Taste of Nova Scotia

I like to support local businesses

I like to eat at the Grubstake in Louisbourg. The food is fresh, the service is friendly and dessert is always a surprise. All desserts are homemade and even Bill Spurr from the Chronicle Herald would approve. Take a sweater, it is never too warm in there. Mary

it’s the BEST way to choose great FOOD!

I love to eat at restaurants that serve food that is close to home.

Because eating at restaurants that serve local foods not only helps your community, but it helps oneself as well by giving your body healthy, delicious food!

I am a local producer so I totally believe in supporting local businesses of any kind.

Choosing a Taste of Nova Scotia restaurant almost guarantees that you will receive friendly service and fresh food often grown or caught locally, which all culminates in a great overall experience. Each area has its’ own unique traditions and methods of cooking, all of which are often a reflection of the area itself.

I always want to support local- We have some of the best chef’s and restaurants locally- Fresh food grown in the valley and great seafood on our coast- “Land and Sea” what more could you ask for

I haven’t tried any of these restaurants yet but will be travelling to Halifax for a week on June 12 and cannot wait to try them.

Upon picking up a copy of the Culinary Guide, I was happy to see that the three best restaurants my boyfriend and I had found on our own this past year were listed there…Trattoria Della Nonna in Lunenburg, Tempest in Wolfville, and Fid in Halifax…the food was delicious, the service was wonderful…combine that with fine wine and great company, who could ask for anything more?

I believe that you should eat locally grown food wherever you travel and /or live to get a true taste of the cultures and traditions of the countries and areas. Within Canada, there are so many different culinary choices, and Tastes of Nova Scotia led me to many amazing restaurants with varied menus to choose the best food from the land and sea. Thank you.

I like to use ingredients that are locally grown if possible and also like to make recipes with flavours that are associated with Nova Scotia like blueberry, maple, rhubarb, etc. That’s why I visited this website today and is also why I like to visit restaurants like Chives, etc. that seem to be like-minded.

I like to eat at The Knot in Lunenburg. It serves many of the
traditional german dishes that are native to the early settlers,
plus dishes they adopted by living from, and near, the sea. Their fish cakes are wonderful!

I’m in Halifax now and looking forward to attending “Taste of Nova Scotia”.
Cheers,
Jack from Florida

Can’t wait to enjoy wonderful fresh seafood at “Taste of Nova Scotia”….We have come from Tampa Bay for this event….Bring on the LOBSTER!!!

Darlicious from Dunedin

There is definitely no question that Nova Scotia Seafood is the BEST in the World!!!
No other Country or Province can compete against our Seafood!!!!Thus my reason for choosing a Nova Scotia Restaurant!!!

’cause i’ll be sure of a tasty meal and a tall tale to take home to my friends! Always in for a good yarn from Nova Scotia!

I am a firm believer of supporting the local industry. A Taste of Nova Scotia stands for quality, hospitality and good food.

It is so important to support our local producers & the food is always so fresh & delicious. An event like A Taste of Nova Scotia provides such an excellent opportunity to showcase all that is local.

I love to eat local foods and buy local when I can. My favorite place to eat down home is Charlotte Lane, I’m from Shelburne originally and their food is exquisite.
One of the main reasons I eat at such places is the reputation for such amazing seafood. You will never see a restaurant like Charlotte Lane serve frozen seafood, it is fresh, caught just off the harbour near by, they support our local economies when possible, which is what I love about places like this.

I believe in supporting my local growers and businesses. Now is the time to think of being Canadian and Nova Scotian other than some far away place that does now support our way of life or our social way of life. We need to help our farmers, vinters,and restaurateurs, who provide us with great products and provide jobs for our people. A great meal is Atlantic lobster,a local salad, with a bottle of Blomidon Estates great Chardonay.

I’m from Nova Scotia and planning a trip back in early July. I want to try something different and original and want info on restaurants and resorts. Thanks.

b’cuz we can hold our own with the best anywhere

it was recommened by a friend . im actually glad i went. i really enjoyed it.excellent food and wine.im hoping it continues for years.

Porterslake, Whatt’s have the best fries anywhere. Thanks Nova Scotia.

