A week ago, my big sister, who inherited our mother’s great organizational skills, quickly put together a group of her friends to go to the cabane � sucre. Even though he has lived in Quebec for over 15 years now, my beau had never been to a sugar shack before, so I thought it was time for a little sugar baptism. Our friend Steph had never experienced the cabane � sucre either, so we all tagged along with my sister’s friends.
It was a coldish and humid grey day but the dozens of kids who were there didn’t care at all and played in the wet snow. I was reminded of childhood trips to the cabane in the late spring, when there’s not enough snow to play in but just enough mud to get very, very dirty and get the parents angry. And then there’s the sugar rush from all the maple products… Ah, la cabane � sucre! It was such a big thing in the seventies! (I’m the one with the brown snow suit.) My parents were part of an amateur radio club and going to the cabane was an excuse for drinking too much, flirting too much and eating too much. For me, it meant skidoo rides, awful pea soup (bleh) and my first slow dance (while everybody looked on. I’m still traumatized…).
I’m glad to report that the two first timers that came to the cabane � sucre with me last week actually enjoyed the food and became big fans of the famous « tire » on the snow. I’ve got the photos to prove it!
If you’re looking for an authentic sugar shack experience, not too expensive and not too far from Montreal, try the Cabane � sucre Chez Christian, in St-Hyacinthe (450 799-5786). The young owner has put his family and neighbours to work and the result is a tasty traditional cuisine experience without the cheesy jukebox ambiance you encounter in most cabanes these days.
