For over 20 years, gastronomy has held a special place aboard our cruises. At Croisières AML, we take pride in offering cuisine inspired by local flavors, showcasing the finest products from Québec’s terroir.
We’re proud to support local producers whose creations rival — and often surpass! — the best imported goods.
Our chef and his brigade prepare each dish the very same day, using fresh ingredients and paying special attention to their origins. Our mission? To spotlight Québec’s talent and craftsmanship — because when it comes to gastronomy, Québec has everything it takes to impress even the most discerning palates!
Here are three standout products featured on the menu created by our Executive Chef, Santino Testani, for MTLàTABLE.
Apple Ice Cider from Domaine des Côtes d’Ardoise
Let’s begin with a quintessentially Québécois product made possible by our cold climate: ice cider! Our chef’s favorite comes from the Domaine des Côtes d’Ardoise, a historic vineyard located in Dunham. Historic, because it proudly holds the title of the oldest commercial vineyard still in operation in Québec, having opened its doors in 1980. Impressive, right?
But that’s not all — their La Pomelière ice cider, created in 1991, was the first apple ice cider in Québec, and even the first in the world! Our chef has a special fondness for this organic cider, which shines in our menu — particularly in the guinea fowl confit and pearl barley salad, where it elevates every layer of flavor.
A Bold Beginning
Fun fact: when it opened in 1980, Domaine des Côtes d’Ardoise didn’t have a production or sales permit. Its first 700 bottles were bottled on-site and sold… illegally! Thankfully, this “underground” period only lasted a few years before the official permits were granted.
Since then, the estate has continued to evolve — as of 2021, all its grape varieties are 100% organic, ensuring top-quality products.
Where Wine Meets Art
But Domaine des Côtes d’Ardoise isn’t just about exceptional wines and ciders. Since 2001, it has hosted Nature et Création, Québec’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition.
A visit to the vineyard is truly a full sensory experience: taste exquisite wines and ciders, immerse yourself in history, wander through flowered paths, and discover art installations hidden throughout the estate. A true gem of the Eastern Townships!
White Balsamic Vinegar from La Belle Excuse
The second product that won our chef’s heart: La Belle Excuse’s White Balsamic Vinegar. While this family business first made a name for itself with its exceptional olive oils — sourced from owner Aristo Stavropoulos’s family farm in Greece — their vinegars are equally worthy of praise! Among them, the white balsamic vinegar holds a special place in Chef Santino’s kitchen. He uses it to enhance his grilled Atlantic salmon filet, served with a roasted garlic and mustard sauce — a perfect harmony of flavors (and best enjoyed aboard a cruise!).
If you haven’t discovered La Belle Excuse yet, get ready to fall in love — their olive oils truly bottle a little Greek sunshine! And their story doesn’t stop there: the company also offers mustards, dried herbs, fleur de sel, and even a line of body care products.
👉 To explore their products, visit their website or stop by their boutique in Saint-Liguori — a gourmet detour worth the trip!
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar from Maison Orphée
We’re staying close to home with a product from an iconic Québec brand: Maison Orphée. Known for its organic oils, the company also stands out for its organic apple cider vinegar, one of our chef’s favorites (you’ll find it in his marinated asparagus salad — a true delight!). Made in Québec City from organic apples, this vinegar adds a bright, balanced touch to every dish.
A Company That Keeps Evolving
Founded in Québec City in 1983, Maison Orphée has continued to evolve through the years. Florent Bélanger took the helm in 1992, and in 2010, his two daughters, Élisabeth and Élaine, brought a fresh, modern touch to the brand. Beyond their renowned organic oils, the company has gradually expanded its offerings — vinegars, vinaigrettes, mustards, and mayonnaises — all crafted with care from their own ingredients.
Their latest collection brings together simplicity and indulgence, featuring ready-to-make mixes for carrot cake, chocolate cake, savory herb muffins, focaccia, and pizza dough — all with the same quality Maison Orphée is known for. Pure pleasure to bake… and to enjoy!
✨ Don’t miss the chance to savour Chef Santino’s menu inspired by Québec’s finest local flavors. A gourmet experience like no other — offered for a limited time aboard our dinner cruises!
