Warmer weather means the tree sap is running and it’s time for sugaring off! The one consolation to a persistent and stubborn winter, is the opportunity to load up on all things maple. This past week I made my way to Mont St-Gregoire, the ideal location if you are looking for a classic ‘Cabane a Sucre’ experience. There are a dozen or so locations at the foot of the mountain, however I opted for L’Erabliere Charbonneau for their variety and quality of food. However, any ‘cabane’ will have the traditional meal available. If you are new to this concept here is what you can expect. Most locations use an ‘all you can eat’ formula (wear elastic pants lol), consisting of marinades, pea soup, coleslaw, creton, beans, sausages, fried potatoes, ham, egg omlette, and in this case meatballs, and mini meat pies. It’s not the healthiest of meals, but it’s oh so delicious and a constant struggle to leave enough room for dessert. To close off your meal expect traditional sugar pie, maple pastries known as pet de soeur (translation: Nuns Farts), and crepes with a warm maple coulis. If you can manage it, head outdoors for some maple taffy on snow… This will induce you in a maple sugar coma! Luckily, there are some outdoors activities to help burn off those calories. There is a play area for kids and the mountain has a trail to the summit. It can get pretty busy on week-ends, so make sure you make reservations to avoid long lines. It’s definitely a typical Quebec experience not be missed if you are here in the early spring time!
