The old home town looks the same but the food has sure changed from my youth.
Fish & Chips is reliably good but the corner F&C shop is challenged by upscale restaurants and food trucks.
A return to the Merchant Tavern was a good decision. Still had the best scallops ever.
The Adelaide Oyster Bar has been around awhile but it was my first time and it was so good we managed to go twice. Best fish taco I’ve ever had and the oysters with house made pineapple habanero sauce were great. Reservations only for parties of 8 and they are very busy. The bar is open seating and service is good.
We tried 2 restaurants from Canada’s 100 Best; Portage and Terre.
The prices at Portage were shocking until the pre dinner chat with our host. He explained the menu was for sharing and suggested 1/2 portions of the pricier dishes. Lots of great veggie dishes and the standout of the meal was the lowly cabbage. Zoey’s cannoli with shrimp and sweet chili was cravable, forget about doing a half of that one. Focaccia with Burrata and hot honey amazing. Great service.
Terre impressed us with hospitality. A 6 hour hike turned into 11 hours and with a little communication they kept our table and then impressed us with the warm welcome and service. Smoked Oyster Caesar salad was the big winner. Crispy skin on cod fillet with beurre blanc did justice to the king of Newfoundland fish. They can drop the long cooked broccoli, it’s not a winner. Don’t pass up the Peanut Butter Semifreddo.
The St. John’s Fish Exchange Kitchen is reliable with good service and consistent food. Pretty loud though.
We finally tried Oliver’s and won’t be going back. The food was okay but the service was bad. Food cooled waiting to be delivered while servers were busy with their cell phones.
Back to the fish and chips. Sea Treats by Johnny & Mae has the best fish and chips and OMG lobster rolls. Located In a food truck lot with picnic tables in Quidi Vidi, don’t miss it.
Beyond food there are three things you shouldn’t miss when you visit St. John’s.
Presentation Convent to see the Veiled Virgin by Giovanni Strazza. It is a masterpiece in Carrera marble. You’d have to go to the Vatican Museum in Rome to see anything else like it. Ring the door bell at the convent between 10 and Noon or 1 – 5pm Monday to Friday.
A short walk away is The Rooms. The view of the harbour is unbeatable but the whole museum is great. Be sure to check Billy Gauthier’s magnificent new carving, “The Earth, Our Mother”. Carved from a fin whale skull, it is a magnificent piece.
And finally the Memorial University Botanical Gardens on Mt Scio Road is a great place for a walk. I loved the driftwood moose by artist Mike Batten of Topsail Driftwood. There are plenty of little surprises along the wasy.
Newfoundland is a great place to visit. The island is big and driving is easy but you must book cars well in advance. You can be sure of a warm welcome.
Cathy’s Taste @TheTravelGroup 