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FEATURED ARTICLES           Wednesday, September 08, 2010                                Email to a Friend

C’est Si Bon!

Natalie Kaye

School’s out, the birds are singing, and this year marks the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City, the oldest city in North America! I, for one, am definitely planning a trip there this summer to partake of the festivities. If anyone cares to join me, all it takes is some cash, a sense of adventure, and one 16th Century French costume to blend in with the Saint Jean-Baptiste Day crowd. I have compiled a list of tips to help out my fellow travelers.

EVENTS:
If you do end up taking a trip to Quebec this summer, be certain to check out the Festival d’été. Tickets are $30 each for over 400 shows. Expect to see a diverse selection of entertainers, from mainstream to indie to completely obscure. An abridged version of my picks includes: IAM, Feist, Charles Aznavour, John Jorgenson Quintet, Shibusa Shirazu Orchestra, Cyro Baptista & Beat the Donkey, Young Dubliners, Balkan Beat Box, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Wyclef Jean, and Grand Corps Malade.

CUISINE:
I consulted the manners expert Ms. Etta Kitt to get some tips on how to behave when indulging in the epicurean delights of la belle province: “Always tip well, and I don’t mean cows. Endeavour to use only the conditional tense, which is the polite form of address, say je voudrais, “I would like” as opposed to je veux, “I want”. Finally, but most importantly, elocution is essential when ordering en français. Misunderstandings abound in communication; they occur even when conversing in one’s native tongue, and they sometimes have unfortunate results. Be particularly precise with vowel sounds, as some French words are virtually indistinguishable from others to the Anglo ear, such as poutine and putain. Take it from me; it is quite a shock to order a cheesy, deep fried delicacy and receive…well, something quite different in its place.” Ms. Kitt recommends the succulent Mediterranean fare of Les Freres de la Cote (1190, rue St-Jean) or the Italian delicacies of Portofino (54, rue Couillard).

ENTERTAINMENT:
If you like bright, loud, and busy, I recommend Chez Dagobert (600, rue Grand-allée est). If you’re looking for a more secluded, quiet, dignified ambiance, avoid Les Voûtes Napoléon (680, rue Grande-Allée). It’s lively, jovial, and everyone sings loudly in French. If you don’t speak the language, don’t panic, after 3 bottles of Maudite beer, the lyrics to any song starts to make sense (yes, even Louie Louie).

ATTRACTIONS:
Professor Dee Korim cautions readers to “Avoid tourist traps that seem picturesque, but smell ruddy offal. If you get roped into a horse and buggy ride, restrict your comments to the weather. Under no circumstances should you mention the pungent aroma left in the wake of the horse. As for the funicular, the most over-rated attraction in the city, I suggest you avoid eating beans before cramming into an enclosed space with complete strangers. I had more fun waiting in line than on this glorified elevator. Don’t waste your leisure time with boring activities, beware of false idles.”

Bon voyage!

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