2023-07-14 23:00:00
In Quebec, taking the vacation route also means taking the roadside snack road!
What would a road trip be without taking the time to stop at a canteen to satisfy all cravings for poutine, rolls, burgers, hot dogs or pogo with the family? I would add that the experience is always more complete when you take the time to chat with the people behind to be told the story of the establishment. Then, with hands full of food, we head to the nearest picnic table to share this feast with the people we love. Always unforgettable moments!
Here are seven snack suggestions across Quebec, but know that no matter where you are, there will always be a roadside — or seaside — canteen waiting for you.
Cantine Dave&Dan
Photo courtesy of Cantine Dave&Dan
In Saint-Liboire, it’s not just the less expensive gasoline that deserves a stop. After refueling, drive 5 minutes inland until you meet a white caravan with a red and white striped temporary shelter. This is where you can find comfort inside typical well-made snack dishes, with a little twist like Dave and Dan. The country poutine with ground beef, marinated chicken strip, peas and bacon is a creation that surprises with the right ratio of ingredients, alongside the Big Dave Burger. The portions are generous and the prices are sweet!
1655 Rang Saint-Edouard, Saint-Liboire
At Chantal’s
Photo courtesy of Pierre Rochette Photo
A true institution in the Charlevoix region, Chez Chantal seduces first the eyes by dressing the century-old building in a kitch-retro way, then the stomach with poutines, burgers, rolls and ice cream. The poutine, made with cheese curds from the St-Fidèle cheese dairy delivered every morning, sits at the top of the best sellers, alongside the lobster poutine and the lobster roll. We take a seat on a picnic table facing the St. Lawrence River, then, once satisfied, we hit the road again, soft marbled ice cream in hand.
Snack at Micheline
Photo courtesy of Casse-Croûte Chez Micheline
Open during the summer only, the Casse-Croûte Chez Micheline is a must for both people from Quebec and those who come directly from Montreal and have a craving. Regulars know to take the Inter Burger (two crispy onion rings and a few cheese curds are camouflaged there!), as well as the poutine, which some claim is the best in Quebec. Overused poutine, Michigan hot dog, pogo and other nostalgic delights await you.
225 QC-138, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures
The Flashburg
Photo provided by Flashbourg
This snack bar, located near Lac-Saint-Charles in Quebec City, may not display a 50-year history, but the love of the tradition of typical dishes from snack-bars makes Flashbourg a must to satisfy any craving for French fries. It was in 1996 that the Thivierge family took possession of the cabin. Quickly, the quality of the ingredients — especially the fries — and the execution of the recipes took on the reputation of Le Flashbourg, which continues to wane in the summer. You have to have the poutine!
Canteen Pollens and Nectars
Photo provided by Cantine pollens et nectars
At the Cantine Pollens et Nectars, home of the Miels d’Anicet honey house, we don’t necessarily get the classic treatment of roadside shacks. First, you have to plan ahead, since a reservation is strongly recommended. Then, on the food side, don’t expect a meal under the sign of fries with sauce (and cheese curds); we are definitely in the luxury canteen! The center of the beautiful solid wood tables are garnished with several small dishes of vegetables, ceviche and some fried foods as starters, before giving way to the famous pizzas full of personality cooked in the wood oven. Inevitably, expect the omnipresence of their fabulous honey throughout the meal.
Comptoir Gourmand – Green Island Lighthouse
Photo provided by Comptoir gourmand – Green Island Lighthouse
In the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, just beyond the town of Rivière-du-Loup, hides a gourmet counter like no other… First, you have to board the ferry to dock at Île Verte, then drive to the third oldest lighthouse in Canada. This is when you can meet – and taste the creations of the amazing duo Thania Goyette and Louis Bouchard Trudeau, chef-owners of the restaurants Le Pied Bleu and Le Renard et la Chouette. Of course, they will have brought with them a few scoundrel dishes (tartiflette, cassoulet, garnished sauerkraut), as well as added their personal touch to a few desired traditional seaside dishes: shrimp poutine, spaghetti with clams, fried chicken, corn, Nordic shrimp cocktails, cod fritters, whelks au gratin with garlic… Add to that classic poutine, another with cipaille and fries with sauce. A few cocktails are also on display, alongside a sea buckthorn and rosehip juice.
Sainte-Flavie canteen
Photo courtesy of Cantine Sainte Flavie
La Cantine Sainte-Flavie, located on Route 132 between Rimouski and Matane, is much more exciting than it looks — especially for lovers of lobster, crab and shrimp (from Matane). Grab all the classic roadside snacks; add either a whole lobster, crab or 1⁄2 pound of shrimp… And you’ve got a seaside feast here as it should be. The lobster club sandwich is one of the favorites, but the impressive lobster or shrimp poutine is a must try. As for the crab, we prefer it rolled. Definitely a must!
►Tommy Dion is a columnist/food critic and founder of the web platform and gourmet guide www.lecuisinomane.com.
1689403024
#Snacks #Worth