Do you think that sugar booth and gastronomy don’t go together? Because you haven’t yet discovered the festive farm La Cité agricole in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures.
The team aims to revitalize Quebec’s sugaring-off heritage by giving it a decidedly more modern twist.
“It was important for us to get out of the traditional sugar booth mode. The world is tired of sitting down at a big table with everyone buckled. We have to reinvent the wheel, says Andrée Aubin, one of the company’s co-owners. We wanted to bring that interest back by doing things differently and emphasizing the gastronomic side.”
Photo courtesy of La Cité agricole
Andre Aubin
The menu, curated by chef Sébastien Labrie-Lacroix, promotes the farm’s gardening culture – with its divine marinades – and meats from their farms, such as smokehouse pulled pork and Sortilège ham stew.
Everything comes from the farm to your table, the traceability could not be more direct.
surprises
Lovers of off-season sugaring will find the traditional bees in syrup, but will be surprised by the BBQ-spiced chicharrons (their version of crisse ears), the twist of maple bacon, or Gordon Ramsay’s scrambled eggs.
“We can have so much fun there. Maple is Quebec’s greatest pride, there are so many things to develop around it,” enthuses Andrée.
Photo courtesy of La Cité agricole
The menu is also available in a vegetarian version on request. A festive sugaring off box is also offered for home enjoyment.
This refined festival is presented in a modern, idyllic and festive setting. The menu of delicious cocktails, designed by mixologist Joëlle Giard, favors local and seasonal ingredients. You will want to try them all!
Animation and Rigodons are also on the program during the day and evening services, which are offered until April 23rd.
Photo courtesy of La Cité agricole
“We want people to live a moment and remember it afterwards. The nicest compliment someone can give me is to say: “You gave me back my taste for the sugar shack!” Andrée says happily.
gourmet shop
She and her cronies became owners of the farm just before the pandemic broke out.
Your plan to open the gourmet sugar booth quickly has been delayed.
Photo courtesy of La Cité agricole
Braving bad luck, the team decided to completely renovate an old garage next to the reception room to create a gourmet shop.
Many artisan items are made on site, including pickles, a flavorful maple mustard, and ready meals.
In summer you can buy fruit and vegetables or enjoy a soft ice cream from the harvest.
A must for gourmets, in spring and summer.
Reservations are required for the Zuckerbude or Festloge citeagricole.com
Adult: $59
Festive Box: $99 for two
Two more ideas to sweeten the beak
A pumice stone to discover
The La Ponce microdistillery in Sainte-Claire in Bellechasse has developed several products that enhance the flavors of our region, including Acerum. It is an Eau de Vie made from fermented and distilled maple syrup. The tasty product can primarily replace tequila in cocktails.
The product is available in SAQs for $55.25.
Photo courtesy of La Ponce
White Acerum from the La Ponce microdistillery in Bellechasse
microdistillerielaponce.com
A new event
Place D’Youville and City Hall Gardens will host the first edition of QuéBEC Sucré on April 15th and 16th. Several gourmet kiosks offer visitors maple-themed dishes. We also promise an atmosphere inspired by Québec traditions and musical performances in addition to a real sugaring off party.
Site open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free access
https://www.facebook.com/events/167110652815892
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