From June 15 to August 31, Parliament offers a variety of free activities, the opportunity to discover “the foundations of Quebec society.”
Citizens will be able to discover politics, culinary culture and the unifying side of parliament at the heart of the new activities. “The open Parliament represents our institution in every way,” said Rachel Plante, team leader for citizen programming.
“Yoga, which is offered indoors all year round, is done in the gardens during the summer under an enchanting setting. Beginner or advanced participants will be able to relax in the Parliament gardens to the sound of the Tourny fountain,” continued Rachel Plante.
An old tradition is also making a comeback this summer: tea time. On four occasions, citizens will be able to have tea and enjoy pastries in the Parliament gardens.
“The showcase to make local products shine”
Open to the public since 1968, the restaurant Le Parlementaire and the Café du Parlement are reinventing their menu with more vegetarian options.
“For me, having an open parliament means having a little more of an eco-responsible menu and having this awareness of maximizing the products of artisans,” underlined Sébastien Laframboise, executive chef of the restaurant Le Parlementaire.
Launch of the new menu at the Le Parlementaire restaurant of the National Assembly of Quebec. (Gabrielle Pichette/Le Soleil)
Arriving at the restaurant in 2023, Sébastien Laframboise wants to work with local artisans and highlight local products. The new discovery menu is therefore 100% inspired by the St. Lawrence River.
With its Nordic shrimp, its strawberries from the Island of Orléans and its lobster from the Saint-Laurent, the new menu “encourages all these artisans who work very hard,” underlined Mr. Laframboise, former candidate on the show Les Chefs . The wine list also focuses on local products with 60% Quebec or Canadian wines.
Teamwork is the key according to him. “Here it’s politics, it’s not dictatorship. Yes, I am the boss, but listening is very important.” The 25 cooks are consulted for the choice of products, techniques and artisans.
