Tadoussac's gastronomic table
Whether passing through Tadoussac or making a deliberate detour, the unapologetic epicurean must visit Chez Mathilde, a gastronomic bistro that has established itself over the years as one of the best restaurants in Québec. At the mouth of the Saguenay and at the very start of the Côte-Nord, it's an excellent place to discover the novel boreal flavours of the region and Québec's terroirs. For fifteen years, this bistro, which originally opened in a former family restaurant in the heart of Tadoussac, just steps from the famous Hôtel Tadoussac, has evolved into a gastronomic destination. It helps lift this modest village of 800 inhabitants onto the short list of sought-after epicurean destinations.
Behind this remarkable success are two love stories: first, that of Jean-Sébastien Sicard, who fell in love with Tadoussac, a village he discovered while touring with his band Saud et les Fous du Roy; and second, that of Jean-Sébastien with Mireille Perron, a Tadoussac native, when he came to settle there. Partners in love and business ever since, Jean-Sébastien and Mireille grew Mathilde while starting a family in this village.
Chef Jean-Sébastien Sicard's creative cuisine
It was from his initial experience in the restaurant industry, working as a waiter and then in the kitchen in the Îles de la Madeleine, that this self-taught chef from Montréal developed his expertise, supported by Mireille for administration and service management. He belongs to this new generation of chefs who develop creative cuisine while drawing on tradition.
By featuring the fresh, seasonal produce of numerous local producers, the chef has created a unique menu that never fails to reveal new flavours. Whether it's seaweed from De baies et de sève in Natashquan, forest products from Trésors des Bois, Petits fruits du nord, cheeses, breads, and craft beers from Charlevoix, Tadoussac, and the Côte-Nord, or fish, whelks, and Stimpson's surf clams caught in the estuary, all these delicacies are now offered in the evenings from June to November in three tasting menus: La Grande Côte, a five-course blind tasting that reveals the Côte-Nord terroir; Le St-Laurent, five courses featuring products from the St-Laurent estuary and gulf; and L'Appel du Jardin, five boreal-inspired vegetarian courses. All this is offered with food and wine pairings and served in a warm dining room that opens onto the kitchen, sometimes accompanied by live bands. And as with any good fine dining establishment, reservations are highly recommended, often several days in advance during peak season.
The very popular Chez Mathilde express counter and gelateria have taken over in recent years for breakfasts and lunches, which have not been served in the dining room for two years, but remain just as popular.
Chez Mathilde
227, rue des Pionniers
Tadoussac, Qc
G0T 2A0
418.235.4443