This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
For good food and drink, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, with its thriving gastronomic and agritourism offerings, is worth the detour. Here is an address book of the five MRCs in the region that proves that it is worth crossing the imposing La Vérendrye Park to discover the flavors of Témiscamingue.
Témiscamingue
The Red Eden
L’Éden Rouge is a family market gardening and greenhouse farm that offers the “from farm to fork” concept. On the outskirts of the village of Saint-Bruno-de-Guigues, stop at the Éden Rouge café-boutique for lunch. Every day, a menu designed using food grown on the farm is offered: classic sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts, as well as more original dishes inspired by the seasons. You should also take the opportunity to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables, ready-to-eat meals and processed products (special mention to the salsa, fresh and tasty). During the summer, the owners organize (very affordable) farm tours that include tastings. 51, Principale North Street, Saint-Bruno-de-Guigues
Martine Chocolates
Designed in Ville-Marie, Martine chocolates are popular throughout the region. The chocolate shop, which is also a delicatessen, is located on the shores of the magnificent Lake Témiscamingue. In 2018, the third floor of the store was transformed into rental suites with a view of the lake, which are perfect for a stay. In addition to chocolates, the store offers a wide variety of pastries and regional products, such as honey, cheese, jams and maple products. Before leaving, buy a few bars for the road, available in many flavors (try the sugar pie one!). 5, Sainte-Anne Street West, Ville-Marie
Other address
La Gauloise snack, 6, Sainte-Anne Street, Ville-Marie
Valley of Gold
Microbrewery Le Prospecteur
In Val-d’Or, a must-stop at this microbrewery that offers a variety of beers that are as delicious as they are thirst-quenching. In addition to a range of aged beers and seasonal beers, Le Prospecteur offers a series of five cans that reference the region with playful designs illustrating campfires, mines, fishing and forests. The terroir is also highlighted with ingredients such as local maple and red grapes, or apples from Verger des Tourterelles, located in Duhamel-Ouest in Témiscamingue. Two options are possible: have a drink with a meal at the pub in downtown Val-d’Or or go to the tasting room on the outskirts of town, which is also the factory where the alcohol is brewed (201, rue Bombardier). 585, 3e Avenue, Val-d’Or
Other addresses
• Choco-Mango Chocolate FactoryLyon Text Regular, 664, 3e Avenue, Val-d’Or
• Balthazar Cafe, 851, 3e Avenue, Val-d’Or
Rouyn-Noranda
Ruelle Pastry Chefs
For almost three years, this charming pastry shop has been set up in downtown Rouyn-Noranda, to the delight of those with a sweet tooth. Valériane Dugon and Claudia Fortin are masters in the art of making original desserts. Their business is magnificent, with its pink walls and stalls overflowing with colour. You can stop at the few seats to enjoy a pastry with a coffee or a cold drink, just as you can buy products to take away or even make personalized orders. 17B, Perreault Street East, Rouyn-Noranda
Abitibi
Honey House of the Great Bear
With a magnificent outdoor refreshment bar, “bee safari” type tours and beekeeping initiations, this establishment certainly has everything you need to be worth a visit during a trip to the region. The agrotourism activities that highlight the work of beekeepers (and bees) will delight the whole family. In addition to the many honeys and spreads designed by the Miellerie de la Grande Ourse, meads and a honey gin have also been produced there for several years. You can enjoy them on the pretty terrace with a meal or a succulent baklava with local honey. 391, route 111, Saint-Marc-de-Figuery
Other address
Boréalait artisanal dairy, 285, route 109, Saint-Félix-de-Dalquier
Café-Bar L’Abstracto
L’Abstracto’s reputation in the area is well established: you are always well received and your taste buds are never disappointed thanks to a bistro menu inspired by regional products. In business since 1994, the establishment is celebrating its 30e anniversary this year, including several shows and exhibitions. In the summer, you can enjoy the large terrace to have a coffee roasted on site or a beer from Trèfle noir, the microbrewery located nearby. 144, rue Perreault Est, Rouyn-Noranda
Other addresses
• Le Trèfle noir craft brewery, 145, Principale Street, Rouyn-Noranda
• Poutinerie Chez Morasse, 110, 9e Street, Rouyn-Noranda
Abitibi-West
La Vache Cheese Factory in Maillote
Very famous for its cheese curds (which are used in many poutines in restaurants in the region), this company has been firmly rooted in the hearts of Témiscabitibiens since 1996. It is also the northernmost cheese maker in the province! We also love to stock up on tortillons as well as fine and brick cheeses. A must in La Sarre. 604, 2e East Street, La Sarre
Other address
Lacroix Bakery, 93, Commercial Street, Normetal
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