25 minute read
Pour Decisions
Two beer or not two beer?
POUR
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By Jacqui Chaisson
Every year we like to showcase our favourite beverages, those we’ll be reaching for when the lazy, hazy days of summer have us looking for a cold, satisfying drink.
This is the summer of variety! Canned coolers are gaining popularity for 2021, and unique choices like Harvey Distilling Co.’s vodka coolers are going to be in everyone’s cooler this year. This new distiller in Albany is offering Lemon Lime, Pomegranate Apple and Blackberry flavours - refreshing!
The Island’s newest craft brewer is Village Green in Cornwall. They have a rotating offer of small batch brews each week - just another reason to make this your neighbourhood spot! Drop into their tasting room and surprise yourself.
One of my new favourite craft breweries is Lone Oak Brewing Co. With brews like South Shore, Fixed Link and Lupin, you know you’re getting an Island experience. South Shore is an approachable sour beer loaded with fruit flavour. Lupin, a Belgian saison is clean, aromatic and effervescent. It contains notes of bubblegum, clove, spice and herbs. Fixed Link, made with PEI malt and Maritime grown hops, is an effervescent German-inspired Pilsner that is clean, bright, and full of flavour.
Speaking of the fixed link, Tatamagouche Brewing Co. in Nova Scotia has a fabulous selection of brews to choose from, and they deliver with free shipping for orders over $95! Be sure to include Hippie Dippie and Deception Bay in your order (also available at the PEI Liquor stores). I recommend checking their website for their Weird Beer Series - a must-have this season!
My final favourite for 2021 is mead. Made of honey, it’s neither beer nor wine, it’s a category all on its own. Horns of Odin Craft Brewery Inc. produces a flavour for everyone; Beet, Rhubarb, Blueberry, and Rosehip just name just a few.
So, pour a glass! Skol, bottoms up and cheers!
TATAMAGOUCHE BREWING CO.
235 Main St, Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia 902.657.4000 www.tatabrew.com
Many years ago, a two-headed calf came to Tatamagouche. We think it’s no coincidence that he happened to show up here. After all, Tatamagouche is a place full of many strange and wonderful things. It’s a little town with big ideas. A town that’s always looking forward while still keeping an eye on the past.
This two-headed place is our home and it inspired us to make good beer for good people. Beer that just happens to be a mix of traditional and the unexpected.
We are the Tatamagouche Brewing Company. A family owned and operated microbrewery in the heart of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. In 2014, we converted an old butcher shop into a community brewery where we make small handcrafted batches of organic beer.
Come join us, and let’s raise a glass to Pure Tatamagoodness.
LONE OAK BREWING CO.
103 Abegweit Blvd, Borden-Carleton www.loneoakbrew.com
Lone Oak Brewing Co is excited to be bringing top quality beer and cider to consumers from PEI and around the world.
Our focus is on innovation and quality while striving to use local ingredients. Agriculture is an important pillar for the Island economy full of talented professionals, which is why we stand behind our farmers and their products.
South Shore is an approachable sour beer loaded with fruit flavour. A mixed fermentation with a blend of lactobacillus and brewer’s yeast formulates a complex sour beer with notes of peaches, stone fruit, pineapple, and mango.
Lone Oak also offers free home delivery! For more information on products, taproom events, delivery and more please visit their website at www.loneoakbrew.com.
HARVEY DISTILLING CO.
1804 Route #115, Albany www.harveydistilling.com
“Harvey Distilling Co. is a proudly Canadian, East Coast distillery nestled in the heart of PEI’s potato farming community of Albany. They’re launching this summer with three cool, crisp and ready-todrink vodka cocktails that will serve as reliable companions to all your summer adventures.”
Lemon Lime: A crisp and clear sparkling beverage naturally sweetened with hints of lemon and lime zest to liven up the taste buds.
Blackberry: A bold ripe-blackberry flavour that awakens your taste buds. Sweet and slightly tart with earthy notes.
Pomegranate Apple: A smooth and refreshing blend of fruits. The subtle aroma and sweetness of apples mixes beautifully with the tart flavour of ripe pomegranate.
