Good Eats in Charlottetown

The Water/ Prince Shop Restaurant

Great food, great company and great conversations while you are traveling; what more can a traveler ask for? I have been fortunate here in PEI as I have tasted some very delicious local food.

We enjoyed the lobster roll and fried clams at the Water and Prince Shop Restaurant at the corner of Water St. and Prince St. This is not a big restaurant and it only seats thirty people max. So you need to reserve to ensure eating for you. 

Deep Fried Clams

We did make reservation at the restaurant. Yoko and I had a look around the shops at the waterfront, took pictures of some great scenery and sat down for our lobster roll and clam dinner.

Tasty Lobster Roll

The lobster roll was delicious!  The meat was fresh and tasty.  Yuuummmmy!   We could taste the freshness of the Atlantic Ocean in our mouths. One of the best we ever tasted and it was served with a good serving of potato salad.

Seafood Udon noodles and salad

Besides tasting the traditional fresh seafood such as lobster rolls, fish and chips, mussels, shrimps, clams that this island has to offers, I also tasted some special food that I did not expect.

Japanese food - Mr. Sushi

 I was pleasantly surprised to find a half decent Japanese restaurant serving sushi at Mr. Sushi, downtown.
 I am not a friend of raw fish but did enjoy the hot Udon seafood noodles, salad, and vegetarian rolls. But if you are hungry, I do not recommend you to order the seafood noodles. Try something more substantial instead.

I went on a Tuesday evening, so it was nice and quiet while I was enjoying my meal.

Authentic northern Chinese dishes - Beijing Restaurant

Sometimes, you could have a great meal at a great price in a small restaurant.

This is exactly what Yoko and I have discovered at the Beijing Restaurant at University and Euson. It is  a tiny place tucked in between some houses with a small sign. We almost missed it had we not seen the Chinese characters on the window.

We stuffed ourselves with sweet and sour soup, Beijing spareribs, chile chicken and egg fried rice.
Yoko was happy because she missed eating rice a lot since she came here.

We could always count on the Farmers' Market for some delicious food every week. When my brother came to visit me last Saturday, I took him there to try the seafood chowder which I liked very much. But they served something else instead.

No problem, we tried the cabbage roll and peroges
instead and it was good homemade food, just as satisfying.

Home made Chocolate covered chips

Before I came to Charlottetown, I never heard of chocolate covered chips. Hey, there is always the first time! I tried my first chocolate covered chips at the Cow's and it was sinfully yummy good!

But what was a nice surprise was back at the hostel, Louise, ( from Maine, U.S) and Charlotte ( from B.C.)  made some homemade chocolate covered chips themselves and shared with everyone. It was just as good!

Crunchy & delicious Kale Chips by Louise and Charlotte!

Another new food that I never tried before was fresh Kale Chips made by Louise and Charlotte.


I have been trying to be a vegetarian. What a joke! After all these meaty dishes I have had in Charlottetown, I am ashamed and I don't know how to face my vegan son when I get back home

Louise & Charlotte with their the chocolate covered chips

 






I never knew how to cook and serve Kale until today.  The girls put the kale leaves on a baking sheet, drizzled some oil, salt, pepper and spices on them, baked at 400 degree for a couple minutes until the edges turned a little brown. Voila!

Crunchy, tasty and excellent wholesome Kale Chips were made and served in front of us. I learned to make something extremely easy and healthy to prepare today. My trip to the East Coast is worth it!

Thank you to Louise and Charlotte for the great ideas! 

R.T. Charlottetown
June 30, 2012

O little town of Charlottetown, great food & desserts!

Wherever I go, I love to try the local food and all the little places that may not be too well known for tourists but do offer great taste and reflect its people.

Yoko and I are not just meat and potato people; we are adventurous and are willing to sample anything that are edible which we don't have to kill ourselves. When we first set out to find places to eat, little did we know that Charlottetown has so much to offer when it comes to the variety of food from which we could choose to satisfy our hunger. Here are just a sample of what we tried and enjoyed:

At Victoria Row on Richmond and Queen St., we could choose mussels cooked in six different delicious sauces at half price, ( Monday to Sunday, between 2- 5p.m.) and served with fresh bread nicely arranged in a wired glass.

Some days, there might be a band or jazz music playing either inside the restaurant on the stage outside. The two times when we were there, the sound of jazz and great music accompanied us as we
savored the taste and freshness of PEI seafood.

Delicious mussels cooked in 6 different sauces at half price!

For desserts, we tasted the Dutch treats at Poffertjes,  located right across from the Confederation Centre for the Arts.

