Feature: Big Lake Cabin

It is fair to say that the personable and happy go lucky Jon Young is in many ways a big part of why Big Lake Cabin in just over a year has quickly become a Sault favourite in the local dining scene. 

The friendly, funny, kind, caring and generous Jon is often the face you see welcoming you to what is sure to be a pleasant dining experience. 

Big Lake Cabin opened in August of 2019 and has truly brought a fresh new vibe to the Sault’s downtown dining experience with an innovative and creative menu that is changed up frequently to take advantage of what is in season but also what is seasonally appropriate. 

Amanda Richards and Jon Young, business partners and owners of the “Cabin”, wanted the space to offer something new for the Sault’s culinary scene and to bring some variety to the local food scene with a clear intent to include items that are friendly to those with allergies such as celiac disease — with a big part of the reason for this being that her husband has a gluten allergy himself. Chef Giselle and team members Kayla and Sheila contribute so much to this shared goal and are a big part of Big Lake’s success to date.

Those following a keto, vegetarian and/or vegan diet can easily find menu options but it is important to note that those with no special diet requirements will also easily find some delicious options. 

On the day that I spoke to the aforementioned Jon Young, he was multi-tasking with ease as he is quite often — and always with a smile on his face. In the short time I’ve come to know Jon it has become quite apparent that hospitality and a passion for ensuring a pleasant dining experience is in his blood. 

When it comes to the name Big Lake Cabin, people are often quite surprised by the interior of the restaurant since it isn’t exactly very “cabin like.”  In fact, it is quite modern, contemporary, bright, and beautifully decorated, and it looks like what you would expect to see in the big city.

So, I had to ask,  where did the name come from?  Jon laughed and in his friendly way explained that the name chosen aimed to capture the vibe he and the rest of the staff want you to experience while visiting — a comfortable, home away from home feeling and having been a regular visitor myself, they have succeeded in bringing that experience to all who visit. 

It is the kind of place where you and your friends or family can sit and expect to stay a while and are sure to enjoy yourself . A big part of the charm of Big Lake Cabin is by far the friendly staff followed closely by delicious eats! 

Um, did I mention the pastries and desserts yet? If you are looking for a place with good coffee and sinfully good desserts, run, don’t walk to Big Lake Cabin!   For those with a sweet tooth, you are sure to find something to satisfy your craving and many of them are gluten free too, from scones, muffins, chocolate hazelnut pastries, brownies, they clearly have some immensely talented pastry chefs! 

Personally, I am more of a savory gal but they have you covered there too with an equally impressive array of share-ables from creative flatbread options to generous and to die for charcuterie boards that pair well with their equally creative cocktail menu which Jon confesses are primarily his creations and ideas. 

I knew there was a reason I like Jon so much, he is a talented mixologist too!  A look at their fall drink menu to entice you to stop in soon includes such creative options such as the Jolly Rancher made with jolly rancher infused vodka and Chambord, for you pumpkin lovers, the pumpkin pie martini, a caramel apple mule, the very popular, according to Jon, plum basil gin fizz to name just a few! 

Personally, the stuffed portabello mushrooms are a definite go to lunch option for this foodie as well as the market salads, a different one featured each day! Dining options for lunch currently include the fan favourite Tuscan chicken sandwich, pork belly bahn mi, the classic comfort food grilled cheese done the “Cabin” way, the apple and brie sandwich. 

They have also added some very popular breakfast options for those on the go including a hearty and delicious breakfast sandwich, BLT, Greek yogurt parfait, a “noatmeal” option which can only be described as no oats breakfast perfection! 

Dinner options include a dry aged rib eye steak, spanakopita chicken supreme, spicy dragoon noodles, and a market catch of the day for fish lovers. 

So what’s the most popular menu item?  That would be the Tuscan sandwich by far. Jon joked they have already gone through four menu changes and it has never left the menu! 

One thing that is so refreshing and easy to see is that Big Lake Cabin really cares about the community and often gives back.  Some of the causes they have hosted events to support are ARCH through their Nordic Night event and last year’s touching Dinner for Everyone where people anonymously nominated people in the community who were going through some challenging times financially and with food security and staff, contacted the nominees to invite them to a complimentary dinner.  Last year, twelve people received these dinners during the holiday season.  Tampon Tuesday is another initiative Big Lake Cabin has assisted with locally.

In November, plans are in the works to do a virtual gala in support of Habitat for Humanity.  It is heartwarming to see that even in these trying times, Big Lake Cabin is finding ways to support those needing a hand. 

Some might be surprised to hear that Big Lake Cabin can also be used for catering and they have successfully hosted private parties, a gathering for pharmaceutical reps, rehearsal dinners — so if you are hosting a small event, consider using them! 

They can also be contacted for off site catering. For example, they catered the grand opening of the north branch of the public library and have worked with Tamar’s Trends to cater her wreath making evenings. 

One event being planned for late October barring no changes announced due to Covid-19 is a Wild Game Night with menu items being considered including rabbit, venison and summer sausage. 

For those on the go and needing a hand with food prep, it is worth noting that Big Lake Cabin offers handy meal prep options where basically people can get five ounces of protein, a cup of starch, a cup of vegetables for however many times per week they request.  Contact staff for pricing details! For those who are limited on time, hate to cook, or looking to eat healthier, this could be a great option to try and they are freezer friendly as well! 

The decision to be downtown was an easy one to make for owner Amanda Richard because it was convenient for her midwife practice located in the building but also because there really wasn’t a full service restaurant in the block they are located so the need was there. 

The beautiful patio out front of the restaurant is heated and offers the potential for an extended patio season especially since it is not on city property and is something they are exploring.

Big Lake Cabin would like to thank the community for all of the support they have received during these challenging times and especially this past winter when they relied on takeout and grocery delivery to both keep their name out there but also to stay afloat.

One final thing to note is that in addition to the fabulous food and drink options, Big Lake Cabin also carries a high quality line of natural body care products that are produced locally.  They always aim to support other local businesses as much as possible for example sourcing décor from local businesses, produce and pork from another downtown merchant and sourcing the body care line locally as well.  The body care products include post natal care, bath salts, deodorant, vapour rub, diaper salve, magnesium lotion, and a natural bug spray. 

Meanwhile, Jon stated the support they received while being closed to indoor dining was phenomenal, heart warming and so appreciated and they can’t thank the community enough. 

To learn more about Big Lake Cabin, follow them on their Facebook  or Instagram pages or better yet, stop in at 765 Queen Street East to experience the Cabin for yourself!