Warning: Do not read this post if hungry (or thirsty). Believe me, it was tough to write on an empty stomach and without any delicious beer in the house. But no one can say I don’t suffer for my art… 😉
If you think Newfoundland cuisine consists only of deep-fried everything washed down with Screech, you are in for a big surprise. Joanne and I ate like queens and drank like fishes princesses during our recent week on the Rock. You can read my earlier post about this trip here.
One of our early meals (and favourites) was brunch at the Mallard Cottage. This highly recommended restaurant is in the old-time fishing village in St. John’s known as Quidi Vidi. You’ll be seeing a lot of this name in this post as it also hosts a damn fine brewery.
The menu board and sweets table at the Mallard Cottage, Quidi VidiI started off with a High Tea Cocktail. Gin made out of icebergs, people! Oh yes.Joanne and I split the fish cakes and the Chef’s Plates (a series of dishes the chef dreamed up). We were seated at a communal table, which was the most fun as we got to chat with locals as well as fellow travellers. I would say yes to a communal table any time!Of course, we had to try some cod and chips one night for supper! Ches’s was only mere steps from our AirBnB apartment in St. John’s. And what goes better with fish and chips than Quidi Vidi beer? “Mmmmm…beer” – H. Simpson After our boat trip and hiking Witless Bay, we were starving. We stopped at the Irish Loop Coffee House just minutes before closing. They graciously fed us anyways. Such a cool little place, completely furnished with retro-style dinette sets. Joanne had the sweet potato pancakes and I inhaled the brie and bacon croissant. Sorry, no pictures were taken of our mains due to hands being occupied shoving the food in our pieholes. But I did snap the following:Is there anything better than a cold Quidi Vidi after a hike? It’s becoming a thing with us.I did manage to regain my blogger’s wits enough to snap a photo of the most amazing lemon bread pudding that Joanne and I shared for dessert, though.Just so you know, not every drink on this trip was alcoholic….LOL! After a jaunt up to Signal Hill – where we froze in the bitter wind – lo and behold a Newfoundland Chocolate Company Cafe conveniently located partway down the Hill…oh those canny Newfoundlanders and their delicious hot chocolate! Note Joanne’s restrained pose while I took the picture. Atta girl! One evening we were invited to dine at my brother-in-law’s sister’s house where we were introduced to this bad boy. Newfoundland Distillery is a business started by a niece of this lovely couple and we would just happen to be driving right by on our way to Harbour Grace the next day, to visit with BIL’s other sister. Kismet, I tell ya!Yeah, we parked in the next door church’s parking lot. Well, it was empty-ish and we didn’t stay long. Just purchased some delicious seaweed gin and went merrily on our way. After touring Harbour Grace, we took another of BIL’s sisters out to dinner at The Stone Jug, in nearby Carbonear. Which has a rich history involving a princess and a pirate. The green, white and pink flag (see also NFLD Chocolate Cafe, above) is the flag of the former Republic of Newfoundland. Newfoundland became a province of Canada only in 1949. Quite an amazing interior.
We inhaled enjoyed delicious Quidi Vidi iceberg beer with our equally delicious burgers. Beer made out of icebergs, people! Oh, yes!
Even our last meal (at the St. John’s airport, in the YellowBelly Brewery Pub) was delicious. Here are Joanne’s steamed mussels (with curry sauce).And here is my scrumptious cod burger with side salad, liberally doused with candied nuts. Not pictured – our yummy YellowBelly beers. I don’t know why.
Oh my, this was a tough post to write – but now I’m ready to wipe the drool off my chin find something to eat (and drink) in Chez Badass. Hope you enjoyed our culinary adventures in Newfoundland!
45 thoughts on “Newfoundland Trip: Food and Drink Edition”
Lemon Bread Pudding!? Googling that soon! Living near New Orleans I ate plenty of fine bread pudding, but never with lemon. Sounds wonderful. The seaweed gin also sounds intriguing. Thanks for sharing your trip!!!
I’m so relieved to see that you two were able to keep your strength up after your exhausting hikes! And, who knew that Newfoundland specialized in diet food and drink? You two really know how to travel!
