If New York’s the Big Apple, Montréal also takes pride in its Big Orange or Le Grand Orange–the iconic orange-shaped restaurant, popularly known as Gibeau Orange Julep.
It was founded by Hermas Gibeau, who first introduced the unique orange-based beverage in Montréal in 1932. Eventually, after years of selling his signature drink at Belmont Amusement Park, he built the three-story giant orange building in 1966.
At present, it’s among the city’s longstanding landmarks and one of the oldest casse-croûte restaurants in Montréal–famous not only for it’s one-of-a-kind creamy orange juice but also for serving some of Quebec’s favorite classics–like hotdogs, french fries, hamburgers and the sought-after local specialty–poutine.
It is located along Décarie Boulevard with a surrounding parking lot for car-based customers and picnic tables for those who opt for outdoor seating.
It’s the perfect go-to-place for a late-nighter snack since the resto operates until 3 a.m. during summer and varying times in winter.
As a longtime tradition, weekly classic car shows are held on Wednesday nights, between 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. from May to August. The tradition reigns for over 50 years. And impressively, despite the ever-changing generations, the family has kept the tradition alive. And now, becoming increasingly popular even with the young millennials.
Ultimately, with everybody talking about this mystery-infused drink, it piqued my curiosity even more.
And if you’re as curious as I am about the OJ’s “secret” family recipe since the 1920’s, you’re in for a treat. Here’s the closest equivalent I found online:
(Source: athomewithjoanna.com)
Ingredients:
1 6 oz. can orange juice
1 cup milk
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
12 Ice Cubes
*Optional egg whites/egg substitute may be added for the frothy texture. About 3 Tbsp, but it is not mandatory.*
Instructions:
1. Put everything in the blender except for the ice.
2. Blend for 10-15 seconds until frothy.
3. Add the ice and blend for another 20 seconds until thoroughly crushed.
Voila, there’s your homemade version of the orange julep.
Aha! I always knew eggs were somehow involved in the process. I often tell my boyfriend that food is always better with eggs. And life, in general. 🙂
Life Through the Windshield 