Auberge Restaurant La Mara — Restaurant in Ham-Sud

Long established on Quebec's 'Gourmet Trail', Auberge La Mara really is 'far from the madding crowd'. Owner Daniel was originally an established chef in Montreal, and decided to practice his culinary arts surrounded by peace, quiet and nature. The location is near Mont Ham, and suits energetic outdoor types who enjoy hill-walking, and perhaps some snow-shoeing in winter.||There is a little stream on the property, ideal for sitting near and contemplating. Some of the out-buildings , like the gazebos, are showing signs of neglect.||Accommodations are rustic, and it's obvious that the emphasis here is on food. The chef prides his kitchen on using local and organic products. On the menu are lamb, duck, wapiti, buffalo, etc. The inn grows its own vegetables and herbs. Chickens, ducks and geese trot around the property.||For dinner, my companion had the homemade foie-gras mousse, which was excellent, followed by a main course of quail legs. They looked good on the plate, but did not get a 'thumbs up'. I had the magret de canard with a curry sauce. This dish, on the other hand, was exceptional. I feared that the strong Indian flavour of curry would spoil the delicate taste of duck. Actually, the duck was cooked to perfection, pink and sliced thin, and the curry sauce only served to enhance the flavour. A good call. Both desserts ordered, the maple cake and the iced nougat, were very good.||Breakfast was a bit hit-and-miss. My companion's omelette was too dense and dry, whereas my French toast, oozing maple syrup, was extraordinary. ||Auberge La Mara is a 'different' kind of inn: a good place to escape...

Long established on Quebec's 'Gourmet Trail', Auberge La Mara really is 'far from the madding crowd'. Owner Daniel was originally an established chef in Montreal, and decided to practice his culinary arts surrounded by peace, quiet and nature. The location is near Mont Ham, and suits energetic outdoor types who enjoy hill-walking, and perhaps some snow-shoeing in winter.||There is a little stream on the property, ideal for sitting near and contemplating. Some of the out-buildings , like the gazebos, are showing signs of neglect.||Accommodations are rustic, and it's obvious that the emphasis here is on food. The chef prides his kitchen on using local and organic products. On the menu are lamb, duck, wapiti, buffalo, etc. The inn grows its own vegetables and herbs. Chickens, ducks and geese trot around the property.||For dinner, my companion had the homemade foie-gras mousse, which was excellent, followed by a main course of quail legs. They looked good on the plate, but did not get a 'thumbs up'. I had the magret de canard with a curry sauce. This dish, on the other hand, was exceptional. I feared that the strong Indian flavour of curry would spoil the delicate taste of duck. Actually, the duck was cooked to perfection, pink and sliced thin, and the curry sauce only served to enhance the flavour. A good call. Both desserts ordered, the maple cake and the iced nougat, were very good.||Breakfast was a bit hit-and-miss. My companion's omelette was too dense and dry, whereas my French toast, oozing maple syrup, was extraordinary. ||Auberge La Mara is a 'different' kind of inn: a good place to escape...

This inn was very nice and welcoming. The first word that I thought of when I saw the inn and its surrounding is "quaint". It is rustic, charming and very comfortable. There are gardens outside with lounge chairs and a place to make a fire, which must be lovely in the evenings with all the birds chirping and insects buzzing. We took the large room with three separate beds and were happily surprised by the fact that these beds were separated in two different rooms that connect! It felt more intimate this way. The host was very friendly and welcoming, even though we arrived a bit late at around 9 pm.

Breakfast was included with our night's stay. I assumed that it would be some cereal and bagels, the type of thing that we make ourselves and doesn't take much time, but it was not that at all. We were instead served a very lovely and delicious full breakfast (omelet with cheese, fruits, homemade jam, local organic apple juice and homemade hazelnut bread) made on order. It was truly scrumptious.

The only things that I would comment on is that the beds were quite hard, so that is something to keep in mind if you prefer softer beds. Also, there were not a lot of hygienic products in the washroom. For instance, there was only one small soap for 3 adults for both hands and shower. Other than that everything was perfect and I would definitely come back here for a whole weekend to...