The primary activity focus at these lodges is trout fishing, but two of the three also offer hunts for black bear and moose. The uniqueness of the Gesti-Faune product lies in the total package. The wilderness locations, good hunting and quality accommodations are offered against the backdrop of an outstanding gastronomic experience. The executive chef, Jean-François Lacroix, has won several culinary awards and oversees the menus at all the lodges. Gesti-Faune's reputation for gourmet dining has extended beyond the outfitting world into the mainstream culinary media.
To give you an idea of the Gesti-Faune dining experience, here is the menu for the first evening meal served during my recent stay at Chabanel, one of the three lodges: pheasant pâté with pistachio nuts; lentil soup made with quail broth; stuffed chicken with scallop mousse and mango sauce; apple and cinnamon in a cream pastry. This is a very rough translation from the French and doesn't do justice to the creations. And not only the dinners are a four-course experience, lunches are as well. Dinner is served around 8 pm and generally lasts about two hours - one's wine glass is never empty unless desired.
To celebrate the unique combination of cuisine and settings, Gesti-Faune has published a stunning book, Gastronomie et Forêt (Gastronomy and Forest), combining the talents of Jean-François and an outstanding photographer, Paul-E. Lambert. The recipes featured are among those served at the lodges. The first edition sold out quickly and has been chosen for display in all Quebec information offices. An English edition will appear next spring.
The Quebec black bear hunting season is in June, of course, which happens to coincide with........(continued)
