Dave’s Lobster

Admittedly, Pete first discovered Dave’s when in Saint John, New Brunswick, but because the small chain was actually started in Charlottetown, all credit must be given here. In his quest to find the best lobster roll in the Maritimes (he really ate SO many), Dave’s handily won out over the rest. As he says: the minimal yet flavourful dressing (so many other places use far too much) allowed for the true taste of the lobster to shine through.

Lobster taco!

The Chip Shack

This one, I added to the list. Sitting in a bitty bright red shack near the Charlottetown harbour you’ll find the best french fry you may ever eat, along with the eccentric owner whose quest is to make the best in the world. There is no doubt that the quality of ingredients is there – the humble potato is a big part of P.E.I.’s economy, producing 30% of Canada’s intake alone. Taking one of the best exports of the province and perfecting its method of cooking fresh in front of you makes this as much a cultural experience as it does a culinary one.

Lobster poutine

Hopyard

So, part of the appeal of this place comes from its musical offering – order a meal but also choose from a selection of vinyl to hear some vintage tunes with dinner. Add in some truly whimsical fusion food (Pad Thai poutine!), an impressive selection of craft beers, and a little table dancing (so we’re told, we never stayed long enough to find out), and this place isn’t just a restaurant, it could be a regular hangout.

We ordered up some bahn mi tacos with a side of Fleetwood Mac. The menu changes frequently; we wish we had the luxury of a longer stretch of time in order to try it again.

Bahn Mi Tacos

Pad Thai Poutine

Inn at Bay Fortune

We honestly had no idea what we were getting ourselves into when an evening at the Inn at Bay Fortune was presented to us. Yes, we had heard of Chef Michael Smith, but never expected that the opportunity to feast at his Inn was so attainable.

It started outside, with an array of food and drink stations scattered across the yards. We snacked on grilled tenderloin with chimmichuri and local sausage made from the pigs on the farm, ate oysters shucked by Chef’s hand (well, Pete did that), and even sat at a table where Daniel Day Lewis himself had dined recently. We were treated to a full six course meal starting with a humble bread board (which we all squealed over, until the Chef himself actually came by to say: “It’s just bread, people”)! We ate until we were truly ready to burst but still could not stop ourselves. And as it was served family style, we enjoyed company with people from all over Canada for several hours. It was, without a doubt, the most exquisite culinary experience either of us have ever had. (Maybe becoming food bloggers wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all if we could be guaranteed this all of the time.)

Chef Michael Smith

It’s just bread, people!

Rick’s Fish and Chips

From dining at the table of one of Canada’s best chefs to a humble fish shack, Rick’s was one of the first mentioned to us, situated near St. Peter’s Bay and Greenwich Prince Edward Island National Park. Yes, I relied on my ol’ standby chicken fingers at this stop, while Pete tucked into two pieces of haddock and pile of fries, served pseudo-old-timey style on staged newspaper. He found his first piece of fish slightly chewy but the second one worthy of every piece of praise it earns.

Blue Mussel Cafe

I have a few photos just like this one, with Pete’s smiling face above a bowl of fresh mussels. While mussels were a frequent and easy appetizer for him (they’re light, just like eating savoury popcorn, he says), this serving in a cafe bearing their name was most memorable. Maybe it was the fact that he sat down to them after a two hour kayak – maybe that is what made them so delectable – but he insists that they were the freshest he had ever eaten. My pasta dish was also impressive, and as always I was grateful for the varied menu.

Point Prim Chowder House

Our last stop in P.E.I., before catching the ferry to Nova Scotia, was at the renowned Point Prim Chowder House. We almost ran out of time to visit but were so glad we didn’t. Not only did it give us the best restaurant view in all of the province, but we were both equally elated in our seafood/non-seafood wares. Pete enjoyed a lobster roll (no surprise), while I devoured a pulled pork grilled cheese and a golden beet salad.

But really, THIS view. The best part.

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