Chef Martin Picard of Au Pied de Cochon, the mastermind behind what's arguably one of Montreal's ten best restaurants, turns high-fat depravity into an art form on a near daily basis, with a nutritionally disturbing tendency to slather/bathe/corrupt every dish on the menu, including dessert and poutine, with foie gras.
Extending his decadent empire in 2009 to include maple products, sugar Shack Au Pied de Cochon was born, serving traditional sugar shack fare with a twist: think pea soup with foie gras cubes, buckwheat pancakes, maple cotton candy, mackerel omelet and tourtière portions huge enough to shock our American neighbors. Word on the cabane à sucre spread like wildfire and by 2010, the secret was out: tables were fully booked for the season by Day 2 of its reopening. Potential patrons were advised to call back in December 2010 to ensure a spot for 2011. Anticipate calling 6 to 8 weeks ahead of the season to ensure a reservation for 2012.
But what is it that makes this sugar shack so special? The Picard signature: multi-pound meals, copious amount of foie gras and culinary innovations just waiting to be copied by the lesser talented. This man's madness has no bounds.
Cost
On the heftier side of sugar shack prices, adults are charged $49 a head ($54 in 2011, $57 in 2012), kids 12 and under are charged $14 ($20 in 2011 and 2012) and tots ages 3 and under eat for free. Prices don't include drinks, taxes and tip.
When
Usually end of February/early March through April
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays
Where
11382, rang de la Fresnière, St. Benoît, J7N 2R9
Travel Time From Montreal
45 minutes
Getting There From Montreal
Autoroute 40 West, take Autoroute 13 North, Exit 60, toward Aéroport Mirabel/Laval. Stay on Autoroute 13 for several kilometers until reaching Autoroute 640, Exit 22-O, on the left, toward St. Eustache/Oka. Enter the roundabout on Autoroute 640 and take the first exit, onto Route 148/Route Arthur-Sauvé South. Stay on Route Arthur-Sauvé until the intersection of Rang St. Étienne. Turn left on Rang St. Étienne, then turn left on Montée Rochon, then right on Rang de la Fresnière. Sugar Shack Au Pied de Cochon is on the left of the road.
Reservations
(450) 258-1732
reservations@cabaneasucreaupieddecochon.com
For More Information
Sugar Shack Au Pied de Cochon Website
