The Boucanerie Chelsea Smokehouse is a beloved neighbourhood gem that has been delighting locals for over 50 years! Since taking over in 2018, the passionate team behind the Smokehouse has made it their mission to preserve the art of smoking fish and seafood while positively contributing to the community. With a focus on environmental sustainability, supporting local suppliers, and offering exceptional products, they've become a go-to destination for anyone seeking unique and delicious options for any occasion.
At the Boucanerie Chelsea Smokehouse, they take smoking fish and seafood to a whole new level. Their process involves using custom-built smokers to achieve the perfect balance of flavours. It all starts with a saltwater brine, where the fish or seafood is immersed for several hours. This step ensures the flavours penetrate the meat, while also acting as a natural preservative.
After the brine, the fish or seafood is air-dried in a refrigerator to develop a protective coating called a pellicle. This tacky surface not only safeguards the fish but also helps the smoke adhere to it. The next step is where the magic happens—the fish goes into the smokers, where it is carefully smoked to achieve the ideal consistency and smokiness. The duration of the cold smoking process can vary from 12 to 30 hours, depending on external conditions such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. It's a labour of love that results in
At the Boucanerie Chelsea Smokehouse, they prioritize environmental sustainability, freshness, and quality when sourcing their fish and seafood. Their suppliers are committed to utilizing systems and practices that minimize their impact on the oceans and ecosystems. The products they offer are sourced from natural, sustainable sources and are free from hormones and antibiotics. By choosing their products, you can feel good knowing that you're making a responsible choice for both your taste buds and the environment!
What sets the Boucanerie Chelsea Smokehouse apart is its use of cold smoking, a method that doesn't involve high temperatures. Instead, the smoke is generated in a separate chamber using sawdust. The fine consistency of the sawdust prevents it from creating a full fire; it simply smoulders, maintaining a very low temperature of around 18-20 degrees Celsius. This gentle smoking technique allows the fish and seafood to absorb the delicious smoky flavours without being cooked through, resulting in a delicate and enticing taste experience.
To achieve its rich, dense, and smoky flavour, the Boucanerie Chelsea Smokehouse uses only the highest quality maple wood. But here's the exciting part—they source their sawdust from Sambat, a local professional baseball bat manufacturer. Sambat uses only the finest wood for their bats, and fortunately for the Smokehouse, they can utilize the waste wood as their key ingredient! This upcycled wood adds an extra layer of uniqueness to their smoking process and enhances the overall taste of their products. Talk about a win-win situation!
At the Boucanerie Chelsea Smokehouse, family comes first. With over 50 years of being family-run, they consider everyone who walks through their doors as part of their growing family. They strive to create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home and where a sense of community flourishes. Your experience at the Smokehouse goes beyond enjoying delicious food—it's about connecting with others and sharing in the joy of great company.
The Boucanerie Chelsea Smokehouse is driven by core values that shape every aspect of their business:
When it comes to the products offered at the Boucanerie Chelsea Smokehouse, you'll find an extensive selection to satisfy all your seafood cravings. Here's just a taste of what awaits you:
The Smokehouse also offers a mouthwatering range of housemade dishes, including Mediterranean Smoked Cod, Smoked Salmon Mac N' Cheese, Salmon and Shrimp Burgers, Crab and Smoked Cod Cakes, Smoked Salmon and Potato/Leek Cakes, Smoked Salmon Quinoa Balls, Smoked Salmon Sausages, Seafood Green Curry Coconut, Fish Chowder, Fisherman's Soup, Fish Stock, Smoked Salmon Quiche, Tourtière, Seafood Pies, and Salmon Tartinade. They truly have something for everyone!
If you find yourself in Chelsea, Quebec, or nearby, don't miss the chance to visit the Boucanerie Chelsea Smokehouse. With their dedication to quality, sustainability, and community, you're in for an exceptional culinary experience. Whether you're a seafood lover or simply looking for something unique and delicious, the Smokehouse is sure to satisfy your cravings. So gather your friends and family, head on over, and prepare to indulge in smoky delights that will leave you wanting more.
Bon appétit!
Monday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tuesday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday1 0 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.