I did not expect to find such delicate European desserts on this island. But I did and watched how these tasty treats were prepared right in front of my eyes.

Poffertjes - Tasty, light and delicious little Dutch crepes

Lucy prepared the batter in her kitchen. When a customer placed an order, the batter was poured into a hot oiled iron pan with little wells from a

stainless steel container. A dozen of tiny Dutch crepes were cooked lovingly in front of us. When these little crepes were done in perfection, they were lightly dusted with powdered sugar just before they were served.

 As she prepared these tiny treats, Lucy, the owner, asked about our travels. She was always very friendly and  made you feel like you were a guest in her kitchen at her home.

I was hoping that I could feed myself with veggies and fruits during my three weeks in Charlottetown so that I could shed a few pounds here.

But I failed miserably as I walked by these wonderful eating places. I could hardly resist the aroma, the sight and taste of all the great food that are offered around me.

What the heck! I could always go on a diet back home.  Right now, I am simply enjoying what this island has to offer!

R.T., Charlottetown

A taste of Dutch at Poffertjes, Victoria Row

Confederation Centre Public Library, Charlottetown - A Beehive of Activities

I have been staying in Charlottetown for my writing holiday since the second week of June and am enjoying my experience here. Last week I got an email with an important document attached via the email. I needed to print, sign, scan and send this document back as soon as I could. I was willing to pay for what I needed to get done and  was looking for a Staples Store but could not find one close to where I was staying. In our email exchanges, my son reminded me: ” Charlottetown is a modern city; they must have a place where they could help you to do this.”

Eureka!  The Public Library - I found all that technology and services I needed at the Confederation Centre Public Library and at no charge! ( Except for the 10 cent a page when I printed out my document.) That was where I went to access my document on the internet, print it, sign and scan it back via the email.  Problem solved!

For a small city, I am amazed at how big and well equipped the library is.  The public library is not a dingy little place, but a good size building located in the historic downtown district of Charlottetown. It is right next to the Confederation Centre of Arts building, located on the corner of  Richmond Street and Queen. It has two floors with various sections dedicated to different users.

Seats for the little ones during muppet shows

It is a place for everyone and for all age groups. For example on the main floor of the library, I found:

A  Children’s Section with a Muppet Theatre
     and seats for the young audiences.
·     

There are toys for the little ones and board games on the shelves for the older children.

Children's Section

 
    


       This part of the library is brightly and cheerfully decorated.

Chess table at the Children Section
All set up ready for a game of the mind.

Reading is not the only thing children can do in the library.

There are many other activities  for the kids to do/













A  new program called  Teen Summer Reading Club will run for six weeks this year.

A Section for Teens

       
       This space is inviting, decorated with modern, cool and comfy sectional sofas and chairs for teens who wish to relax, read quietly or do their work on their lab tops.

Free computer equipment and time for the pubic to use

·         Computer Stations – They are free for the general public to use.
 
      There are twelve computer stations set up for anybody who wishes to access the internet and to google / search for information. There is a printer and scanner set up and ready for use as well.

A Feature Film and Television Series    Section – It houses a fairly recent and good size collection of movies, TV shows on DVD’s and VHS tapes.  Anyone with a library card could borrow these shows and movies for free. You don’t really need to visit the video rental stores!  ( No wonder I did not see any Blockbusters or huge videos rental stores here.)

              Besides borrowing free movies and TV shows from the library, you can even download      e-books or audio books.   All for free!  How cool is that! 

Charlottetown Public Library - A great place to relax and read!

Scattered throughout the library, there are many comfortable over-sized chairs;  one can easily grab a book, curl up, read and lose the track of time.


The best part about it - it opens everyday of the week, even Sundays year round!!!

EAL Learning Section - Located on the 2 nd floor of the library

 On the second floor of the library, there are two sections:

1.  A Reference Section -  with shelves of reference books, and tables, chairs set up for  people like me who need a quiet place to research, read and write.

2  An EAL Section – for  EAL users - English as an Additional Language,  ( I learned a new term here.)  books, resource materials, English learning software such as Rosetta Stone, and computers are readily available here.

Toys and games for the kids

  In partnership with the Newcomers Association of Charlottetown, the Public Library offers free one on one English tutoring classes to its new residents.

 EAL learners wishing to access these free private English lessons can register with the Newcomers Association and they will match volunteer tutors with the newcomers. A great service indeed!







In addition to the different sections that the library has set up catering to its different users, it offers many different programs such as children`s reading programs, puppet plays, family story time, chess club, origami, teddy bear's picnic, book talks, special classes, literary and community events throughout the year.










