A few weeks back someone asked where you could get a good Creme Brulee around Boston. I'm pleased to report that I've found the definitive answer: at the Auberge Hatley in North Hatley, Quebec. No doubt there are the pedants who will complain that it's not in Boston. It's not even in New England. Indeed, it's not even in the United States. Trust me, it's worth the trip. The Creme Brulee arrives, lurking inconspicuously under a round almond cookie, which really is just decorative. Is it the creamiest? The sweetest? The most exotic? No, it's just the best. The crust is mostly maple syrup, the rest of it a quietly perfect custard. If you want a full dinner, other courses of similar quality are available. Easy directions from Boston: get on the Central Artery northbound, bear left onto I-93, drive 3 1/2 hours to the end of I-93. Then get on I-91 northbound, proceed for an hour, stop for customs (they get awful huffy if you don't), continue on rte 55 to exit 29, Ste Catherine de Hatley, take rte 108 east about 15 minutes to North Hatley, the Auberge is on the left, overlooking the lake. Seriously, it is widely considered to be one of the best places to eat in Quebec, no minor distinction, and it wins all sorts of awards. It's a pleasant country inn, so if you don't want to turn around and drive back to Boston right after dinner, you can stay there. (We have a camp across the border in Vermont, so we haven't stayed, just dined.) Dinner runs about C$50 per person plus drinks, 17% tax, and tip.
Quebec, Canada