60 Before 60 Project: #26 - Try a Tasting Menu

Are you the type of person that checks out a menu to think about what you might like to eat before you go to a restaurant. 

I am. 

I usually like to look at a restaurant’s menu and think about what I would like to order before I arrive. I like knowing in advance what’s being offered and then anticipating what to expect. 

But for this 60 Before 60 experience, I decided to do something I’ve never done before – try a tasting menu. 

A friend had generously given us a gift certificate to one of the top restaurants in Quebec City before the start of the pandemic. But given the travel restrictions at the time, we had to delay visiting the city and the gift certificate sat as a reminder of things we were unable to do. 

But we recently changed this and took a trip to beautiful Quebec City. For this trip, we also made sure to book a reservation at this restaurant.  

I did look over the menu before we went, and it all looked so delicious. But they also offered a seven-course discovery menu. It was a selection of chef created dishes inspired by local products. 

We decided that we would give this a try.  

It was all so delicious! I’ll warn you, the server definitely introduced the food much more eloquently than I ever could so my description of what I ate will likely not do this meal the justice it deserves but here goes. 

I started with an oyster that had something magical placed on top, it was then followed by foie gras accompanied by two different delicious jellies. Next up was artic char with caviar followed by a seared scallop with some type of amazing sauce. We then were served a sorbet with strawberries, rose and gin to clear our palette for the main course - duck served with a parsnip puree. For dessert we had ice cream made with goats milk and cardamon and served with a delicious type of cookie.  

It was a meal like I have never had before. The combination of different ingredients and tastes were unbelievable. 

I loved it. 

But would I do it again?  

Probably not. And here’s why. 

As much as I enjoyed this meal immensely, when it comes to going out for a nice meal at a high end restaurant, I really enjoy the anticipation of reading through a menu in advance, deciding on what I am going to have and then looking forward to the evening. 

Although this meal had a real element of surprise, I sort of missed the front end anticipation aspect. 

I have also found out why. Research that has discovered that anticipating an event (for example your birthday, a trip or in my case a great meal) can bring more joy to your life. It’s the lead up to something you have planned and are looking forward. When this happens, dopamine is released which results in positive feelings which can make us feel good. 

Now, I did have the benefit of anticipating a great meal at a wonderful restaurant but what I missed out on was imagining the specifics of what this great meal would be like. 

But heck – if asked to do this again – I'd be back at that table in a heartbeat! 

My 60 Before 60 Lesson: Anticipating a great experience adds to more joy to the actual event 

Here's some pictures of the food I was able to experience;

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