What an incredible trip and what incredible food!! Ya’ know, I’m just gonna’ say it, American food sucks. I love the communal table. That would be super cool! So happy you had this experience. You just looked so vibrant all the way thru it! 🙂
Mimi, I just have to come to your country’s defense and say that I’ve had many incredible meals in the US so I know that not all American food sucks. American (and Canadian) fast/chain restaurant food can leave something to be desired, sure…but there are plenty of restaurants that really celebrate food and I love to seek those out on my travels. I hope more restaurants embrace the communal table and make it a thing! We need more personal connection in this digital age! Thanks!
You’re right. There are some awesome places to get a great meal but overall I think we miss the intimate relationship between food and people. European countries always seem to celebrate the meal and make it special. Or, maybe I just want to travel. Hahaha 🙂
My mouth was drooling remembering every delicious bite!
Adding my own special shout-out to the Irish Loop Coffee House. Such a cute little cafe, with great food, and an AWESOME staff for staying open to feed these hungry adventurers. These ladies personified the graciousness of the Newfoundlander we encountered every day!
Hehehe! Unfortunately snakes are not native to Newfoundland but I think some have been introduced (not intentionally though) and are surviving on the western part of the island. Thanks Don!
I love the serving plates of iron skillets at Mallard cottage and always also enjoy communal tables. There is usually such a nice casual vibe with that kind of setting. Always a sucker for fish n chips ( having grown up in South Africa where this was a staple vacation food for us as kids). And ooh yes to those mussels and that dessert. Looks like some epic meals were had!
I love that you took a bite of that cod burger before taking the photo. Can’t remember the times I snap at my husband, “put that back, I have to get a picture.” I can almost hear Joanne’s voice saying that to you. I have loved going back and forth between your blogs discovering this beautiful place. Beautiful scenery, great food, good company; memorable trip.
Thanks Suzanne! But Joanne would never say that to me. 😁 I’m the one that stopped myself after that first delicious bite, because I had forgotten to snap a pic of this great meal.
Hi Deb, I appreciate how you suffered for us with all the amazing food. You may have “accidentally” scratched out “fishes” in your post:). I think I need to upgrade my breakfast shake this morning at Chez/Erica. Great photos! btw I haven’t heard the word “pinholes” in a long time.😂
Thank you for this wonderfully foodie post. I know how much work goes into a post like this: the hard work put into consumption of the goodies, the diligent photo-taking (this coming from one who often forgets in the fervour of the moment), and then the time it takes to put the post together. Enthusiastic applause from me!
Wow Deb, that’s some amazing food to blog about. And not to forget, drink!! Quidi Vidi, where did that name come from?
Adel and I just came back from Paris and in August we will be going to Osnabrück, Germany. We be visiting a museum dedicated to the battle of the Teutoberg Forest, between the Roman legions under command of Varus and the Germans led by Arminius (Hermann).
But that aside, love your blog and I am curious whether the Roxodus mishap/scam will be a subject.
Wow, Cuzzin! Great to see you here on ye olde blogge! Sounds like you have a great summer planned. Good for you guys! Ya, I’ll probably be bitching about Roxodus here shortly 😜🤬🤬🤬🤬
OK, Joanne, So there is not much WFPB on the menu (that you highlighted, anyway) but we are IN for the local beer and booze.
Newfoundland is now DEFINITELY on the bucket list.
Lemon Bread Pudding!? Googling that soon! Living near New Orleans I ate plenty of fine bread pudding, but never with lemon. Sounds wonderful. The seaweed gin also sounds intriguing. Thanks for sharing your trip!!!
I know, right? If you find a good recipe let me know. On 2nd thought, maybe better not.😂
and a good time was had by all….looks really good Deb.
Leslie
Thanks Leslie!
🙂
That was some food!
It sure was. Having a hard time coming back to reality, even after more than a week!
I would too!
I’m so relieved to see that you two were able to keep your strength up after your exhausting hikes! And, who knew that Newfoundland specialized in diet food and drink? You two really know how to travel!
Hah! 🤣 You said it, Janis! Thanks!!!
Oh wow. The food looks amazing!
It was, AJ!
Good thing you were hiking!
