2023-04-19 23:30:00
A new delicatessen, which offers an impressive selection of Quebec cheeses, has just opened its doors in Loretteville.
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It was regarding time, say some residents of the northern crown who often have to travel several kilometers to find refined products.
The two owners of L’Hôte Épicier, Claude Lafrenière and Vincent Lévy-Hamel, saw it as a natural but poorly served market.
“It’s something that was missing in the sector,” says Claude, whom I meet with her husband in their new business with a modern and refined look.
We no longer recognize anything of the former premises of the butcher Durand, on rue Racine, except for the door of the cold room and a rocking chair which recall the rich past of the place.
“We live nearby and we love the neighborhood. We are friends with other merchants on the street, then together, we try to revitalize the neighborhood,” adds Vincent, who is pursuing his studies in marketing in addition to working in restaurants.
Quebec Territory
Curious epicureans, the two entrepreneurs worked for a long time on the concept of their delicatessen which highlights Quebec products. Young retired from the armed forces, Claude has also returned to school in business administration.
The couple crisscrossed Quebec in search of quality products, such as oils, jellies, spices, coffee and teas. And their selection is impressive: Chasse-Marée bourgots from Bas-St-Laurent, Saint-Laurent sea salt, black walnut nuts harvested by hand by Joli Mi-Noix in Abitibi and products from Complètement caramel, for name only those.
“These are beautiful products that are made with passion,” enthuses Claude, who is proud to be one of the few to sell products from the famous Maison du Bootlegger in Charlevoix.
“We want to work with the terroir we have here. What has overwhelmed me in the last few years is that we know Italian or Thai cuisines very well, but most people ask what is sea buckthorn, dune pepper or sweet clover? , they have no idea,” he laments.
The love of cheese
Fond of cheese, the two men have also given pride of place to little delicacies that are out of the ordinary. Their selection of Quebec cheeses – they have regarding forty of them – is particularly worth the detour! Many of their products cannot be found in grocery stores or elsewhere.
I made several discoveries during my visit, including Carignan-Salières, a firm cheese washed with red wine, and Bois de Grandmont, a soft cheese wrapped in spruce. Divine, nothing less!
Do not hesitate to ask for advice, because they know their products well. Claude has also received training at the Faculty of Agrifood Sciences at Laval University on the production and types of cheese.
The grocery store also prepares cheese and charcuterie boards for your receptions or picnics.
“What we like is to share, to introduce people to products. Food is so unifying!” concludes Vincent.
240 Racine Street
Open Wednesday to Sunday
Other Epicurean landmarks
The epicureans of the South Shore of Quebec have been well served since the opening, a year ago, of the delicatessen Alicia Sanchez. Located near the bridges in Saint-Nicolas, the business specializes in the preparation of gourmet boxes ready to be tasted. Everything is concocted from cheeses, charcuterie and other products offered on site. In particular, you will find food from Spain and Italy, as well as a fine selection of privately imported wines.
989 Rivers Road, Lévis
Even if the reputation of this sign of the 3e avenue is no longer to be done, I had not yet set foot there in a dozen years of existence! I remedied it recently and fell in love. You have to try their Comté aged 24 months. A pure delight! The merchant has a fine selection of fine cheeses imported from Europe as well as Quebec products. Raclette and fondue accessories imported from Switzerland are also available.
901, 3e Avenue
1681960270
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