HORNS OF ODIN CRAFT BREWERY INC.
13272 St Peter’s Road (Bedford Irving) 902.314.0188
Horns of Odin Craft Brewery Inc. was born after an inspirational trip to Iceland. There we sampled traditional mead whilst immersed in Nordic culture. Mead is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages on the planet. Made of honey, it’s neither beer nor wine...it’s a category all on its own. (Read all about it on page 16)
Simply put mead is similar to champagne but it is made by fermenting honey, then adding different fruits and flavours, which make it so good on a very warm day,
Drop into our tasting room and discover the unique flavours we are creating - and take a bottle home.
At Horns of Odin Craft Brewery Inc. we prepare an authentic mead with no preservatives, truly a nectar of the gods. We have lots of other flavours for you to try, Rhubarb, Fieldberry, Beet, Strawberry, and Toasted Marshmallow - to name just a few.
Open Thurs - Sat, 4 pm to 8 pm.
VILLAGE GREEN
30 Church Street, Cornwall 902.894.2700
Village Green is PEI’s newest brewery, located in the heart of Cornwall at 30 Church Street.
The nano-brewery and tasting room focus on providing guests with an ever changing beer experience that explores various brewing traditions.
Founded by brewer and Certified Cicerone Bryan Carver, Village Green offers up a variety of beer, from traditional English-style pub ales, modern interpertations of IPA, and easy drinking lager to complex Belgian influenced beers.
Folks can stop in to enjoy a pint in the tasting room or sit out on the sunny patio. Beer is available to go in cans and in growlers.
Holy Fox Food Truck is located next door in their converted Winnebago, offering up tasty meals focused on highlighting local producers and farmers.
Follow Village Green on social media platforms to get the latest updates on offering and the hours of operation.
BLUEBERRY HOPS
Meet Where the Sky Touches the Sea - The Sunset Room
By Katrina Geenevasen Photos Evan Ceretti
Anyone who’s ever watched in awe as the skies in PEI transformed from vibrant blues to fiery oranges and yellows over the roar of the ocean knows there’s just nothing quite like it.
“There truly is nothing like a Prince Edward Island sunset,” says Cameron Davis, owner of The Sunset Room, a restaurant and special event venue in Summerside.
Serving up unique and delicious island-inspired meals while providing a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, the location and layout (a banquet hall, covered deck, and seaside courtyard) provide for a one-of-a-kind venue that overlooks the beautiful Summerside harbour. “We like to say that Mother Nature provides the backdrop, and we do the rest,” says Davis.
Many guests often like to start off their meals with the potatoes stuffed with lobster and scallops. “When you think of PEI food, I don’t think you can get any more ‘Islander’ than that,” says Davis, overlooking his restaurant’s incredible ocean views.
From there, guests enjoy entrees such as the lobster-stuffed sole, sweet barbecue ribs, and scallop and lobster linguini. Fresh ingredients aside, there’s much more that goes into these dishes, says Davis. “I genuinely think the time and care that goes into each dish is what makes them so special.”
The Sipyard (a play on words based on the prior name of the building – The Shipyard) is located next to the main dining area. It’s the ultimate place to enjoy the best things in life because it offers just that, says Davis, the best things in life. “I’m talking about cold drinks, tasty food, great music and incredible views. It’s where you want to be after a long day of work. Out in the sun, looking out at the water and enjoying a cold beer.”
Davis isn’t exactly new to the restaurant business; the family legacy runs deep. There are several restaurateurs in his bloodline, most notably his grandparents, who started Gentleman Jim’s over 30 years ago in Summerside.
“I’ve always loved food, that’s for sure,” he says. “Cooking it, not so much. As a child I pretty much grew up at Gentleman Jim’s. I was spoiled in a sense that I got to eat there pretty much any time I wanted and, as a teenager, I definitely took advantage! I will always remember the dinners I got to enjoy with my family in different restaurant settings, especially when my grandfather was around to enjoy with us. These are the types of memories I want to help create for others.”
