Fine Cantine Chez Mag

In the middle of the Île d'Orléans, in Sainte-Famille, stands one of the best-known snack bars in Quebec: la Fine Cantine Chez Mag. Known across Quebec for its essential lobster poutine, its famous lobster roll and its celebrated gourmet burger, this address has reinvented the traditional Quebec casse-croûte by adding a touch of fine-dining polish. Behind the success of Chez Mag are the owners Louise Paradis and Steve St-Pierre. Before the couple went into business together, Louise worked as a sales rep for fine food products, while Steve came up through Quebec City's most visible kitchens, like the Montego, the Bistango and Graffiti. It's that marriage of fine-dining know-how and love of the neighbourhood snack bar that gives the place all its character. On the menu, classics brilliantly reworked: mushroom poutine, smash burger, lobster roll, lobster poutine, onion rings and fries. The big star? The "Poséidon", a lobster poutine for two, with bisque sauce, a double portion of lobster, fried squid, piri-piri mayo, lime coulis and mullet roe caviar — a genuine work of edible art! The fries, for their part, are made on site from fresh potatoes. The success has been such that Chez Mag opened a second location in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière, on Route 230, halfway between Quebec City and Rimouski. The spot has a magnificent view of the river and the mountains of Charlevoix — a perfect stop to break up the drive in style! Be ready to line up, though: the place is enormously popular, especially in high season. But believe us, it's well worth the wait. A food stop not to be missed when you're passing through the Île d'Orléans or driving the Bas-Saint-Laurent!