Chocolaterie Raphael: A favourite spot of my special chocolate correspondent, who raves: "I would strongly recommend it. They make Belgian chocolate and serve very good tea." Rating: Very good. Last visited: Mother's Day. Address: 320 chemin Knowlton, Knowlton, Qc., tel.: 450-242-2994.
TAGS: Eastern Townships, Knowlton
BAKERIES
Abercorn Boulangerie & Croissanterie: Tasty breads, cakes, cookies and croissants draw customers from the entire region and beyond. Just a breath from Vermont and its Green Mountains, the bakery is the only store in the super-charming, super-tiny village of Abercorn, which got its start with Thomas Spencer's solitary log cabin back in 1792. Rating: Awesome! Last visited: Aug. 2007. Address: 15 rue Thibault North, Abercorn, Qc., tel.: 450-538-6453.
Boulangerie Owl's Bread (Mansonville and Magog locations): The New York Times says this bakery has "one of the best bistro lunches this side of the Atlantic: salads, foie gras, duck confit, sandwiches." Also available: pastries from the artisanal bakery. Last visited: not yet, but soon! Address for the Mansonville bakery: 299a Principale, Mansonville, Qc., tel.: 450-292-3088. Address for Magog bakery: 428 Principale Ouest, Magog, tel.: 819-847-1987. Website: OwlsBread.com.
Panissimo: Their home-made breads are famous, and so are their baguettes and other specialties. Rating: Very good. Last visited: Sept. 2007. Address: 291a rue Knowlton, Knowlton, Qc., tel.: 450-242-2412.
Saveurs et Gourmandises Bakery & Deli: This foodie haven in cutest North Hatley offers breads and pastries, fine deli meats, local cheese and duck products. Address: 39 Rue Main, North Hately, tel.: 1-819-842-3131.
TAGS: Eastern Townships, Magog, Mansonville, Knowlton, Abercorn, North Hatley, bakeries, Owl's Bread
Boulangerie Owl's Bread (Mansonville and Magog locations): The New York Times says this bakery has "one of the best bistro lunches this side of the Atlantic: salads, foie gras, duck confit, sandwiches." Also available: pastries from the artisanal bakery. Last visited: not yet, but soon! Address for the Mansonville bakery: 299a Principale, Mansonville, Qc., tel.: 450-292-3088. Address for Magog bakery: 428 Principale Ouest, Magog, tel.: 819-847-1987. Website: OwlsBread.com.
Panissimo: Their home-made breads are famous, and so are their baguettes and other specialties. Rating: Very good. Last visited: Sept. 2007. Address: 291a rue Knowlton, Knowlton, Qc., tel.: 450-242-2412.
Saveurs et Gourmandises Bakery & Deli: This foodie haven in cutest North Hatley offers breads and pastries, fine deli meats, local cheese and duck products. Address: 39 Rue Main, North Hately, tel.: 1-819-842-3131.
TAGS: Eastern Townships, Magog, Mansonville, Knowlton, Abercorn, North Hatley, bakeries, Owl's Bread
FARMS, MARKETS & GARDENS
Abattoir Ducharme: Fresh pork, beef and processed poultry at great prices, direct from the farm. Last visited: not yet, but soon! Address: 110 rue Authier, St-Alphonse-de-Granby, Qc., tel.: 450-375-4620.
Alpines Mount Echo: Nursery specializing in alpine, rock garden and woodland plants in a beautiful spot in the foothills of Mts Sutton and Echo. Address:1182 Parmenter Road
Les Amies de la Terre du Voisinage de Waterloo: We love these guys. At your beck and command are nearly 600 products from 23 farms around the region - everything from fresh meat and produce to eggs and milk, all at great prices. The products are organic or chosen for their respect of the environment. Why buy from someone thousands of kilometres away when local producers make much of what we need? Rating: Awesome! Last visited: Feb. 2008. Address: 151 rue Lewis Ouest, Waterloo, Qc., tel.: 450-539-4964, website: ATVWaterloo.com.
Beurrerie du Patrimoine: The Groleau family milks 60 cows each morning, separating the milk and pasteurizing to make their famous cheeses and artisan butter sold at outlets across Quebec. They have a store on the premises and also offer cool two-hour guided tours and tasting sessons on appointment. Rating: Awesome! Last visited: May 2008 (ordered through Amies de la Terre du Voisinage de Waterloo). Address: 225 Chemin de Cochrane, Compton, Qc., tel.: 819-835-9373, website: FermeGroleau.com.
