

Facebook - www.facebook.com/tourisme.quebec
Afternoon tea:-www.fairmont.com/frontenac-quebec/dining/champlain/

Look out for Phil's next article on Quebec City. Coming soon!