Having spotted a rather elegant restaurant, with a very elegant cocktail bar, and at this stage in the holiday being very content to drink our way through cocktail menus we ventured in! Owner and indeed sommelier Patrice Fortin was behind the bar mixing something delicious for a couple of diners, but soon turned his attention to our requests.
As he ‘shook’ and ‘stirred’ cocktails he told us how in 2009 he became the owner of the restaurant he had been managing for about 10 years. He told how it been completely renovated and redecorated using wood, stone and iron so it was more in keeping with the surrounding Jasper National Park. Along with the renovations he has also included a café for coffee and pastries, plus a spectacular wine cellar set into one corner of the restaurant containing some 1300 bottles from around the world, each kept at a carefully controlled temperature.
Patrice and his chef, Jean-Louis Espenel who hails from Brittany, France, prefers to use local, fresh and seasonal, ingredients whenever possible and consequently menus vary depending on what is available. Papa George’s also offers a choice of small or large plates!
The house cheese bread is delicious and so was our starter – a small plate of elk tart – flaky pastry base topped with button onions, mushrooms and elk in a rich gravy; the following duck and salmon dishes were terrific too. We shouldn’t have; but somehow we also managed a slice of blueberry strudel! Neither did we have any complaints about the Cabernet Sauvignon from Pelee Island, or the smooth, efficient and friendly service. Entrees range from about $18 – $35 and wine by the glass $6.95 – $8.95.
‘Jasper Dining Out’ brochure states that Papa George’s restaurant is considered ‘Jasper’s best Fine Dining’. We wouldn’t dream of arguing. Our meal was exceptional.
Papa George’s Restaurant, 404 Connaught Drive. Tel: (780)852-2260. www.papageorgesrestaurant.com