There’s a whole lot of sweetness going on at Chez L’Epicier in Palm Beach, as this French Canadian outlet just kicked off their “cabane à sucre” or sugar shack brunch. This traditional dining experience is a celebration to welcome in spring and it’s customary for it to include a hearty meal of maple-centric dishes, sweet water from the trees and more maple syrup than you can imagine.
From now until the end of March (and if guests enjoy it as much as we do, who knows they might keep it going longer), dining enthusiasts can enjoy this 3-course maple syrup feast. The only requirement is to come hungry – and we mean, really hungry, as this will be a feast to remember. Since it is brunch, we recommend starting off with a boozy cocktail, like the Grapefruit made with a refreshing blend of Côtes de Provence rosé and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.
Sugar Shack brunch at Chez L’Epicier
Brunch at Chez l’Epicier is served family-style so its a mix and match kind of affair. The first course includes a French-Canadian Pea soup with maple whipped cream; Maple ham and foie gras terrine; a white bean and celery salad; Veal and apple juice “creton;” and mixed greens with maple dressing. Although, you can opt for extra add-ons here like smoked salmon or poutine, this was plenty for us to enjoy.
Course two was equally as satisfying to sweet and savory lovers alike – where do we even begin? A bite of the hearty meat pie with a medley of wild mushrooms topped with a Crown Royal and peppercorn sauce was only the beginning. It was followed by a scoop of potato and butternut squash “au gratin;” an omelet with dill, goat cheese and caramelized apple; braised beef short ribs; and roasted brussels sprouts and cauliflower with maple flakes.
Although you may be full, it’s not time to stop yet, as the Sugar Shack brunch has a buffet of sweet treats to fill your belly up — maple pudding cake, maple sugar pie, house-made maple marshmallow, maple taffy on snow. Did someone say they were craving maple syrup?
Cost for the brunch is $45 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Seatings will be available on Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., now through the end of March and reservations are strongly encouraged.
Chez L’Epicier is located at 288 S. County Road in Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 508-7030 or visit chezlepicier.com.