It is a community place where a beehive of activities happen on a regular basis.

 The public library is well used. About 4000-5000 people make use of the library weekly.

 The Confederation Public Library, Charlottetown, has been my home for the past three weeks while I am spending my writing holiday here.

I am glad that I have a place where I could concentrate and do my research.  I have been here everyday writing and working on my project.  It is a relief that I don’t have to visit McDonald's or Starbucks to use their WiFi, ordering and taking in all that sugary liquids while I am writing.


The Public Library is a beautiful, modern and relaxing place that offers many great services to its residents.

It is centrally located, accessible and the staff is friendly and helpful. With their assistance, ( a big thank you  to Trina, Chief Librarian, and Sarah for their infinite patience! )  I learned how to blog, post and start my blogging project here.



The Public Library is a great place to be!  For everyone!

R.T. Charlottetown
June 28, 2012

Backpackers' Inn, Charlottetown - Meeting people from around the world

Visitors can relax on the front lawn of the Backpackers Inn

One of the most wonderful things about traveling is meeting new people. Staying at the Backpackers' Inn  ( located at the corner of  Hillsborough St. and  Sydney Street) in downtown Charlottetown has provided me both with convenience and ample opportunities to meet other travelers.

 Though a small city by population - about 35,000 people, Charlottetown welcomes visitors from around the globe.  In the past two and half weeks,  I have met people from many different countries and learned something from many of these individuals.

Yoko, the Japanese student who has been studying English in Halifax, and  my roommate / camera buddy in Charlottetown
for a week,  and we had great fun together!

Nina (a Master graduate from Ottawa), Yoko,  and I attended a country music concert together at the Canadian Legion Hall.

Yoko discovered that beer and country music goes really well together!   This is a Canadian tradition, eh?

I learned about the farm stay and work program from Taiga, another student  from Japan studying English in Canada. He has worked on farms in Calgary, Quebec, stayed for free, eaten healthy hearty farm meals, learned English and Canadian cultures. He has traveled extensively in Canada and is continuing on with his adventure.

The kitchen at the hostel is a social place where everyone goes, has a coffee, chats and exchanges travel ideas and makes friends from around the world.

Judi from Australia, Yoko, and other travelers from Japan, Taiwan and parts of Canada at the hostel
kitchen.

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Reading the horoscope at the breakfast table, and finding out if you are going to be lucky that night is a morning ritual at the Backpackers’ Inn.

Free morning coffee, homemade delicious chocolate cake ( a secret recipe at the hostel ), peanut butter and banana sandwiches and good conversations.
What a way to start your day!





Debora, from Italy and came here to learn English,

helped me with my beginners' Italian.

Lorna , a warm and friendly lady I met at the Friendship Room and we have had good chats together.

 Bekah,  Laura, Ashley, Demott, Anne from the British Isles, Matt from Halifax,  Marco and Sven from Germany, Levi, and other wonderful staff at the hostel are friendly and keep the place clean, cosy and very comfortable!

Thank you to staff at the Backpackers' Inn - My home away from home for three weeks in Charlottetown!

R.T. Charlottetown
June 27, 2012

Community Sharing Day - Free things for anyone who needs them

Community Sharing Day -   Free Books for all!

The last time I visited Charlottetown, we were just passing by, therefore, I did not have enough time to experience what life is really like on east coast.

This time, I have spent almost two weeks in this historic city, learning about the life and culture of this community and am enjoying it tremendously.




Shoes, Sports Equipments - you name it and it was there !

What  has impressed me most is the sense of community and the caring and generous spirit the people of Charlottetown demonstrate to one another.

The event held last Saturday was an epitome of that spirit. This Community Sharing Day was advertised outside the bulletin board of the Murphy's Community Centre, 200 Richmond Street, for a few weeks and invited local residents to bring their donations to the building for the Community Sharing Day on June 23.


 What was special about this event was that anybody could come in and pick up the donated items for free on that day. What a great and generous idea! Imagine, if you were a single person starting out on your own, or students and newcomers who have just moved in from other places, or someone who just need a few things. Why throw the stuffs to the landfill when your neighbors or someone from the community could reuse them?




 This was one event I had not heard of or experienced myself. Naturally, I went and and personally experienced this special Community Sharing Day.

Free Dishes for anyone who wanted them

All the donations were displayed in the gym with long tables lining around the room and in the middle. Items were grouped together and displayed by categories:  books, dishes, tools, shoes, tv sets, exercise equipment, furniture items such as chairs, tables, even wall units, small appliances, arts and craft items, picture frames etc.