Last summer, my husband and I traveled throughout Nova Scotia for our honeymoon. We often referred to Taste of Nova Scotia for good local restaurant reviews. Via my mobile device, I could search your site to find good eats while we were on the road. Your site helped us find the Alcove Restaurant in Antigonish, where we enjoyed delicious lamb burgers. Now that we live here permanently, we love to support as many local restaurants and producers as possible.

I believe buying local food is better for your health, the environment and Cape Breton producers.

Nothing matches the flavor and nutritional value of locally grown NS foods. The excitement of selection changes with each season – from succulent lobster and fresh greens right through the fall and the chance to preserve nature’s bounty. Many Nova Scotia restaurants use these products in both traditional and creative ways which are expanding all the time.

My favorite place to eat is at The Red Shoe Pub in Mabou, Cape Breton! This quaint little place is normally full of people with wonderful food and lots of lively music playing. It is a pleasure to go to……

For many several years I have requested the Taste of Nova Scotia and I am never disappointed .I have tried several recipes family and friends love it.I was invited to eat at Jane’s on the Common ,when I was visiting family in the Halifax area.The experience of eating wonderful food and shareing a pleasant evening with family was unforgetable.Nova scotia is worth visiting for the food as well as for the sights and above all else the friendly people.From the little Irish fish place in Truro, to the large well known restaurants with good food and friends you can not go wrong.This summer I look forward to going home again ,because it will always be home. Love from Quebec. not

We truly believe in supporting local businesses and know that the Taste of Nova Scotia means quality beyond compare. We are lucky to live in such a wonderful place like Nova Scotia.

Approximately a decade ago I made a decision to support Nova Scotia Restraurants,Farmers,Wineries,and Breweries by choosing them 1st before out of Province businesses. Our local food and beverage industries has some of the best products in the world and they deserve our constant support and praise, not only abroad but here at home. Not only do the food & beverages taste Great we risk having a sustainable food industry if we don’t support our local producers. I have found the Taste of Nova Scotia website a valuable tool for finding local products and how to use them,dining out and also special events that are held to promote Taste of Nova Scotia members.

Between The Bushes is my restaurant of choice in Nova Scotia. When I go out to visit my best friend in Coldbrook, we always stop at this restaurant and are served same tasty treats (I just love those Nova Scotian blueberries.).

Lorlie of Winnipeg, MB

World Class Cuisine and Local Flavors: a perfect combination!

Food tastes better when it comes from Nova Scotia!

For my birthday this year I asked to be taken out for the six course tasting dinner with wine pairings at Chives Bistro in Halifax. After only eating there once before (as a student it’s definitely not a part of my regular budget) the cuisine with its fresh, local produce prepared absolutely perfectly had me thinking about it all year, I just couldn’t wait for the opportunity to go back. Though my boyfriend and I had the tasting menu almost a year ago I can still remember each course vividly. It was the best birthday gift I’ve ever received. I can’t think of a restaurant that showcases Maritime/Canadian cuisine in a prouder way.

I live in New Brunswick – and when I know I will be traveling to Nove Scotia for work or play I always plan my trip around meals. I cannot say enough about the local selection Nova Scotia restaurants offer. whether it’s FID, Chives, Janes on the Common or the Halifax Market I know I will enjoy every last bite.

I’ll just have to stay married because we spend our anniversary at “Le Caveau” restaurant in Grand Pre!
They support local products and the chef is the best around the Valley.
Try it!

I use the Taste of Nova Scotia brand to ensure that I am going to a restaurant that cares about quality ingredients, innovative food and good service. It is important to support the best chefs, to keep them inventing and serving up great food!

I travel to Nova Scotia almost every year. I know that choosing a restaurant from the “Taste of Nova Scotia” is the best way to find a fabulous restaurant with great service and a superb menu.

I decide to get the Taste of Nova Scotia booklet and peruse the website every year because I am always looking for fresh food, new ideas and exciting new culinary experiences!! I want to be a chef so bad but cant afford to go to culinary school right now. While working like mad to pay off my debts and save money to attend culinary school I always consult your site for the best of the best. Thank you for continuing to inspire me and for helping me learn new things every season of every year from the best this province has to offer! I consider Taste of Nova Scotia one of my text books in my thirst for knowledge and adventures.