And he does just that - with the help of the spectacular views.
“There truly isn’t any other location like ours in Summerside! The views are something you have to see for yourself, and who doesn’t love a new patio to explore on our beautiful Island?” he asks.
Davis says the venue is something new for all Islanders to experience and cross off their bucket list. For those outside of Summerside who haven’t gotten to know the charming town, this is a great reason for any Islander to plan a visit.
“Book a weekend in Summerside, check out our venue at sunset, take a stroll on the waterfront, stop and check out some local artisans, and since you’re here, plan a trip to Thunder Cove Beach where you’ll find the famous Teacup Rock, only a 25-minute drive away. We’re proud of our town and what we can add to it, and trust us, we won’t disappoint you.” The Sunset Room was made possible by the CBDC, which “assists in the creation of small businesses and in the expansion and modernization of existing businesses by providing financial and technical services to entrepreneurs.”
“I would recommend CBDC because they have been excellent to work with,” says Davis. “Any questions I have had have been answered quickly and they have provided more services than a traditional lender would. With CBDC it feels like they are truly rooting for you which isn’t always how it feels when working with other lenders. It has been an enjoyable experience overall.”
Opposite Top: (L-R) Tina Dickieson, CBDC Executive Director, Rachel Adams, CBDC Project & Communications Officer, Julie Smith, CBDC Administrative Assistant Above (left): Danae Iatrou (right): Cory Savidant Below: Cameron Davis The Sunset Room 370 Water St, Summerside 902.436.8439 www.peisunsetroom.com @the.sunset.room CBDC Central PEI
11 Water Street, Summerside 902.888.3793 www.cbdc.ca
Kitchens Unlimited, House of Kitchens & Fine Dining, features a wide selection of stylish, functional topquality kitchenware, from brand names you know and love.
Ann Chaisson, Manager Kitchens Unlimited Confederation Court Mall 134 Kent Street, Charlottetown 902.566.2252
Cafe Culture Coffee Necessities Make the perfect cup of coffee with Cafe Culture! (L-R) Pour over coffee carafe, coffee grinder, stovetop espresso maker.
Island Made!
Meyer Cookware Meyer is Canada’s only cookware manufacturer, and the PEI factory has been making cookware for Canadians since 1979. Meyer takes exceptional pride in the quality that goes into every product, taking the time and care that’s needed to make sure every one delivers outstanding performance in the kitchen.
Maxwell & Williams Cooking will never be a chore again, with this fantastic range of cookware and bakeware. From oven-to-table feasts to luscious desserts, a sure favourite for every entertainer, Maxwell & Williams is a modern alternative with a contemporary matte finish and a unique textured glaze.
Swedish Dishcloths Replace 17 rolls of paper towels with just one Swedish dishcloth! These eco-friendly dishcloths can absorb 20x their weight. These washable and compostable dishcloths can be reused time and time again to clean up household messes and spills!
Be summer ready!
PackIt Wine Tote This reusable wine tote bag features PackIt’s patented cooling technology. To use, freeze overnight (12 hours). By morning, the walls of the bag will be completely frozen, ready to cool liquids for hours.
Govino Shatterproof Wine Glass The Govino dishwasher safe 12 oz. wine glass means you’ll never have to deal with a broken glass again. Boasting an elegant tulip-shaped design, these glasses are made from a flexible polymer that’s shatterproof, reusable, and recyclable. The ultra-thin glasses also feature an innovative thumb notch to give you the perfect grip.
The Essential Salad Tools OXO Good Grips Little Salad & Herb Spinner ensures you start with crisp ingredients. Make your own salad dressing and serve it up right with RSVP International’s salad spoons.
HOME INSPECTIONS THAT DRAW ON “A GREAT FOUNDATION”
By Rebecca Spinner Photos Evan Ceretti
Most house-hunters devote breathtaking time and attention to the homebuying process. But if they’ve tracked down a gorgeous, perfectly situated property, and they’re on the verge of making an offer, they may find themselves hard-pressed to try to assess the home’s flaws.