There were tables and tables and it was like a big community garage sale, many people were there, looking and shopping for things they needed or interested them, except it was  All FREE!  Wow, it blew me away!

Free music and entertainment!

In addition to the donated items for anyone who needed and could take for free,  there were a couple of gentlemen playing their musical instruments providing free entertainment in the gym.There was  free haircut service set up in the room across; a few people seated comfortably and waiting patiently for their turn.

Free fitness class!

Outside the community centre, a section of the street was blocked off, so pedestrians could part take in this event without the stress of worrying about the traffic.  There were BBQ stands set up,  free UFit classes for anyone who wanted to join in and have some fun. Not known to be shy, I took advantage of the free class and joined in for a little while.  Many people did come out and enjoyed a day of community sharing. It was an uplifting event and a marvelous community sharing day for the people of Charlottetown!

I really hope that this generous spirit of helping and sharing will spread across Canada and across the globe one day!

R.T. Charlottetown
June 23, 2012

The Friendship Room – A Daily Gathering Place

Coffee/ tea are served daily at the Friendship Room

The Friendship Room is a drop in place in the downtown of Charlottetown, PEI.  It opens from 9 am- 11:30a.m., Mondays  to Fridays , everyday !  I was surprised to find out that anyone could go in, get a free tea or coffee, something to eat,  sit down and chat with others.  Since I am visiting the city, I went to the Friendship Room for a few times and have my morning coffee there.

The Friendship Room is located in the basement of the Salvation Army Community Church building at Fitzroy and Prince Street .  This daily coffee hour program is run by volunteers from the church.  

There are volunteers working here everyday to run this program. Besides serving coffee/ tea, muffins and donuts donated by local restaurants, the volunteers  wash and put away dishes,  organize donated food items and display them on tables.  There are always some unsold prepared food items such as potato salad, Cole slaw salad, bread, cheese etc.  sent by the local grocery stores. The patrons could pick up any of these food items on their way out of the Friendship Room.

Betty was honoured for her dedicated volunteer work at the Friendship Room

After pouring a cup of hot tea for myself at the drink station, I sat down at one of the many large round tables.  There were four men and a lady chatting away and enjoying their morning coffee at our table. In the middle of the table was a large plate of a variety of mini donuts, muffins and cakes. Everyone helped him/herself to the treats

Betty's last day after twelve years of volunteer service

Today was a special day. It was the last day for Betty, one of the regular volunteers,  who has dedicated her mornings, efforts and love to this place for the past twelve years. The place was packed!  People came out to honour this lovely lady with a big heart who has given so much to this place.  Betty,  a friendly and cheerful volunteer for twelve years,  was  the person  who spotted me when I came here for the first time. Though she was busy doing a multitude of tasks, she came me out of the kitchen,  gave me a big hug, welcomed me cheerfully and introduced me to everyone.

The Living Waters Musical Group

A group called the Living Waters, was playing guitars and singing songs at the front while people were enjoying their breakfast.  Volunteers were busy serving a hot breakfast of eggs, sausages and toasts to the guests.  People were talking,  laughing and sharing their news with their friends. A couple of young families with young children were there as well.   There were  around 60-70 people enjoying this friendly atmosphere when I got there at  9:30a.m. 

Thank you to Betty from patrons of the Friendship Room

Since today was Betty’s last day volunteering at the Friendship Room, she was asked to say a few words and presented flowers by Ian Scott, and Deanna Scott, officers of the Salvation Army Community Church that sponsored this program.




Betty was very emotional, tearfully sharing her thoughts about this place and how she hoped that one day when she got old there would be people who would also volunteer their time to serve others.  People applauded and expressed their heartfelt  appreciation. One by one, they went up and gave Betty their hugs and best wishes.

Hot delicious breakfast was served the day when I was there.

 The Friendship Room provides a great opportunity and place for the needy residents of Charlottetown  to hang out, make friends and just talk on a daily basis.  For those who are shy and prefer to be quiet and sit by themselves, they could just sip their coffee quietly, enjoy the treats on the table and listen to the nice music and watch the program. No pressure; no demands here.

Evelyn and  Anne - Volunteers of the Friendship Room

It is because of dedicated volunteers such as Betty, Evelyn and Anne that the Friendship Room can continue to operate daily and serve the people of Charlottetown. Hats off to you all - Volunteers of the Friendship Room, the unsung heroes of the Charlottetown community!

R.T. Charlottetown

June 20, 2012