I like to support NS businesses.

Choosing Taste of Nova Scotia members to support when traveling is not only the best way to experience a genuine Nova Scotia experience but helps ensure the best of the best are there when we look to return.

I love the Taste of NS culinary guide and look forward to getting a new copy every year. I trust the restaurants and products listed in the guide, so therefore when choosing a place to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary I knew I would choose a restaurant listed in the guide. We had a fabulous evening meal at Trattoria Della Nonna and lunch at Magnolia’s Grill both in Lunenburg. I love the recipes too….keep up the great work.

We always look for the Taste of Nova Scotia designation when chosing a resaturant as it guarantees great food! Nova Scotia is rich in quality, locally grown and harvested from the sea ingredients and food products. As my husband owns his own business we know first hand the hard work, pride and the sense of community that inspires the products and services of local businesses. We make it a priority to support our own local businesses and producers when dining out or in!

Went to NS for the first time last year; fell in love with the province, met great people and loved the food!!!

It is important to support local farmers, so I always buy local when I can. It also tastes better and fresher when grown close to home.

Just made the recipe on page 28 from the 2010 Taste of NS Culinary guide….delicious and a big hit with the kids. I used Van Dyk’s wild blueberry juice which I purchased at a local farm market (Withrow’s in Belnan),I substituted the honey with pure NS maple syrup from Acadian Maple products in Tantallon, except for the OJ, I believe all ingredients are local. Definitely a winner.

Why Taste of Nova Scotia?
N ever find better
O rigin is known
V ery flavourful
A mazing variety of choices

S ervice extraordinaire
C ulinary delight
O nly the best ingredients
T reat for the senses
I mportant to support local producers
A perfect night out!

I’m Chef working in germany.I was 3 times in NS…………love Atlantic lobster..
SIMPLY FRESH

I choose local whenever possible. I go to the Farmer’s Market almost every Sat. and also use roadside stands.

Fun comment Kris – thanks for taking the time to be so creative!

Thanks Janette – we LOVE feedback about our recipes. The NS maple syrup is a great idea – will have to try it out.

Nova Scotians, you are blessed with so much. Fruits of the sea and the land. You make such good use of it all. My three daughters all have chosen Dalhousie/Kings as their universities of choice and we have had such a love affair with the east coast while visiting them. There are so many incredible places to eat. Parrsboro, Lunnenberg, Syndney. I am not even mentioning Halifax with its huge number of fabulous restaurants and the Saturday market. I look forward to my September visit where we are going to drive the roads in search of your wineries and more good food and great cheeses.

I moved to Nova Scotia 6 years ago, since then I truly enjoyed trying different venue from the “Taste of Nova Scotia” guide. I make it a point to try fifferent one everytime I tour around the province. So far I have never been disapointed, on the contrary every place I visited provided a wonderful array of flavor both in cuisine and in hospitality that is so unique to Nova Scotia. The food as well as the people are the best in the country. The “Taste of Nova Scotia” should also be subtitle “The Pride of Nova Scotia.

I’ve lived in Halifax for over 40 years and I think the “Taste of Nova Scotia” programme/events have really helped enhanced local dining experiences. So many fantastic restaurants have been hi-lighted in the culinary guide that it’s always a treat to find one (restaurant) that we haven’t tried. Favourite for true Nova Scotian hospitality – Hands Down – BLUEBERRY ACRES in Centreville. Took my mom there for an early supper, a couple of weeks ago…they didn’t officially open for another half hour; but, we were invited into the air conditioned dining room to escape the sweltering heat and had a lovely time. And, of course a fabulous meal. Thank you “Taste of Nova Scotia” for recognizing only the best in local NS foods and beverages (the wine list was also local). Truely a wonderful experience!

When I buy wine I usually check out to see what is new from Nova Scotia vineyards. I think we need to support our local suppliers of both food and beverage.
I took a couple of bottles to my uncle who lives in Niagra-on-the-Lake. He was very surprised, pleased, impressed and unfortunately; it set precedent and now every time I go, NS wine is a must.

I am visiting the area and wanted to support the local businesses and find the tasty and amazing unknown places to eat while I’m there.

Yes Nova Scotia has the best seafood in the world and S00 much to Sea!