Chevrerie Fruit d'une Passion: "Les joyeux fromagers," as these guys call themselves, love goats so much they got their own farm where they produce fine, artisanal goat-milk products, which they supply to gastronomic restos around the province. Address: Saint-Ludger, Qc., tel.: 819-548-5705, email: alaro@sogetel.net, website.
Chiapputo Elk Farm: Elk sausages, steaks, pies and more. Some of the best sausages I've ever had. Rating: Awesome! Last visited: Oct. 2007. Address: 2352 rue Principale, Dunham, Qc., tel.: 1-888-345-2460, website: ChiapputoElkFarm.com.
Ferme de cerfs Highwater: Deer meat products. Address: 52 Rodrique, Mansonville, Qc., tel.: 450-292-4357.
Fromagerie Fritz Kaiser: Locals buzz about master cheesemaker Fritz Kaiser's award-winning cheeses, including Le Douanier Cheese, named grand champion of the Canadian Cheese Grand Prix in 2004, and his Raclette Griffon, which also won a prize. Last visited: not yet, but soon! Address: 459, 4eme Concession, Noyan, Qc., tel.: 450-294-2207, website: FKaiser.com.
Gereli Farm: Organic beef, lamb, veal and maple products from award-winning producer Richard Semmelhaack, whose Hereford, Gereli Rifle, took top honours as grand champ bull in the National Hereford Show in 1981. This bull's mother was the long-time record-holder for highest-selling Polled Hereford Cow. Rating: Awesome! Last eaten: May 2008. Address: 54 Highland, Shefford, Qc. tel.: 450-539-0125, website: Gereli.ca.
Le Jardin du Fin Gourmet: Organic and heirloom veggies, herbs and seeds. Address: 633 Route de Mansonville, Qc., tel.: 450-292-0191, email: saintgelais@sympatico.ca.
Les Petits Fruits Léger: One of the few fruit farms near Bromont, this 43-acre establishment includes apple orchards, strawberry bushes and grapes for red wine - plenty of tasty stuff to help stock their boutique with various ciders and other imbibements. They also offer apple-picking in the fall and occasionally sell goat cheese, fresh lamb and other products from nearby farms. Last visited: not yet, but soon! Address: 331 chemin Brome, Fulford, Qc., tel.: 450-534-2753.
Terre à Terre (Down to Earth): Super-cool farm and pottery store. Delicious products from naturally fed Highland beef who lounge around on a sprawling farm with a stunning view of the mountains. Plus: maple vinegar and cool functional pottery, tiles, murals and other creative pieces. Last visited: Feb. 2008. Rating: Awesome! Address: 67 Bailey, Bolton-Ouest (West Bolton), Qc., tel.: 450-242-2836, website: RobinBadger.com.
TAGS: Eastern Townships, farm, garden, organic, meat, beef, deer, elk, milk, goat, Highland, Bromont, West Bolton, Dunham, Gereli, Chiapputo, Mansonville, Waterloo, Sutton, Compton
Alpines Mount Echo: Nursery specializing in alpine, rock garden and woodland plants in a beautiful spot in the foothills of Mts Sutton and Echo. Address:
Les Amies de la Terre du Voisinage de Waterloo: We love these guys. At your beck and command are nearly 600 products from 23 farms around the region - everything from fresh meat and produce to eggs and milk, all at great prices. The products are organic or chosen for their respect of the environment. Why buy from someone thousands of kilometres away when local producers make much of what we need? Rating: Awesome! Last visited: Feb. 2008. Address: 151 rue Lewis Ouest, Waterloo, Qc., tel.: 450-539-4964, website: ATVWaterloo.com.
Beurrerie du Patrimoine: The Groleau family milks 60 cows each morning, separating the milk and pasteurizing to make their famous cheeses and artisan butter sold at outlets across Quebec. They have a store on the premises and also offer cool two-hour guided tours and tasting sessons on appointment. Rating: Awesome! Last visited: May 2008 (ordered through Amies de la Terre du Voisinage de Waterloo). Address: 225 Chemin de Cochrane, Compton, Qc., tel.: 819-835-9373, website: FermeGroleau.com.
