Le Sam Bistro Evolution, Le Château Frontenac - Québec

Frequently one's dreams are dashed by reality. So it was a delightful, a really delightful surprise when we saw Le Sam for the first time during the day. Quite charming, walking down the long promenade and seeing the handsome 1608 Bar ahead. It led to anticipation. Two elegant bars, Le Sam Bar and the 1608 Bar, views overlooking, high up, the Fleuve Saint Laurent, or Saint Lawrence River as we commonly refer to it. My date's hopes were high in preparation for our seat at the bar and dinner overlooking Saint Lauren and the nightlights of Lévis.

For "research purposes" we gravitated toward the icicled elliptical bar, and an excellent selection that move was - where we enjoyed super artisanal cocktails; then to be escorted to the table.

You are seated at the "best table of Québec" is what the hostess commented on passing by and noticing us hand-in-hand looking out at Lévis's lights and the river. As we took note we were seated at the only table, a "deuce", which is oriented on an angle permitting both a gorgeous view of the river and of your gorgeous date. For a moment  I dreamt I was under the thoughtful care of my favorite Louise Wood.

Who To See

Le Sam

It's not required, but you should make a reservation with one of the lovely young ladies at the reception or Karim Haidar, the manager extraordinaire. Both bars are busy, seating at a premium, and the views overlooking the Saint Lauren, at a premium! The dress is smart at this cool bar.

Photo by author

In The Well

My first impression of a bar is generally assessed from what I see being taken in the well - the location below the bar most convenient to the bar lady or bar man.  Only the freshest are the best. My date and I were seated in the middle of the bar and I was taken aback to see fresh, small leaf Rosemary, Luxardo Maraschino liquer - in its distinctive wrapping of basket, fresh juices and of course Le Sam tonique. Above the bar you are intrigued by the whimsical icicles that must make this place a must in the middle of winter!

The Cocktail

White Cosmo, with small orchids in the ice sphere, the Algonquin, Canadian rye - Canadian Club, Small Batch, Sherry Barrel are on the bar menu. You'll be delighted with the selection, preparation and the presentation. All along the way enjoying the repartee back and forth with Louis, Jonathan, Guillame, Simon, Isabel and lovely Marie Alexe. Marie Alexe had me leaving with my own bottle, autographed by the bar keepers and labeled "pour Monsier Constantine" of the Le Sam Tonique Artésinal (25$C).

The Tunes

A pleasant but not obtrusive assembly of contemporary soft music was heard in the background. Once in a while a jazzy piece or Caribbean reminder. Delighted to hear my girl "Amy" over the tunes. All in all nothing, that interferes with your imbibing of the Lobster Salad or Piglet Shank with potatoes au gratin and fresh ketchup.

à tout à l'heure, mes amis Le Sam
Constantine

1608 Bar

Cocktail - The Algonquin
Bar Le Sam du Château Frontenac

Ungava Gin (Québec)

Dolin Rouge Vermouth

green Chartreuse

Aphrodite bitters

smoked white cedar and orange peel

Music - Emilie-Claire Barlow, "T'es pao un autre".

Accompaniment - Lobster salad. 

Photos courtesy of Fairmont Hotels, unless otherwise attributed.