BY Al drinkle
Many of you will remember our former colleague, Marli Hadden, for her winning smile and infectiously positive demeanour. She left Metrovino in 2019 to chase dreams that were still unfolding, embarking upon a nomadic adventure that eventually landed her in Ontario's wine country. In ways it seems as if she just left yesterday, yet it also feels like a hundred years ago.
After getting a harvest under her belt and accumulating experience in tasting room management and artisanal farming, Marli returned to Alberta a couple of years back. A chance encounter would (re)introduce her to the Swiss-born chef, Jonas Huber, who was soon to become her life and business partner.
Jonas established Shackehlicious as a Red Deer-based food truck in 2019, but like any creative small business, it was destined to evolve in unexpected and exciting ways. Challenges imposed by the pandemic catalysed the permanent parking of the truck in idyllic rural environs — in fact, on the edge of his brother's farm and metres away from the tiny house, built with his own hands, in which he and Marli presently reside. This was a daring move in an industry where the convenience of mobility typically takes precedence over a quality product. It's significant that Shackehlicious has survived and even thrived by asking customers to make a detour to them instead of relocating the service itself to wherever the daily action might be.
Marli joined the business in 2023 and has never looked back. Her extroverted personality and inherent flair for hospitality are seamless compliments to Jonas's quiet demeanour and enviable culinary talents.
To put it in a way that more formal reviewers can't, Shackehlicious is absolutely fucking awesome. Located about 15 minutes east of Red Deer's Gasoline Alley, it's not only worth the detour, it's worth the trip itself. Upon arrival, one finds a rural charm that's happily and distinctly out of step with Highway 2's monotonous prairie vistas. Chickens roam freely, curious cows graze nearby and those in the know gather for miniature golf, photobooths, hammocks, dance parties (on specific evenings), lively tunes as per Marli's alt-country tastes, and delicious comfort food in an unhurried, ultra-casual outdoor setting.
In addition to burgers and milkshakes, delectable crȇpes and quesadillas are on offer, all with a sensitivity to allergies and dietary proclivities. The menu can be viewed online, but an onsite garden and a willingness to improvise results in rotating specials and welcome variants on familiar menu items. My first visit coincided with the height of asparagus season, and the crȇpe special consisted of asparagus that had been snapped from their garden specifically for my dish. It’s also worth noting that Shackehlicious has a BYOB policy, so don’t forget to pack your favourite summertime sips.
Of course my opinion is far from subjective, but it warms my heart that such a place as Shackehlicious exists… the fact that all ages can have not just an enjoyable meal but an experience here makes it a veritable Alberta gem. Swing by to grab a quick shake for the road, or make an afternoon of it — the kids can entertain themselves while you unwind away from the bustle of the city. Check their website for weekend brunches, taco nights, social dances and more, and take home a carton of eggs, various preserves or frozen meals when you leave.
Shackehlicious is open from the end of April until mid-October, and after this season will be relocating along with Marli and Jonas to their new rural home, not far from their present location. And if this article seems like a shameless plug for a friend’s independent business, that’s exactly what it is! We’re excited for them…