Chevrerie Fruit d'une Passion: "Les joyeux fromagers," as these guys call themselves, love goats so much they got their own farm where they produce fine, artisanal goat-milk products, which they supply to gastronomic restos around the province. Address: Saint-Ludger, Qc., tel.: 819-548-5705, email: alaro@sogetel.net, website.
Chiapputo Elk Farm: Elk sausages, steaks, pies and more. Some of the best sausages I've ever had. Rating: Awesome! Last visited: Oct. 2007. Address: 2352 rue Principale, Dunham, Qc., tel.: 1-888-345-2460, website: ChiapputoElkFarm.com.
Ferme de cerfs Highwater: Deer meat products. Address: 52 Rodrique, Mansonville, Qc., tel.: 450-292-4357.
Fromagerie Fritz Kaiser: Locals buzz about master cheesemaker Fritz Kaiser's award-winning cheeses, including Le Douanier Cheese, named grand champion of the Canadian Cheese Grand Prix in 2004, and his Raclette Griffon, which also won a prize. Last visited: not yet, but soon! Address: 459, 4eme Concession, Noyan, Qc., tel.: 450-294-2207, website: FKaiser.com.
Gereli Farm: Organic beef, lamb, veal and maple products from award-winning producer Richard Semmelhaack, whose Hereford, Gereli Rifle, took top honours as grand champ bull in the National Hereford Show in 1981. This bull's mother was the long-time record-holder for highest-selling Polled Hereford Cow. Rating: Awesome! Last eaten: May 2008. Address: 54 Highland, Shefford, Qc. tel.: 450-539-0125, website: Gereli.ca.
Le Jardin du Fin Gourmet: Organic and heirloom veggies, herbs and seeds. Address: 633 Route de Mansonville, Qc., tel.: 450-292-0191, email: saintgelais@sympatico.ca.
Joie de Lavande: Great little lavender farm and boutique in Knowlton offering lavendar plants and lavender-based soaps, lotions, honey and other products. Perfect for gifts. Relaxed site with lots of Adirondack chairs, super-nice staff and cute little pond. Also check out their lavender blog. Rating: Awesome. Last visited: Oct. 2009. Address: 50 Mont Echo Rd., Knowlton, Qc., tel.: 450-243-5438, website: JoieDeLavande.ca.
Paradis des Fruits: Great apple-picking orchard with 22 different types of apples. Plus: honey farm, other fruit picking (blueberries, pears, plums, prunes) and a boutique. Accept school groups. Good animation. Rating: Awesome. Last visited: Oct. 2009. Address: 519 rue Bruce (Route 202), Dunham, Qc., tel.: 450-295-2667, website: ParadisDesFruits.
Les Petits Fruits Léger: One of the few fruit farms near Bromont, this 43-acre establishment includes apple orchards, strawberry bushes and grapes for red wine - plenty of tasty stuff to help stock their boutique with various ciders and other imbibements. They also offer apple-picking in the fall and occasionally sell goat cheese, fresh lamb and other products from nearby farms. Last visited: not yet, but soon! Address: 331 chemin Brome, Fulford, Qc., tel.: 450-534-2753.
Terre à Terre (Down to Earth): Super-cool farm and pottery store. Delicious products from naturally fed Highland beef who lounge around on a sprawling farm with a stunning view of the mountains. Plus: maple vinegar and cool functional pottery, tiles, murals and other creative pieces. Last visited: Feb. 2008. Rating: Awesome! Address: 67 Bailey, Bolton-Ouest (West Bolton), Qc., tel.: 450-242-2836, website: RobinBadger.com.
TAGS: Eastern Townships, farm, garden, organic, meat, beef, deer, elk, milk, goat, Highland, Bromont, West Bolton, Dunham, Gereli, Chiapputo, Mansonville, Waterloo, Sutton, Compton
GROCERIES - SPECIALTY
Euro Deli du Village: The best Eastern European food store east of Ontario isn't found in Montreal or Halifax, but in out-of-the way little Mansonville, the former haunt of Mordecai Richler and home to the Owl's Head ski hill. Owners John and Gala are sweethearts, and they offer their own delicious home-made kobassas, bacon, holubtsi and half a dozen varieties of varenyky (perogies). In summer, they also stock various great Eastern European beers. Rating: Awesome! Last visited: Jan. 2008. Address: 295A rue Principale, Mansonville, Qc., tel.: 450-292-5544.