I like to eat local. The taste is so much better! Add to that the fact that eating local is environmentally friendly and it’s a win/win situation.

Taste of Nova Scotia spreads the word, no matter what area of the Province I’m in, I always make an effort to follow the guide, and no one will ever be disappointed. My guide is a permanent fixture in my car, and we are always planning our next exciting adventure to one of the finest dining restaurants within a few hours from home.

I chose Taste of Nova Scotia after reading about The Tanfled Garden in the August 21 Globe and Mail. Their jellies made my mouth water so that I immediately started planning my next vacation – to Nova Scotia!

Nova Scotia has fantastic producers and I believe in buying local whenever possible. Why wouldn’t you support local growers/producers when the quality and taste is great, it’s good for the environment, and it means we’ll be able to feed ourselves in the future?

I always like to eat local food when I am travelling and Nova Scotia has some of the best foods available. The Taste of Nova Scotia guide book provides information on some of the best places to eat and we like to use it to decide on where we will go.

We visited Jost Vineyards while staying with my brother-in-law in Malagash. What a lovely experience. The tour of the winery was so informative and we were given a chance to sample some of the great wines. The staff were so friendly and helpful in suggesting some good wines to try. We will certainly go back again.

I’m from Vancouver and we try to eat local here because of the amazing farms and fresh fish. There’s the option to do that in the Maritimes as well! I loved the Five Fishermen when I was there almost 10 years ago, especially the unlimited mussels bar! I will be back there next week and also looking forward to Fleur de Sel, which I have heard rave reviews about from friends there.

I choose to buy local because, I live in the beautiful Annapolis Valley, and I love getting my produce direct from the farms, you can not get any fresher. I also choose to buy locally, because without us, the farmers would not be able to survive on what the chain stores offer to pay.

Anyone who samples the culinary delights of Nova Scotia exclaims Nova delicious (Novalicious)! Nowhere can you sample food locally grown or caught that makes it to your table all in the same day. Add to that our great friendly customer service; you just have to keep coming back for more.

Taste of Nova Scotia represents quality. When visiting a taste of NS establishment you always get great service, and great foods. It shows when people are passionate and enjoy what they do.

Taste of Nova Scotia speaks to the importance of supporting local culinary providers and Nova Scotia’s wellbeing.

It’s simple….I’m proud to be a Nova Scotian and want to support those who take pride in what they do here.

I love the idea of supporting flourishing local business’.

My wife and I have chosen “taste of nova scotia” wines since we moved to Halifax from Calgary. The realisation that there is such an abundance of good local product has actually made us shift our buying practices to include only Canadian(and atlantic where possible) food as well. Why pay to have someone ship food/drink from mexico when we can produce it just as good, or better, on our own soil? Thanks for opening our eyes, and keep supporting local food and drink.

Because the taste is truly authentic and delicious!

we had the extreme pleasure of visiting your fine province last week with our friends..we picked up the taste of nova scotia booklet at the airport and proceeded to work our way thru..we love good food and wine and support our own local producers so doing so in halifax was a given… we dined at Chives and enjoyed a stellar meal and amazing service..and likewise at five fishermen, tried garrison beer, had sunday brunch at Janes on the common, devoured seafood pasta at Mckelvies, brought home 4 rum cakes, were impressed at Saltys,bought blueberry juice and enjoyed our experience between the bushes,loved the smoked gouda at foxhill, managed to pack 6 bottles of wine from the valley.. grand pre, muir murray, gaspereau and jost…. it is a good thing there are hills to walk as we ate and drank our way thru part of your beautiful province.. The hospitality shown was amazing and we will return and also freely share our stories with our friends…. looking forward to a return visit…..

My family and I have been to Sugar Moons many times over the past several years. It is about a 40 minute drive fomr us but is worth every kilometre.
My boyfriend and I both work for a local business so we understand the importance of local support. Being born and raised in Nova Scotia it brings a sense of pride to support Nova Scotian businesses. We know what we are eating and are proud to give back.

I choose to buy local because I love living and eating in the Annapolis Valley.We have an abundance of fresh and delicious local food.I was born in nova scotia,have no reason to leave and will live forever in Paradise.