Yet property flaws can impact residents’ comfort, safety, and wellbeing--as well as a home’s value. Home inspection guards against those potential dangers and expenses, and certified home inspector Bernard MacKinnon has noticed professional inspections becoming crucial to more and more buyers and sellers.
“The market’s gotten more competitive and aggressive,” he explains. “People often have to book a tentative inspection before putting in an offer now.”
MacKinnon has conducted certified home inspections on PEI for years through his company,
“My father often told me that ‘experience is a good teacher,’” says home inspector Bernard MacKinnon, a long-time carpentry and construction professional.
Assurance Inspections. On the job in local residences, he’s come across everything from amusing behind-thescenes repairs (such as a dryer vent secured using tape branded with a hockey team logo) to urgent issues that should clearly be reflected in a home’s price.
“During an inspection, I try to find things that weren’t constructed correctly, or that are failing--for example, weather damage or rot,” MacKinnon explains. “I try to give potential buyers an idea of what they’re getting into.”
MacKinnon was a licensed carpenter and construction professional before becoming a certified home inspector and continues to accept occasional carpentry and construction contracts through Assurance Inspections. “I’ve done construction since the late nineties, and I’ve worked on several new builds,” he says. “I think I’ve worked in almost every area of homebuilding. I had a great foundation.”
That “great foundation” has provided MacKinnon with insight on the strengths and weaknesses of PEI homes, specifically. “Different regions have different building styles,” he says. “Houses in Alberta, for example, tend to be constructed differently than here. I enjoy educating clients about what’s typical, and what’s not.”
Of course, while certain types of homes may be especially common on PEI, the Island contains a variety of residences; a Charlottetown luxury condo varies wildly from a cottage or oceanfront bungalow. And buyers investing in a heritage property will probably already be planning an in-depth inspection. “I look for specific things in particular types of houses, based on their style, age or location,” MacKinnon confirms.
By helping to build homes “from the ground up,” as he puts it, MacKinnon also gained a broad understanding of homebuilding outside carpentry. “When a different trade showed up onsite, I always wanted to know what they were doing, and how they were doing it,” he reminisces.
That curiosity has served him well as a home inspector, providing him with a baseline ability to flag problems and hazards with plumbing and wiring. At the same time, his extensive professional network allows him to seek reassurance for clients. “If I come across something I haven’t seen before during an inspection, I call a tradesperson I’ve worked with and try and get an answer.”
In past years, MacKinnon notes, Assurance Inspections’ packed autumn schedule has required clients to book further ahead; however, you may be able to arrange a same-week inspection if you’re buying or selling a home this summer.
Assurance Home Inspections Bernard MacKinnon 902.940.5138 info@assuranceinspections.ca www.assuranceinspections.ca
KEY MURRAY LAW:
The Local Law Firm Helping the Island and Its Team Flourish
By Alana Lauren Photos Sara Bakker
Thelegal specialties of Key Murray Law’s team vary; many employees are well-versed in several. Ryan MacDonald, a partner with the firm, focuses on more than one type of law, including real estate--which, he says, was exceptionally important throughout 2020 and 2021.
“Many PEI law firms have been busy during the pandemic,” says MacDonald. “Real estate transactions are one area where KML [Key Murray Law] has seen an increase in business, since many people are relocating to the Island or refinancing.”
Accessibility to Islanders is an evident priority for KML. Clients can visit offices in Charlottetown, O’Leary, Souris, or Summerside; together, the offices comprise a team of several dozen people. Clients can also retain an English- or French-speaking lawyer. With the government and courts relaxing several policies, lawyers are now also able to meet and sign documents remotely through video conference platforms.
KML is invested in their Islander clientele, donating to dozens of PEI causes (including the Prince County Hospital Foundation and Camp Gencheff). The firm is returning to the Charlottetown Festival for 2021 as a sponsor of Dear Rita; KML is also a participating sponsor for the 2023 Canada Winter Games. The team is present annually at the Prince County Hospital Foundation’s fundraiser dinner, MacDonald notes. “The firm believes in sponsoring events that give us an opportunity to give back to, and be part of, the communities in which we live and work.”
