Exploring Quebec’s Casse-Croûtes: A Culinary Adventure

Discovering the Culinary Delights of Quebec’s Casse-Croûtes

When Marta Grasso and Andrea La Monaca, a couple from Italy, first arrived in Canada, they were enchanted by the charming food shacks known as casse-croûtes. Nestled along the picturesque country roads of Quebec, these eateries remain dormant during the icy winter months but spring to life during the brief yet delightful summer season.

Recently, the couple found themselves seated at a rustic picnic table at La Mollière, a popular casse-croûte overlooking the stunning Gulf of St. Lawrence. Andrea savored a succulent lobster roll, while Marta enjoyed a flavorful shrimp roll. A vast blue sky served as a backdrop, enhancing their experience.

“You can truly taste the sea,” Ms. Grasso remarked, reminiscing about their Sicilian roots. “We are accustomed to having the freshest seafood available, and this is just as wonderful.”

While the iconic dish of poutine—crispy French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy—has gained international fame, reaching restaurants as far away as Seoul, there are many other unique offerings at these casse-croûtes that deserve attention.

• Pogo: A delightful corn dog that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for a quick snack.
• Pinceau (sometimes spelled pinso): A beloved treat, though its exact nature often remains a mystery to newcomers.
• Guédille: Despite its obscure etymology, this lobster roll is a staple at many casse-croûtes, showcasing the region’s seafood prowess.

Clockwise from the top left, the culinary offerings include a mouthwatering chicken poutine from Chez Cathy, a classic guédille filled with lobster from La Mollière, a shrimp guédille from Chez Cathy, and a traditional club sandwich with fries, which is a typical item found on the menu at La Mollière.