What do Christ’s ears, poor man’s pudding and grandfather-in-the-syrup have in common? They’re all weird-sounding translations of sugar shack delights, of course. Indulge in Quebec’s sweetest, porkiest tradition at one of these establishments, all within an hour of town.
Vergers Denis Charbonneau supplements its syrupy menu with a conventional breakfast and dozens of varieties of crêpes. Each meal features fresh apples from the on-site orchards – including some mighty fine alcoholic cider. Meals, $6 – $37. 575 Rang de la Montagne (Mont St. Grégoire), 450-347-9184.
Sucrerie de la Montagne is an official heritage site, and arguably Quebec’s most authentic sugar shack. Maple beer and ice wine will ease you into the evening’s live music and dancing, and later, into their overnight accommodations. Meals, $25 – $29.50. 300 Rang St. Georges, Rigaud, 450-451-0831.
Les Quatre Feuilles expands a standard sugar shack buffet with cream of carrot and ginger soup, maple-infused salads, maple salmon fillets, pork loin à l’orange in syrup and poultry in maple beer. Meals, $20 – $22.75. 360 Rang de la Montagne, Rougemont, 450-469-3888.
The Constantin Family Sugar Shack is among Quebec’s oldest, established in 1941 – and it’s still a family operation. Walk off your meal through the old-time compound, where you can buy more artisanal eats. Meals, $15.50 – $20. 1054 Arthur-Sauvé Blvd., St. Eustache, 450-473-2374.
Auberge Handfield boasts a well-appointed spa and beautifully maintained WWII-era B&B accommodations. A seasonal package deal ($120.50) includes a four-course dinner, sugar shack brunch and a night’s stay. Meals, $17.50 – $22.50. 555 Richelieu, St. Marc Rue Richelieu, 450-584-2226.
Image courtesy of davida3 on flickr
I ment in VVVVVVAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNCCCCCCCCCCOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GOD!