TAGS: Eastern Townships, Mansonville, Mordecai Richler, Owl's Head
TAGS: Eastern Townships, Mansonville, Mordecai Richler, Owl's Head
HONEY
Hydromelerie les Saules: All sorts of honey products, including wine and amazing syrups. Yum. Rating: Very good. Last visited: May 2008. Address: 1135, Denison Est (route 112), Granby, Qc., tel.: 1-877-443-3403 or 450-372-3403, website: hydromel.frankel.ca.
RESTAURANTS, BARS & CAFES
Auberge Glen Sutton: People come from all over to eat tasty Mexican food and sip margaritas here in the heart of the achingly beautiful Glen Sutton valley, known as the little Switzerland of the Townships. Last visited: not yet, but soon! Address: 1388, Chemin Vallée Missisquoi, Glen Sutton, Qc., tel.: 450-538-2000.
Auberge Lakeview Inn: Locals pack into Knowlton's charming 130-year-old Lakeview Inn Friday nights for its tasty, very reasonably priced roast beef special. Rating: Very good. Last visited: Sept. 2007. Address: 50 rue Victoria, Knowlton, Qc., tel.: 1-800-661-6183 or 450-243-6183, website: AubergeLakeviewInn.com.
Au Diable Vert: Said to be Quebec's best place to watch the leaves come ablaze with fall colours, this unique 200-acre property in the stunning Glen Sutton valley won the 2000 Quebec tourism grand prix for outdoor adventure attractions. "You want to whistle The Sound of Music, it's so beautiful there," raves my trusty Glen Sutton correspondent. Features include a superb restaurant, a wide variety of lodgings ranging from mountain-view suites to cabins and even prospector tents, plus year-round organized activities from skiing on nearby Mt Sutton to mountain hiking, kayaking, bicycle tourism and mushroom picking. Last visited: not yet, but soon! Address: 169 chemin Staines, Glen Sutton, Qc., tel.: 450-538-5639, website: AuDiableVert.qc.ca.
Auberge Lakeview Inn: Locals pack into Knowlton's charming 130-year-old Lakeview Inn Friday nights for its tasty, very reasonably priced roast beef special. Rating: Very good. Last visited: Sept. 2007. Address: 50 rue Victoria, Knowlton, Qc., tel.: 1-800-661-6183 or 450-243-6183, website: AubergeLakeviewInn.com.
Au Diable Vert: Said to be Quebec's best place to watch the leaves come ablaze with fall colours, this unique 200-acre property in the stunning Glen Sutton valley won the 2000 Quebec tourism grand prix for outdoor adventure attractions. "You want to whistle The Sound of Music, it's so beautiful there," raves my trusty Glen Sutton correspondent. Features include a superb restaurant, a wide variety of lodgings ranging from mountain-view suites to cabins and even prospector tents, plus year-round organized activities from skiing on nearby Mt Sutton to mountain hiking, kayaking, bicycle tourism and mushroom picking. Last visited: not yet, but soon! Address: 169 chemin Staines, Glen Sutton, Qc., tel.: 450-538-5639, website: AuDiableVert.qc.ca.
Bistro Beaux Lieux: Fine Sutton restaurant focusing on local ingredients, created by legendary chef Christian Beaulieu. Rated by one of my Sutton correspondents as "hands down" her favourite Townships restaurant. "The food is heavenly and equals with ease some of the best places I've been to in Montreal, New York and Munich." Wow. Sounds good to me. Rating: Awesome. Last visited: fall 2009. Address: 19 rue Principale Nord, Sutton, Qc., tel.: 450-538-1444, website: BistroBeauxLieux.com.
Bistro Olaf: This cozy little Cowansville eatery is a favourite among locals, with regional produce and seasonal flavours from a renowned chef. A little pricey for what you get. Rating: Just okay. Last visited: Oct. 2008. Address: 1105 rue Sud, Cowansville, Qc., tel.: 450-260-1105.
Café Chez Moi: Cute and cozy little spot in an old house in cute and cozy downtown Stanbridge East. Rating: Awesome. Last visited: sometime in 2008? Address: 9 Maple, Stanbridge East, tel.: 450-248-7038.