Susanne, you are so right! We earned those indulgent meals 😋
What an incredible trip and what incredible food!! Ya’ know, I’m just gonna’ say it, American food sucks. I love the communal table. That would be super cool! So happy you had this experience. You just looked so vibrant all the way thru it! 🙂
Mimi, I just have to come to your country’s defense and say that I’ve had many incredible meals in the US so I know that not all American food sucks. American (and Canadian) fast/chain restaurant food can leave something to be desired, sure…but there are plenty of restaurants that really celebrate food and I love to seek those out on my travels. I hope more restaurants embrace the communal table and make it a thing! We need more personal connection in this digital age! Thanks!
You’re right. There are some awesome places to get a great meal but overall I think we miss the intimate relationship between food and people. European countries always seem to celebrate the meal and make it special. Or, maybe I just want to travel. Hahaha 🙂
I think you are right…on all counts! 💕
Fooooooood!!!
Drinnnnnnnk!!!
My mouth was drooling remembering every delicious bite!
Adding my own special shout-out to the Irish Loop Coffee House. Such a cute little cafe, with great food, and an AWESOME staff for staying open to feed these hungry adventurers. These ladies personified the graciousness of the Newfoundlander we encountered every day!
Ain’t that the truth! Thanks Joanne💕
I am salivating… and I JUST had lunch!
😁 Thanks Jonathan!
What, no snakes? Seriously, I’m jealous, that looks amazing. Always nice to have someone to go on adventures with, or so I’ve heard.
Hehehe! Unfortunately snakes are not native to Newfoundland but I think some have been introduced (not intentionally though) and are surviving on the western part of the island. Thanks Don!
love the stamped metal ceiling in that one restaurant.
(this is me, trying to distract myself from all of the mouth watering goodies in this post!)
Me too, Maggie! Love me a tin ceiling 💕
Ooh some great looking eats here!
I love the serving plates of iron skillets at Mallard cottage and always also enjoy communal tables. There is usually such a nice casual vibe with that kind of setting. Always a sucker for fish n chips ( having grown up in South Africa where this was a staple vacation food for us as kids). And ooh yes to those mussels and that dessert. Looks like some epic meals were had!
Peta
There absolutely were, Peta, thanks!
I love that you took a bite of that cod burger before taking the photo. Can’t remember the times I snap at my husband, “put that back, I have to get a picture.” I can almost hear Joanne’s voice saying that to you. I have loved going back and forth between your blogs discovering this beautiful place. Beautiful scenery, great food, good company; memorable trip.
Thanks Suzanne! But Joanne would never say that to me. 😁 I’m the one that stopped myself after that first delicious bite, because I had forgotten to snap a pic of this great meal.
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It all looks delicious! Thanks for the warning; luckily I just ate or I’d be getting hungry again for sure.
Hehehe…thanks Norm!
Hi Deb, I appreciate how you suffered for us with all the amazing food. You may have “accidentally” scratched out “fishes” in your post:). I think I need to upgrade my breakfast shake this morning at Chez/Erica. Great photos! btw I haven’t heard the word “pinholes” in a long time.😂
Autocorrected wrong: meant “pieholes”
Thanks Erica! 🤣
Oh, that food looks good. I am hungry right now. *stomach grumbles*
Sorry! You were warned 😋
😀 <3
Thank you for this wonderfully foodie post. I know how much work goes into a post like this: the hard work put into consumption of the goodies, the diligent photo-taking (this coming from one who often forgets in the fervour of the moment), and then the time it takes to put the post together. Enthusiastic applause from me!
Thanks Ju-Lyn! I forget too, as evidenced by the bite taken out of my cod burger 😁
Wow Deb, that’s some amazing food to blog about. And not to forget, drink!! Quidi Vidi, where did that name come from?
Adel and I just came back from Paris and in August we will be going to Osnabrück, Germany. We be visiting a museum dedicated to the battle of the Teutoberg Forest, between the Roman legions under command of Varus and the Germans led by Arminius (Hermann).
But that aside, love your blog and I am curious whether the Roxodus mishap/scam will be a subject.
Love, Peter.
Wow, Cuzzin! Great to see you here on ye olde blogge! Sounds like you have a great summer planned. Good for you guys! Ya, I’ll probably be bitching about Roxodus here shortly 😜🤬🤬🤬🤬
OK, Joanne, So there is not much WFPB on the menu (that you highlighted, anyway) but we are IN for the local beer and booze.
Newfoundland is now DEFINITELY on the bucket list.
🍸🍻🥂🍹🍸🥃😁