Welcome to the place of excellent Atlantic cuisine. We hope you like seafood, because it’s our specialty!
Drawing from French, English and Scottish culinary backgrounds, Nova Scotia’s chefs prepare excellent contemporary and traditional dishes that will make your mouth water. We really love our seafood, and we’re sure you will too. Try steamed lobster, clam chowder, salmon, scallops and other sea specialties served with Atlantic hospitality.
Have you ever tried Sauteed Digby Scallops with a Honey Onion Chutney, or Lobster Fettuccini with Fresh Herbs and Roasted Tomatoes? Dishes like these are just a taste of what Nova Scotia has to offer. We respect our heritage here, and trying a traditional Dutch Mess, made of codfish and potatoes with browned onions, with scrunchions sprinkled on top is a must. We also love dulse, a type of seaweed harvested in Nova Scotia which is dried and eaten as a snack. Mmm…mmm…
But honestly, it’s not all about the seafood. Nova Scotians are very supportive of local farms and produce. Visit a farmer’s market in any number of towns around the province and you’ll find everything from tasty homemade sweets to fresh vegetables. If you’d like to pair an ale with your dinner or try something new order a Beer Warmer, a glass of fine ale with a dash of hot pepper sauce. The Annapolis Valley is home to a number of wineries. North America’s only malt whiskey, Glen Breton Rare, is produced in Cape Breton. The Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery in Halifax is also another must-visit.
The presence of hundreds of restaurants of international standard makes dining in Nova Scotia a splendid affair. Of particular note are the award winning Fid Resto in Halifax featuring a menu with items like Seared Atlantic halibut with roasted organic carrots, parsnips and spinach, and Warm local wild mushroom tart with Fox Hill aged cheddar. The Fleur De Sel in Lunenberg is another highlight, having received three stars in the Where to Eat in Canada guide. The restaurant’s name comes from a fine gourmet salt that is sprinkled over dishes for that perfect hint of seasoning We love our food, and what better way to celebrate than with a fun food festival. Some particular ones you will want to check out include:
Lobsterpalooza—May 15 to July 1, 2010, at Margaree Forks on Cape Breton Island
Annual Englishtown Mussel Festival—June 26 at Englishtown on Cape Breton Island
Strawberry Festival—July 7 at West Pubnico
Blueberry Festival—August 5 at West Pubnico
Halifax Seaport Beerfest—August 13 and 14 in Halifax
Fall Fungi Foray and Feast—September 3 to 5 at North River Bridge in Cape Breton Island
Valley Pumpkin Fest—October 1 to 31 in Wolfville
Savor a taste of Nova Scotian life and make part of your Nova Scotia vacation dedicated to the culinary wonders of our Atlantic province by taking culinary tour of Nova Scotia. Take giuided tours of the regions and stay in cottages and hotels or a cozy bed and breakfast along the way.