Café Floral: Great view, super-friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, tasty food, kid-friendly (including crayons and colouring books). Whaddya want? My special lunching correspondent tells me this "is, in my opinion, the best restaurant in Knowlton. Only open for breakfast and lunch, but the food is divine. View of the Mill Pond from the terrace is very pretty. Not expensive and a great bargain for the quality." I agree. It's our regular weekend lunch spot. Rating: Awesome. Last visited: regularly. Address: 30 Lakeside, Knowlton, Qc., tel.: 450-243-0792.
Café Massawippi: Cozy little gastronomic resto in picturesque North Hatley. This place packs it in for heavenly fois gras, regularly changing table d'hotes and their own specialty preserves. First place I've tried yellow wine, which by the way is incredible. Rating: Awesome! Last visited: 2002? Address: 3050 rue Capelton, North Hatley, Qc., tel.: 819-842-4528, website: CafeMassawippi.com.
Entre les branches: This Bromont restaurant with a tasty-looking table d'hote is highly rated by locals. Address: 616 rue Shefford, Bromont, Qc., tel.: 450-534-3213, website: EntreLesBranches.com.
Frederick's Dar-I Whip Restaurant: Not exactly in the Townships, this super-cozy, family-run diner is the perfect place for a stop if you're ever exploring the breath-taking mountains and forests of upper Maine. The restaurant, which got its start as a home-made ice cream parlour (hence, "Dar-I Whip"; get it?) decades ago, won a 2007 Restaurant Neighbor Award and serves some of the best corn chowder and pulled pork sandwiches I've ever tasted. The seafood platter was also insanely good. Every small town needs a place like this. Please, God, bring us a diner half this good to Knowlton! Rating: Is there anything above "Awesome"? Last visited: Aug. 2008. Address: 120 Mercer Rd., Norridgewock, Maine, tel.: 207-634-4962.
La Girondine: Local foodies rave about this gastronomic gem of a restaurant in charming little Frelighsburg, known for its local ingredients (including onsite farm) and boutique offering foie gras, sausages, rabbit, duck and much more. Last visited: not yet. Address: 104 Route 237 South, Frelighsburg, Qc., tel.: 450-298-5206, website: LaGirondine.ca.
Café Floral: Great view, super-friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, tasty food, kid-friendly (including crayons and colouring books). Whaddya want? My special lunching correspondent tells me this "is, in my opinion, the best restaurant in Knowlton. Only open for breakfast and lunch, but the food is divine. View of the Mill Pond from the terrace is very pretty. Not expensive and a great bargain for the quality." I agree. It's our regular weekend lunch spot. Rating: Awesome. Last visited: regularly. Address: 30 Lakeside, Knowlton, Qc., tel.: 450-243-0792.
Café Massawippi: Cozy little gastronomic resto in picturesque North Hatley. This place packs it in for heavenly fois gras, regularly changing table d'hotes and their own specialty preserves. First place I've tried yellow wine, which by the way is incredible. Rating: Awesome! Last visited: 2002? Address: 3050 rue Capelton, North Hatley, Qc., tel.: 819-842-4528, website: CafeMassawippi.com.
Entre les branches: This Bromont restaurant with a tasty-looking table d'hote is highly rated by locals. Address: 616 rue Shefford, Bromont, Qc., tel.: 450-534-3213, website: EntreLesBranches.com.
Frederick's Dar-I Whip Restaurant: Not exactly in the Townships, this super-cozy, family-run diner is the perfect place for a stop if you're ever exploring the breath-taking mountains and forests of upper Maine. The restaurant, which got its start as a home-made ice cream parlour (hence, "Dar-I Whip"; get it?) decades ago, won a 2007 Restaurant Neighbor Award and serves some of the best corn chowder and pulled pork sandwiches I've ever tasted. The seafood platter was also insanely good. Every small town needs a place like this. Please, God, bring us a diner half this good to Knowlton! Rating: Is there anything above "Awesome"? Last visited: Aug. 2008. Address: 120 Mercer Rd., Norridgewock, Maine, tel.: 207-634-4962.
La Girondine: Local foodies rave about this gastronomic gem of a restaurant in charming little Frelighsburg, known for its local ingredients (including onsite farm) and boutique offering foie gras, sausages, rabbit, duck and much more. Last visited: not yet. Address: 104 Route 237 South, Frelighsburg, Qc., tel.: 450-298-5206, website: LaGirondine.ca.
