The truffle pig... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

blackmercedes · #1 10-18-2002, 04:36 AM

Last weekend was Thanksgiving, and it is pretty much the last long weekend for some time in these parts without icy roads and blowing snow.

What does that mean? Road Trip!

But where to? Jasper is nice, but many folks feel as we do, and the crowd factor is high. Banff is a cliche. Well, what about Field B.C.?

Field?

Well, this sleepy little town in the B.C. rockies has a certain charm, but it's real magnet is a tiny eatery called The Truffle Pig. It's got a general store with groceries and fresh baked goods. It's got fair-trade coffee and fresh espresso. But, the visit is to one of the five tables that sit in the liquor and toy store.

Yes, that's right, the Liquor and Toy store. The Pig is short on square footage, so they sell high end children's toys next to the beer and wine, all over-hanging the fine dining tables.

We discovered this treasure this past summer while road tripping through ona a camping expedition, and were amazed by it's gourmet food and friendly atmosphere. And quirky!

In the summer they roll a huge bar-b-que out onto the sidewalk, and grill an incredible selection of meats. One evening, the BBQ was not available. No feeble excuses, just the truth. The BBQ Chef had taken off to Calgary, as he had a sudden need for a new bass guitar.

Well, we booked a suite at a local B&B, and counted the days until we would combine a terrific mountain drive with great food and fresh, cold, fall mountain air.

Alas, the B&B called with but a few days to spare, and reported a flood had made their accomodations unavailable. Argggh!

We found some rooms at the Crossing, only 45 minutes away. Relief!

Last Saturday morning, we tossed the luggage in the C230, and headed for the Crossing. Taking the David Thompson Highway was, as usual, a terrific drive. No matter how many times I drive that road, it's great.

Friday had brought a snow storm through the area, but Saturday was bright and clear.

We met my Dad at The Crossing (www.thecrossingresort.com) and spent the afternoon napping, wandering, picture taking, snacking, and just plain breathing. That evening we dined at The Crossing, and the food was filling and tasty, but not exciting.

The next morning, we headed for Field. After a stupendous drive down the Icefields Parkway, we arrived at Field about seven hours early for dinner. We spent the time hiking around Emerald Lake and taking in the Natural Bridge.

Dinner was fabulous. I had a shrimp bisque that was about the best I've ever had, followed by penne with a white wine sauce and homemade sausage. Wow. Sounds ordinary, but rest assured the taste was not.

After an evening of fine food, some great chatting with Everett the Chef and the other staff, we headed back to The Crossing ready for bed.

Monday morning brought more sunshine and another superb drive down the David Thompson Highway.

With family on-board and snow tires mounted, the driving was not fast, but still spirited on occasion. In the fall, the deer are also close to the highway, so it's best to keep speeds prudent.

If you're in the neighbourhood, make sure you plan on a meal in Field!

The Pig (not my pic, stolen from some's site..):

The Rockies as seen on Sunday Morning headed South on the Parkway:

Lake Louise, also on Sunday morning:

Emerald Lake, Sunday afternoon:

Helen and Catrina on the David Thompson Highway (it was a tad windy...)

The David Thompson Highway:

engatwork · #2 10-18-2002, 06:59 AM

thanks for sharing that.
brrrrrrrrr - where's my long sleeve shirt

?

tkd_M119 · #3 10-18-2002, 11:28 AM

Beautiful pics! That pic of the Pig looks as if it was taken in the Swiss Alps! Just curious, what is Canadian Thanksgiving all about? Is it similar to American Thanksgiving? Do you guys celebrate similarly? Turkey w/disfunctional family gatherings etc.?

Lebenz · #4 10-18-2002, 12:02 PM

John,

Absolutely breath taking! I’m envious of the snow! Last weekend we had but a little tease of snow above ~4500 feet. I added a couple of yer pix to my webshots collection. Hope you don’t mind!

jcyuhn · #5 10-18-2002, 02:30 PM

John -

Great photos, thanks for sharing with us. Makes me wish I lived somewhere beautiful & interesting. Refresh my memory. Is Field the town at Kicking Horse pass? I've ridden my bicycle from Golden to Lake Louise, stopping for buffalo burgers at Yoho Brothers (I think... my recollection of names is really bad.)

I can't believe how early winter comes up there. It was darn near 80F here yesterday.

- Jim

Kuan · #6 10-18-2002, 02:33 PM

What great pictures! Sounds like you had a wonderful meal. Some of the world's greatest restaurants started out in the middle of nowhere. Just happens that stuff grows around them.

Kuan

David C Klasse · #7 10-18-2002, 02:39 PM

John,
What BEAUTIFUL pictures! Absolutely breathtaking, especially Lake Louise! What an outstanding picture.
Great pic of Helen and Katrina.

Very cute girls.
Thanks for the great post!

Reminds me to get on another camping trip before the snow! This time, I won't be as cruel to my Mercedes, however.

blackmercedes · #8 10-18-2002, 03:36 PM

Field is between Lake Louise and Golden in the Kicking Horse Pass, and the Yoho Brothers is on the highway. Good food there too. Avoid the West Louise Lodge if you're looking for anything other than greasy-spoon.

Canadian Thanksgiving is like the US version, just in October. We're not as hung up on the turkey thing, but we still do it on occasion. Canadians have Remembrance Day in November, and we needed a long weekend in October...:p

The staff at the Truffle Pig are all "outdoors" types that enjoy a very different lifestyle than us urban dwellers. One reason they do what they do is that the off season affords then the time to pursue their other passions in life. I admire their spirit greatly.

I will tell you that in my life there is little better than a good day with a good car on a good road that ends in a good meal, all with my family.