The Foodie File: Soeur de Cassis
One of our food editors recently returned from a trip to Quebec City. When he was there, he visited Cassis Mona & Filles (www.cassismonna.com) in Île d’Orléans. While Doug raved about the beautiful location and the quality of their product, it was the description of two sisters carrying on and modernizing their family business that piqued my interest.
Sisters Catherine and Anna continue in the tradition of their father, Bernard Monna, in producing Crème de Cassis liqueur. This family operation is producing their quality product from varieties of blackcurrants cultivated on their own five hectares. The sisters have also expanded their product line by adding jellies, mustards and syrup, all made from their own fruit.
The state of agriculture in Canada is currently in flux. I have had many conversations lately with various industry professionals and all seem to agree that farmers need to take a more entrepreneurial role in marketing their products and that new avenues and markets need to be opened up for the fantastic Canadian products that come from our land. Catherine and Anne seem to be doing a good job of just that.
I also hear they have a great recipe for Sangria!
Christine
