While the name of this chipstand is Twisted Bacon, the owner is doing everything in her power to make it a slightly healthier option for chipstand lovers.
Tiffany Lalonde took over the chipstand in Wahnapitae two years ago.
“We always loved the name because we are bacon lovers,” she said. “Two years ago, we were on our way to camp in the West Arm, east of the city limits when we saw the stand for sale.
“We knew it was destiny.”
The family sold their second income property to purchase the chipstand and just celebrated the two-year anniversary of its ownership.
Lalonde and family have switched things up since taking over the business, offering tasty vegan and gluten-free options.
“We recognize that many people are following different diets and we have to adapt to that,” Lalonde said.
While they are still mastering the gluten-free pogo batter, the hamburger patties meet the standard. The fries also comply and the gravy used is a vegan mushroom gravy with beets, herbs, spices and white pepper.
“To be honest, no one would ever know this gravy is on the healthy side,” she said.
The Lalonde’s have also introduced wood-fired pizzas, too, with a process that smokes the dough. This might heat up the kitchen of the chipstand to an almost unbearable level on a hot day, but they persevere knowing the product is scrumptious.
You can have your smoked pizzas in a classic variety like pepperoni, cheese, deluxe, Hawaiian and veggie and meat lovers, or be a bit more adventurous and try barbeque chicken pizza, cheeseburger, chilli, pickled, hot and sweet, margherita pizzas and even calzones.
The entire family helps out at the chipstand, including sons Matthew and Nicholas. Matthew is the burger and pogo expert while Nicolas has mastered the perfect pizza.
The family is also keeping it as local as they can with gluten-free buns from Amici and meat from Tarini’s. Local suppliers are also used for fish and other products.
Lalonde said a lot of the customers come for the homemade corn dogs, the seven hamburger options and poutine. And now they also come for the smoked dough pizzas.
The stand houses five separate fryers, so gluten-free food can remain separated from other items.
And if that isn’t more than enough to take on, Lalonde is also the sales representative for the Mennonite-made Hickory Cabins and sheds that fill the property beside the gas station.
Twisted Bacon is open 2-9 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. Hours will differ come the fall.
It’s located across from the Wahnapitae Community Centre, and right next to the Esso gas station at 185 Highway 17 East.
Visit TwistedBacon.ca for the full menu.
Twisted Bacon also has a Facebook page to follow. Stay tuned for the posting of pickerel dinners offered once per month.
Anastasia Rioux is a writer in Greater Sudbury. Let’s Eat! is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.