Le Hob Nob Resto-Bar: This North Hatley eatery-slash-bar in the middle of the village has a nice ambiance and is a favourite of locals. Address: 70 run Main, North Hatley, Qc., tel.: 819-842-3330, website: RestoBarLeHobNob.com.
Knowlton Pub: This relaxed tavern with friendly staff in downtown Knowlton offers a great terrace where locals mingle with motorcycle-tour groups and eat high-quality pub-style fare. The Cobb salad and Black & Blue burger (with blue cheese) are tasty, and the peanut butter pie is insane. I also like the Knowlton Gold beer (which tastes a little like honey). Also feature lots of live acts. Rating: Awesome. Last visited: regularly. Address: 267 chemin Knowlton, Knowlton, Qc., tel.: 450-242-6862.
Marina Knowlton: Originally built circa 1890, this charming hangout has a cute, little terrace overlooking Lac Brome, a "Tiki" bar and a relaxed atmosphere that's probably the closest you'll find to the Caribbean in these parts. They serve basic "bistro" food (burgers, smoked-meat sandwiches, ribs and St. Viateur bagels - shout out to the old hood!), have a daily BBQ through the summer and offer boat slips and nearby cottage rentals. Rating: Very good. Last visited: Aug. 2008. Address: 78 Benoit, Knowlton, Qc., tel.: 450-243-5453, website: MarinaKnowlton.com.
Star Café: A popular Knowlton hangout, the Star Café offers organic coffee, licensed drinks and a light menu (muffins, etc.) and exhibits local art. Rating: Very good. Last visited: spring 2008. Address: 109 Lakeside, Knowlton, Qc., tel.: 450-243-5222.
Le Temps des Cerises: A great find in tiny Danville, near Richmond, Qc., this resto in a restored neo-gothic church is "a cut above the rest," my correspondent informs me. They also offer cooking classes in areas like soups, meats mousses, baking and pasta. Products made here are sold around the region and at Montreal's Jean Talon market. Last visited: not yet, but I wanna! Address: 79 rue du Carmel, Danville, Qc., tel.: 819-839-2818 or 1-800-839-2818, website: Cerises.com.
TAGS: Eastern Townships, Glen Sutton, Danville, Knowlton, Knowlton Pub, La Girondine, Frelighsburg, North Hatley, Café Massawippi, Cowansville, Waterloo, restaurant, gastronomic
Knowlton Pub: This relaxed tavern with friendly staff in downtown Knowlton offers a great terrace where locals mingle with motorcycle-tour groups and eat high-quality pub-style fare. The Cobb salad and Black & Blue burger (with blue cheese) are tasty, and the peanut butter pie is insane. I also like the Knowlton Gold beer (which tastes a little like honey). Also feature lots of live acts. Rating: Awesome. Last visited: regularly. Address: 267 chemin Knowlton, Knowlton, Qc., tel.: 450-242-6862.
Marina Knowlton: Originally built circa 1890, this charming hangout has a cute, little terrace overlooking Lac Brome, a "Tiki" bar and a relaxed atmosphere that's probably the closest you'll find to the Caribbean in these parts. They serve basic "bistro" food (burgers, smoked-meat sandwiches, ribs and St. Viateur bagels - shout out to the old hood!), have a daily BBQ through the summer and offer boat slips and nearby cottage rentals. Rating: Very good. Last visited: Aug. 2008. Address: 78 Benoit, Knowlton, Qc., tel.: 450-243-5453, website: MarinaKnowlton.com.
La Petite Table Nippone: We were driving down a country backroad one day when we came across probably the cutest sushi restaurant in Quebec. Halfway between Bromont and Foster, this authentic little hideaway is located in a rustic setting in a refurbished country home. The chef is Japanese and makes his own samurai swords! How authentic is that. They open by appointment only, so be sure not to drop in unannounced. Rating: Awesome. Last visited: regularly. Address: 256 Fulford Rd., Fulford, Qc., tel.: 450-539-4480, website: Sushi-Traiteur.qc.ca.
Pilsen Restaurant & Pub: Wile away the day gazing at Lac Massawippi while munching on pub fare or fine cuisine and washing it down with a cool local microbrew. Address: 55 Rue Principal, North Hatley, Qc., tel.: 1-819-842-2971, website: Pilsen.ca.
