Review of week in PEI
We just spent a fantastic week on the island, and I wanted to mention some of the places we had meals at, for any people planning trips in the near future.
1 - The Pilot House (Charlottetown) - Lunch
We've eaten here in the past, as it is always fantastic. The Fish & Chips are great, and this time we also shared a delicious Lobster & Goat Cheese Bruschetta.
2- Peakes (Charlottetown) - Lunch
I am certain that the reason this place is so busy, is because of the view, not the food. The view of the water from the large, open deck here is fantastic... the food however, it mediocre at best. I had a very small portion of bacon wrapped scallops (which arrived with a kraft package of cocktail sauce).. and my husband had some sort of sandwich... also just okay. I will say, though... that the frozen drinks that the people at the next table were enjoying looked great.
3 - Formosa Tea House (Charlottetown) - Snack
Amazing selection of cold and hot teas.... served in a very cute asian-style room. I had a yummy taro milk bubble tea. There is also a small food menu here, which I would advise people to avoid. I had spring rolls (which I watched them microwave) which were almost inedible, and cold soba noodles (okay, but very bland) .
4 - Ship to Shore (Darnley - near Malpeque) - Dinner
This may have been my favorite meal of the whole week, the food was exceptional. We had read about it in En Route Magazine, as it was ranked one of the best new restaurants in Canada in 2009. A little off the beaten path, but entirely worth it!! The restaurant is very casual, with a seafood counter for takeout on the side. We sat on a covered patio, overlooking Malpeque bay. The menu is large and varied, with a great (and reasonable) wine list. They brought us warm, homemade bread prior to ordering. I had the crab cakes to start - with delicious homemade tartar sauce, and my husband had seafood chowder. For mains, we had scallops (large portion, perfectly seared) with brown butter sauce and halibut with green goddess sauce. Both entrees were served with homemade potato salad, and a side. We will definitely be returning.
5 - Carrs (Stanley Bridge) - Lunch
This restaurant is in a great location, with a lovely deck overlooking stanley bridge. The menu is large, and mostly typical, casual food. Though it is inexpensive, and always very very fresh. I like the lobster club sandwich in particular.
6 - Chez Yvonne (Cavendish) - Breakfast
This restaurant does all of its own baking, so I really enjoyed the homemade toast that comes with breakfast. It is an affordable, casual spot for breakfast - especially if you're heading to one of the nearby golf courses, Shining Waters Family Fun Park, Ann of Green Gables, or the Sandspit for the day, as it sits right in the middle of Cavendish.
7 - The Pearl (?) - Brunch
Best brunch I have had in a long time. Fresh, inventive food in a beautiful farmhouse. Truly worth visiting.
8- Brothers 2 (Summerside) - Dinner
This large restaurant was surprisingly good. They are featuring a lobster menu for the summer (off which, I had a creamy lobster bisque) - but the menu is large and varied. My entree (halibut) was perfectly prepared, and there were lots of non-seafood options as well. This was a perfect place to go prior to the show (Anne & Gilbert) which was playing nearby.
9- Que (Charlottetown) - Dinner
This restaurant is attached to The Pilot House and, therefore serves the same menu (sharing the same kitchen). The atmosphere is slightly more upscale though. Trying to decide what to have for dinner was the only challenge. From wonderful flatbread pizzas, chowders, fresh seafood to steak... we loved eating here.
Hope this helps!