A CAN’T MISS TOUR FOR P.E.I. FOODIES
The island boasts so many exceptional food options that it can be overwhelming for even the most seasoned foodie. Here are a few top spots for starters. By Lauren Miller
Have the brunch of your life Nestled among a garden overflowing with lupins and stretches of farmland, you’ll find the P.E.I. Preserve Co. (2841 New Glasgow Rd., New Glasgow, preservecompany.com). But don’t be deceived by the name: This gem doesn’t just sell locally made jams, jellies and preserves, but serves up one of the best brunches on the island. The French toast is fantastic, made with locally sourced baguette and topped with preserves and fresh fruit.
Have a pint Take a break from eating and have a pint at Upstreet Brewery (41 Allen St., Charlottetown, upstreetcraftbrewing.com). The brewery is just over a year old, but it’s taking the island by storm. Its Rhuby Social strawberry rhubarb witbier is both sweet and a bit spicy and is an absolutely perfect summer beer. It’s made with locally sourced rhubarb and strawberry juices, and you’ll be disappointed that it isn’t available back home.
The best crab cakes in town Make the trip into downtown Charlottetown for some lunch at Local 343 (98 Water St., Charlottetown, twitter.com/local343). This charming spot is a short walk from Confederation Landing Park and has a low-key back patio that makes for a perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine and an order of crab cakes. The cakes are sensational, obviously made with fresh, locally caught crab, and are paired with a lime chili aioli.
Roadside lobster rolls Head to the Lobster Shack in Souris for, bar none, the island’s best lobster roll (8 Main St., Souris, face book.com/thelobstershackonsourisbeach). The lobster is caught in the bay just beyond the outdoor picnic tables and the roll is served with pickles and Lays potato chips made with P.E.I. potatoes. Lauren Miller was hosted by Tourism P.E.I. and its partners, which didn’t review or approve this story.
Grab a cone (and maybe a hilarious T-shirt) After lunch, take a walk down to Peakes Wharf and grab an ice cream cone at Cow’s Creamery (Great George St., Peakes Wharf, Charlottetown, cowscreamery.ca). Cow’s is a P.E.I. institution, with seven locations on the island and others across Canada. The ice cream is slow-churned and made with 16-per-cent-fat cream. Cow’s also sells T-shirts and sweaters decorated with cow-themed pop-culture puns.
Walk it off By this point, you’ve eaten enough. Get back your physical equilibrium with a beach walk at Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada in Greenwich (59 Wild Rose Rd., off Route 313, pc.gc.ca) There are quaint lighthouses, well-maintained boardwalk trails and fantastic views. Make sure to plot out your route beforehand and plan for your visit with sunscreen, bathing suits and towels.