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Eat Like a Local On Prince Edward Island

Where to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner on Prince Edward Island

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By Amy Saunders | July 10, 2018 | Travel Leisure

Words by Necee Regis, Special To The Washington Post

 

From the air, the crescent-shaped Prince Edward Island resembles an exuberant smile floating in the Gulf of St. Lawrence between the coastlines of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. On land, the verdant island is a riot of colour in summer, with bright-green marsh grasses, red-sand beaches and swaths of purple lupines, orange lilies and wild pink roses.

At about 174 miles from tip to tip, the island is celebrated for its fertile farmland, lighthouses and golf courses, as well as for being the setting for the novel “Anne of Green Gables.” It is also renowned as a culinary destination, especially for its abundant shellfish – including Island Blue mussels, Malpeque oysters and Atlantic lobsters.

There is a strong farm-to-table and sea-to-table community in which chefs know and work with farmers, growers and fishermen. In many small businesses, the chefs and farmers are family members. Part of the joy of visiting is driving from one spectacular meal to another along the island’s winding roads and getting glimpses of the sparkling blue sea.

 

In Charlottetown, the island’s capital city, brick-lined streets lead up from the harbour to the historic city centre, where Victorian-era buildings house restaurants, cafes and boutiques. Early risers might be disappointed with the 9 a.m. opening time of Leonhard’s Cafe & Restaurant (leonhards.ca, 142 Great George St., Charlottetown, 902-367-3621) but for those with patience, it’s worth the wait.

The airy interior is reminiscent of a spiffed-up farmhouse with white walls and seats, warm wood floors and tables, comfy cushioned armchairs and an occasional chandelier. Breakfast is the usual fare – omelettes, French toast and any-style eggs. What elevates the offerings into the don’t-miss category is the quality of ingredients.

Owner Axel Leonhard makes certain that everything served is made from scratch and free of additives and preservatives while using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. Perfect crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside French toast, made with multigrain bread, arrives with real maple syrup and add-ons of fresh fruit or melted Havarti and tomato ($5 to $7).

The “gluten-friendly” Bavarian Breakfast ($11) is an omelette made with potatoes, bacon and onions, served with a side salad with mustard dressing. For lighter fare, nibble fresh baked pastries while savouring Lady Baker’s Teas or bold Down East Coffee from New Brunswick.

 

At Carr’s Oyster Bar on Prince Edward Island, swoon-worthy lobster rolls contain an abundance of succulent PEI lobster meat served on a homemade toasted bun with choice of melted butter or housemade mayo on the side ($14). Image: Photo by Necee Regis for The Washington Post.

 

Every summer, en route to the Canadian Oyster Shucking Championship in Tyne Valley, the best of the best Canadian shuckers gather for a pre-competition meal at family-run Carr’s Oyster Bar (facebook.com/CarrsPEI, 32 Campbellton Rd., Stanley Bridge, 902-886-3355). And why not? On the outdoor deck, the scenery overlooking the Stanley River is bucolic; the plump, juicy oysters, farmed by Robert Carr, are harvested a stone’s throw away; and the no-fuss pub grub and fresh seafood are prepared with care.

The Carr family has been in the oyster business since the 1960s and opened the restaurant – helmed by Robert’s wife, Phyllis – in 2000. Oysters on the half shell are a must, available in sizes small, large and George Carr Special ($1.95, $3 and $4.60 apiece). Mussels, quahogs, bar clams, shrimp and oysters are prepared in a variety of ways including steamed, baked and fried.

Wraps, burgers and seafood sandwiches are available, as are classic fish and chips, fish tacos and full entrees. Swoon-worthy lobster rolls contain an abundance of succulent PEI lobster meat served on a homemade toasted bun with choice of melted butter or house made mayo on the side ($14). While there, don’t miss the family’s adjacent Marine Aquarium and Manor of Birds ($6.50), featuring live fish and touch tanks, and more than 700 mounted birds from around the world. Carr’s is open May through mid-October.

 

On Prince Edward Island, at the FireWorks Feast at the Inn at Bay Fortune, all the meats, daily seafood catch and vegetables are roasted in a wood-burning oven. Image: Photo by Necee Regis for The Washington Post.

 

The best way to taste a wide variety of the island’s culinary delights is to make a reservation at the FireWorks Feast, a multicourse extravaganza at the Inn at Bay Fortune (innatbayfortune.com/dining, 758 Route 310, Fortune Bridge, 888-687-3745). Located on 46 rolling green acres overlooking the bay on the island’s eastern shore, the inn and its kitchen (once the summer home of the actress Colleen Dewhurst) are owned and operated by Michael Smith – a Canadian celebrity chef and cookbook author – and his family.

With a menu that changes daily, the Feast lives up to its name. The prix-fixe experience ($112 with gratuity) begins with a tour of the property’s extensive organic farm, followed by an all-you-can-slurp Oyster Hour and appetizers such as piping-hot salmon pulled from the fragrant outdoor smokehouse.

Showcasing ingredients from island farmers and fisherfolk, dinner is served family style at long tables in rooms adjacent to the open kitchen where chefs work their magic. An impressive 25-foot, brick-lined oven is where all the meats, daily seafood catches and vegetables are roasted over wood.

Fresh breads, island seafood and shellfish chowder, and organic farm salad are also part of the meal, as are baked desserts with a focus on seasonal fruits. Creative cocktails made from locally distilled spirits, island-brewed beer and wine are available at an additional cost. The Inn is open May through October; the last FireWorks Feast of 2018 is Oct. 14.

 

Featured Image:  Jeff Eagar

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