Le Relais: This higher-end resto in the heart of downtown Knowlton is decent enough (albeit a tad overpriced), serving good cuisine with local ingredients (including lots of duck), but the Thursday and Saturday night steak specials are a couple of the best deals in the entire region. Book your seat because in-the-know locals often take every seat in the place. Some of their other specials are also worth investigating, and the place boasts a nice terrace. The 150-year-old building also houses the oldest, continuously operating hotel in the Townships. Rating: Very good. Last visited: regularly. Address: 286 chemin Knowlton, Knowton, Qc., tel.: 450-242-2232, website: AubergeKnowlton.ca.
Restaurant au Royaume du Steak: This relaxed Waterloo resto is by no means the fanciest joint in the area, but the steak is insane - in a class with Montreal steak gods Moishe's. Rhonda had an ever-so-tender filet mignon, while I, a fan of all things gamey, had to try the caribou. Holy jeezus, it was ridiculously good. Plus, one of the few decent restaurants between Granby and Lac Memphremagog with a kitchen open later than 8 p.m. on a Tuesday night (our anniversary). Rating: Awesome times a million. Last visited: Aug. 2009. Address: 300 rue Lewis, Waterloo, Qc., tel.: 450-539-0811.
Pilsen Restaurant & Pub: Wile away the day gazing at Lac Massawippi while munching on pub fare or fine cuisine and washing it down with a cool local microbrew. Address: 55 Rue Principal, North Hatley, Qc., tel.: 1-819-842-2971, website: Pilsen.ca.
Le Relais: This higher-end resto in the heart of downtown Knowlton is decent enough (albeit a tad overpriced), serving good cuisine with local ingredients (including lots of duck), but the Thursday and Saturday night steak specials are a couple of the best deals in the entire region. Book your seat because in-the-know locals often take every seat in the place. Some of their other specials are also worth investigating, and the place boasts a nice terrace. The 150-year-old building also houses the oldest, continuously operating hotel in the Townships. Rating: Very good. Last visited: regularly. Address: 286 chemin Knowlton, Knowton, Qc., tel.: 450-242-2232, website: AubergeKnowlton.ca.
Restaurant au Royaume du Steak: This relaxed Waterloo resto is by no means the fanciest joint in the area, but the steak is insane - in a class with Montreal steak gods Moishe's. Rhonda had an ever-so-tender filet mignon, while I, a fan of all things gamey, had to try the caribou. Holy jeezus, it was ridiculously good. Plus, one of the few decent restaurants between Granby and Lac Memphremagog with a kitchen open later than 8 p.m. on a Tuesday night (our anniversary). Rating: Awesome times a million. Last visited: Aug. 2009. Address: 300 rue Lewis, Waterloo, Qc., tel.: 450-539-0811.
Restaurant Shalimar: The only Indian restaurant in the Townships has some hard-core fans. Shalimar, located in Lennoxville, serves northern and southern Indian food and is open Wednesdays through Sundays and offers buffets on weekends. Address: 263 rue Queen, Lennoxville, Qc., tel.: 819-823-9683. See the menu, hours and ratings here.
Star Café: A popular Knowlton hangout, the Star Café offers organic coffee, licensed drinks and a light menu (muffins, etc.) and exhibits local art. Rating: Very good. Last visited: spring 2008. Address: 109 Lakeside, Knowlton, Qc., tel.: 450-243-5222.
Le Temps des Cerises: A great find in tiny Danville, near Richmond, Qc., this resto in a restored neo-gothic church is "a cut above the rest," my correspondent informs me. They also offer cooking classes in areas like soups, meats mousses, baking and pasta. Products made here are sold around the region and at Montreal's Jean Talon market. Last visited: not yet, but I wanna! Address: 79 rue du Carmel, Danville, Qc., tel.: 819-839-2818 or 1-800-839-2818, website: Cerises.com.
TAGS: Eastern Townships, Glen Sutton, Danville, Knowlton, Knowlton Pub, La Girondine, Frelighsburg, North Hatley, Café Massawippi, Cowansville, Waterloo, restaurant, gastronomic
SUGAR SHACKS/MAPLE FARMS
Cabane à sucre du Pic Bois: This artisanal maple syrup farm and rustic sugar shack was ranked the second-best sugar shack in the province by La Presse. The maple syrup pie almost put me in a coma. I couldn't stop eating it, then I was seeing double. Tied with Gaby-Pierre for the best-tasting maple syrup products in the Townships, in my humble opinion. I will eat nothing else. Last visited: spring 2008. Rating: Awesome. Address: 1468 chemin Gaspé, Brigham, Qc., tel.: 450-263-6060.
