The scrumptious pastry known as the “BeaverTail” is a Canadian creation which evolved from a recipe that had been passed down in Grant Hooker’s Ontario-based family for at least three generations.
Stretched by hand to resemble the tail of a beaver, (the beaver is one of Canada’s national emblems), the pastries are float-cooked on canola oil and served piping hot, topped with butter and a choice of delectable flavours.
The BeaverTail is similar to the yeasted, cracked wheat “baking-day” treat prepared on early Canadian and American farms.
BeaverTails were first served commercially in Killaloe, Ontario by Pam and Grant Hooker’s family in 1978.
The first permanent BeaverTails store was hand-built by Grant Hooker and opened in Ottawa’s ByWard Market on June 2, 1980.
President Barack Obama made a special stop to indulge in a BeaverTail during his first official visit to Ottawa in February 2009, a visit that has been since been referred to as the “BeaverTail Summit”.
Other famous BeaverTail fans include Hillary Rodham Clinton, the Barenaked Ladies and Bryan Adams.
BeaverTails have been a popular staple in the CNE Food Building since 1996.