There were amazing family office parties happening behind the scenes at Key Murray Law prior to COVID-19. Events for the legal team’s loved ones featured pizza, sleigh rides, bouncy
Top (Images L-R) #1 L-R: Associates Pamela Stewart, Conor Mullin, Richard Collier, #2 Seated - Lynn Murray Q.C., Partner, Standing - Sherri Quinn Jewell, Legal Assistant, Vanessa Folland, Legal Assistant, Shannon Farrell, Partner #3 Elaine Ross - Receptionist, #4 L-R: Property Assistants Renee Blanchard, Emma Gallant, and Kelsey Brazel
Right: Leanne Rosa, Litigation Paralegal, Maureen Stewart, Legal Assistant
Bottom: (L-R) Madison Ranta, Legal Summer Student, Shea Callaghan, Articled Clerk
Left: Ryan MacDonald
castles and hockey games. Those parties aren’t just great inspiration for readers’ post-pandemic events--they’re a strong signal that KML is a firm that celebrates its team’s families.
“We all spend a great amount of time at work, and it’s great to be able to meet the partners, spouses, significant others and children of those who we work with,” says MacDonald.
The next full-fledged KML office party may be some time from now; still, the independent firm remains clearly focused on work-life balance. On its website, several lawyers list a favourite hobby or cause alongside details about their practice. (MacDonald’s page notes his enthusiasm for rugby.) And when MacDonald tells PEI Living that “the KML family is growing,” he’s not referring solely to a prestigious hire or new location, but to the multiple employees welcoming a child in 2021. KML’s Summer Student Program
Law and administration students receive an opportunity to apply their studies during the summer months at Key Murray Law, thanks to the firm’s summer student program.
“The students benefit from working on actual client files with lawyers; the program gives them hands-on experiences as they further their education,” explains lawyer Ryan MacDonald.
Key Murray Law
Charlottetown: 80 Grafton Street, Suite 200 902.894.7051 charlottetown@keymurraylaw.com
O’Leary: 446 Main Street 902.859.3864 oleary@keymurraylaw.com
Souris: 106 Main Street 902.687.2048 souris@keymurraylaw.com
Summerside: 494 Granville Street 902.436.4851 summerside@keymurraylaw.com
- Melanie Shaw
COME HOME TO QUALITY
WITH MELANIE SHAW
By Katrina Geenevasen Photos Evan Ceretti
As a little girl, Melanie Shaw would look at houses she passed and longingly wonder, “What would it be like to live in that home?”
That same little girl grew up and took herself to university, setting out on what was supposed to be a completely different life path. Fate had other plans, though.
During one summer break, Shaw decided to sign up for the real estate course, and fell in love with everything about it.
She sold her first home in Toronto, and Shaw found herself doing exactly what she was born to do.
“l’ll never forget the young couple and the excitement they had purchasing their first home,” says Shaw. “I could hardly sleep that night. I remember calling my parents at 1 o’clock in the morning to tell them that I just sold my first home. I was so happy for the couple and so excited that I was able to be a part of this exciting new adventure in their lives.”
She hasn’t looked back since. needs,” she says. “Many things have changed over the years, however one thing that has never changed is helping people. I love selling real estate.”
Thirty-three years later, Shaw is now one of the leading realtors on the Island, with a number of awards under her belt, including Royal LePage’s President’s Gold award, Director’s Platinum Award, Diamond Award, and Red Diamond Award. She has also been named as one of the Top Ten Teams in Atlantic Canada, and has been awarded the Lifetime Award of Excellence.
“It certainly feels great to have helped so many people on the island or coming to the island buying and selling real estate,” says Shaw. “I love selling real estate here in PEI and I really truly feel lucky and blessed that I’m able to do this business each and every day.”
She says she also loves the fact that she gets to meet so many people through her line of work. “It is lots of fun, and of course, a lot of hard work and many hours working daily. But it is really worth it knowing that I’m helping people with their dreams.”
