Island Restaurant Update

Former paperclip impressario Ritchie Simpson will re-open the former Friendly Fisherman in Grand Tracadie in mid-May. Everyone I’ve talked to about this place raves about it in a way that makes it out to be a sort of fishy equivalent of the Algonquin Hotel, with a better view. I have now figured out, with Ann Thurlow’s help, where Grand Tracadie is located, which will help tremendously. I must admit to thinking that Tracadie and Grand Tracadie were the same place — I just thought people were being very complimentary when they spoke of “Grand” Tracadie, in the way Islanders say “it’s a grand day, isn’t it!” I was wrong.

The Home Brew Shoppe, longtime resident of Victoria Row in Charlottetown, has moved to the premises recently vacated by Ferguson Sales on Euston St. Ferguson Sales moved to the former Snookums pet shop on St. Peters Road. And a new restaurant named Kudo’s has a sign up in the Victoria Row location. No word on the cuisine, opening date, or ownership yet.

In the former Anne of Green Gables Tea Room on Queen St. there’s a new restaurant, rumoured to be serving Italian food, opening soon. Name is “Manhattans.”

The old Hughes Chrysler building, now home to Dow’s Furniture, is rumoured by be, in addition, home to a new Kenny Zakem-backed restaurant. Kenny ran The Perfect Cup Cafe on University Avenue back in the early 1990s after Bruce MacNaughton. He used to serve excellent, healthy food and in nice atmosphere. I have high hopes for the new place.

The Frosty Treat in Kensington is said to be under new ownership. Their ice cream won’t change, I hope: it’s unique.

Stefan Czapalay, former owner of Seasons in Thyme in Tyne Valley and Summerside, has resurfaced in Halifax at Chefs By Design, a catering operation. He was billed in the February Toronto Life as “Martime star chef Stefan Czapalay.” No word on whether he’s managed to repair the bridges he burned when he left Summerside.

Finally, if you’ve got a bum gallbladder, and need really, really simple food, the dining room at The Dundee Arms in Charlottetown does up a very nice plate of plain boiled rice.

Comments

Jevon's picture
Jevon on April 20, 2003 - 04:28 Permalink

Kenny’s spot is called “Angels”, I was there tonight, excellent food, beautiful place, and the prices are more than good. Lebanese buffet is on Sat. nights. Highly recommended. Reservations might be needed. It was packed tonight.

Service was excellent as well.

Dan James's picture
Dan James on April 20, 2003 - 05:03 Permalink

Don’t forget the old Harp and Thistle is under new management and a new name “Churchill Arms”.

Rob Paterson's picture
Rob Paterson on April 20, 2003 - 12:26 Permalink

Dan
Have they (the new management) changed the menu? I am sufferring from Curry privation
Rob

Craig Willson's picture
Craig Willson on April 20, 2003 - 13:26 Permalink

The curry remains unchanged and perfect. The only changes are to the non-curry menu items, and those changes are very minor. Two new items that I noticed, a grilled chicken sandwich and a new sauce (Fiddler’s sauce) for burgers.

Rob Paterson's picture
Rob Paterson on April 21, 2003 - 01:00 Permalink

great!

Derek Martin's picture
Derek Martin on April 21, 2003 - 14:42 Permalink

And, though it’s not exactly on the menu, you can get a grilled cheese and chutney sandwich at the Churchill now, though the Branston Pickle is gone.

I’m told Kudos is the same owner as Meekos.

Dave's picture
Dave on April 22, 2003 - 18:44 Permalink

The curry is 100%. I’m on stop 3 of 4 of curry tour.