I try to eat local whenever I can but a friend of mine has been pushing me to do more and support more of our local entrepreneurs. And I’m glad she pushes me!

I like the idea of local as it means fresh. Every year we take a few trips around Nova Scotia mostly in the fall. we go to the valley and load up on fresh produce.We take a trip around the North shore and stop at the pork shop, and a visit to the amish bakery a bottle of our fav. maple wine from Yost and we have a great lunch. Then we cannt wait until the sap flows to enjoy a pancake breakfast at sugarmoon. I could go on forever about all the great local foods we have right here in Nova scotia.

We love to eat and share memories with food and wine!! Celebrating our 15th Anniversary we have spent 2 days experiencing many Taste of NS choices and it makes us enjoy the “taste of home and family”. Our choice this time, Train Station Inn and the Merchatiles in Tatamagouche, but there are still 3 more meals to enjoy!!!

I picked the Culinary Guide at the tourist information at the Halifax airport. My husband and I both love to eat and cook. Our motto is “when you are in Rome, eat what Romans eat” and, therefore, I was thrilled when I saw the booklet that made it so easy for us to experience Nova Scotian food without having to search around for tips from the locals as we usually do. Our culinary trail lead us from the Red Shoe restaurant in Mabou to the Glenora Inn in Cape Breton. We attended a Ceilidh at the Gaelic College, went to the Halifax market at Alexander Keith Brewery, tried rum cake at Rum Runners at the waterfront, ate homemade Sugah ice cream in the park and visited the Garrison brewery. We couldn’t have enough of Willy Krauch’s smoked fish (especially eel) to the extent that we decided to drive back 40 kms to have yet another serving of the smoked fish. Needles to say we brought a box of lobsters back home.
Thank you, Nova Scotia for providing us with a memorable experience and for having such abundance of excellent food at great prices. It was our first trip to NS, but there’s is certainly a lot more to see and eat and drink.

I choose the Taste of Nova Scotia simply because my boyfriend and I really love food, especially fresh and unique food. There is nothing better than a restaurant in Nova Scotia giving food a special ‘kick’. One of our favourite restaurants is a Taste of Nova Scotia member. This one restaurant is also part of the slow-food movement, something I truly value. Another thing is that I only moved to Nova Scotia very recently, so I plan to find more opportunities to enjoy more great food with my hun and our friends (with lovely wine on the side too!).

Cheers to the wonderful Taste of Nova Scotia!

Hugs,

Po-Yi

I buy local and support Taste of Nova Scotia products (both food and drink) and restaurants because I know that they have been selected to reflect the best of NS. I’ve lived in this province for 35 years and I remember my parents picking up a Taste of Nova Scotia cookbook when I was young that had, among other wonderful recipes, the secret to Ms. Stirling’s seafood chowder. I have worked for restaurants and food producers that have been declared Taste of Nova Scotia, and it’s a definite selling point for visitors and locals alike.

I choose Taste of Nova Scotia member products as much as possible because I believe in supporting Nova Scotia business and agriculture. It is up to the consumers to chose the best and I truly believe that Nova Scotia produced food is the best! However, it is the taste and quality of these foods that keeps me coming back for more!

Taste of Nova Scotia is a great way to support local farmers who feed us. Local food fuels our communities, and our current choices will shape our future.

My partner and I recently enjoyed a tremendous tasting menu at “Stories” in the Haliburton House Inn. The atmosphere was relaxing and the service was impecable. But it was the food that made the evening. Despite being quite busy, Chef Scott Vail agreed to our request for a tasting menu. Everything was fresh and local and tasted wonderful. What a grand experience to be had in Halifax without paying Toronto prices. The Chef and restaurant specializes in some game dishes from NS suppliers and they don’t disappoint. The entire experience from the ameuse bouche to the desert tasting complete with flights of NS Ice Wine was an evening to remember. Maybe I should start a Facebook fan page…..

It’s simply the BEST!

There’s just nothing like great Nova Scotian food!!!!

I love the recipes, use many of the products and have been at several of the restaurants. I also hope to send a gift basket as a Xmas gift this year.