De Winter Maple Farm: This maple farm is certified organic and sells syrup and gourmet products like maple vinegar and dressings, maple BBQ sauce, maple jellies and sugar, along with blackcurrant products. Last visited: not yet, but I wanna! Address: 420 Jackson, Sutton, Qc., tel.: 450-242-4287.
De Winter Maple Farm: This maple farm is certified organic and sells syrup and gourmet products like maple vinegar and dressings, maple BBQ sauce, maple jellies and sugar, along with blackcurrant products. Last visited: not yet, but I wanna! Address: 420 Jackson, Sutton, Qc., tel.: 450-242-4287.
Gaby-Pierre Maple Farm: Tied with Pic Bois for the best-tasting maple syrup products in the Townships. I will eat nothing else. The friendly folks here offer maple products like sugar, candy, taffy, butter, fudge and a recipe book at their boutique, in my humble opinion. Rating: Awesome. Address: 1001 Route 139, Sutton, Qc., tel.: 450-538-4046.
Owl Hoot Maple Farm: I love the name. This traditional farm uses horses to draw the sap and sells maple syrup, butter, sugar, jellies, candies and pies. Last visited: not yet, but I wanna! Address: 85 Ross Road, Stanbridge East, Qc., tel.: 450-248-3616.
TAGS: Eastern Townships, maple syrup, sugar shack, cabane à sucre, Sutton, Stanbridge East, Brigham, Pic Bois
WINE & VINEYARDS
Chapelle Ste-Agnès Vineyard: This one-of-a-kind vineyard owned by Westmount antique dealer Henrietta Antony makes worldclass ice wines that have won some of the planet's most prestigious spirits competitions. Located on the west pass into the insanely beautiful Glen Sutton valley, the site also boasts an extraordinary stone chapel built in the Romanesque style by the Czech-born Antony in honour of Saint Agnès. Offer samples and tours. Call in advance to book an appointment to visit the store or arrange a guided tour or sampling session. Last visited: not yet, but I wanna! Address: 2565 route Scenic, Glen Sutton, Qc., tel.: 450-538-0303, website: VinDeGlace.com.
Clos Saragnat: This is the personal vineyard of the legendary, award-winning Christian Barthomeuf, one of the pioneers of viticulture in Quebec and creator of its first ice wines. The vineyard in charming Frelighsburg uses companion planting to improve plant health and no pesticides, tractors or heavy machinery. Rating: Awesome. Last visited: 2008. Address: 100 Chemin Richford, Frelighsburg, Qc., tel.: 450-298-1444, website: ClosSaragnat.com.
Domaine des Côtes d'Ardoises: Christian Barthomeuf, one of the pioneers of viticulture in Quebec, helped found this celebrated Dunham vineyard, one of the few in Quebec to produce red wine. Last visit: not yet. Address: 879 route 202, Dunham, Qc., tel.: 450-295-2020.
Domaine Les Brome: Nice vineyard with stunning vistas and excellent reds, whites, rosés and ice wines. Offer samples and tours. Rating: Very good. Last visited: Sept. 2007. Address: 285 chemin Brome, Lac Brome, Qc., tel.: 450-242-2665, website: DomaineLesBrome.com.
Domaine Pinnacle: Family-owned apple orchard and cidery perched on the slope of Mt Pinnacle near Frelighsburg, a charming historic village named as one of the province's most beautiful villages by the Association des plus Beaux Villages du Québec. Last visited: not yet. Address: 150 chemin Richford, Frelighsburg, Qc., tel.: 450-298-1222 or 450-263-5835, website: DomainePinnacle.com.
Hydromelerie les Saules: Honey wine and other honey products. Rating: Very good. Last visited: Nov. 2007. Address: 1135, Denison Est (route 112), Granby, Qc., tel.: 1-877-443-3403 or 450-372-3403, website: hydromel.frankel.ca.
TAGS: Eastern Townships, vineyard, wine, Frelighsburg, Dunham, Christian Barthomeuf, Clos Saragnat, Domaine Pinnacle, Lac Brome, Chapelle Ste-Agnès, viticulture, gastronomic, tourism
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