Twisted Fork recognized as preserve économusée, just fourth in the province

“It’s going to help put little old St. Paul on the map.” 

One of St. Paul’s community gems is being recognized for keeping artisanal work alive.

Debbie Poulin, owner of the restaurant Twisted Fork, had her business inaugurated as an économusée, just one of four across the province.

Their creation of preserves with locally sourced and made jams and pickles, means that they are continuing traditional skills and craftsmanship, as they’ve expanded over the past year with this new venture.

“It’s been a lot of work. It’s a happy day, it’s an emotional day, and it’s been a really, really wonderful experience,” said Poulin, who was recognized on Thursday, March 16.

“An économusée is someone who has a passion for a tradition that has been sort of lost…we have become a preserve économusée, so those that have come to the Twisted Fork, see that we have many jams and pickles, and that’s what it is all about.”  

The ÉCONOMUSÉE Network Society, based in Quebec, was on-hand for the event, along with local dignitaries, like Mayor Maureen Miller.

She highlighted the importance of supporting local art and artisans and how it helps build community.

“It creates tourism,” Miller told Lakeland Connect.

“An économusée connects artisans with other artisans so we can create tourism. The northeast area has an incredible amount of artisans and artists that need to be celebrated.” 

Three of the four in Alberta are in the Lakeland area, including Healing à la Source in Lac La Biche with the art of stained glass, and the Old School Cheesery in Vermilion, the province’s first.

The group is international, with artisans recognized as far and wide as Norway, Ireland, and Haiti.

Now featured at the storefront is a small boutique area, which showcases the several types of preserves available for purchase.

“I think what it’s going to do is to encourage people to come down and try something new. And while they’re here, what else does St. Paul and the Lakeland offer?” said Poulin. 

Currently, Twisted Fork’s preserves are available at Cornerstone Co-op in St. Paul and Elk Point, as well as in Edmonton and Calgary.