I am visiting from out of town and staying with family in Val David and was told this well…read moreestablished eatery was a MUST. They don't take reservations and it's popular so we hoped we wouldn't have to wait long. During our 24 minute wait they have a coffee urn at the entrance to the restaurant so we can help ourselves while we wait. What a fabulous idea!!
We sat outside in the outdoor Adirondack chairs while we drank our coffee until seating opened up for us.
This place was hopping, and it seemed like that was the way it was throughout our time there. As soon as we were seated the lovely server, Catherine, gave us menus and asked if we wanted more coffee. It was really difficult to chose what to order because everything looked delicious and made on the premises. Because I grew up in Montréal I had to have a traditional Québec meal of the "Cabane à Sucre" Omelette which consisted of an "omelette" (which had to be the lightest and most perfect little pillow, which we were told could be eaten with maple syrup poured into the center when you lift off the top); maple-smoked ham, "oreilles de crisse" (like bacon but very thickly sliced and crisped to perfection, complimented when dipped in their homemade tomato relish); homemade baked beans with chunks of smoked ham and sweetened with maple syrup; home fried potatoes, pure maple syrup and toast (I opted for their HUGE Cottage Bread slices). My nephew's wife had the Table d'ôte consisting of a generous slice of Québec Tortiére, smoked ham, homemade baked beans, home fried potatoes and mashed turnips (with carrots).
Applicable to both of us was how we reacted to our meals. Upon each bite of our respective morsels, we slowly savoured the flavours and textures and sweetness as if it were the first time we'd ever tasted Québequois cuisine. It was heaven for our tongues.
We made sure to give Catherine a nice tip for her amazing service and lighthearted attitude.
On our way out (I had a doggie bag) we stopped at the counter to purchase their homemade Pea Soup to have for dinner. Tasty and light and prepared with very little salt.
If you are ever in the Val David area, or anywhere in the Laurentiens (or Montréal, for that matter) treat yourself. It's well worth the drive. Voilà!!