My girlfriends and I have an on-going “Recipe Exchange”. Not only do we write out our recipes on cards and share them with each other, but we make the food and bring it to pot-lucks and connect with one another. Taste of Nova Scotia newsletters offer delectable recipes which inspire me consistently with new ways to delight my friends.

On a drive home from Halifax for my birthday we stopped for dinner at Millers tap & grill. It just looks like a basic motel. I had noticied it in previous taste of nova scotia guides but never gave it another thought as it is kind of tucked away. We walked in and it was empty so I had a sinking feeling that if it was so good why was it so empty. Well I realized it was early for supper and it is not a stand out place you would notice. Well all my prejudgments were wrong. The food was great, the service just as warm and wonderful. It was a very personal expereince and the restaurant started to fill up as we were leaving to get back on the road. Thank you for another great reccomendation.

Just had a meal at Ryan & Duffy’s last evening. After Christmas turkey and dressing it was a pleasant change. I chose the restaurant based on it’s long standing reputation and as a member of Taste Nova Scotia. I was not disappointed. The Nova Scotia lamb dish with Moroccan overtones was delicious.

I tend to seek out and buy as much products with the Taste of Nova Scotia simply because I feel supporting local business is so very important.

We’ve visited some NS wineries the last couple of years and find the products well worth the visit. We buy local most of the time. THe food was excellent as well.

jcaven@ns.sympatico.ca

We choose Brooklyn Warehouse because it’s in our neighbourhood and the dishes are amazing and always feature Nova Scotia products – Dragon’s Breath Dressing on the Salad – Amazing! Local Lamb in the Gyro Sandwich wrap, to die for! Last week there was a first timer at a neighbouring table, so we had a grand time introducing them to the menu and then pointing out the dishes around the room and having the other patrons proudly show off the dishes they would soon devour! Fun and Friendly and Great Food!

New Year’s Eve I wanted a quick meal before I headed out to my volunteer Job at the Moncton Casino….I stopped at our local Co-op and spied the Cedar Bay Dinners which could be cooked in 13 minutes in the microwave…all three options looked interesting but I opted to try the Salmon Wow!!!!!! is all I can say. It was awesome and plenty for both my husband and I and I have now tried all three and my response is still WOW!!!!!!….My Husband and I love them and I have suggested several friends who have equally busy schedules and love to buy locally grown foods try them as well. Today I bought two more…..Salmon and Shrimp my favourites for one or maybe two of my busy nights this week. I want to suggest my parents get some because they love sea food, but don’t know where they could get them in Chatham, Ontario Any suggestions
Thanks for a great product

I am living in frigid Alberta and missing Nova Scotia so much. Lately, I have been craving the taste of lobster and can’t seem to get it out of my mind. Knowing that the season opens the first of May in Eastern NS just makes me want to be there. The salt air, friendly people, and beautiful countryside are just a part of Nova Scotia. The cuisine is second to none and the crafts are outstanding. Love to revisit Peggy’s Cove and sample the best seafood chowder in the world!

My husband and I are very passionate about creating memorable food (and wine!) experiences together. We are also passionate about supporting local businesses and using local ingredients in our own cooking at home. We have travelled all across Nova Scotia on our culinary adventures; with the help of our Taste Of Nova Scotia Culinary Guide that is! Thank you so much for producing such a remarkable road map to culinary excellence – from Yost winery to Ryan Duffy’s and all that’s in between…..delicious food and places to make remarkable memories!

I like trying a variety of new cuisine. I haven’t been back to Cape Breton in a long time. My Dad came from Nova Scotia and we use to go and visit my grandparents in Louisbourg as well as Fort Louisbourg. So it’s just getting back to my grassroots and showing my family where my ancestors came from. I don’t remember alot about that time so I’d like to refresh my memory.

As a mother of 2 small children, i like to choose resturants with fresh and healthy menus. While I was looking through my Taste Of Nova Scotia culinary adventure guide, The grand Banker Bar and Grill jumped out at me so we packed up the car and made a weekend of it. The food was great and the view was even better!
Nothing says nova scotia like fish cakes, scallops, fried haddock with herbs and some yummy dessert to finish it off!

We always look for the taste of NS culinary guide.I trust the restaurant guid.We had a fabulous lunch at Magnolia’s Grill in Lunenburg.Returned and had lunch at the Grand Banker.