Come Home to Quality
340 Birkallum Drive, Mermaid Exclusive Listing for $959,000
If you’re a home buyer in the market for some luxury combined with incredible views, view this brand-new, custombuilt, waterfront home that boasts more than 4,000 sq.ft of luxurious finishes.
Set on one acre of land, some of this gorgeous home’s features are wide plank engineered wood floors, Melanie Shaw - The Shaw Team Royal LePage Prince Edward Realty 87 John Yeo Drive 902.213.5235 melanieshawhomes@gmail.com www.shawhomes.ca
a spectacular kitchen with quartz countertops and a massive pantry. With five bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, the home also features incredible natural lighting with endless windows, and a deck overlooking the water.
“This is a rare find here in PEI today, and all so close to Charlottetown,” says Shaw.
Book your viewing today! Royal Lepage Prince Edward Realty has a beautiful new office location at 87 John Yeo Drive in Charlottetown I want to let all of my past clients and future clients know where I am located and invite them to come for a coffee and to sit and have a chat about real estate and what is going on in their lives. Feel free to pop in and say Hello...... I hope to see you soon!!!
Shaw
TEAM
WE BELIEVE THAT YOU DESERVE AN EXCEPTIONAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Building the Future, Honouring the Past
METRO HOME BUILDING CENTRE
By Katrina Geenevasen Photos Evan Ceretti
Itwas 1969 when entrepreneur Don Smith first opened
the doors to Metro Home Building Centre on St. Peters Road, with a mission to bring a family-owned business that put its clients’ needs first to offer second-to-none service.
Today, that mission that helped found the business is no different.
A Complete Selection of Home Building a Renovation Needs
Now operating from Riverside Drive as Home Hardware, Metro offers a complete line of building materials and related products for clients completing new home and renovation projects here on the Island.
Whether it’s a leaky faucet causing you a headache, or you’re in the midst of building a new home from the ground up, Metro has what you need.
The store has a complete line of hardware, paint and seasonal products to complement its core building materials of lumber and plywood.
Throughout the years, the company has also been the go-to for clients looking for quality windows and doors. Carrying well-known and respected lines such as Pella, Jeldwen, Kohltech and Velux (just to name a few), Metro prides itself on providing customers with well-respected, quality products -- a feature that truly sets them apart.
Their sister store, Kinlock Home Hardward in Stratford, offers customers complete lighting and bathroomrelated needs.
Generations Strong
As a member of the community for more than 50 years now, many of Metro’s clients have turned into friends, generations in the making.
“Metro’s supporters are not only friends, but many have become friends of the staff to whom they have been doing business with for generations,” says Peter Smith, president of Metro Home Building Centre. “One of the unique and great things about our business is that we get to socialize and associate every day with customers that have been coming to our store for many years, and at the same time, helping them make decisions with their home building needs or new home construction projects.”
With nearly 60 people on staff, Metro offers a level of customer service that has helped to make it a mainstay for clients completing home projects. Many of those staff members, says Smith, have more than 25 years’ experience with Metro itself, and within the industry.
“Having employees with experience like this is invaluable,” he says, “and it is this level of expertise that has helped Metro and our customers be successful over the years.”
Serving clients - no matter what the size of their project - is Metro’s No. 1 priority every day, says Smith. “If we can help a customer out with their building needs in some small way, that helps make our business a success and hopefully a happy customer.”
Community-Minded
The fact that Metro is so communityminded further illustrates just what this business means here in PEI. A huge champion of local organizations and events, Metro thinks giving back to the community is just as important as great customer service. “We have always felt it was important to be a supporter in our local community in whatever way we could think possible,” says Smith.
No matter the size or scope of your home building or renovation project, Metro has you covered. Count on their team to ensure your job is done right. After all, if it’s a matter of home, you should only trust the best.
Metro Home Building Centre 25 Riverside Dr, Charlottetown 902.894.5536 www.metropei.com
Kinlock Home Hardware 14 Kinlock Rd, Stratford 902.370.1100 www.homehardware.ca
