Chef Profile

TREENA MACLEOD

Treena MacLeod grew up in Beach Point, PEI in a fishing family. She had an interest in cooking, gardening and harvesting from a very young age. Beginning at the age of 13, she started working in the hospitality industry and quickly was hooked for life.

Why did you decide to become a chef?

I worked in a local restaurant from ages 13 – 18 and developed a love for the pace of the kitchen and the satisfaction of being able to please customers by preparing food. I applied for the Culinary Institute of Canada in grade 11 and was accepted.

Other than working in the culinary industry, have you had other jobs? Best? Worst?

I packed market lobster for transport at the age of 10 at the local lobster factory (no age limit at that time). Looking back, it was a very odd first job experience for a young girl, haha.

I moved into the meeting and event industry for the past 10 years and absolutely loved working in that industry.

What other back-of-the-house positions have you previously held?

I have done every position in the back of the house. I don’t think you can be a chef and not have done every job in the front and back of house at some point.

You’re at home, what are you making?

I have access to the most amazing fresh seafood, so I work and experiment with seafood dishes frequently. I love to make soups, stocks and sauces. A good ham and scallop potato meal with homemade mustard pickles makes it on the menu regularly as well. Favourite ingredient to cook with?

Having been classically trained in French cooking, I love to use butter, fresh cream and fresh herbs to cook and season. Anything in season; work the menu with the best of what is available.

Celebrity you would love to cook for or celebrity dinner party guests?

I’m not a starstruck type of person, but I think a dinner party with Matthew McConaughey and a bunch of his cronies would be a good time.

What are you making?

I think a beach lobster boil with BBQ steak, fresh veggie skewers and live music with good cold drinks would be the fare. End the meal with a flaming dessert to make memories!

Highlight of your career...so far?

Well, anyone who knows me has heard me yammering on about opening a small place of my own in eastern PEI. Opening Treena’s Takeout is the highlight of my career.

Foodie pleasure(s)?

I love anything on thin crust dough or bread. Brushetta, pizza, mushroom toast points, anything crunchy and bite size.

Foodie dislike?

Eggplant, zucchini, okra… all of those spongy, slippery vegetables. What’s your absolute must have kitchen tool, something everyone should have at home?

I have an attachment with my Victorinox zester I bought in 1988. It is as good now as when it was originally purchased.

Five ingredients necessary in everyone’s kitchen, including yours?

Bay leaves, fresh garlic, cooking wine, whipping cream and patience.

Best restaurant you’ve ever eaten at?

McCormick & Schmick’s in Boston. It is a chain, but it was the most delicious, memorable meal I have ever eaten.

Proud moment?

Becoming a business owner. It has been a long time coming and a lot of work, but I am happy to be where I am today.

Who’s your biggest supporter?

I have some very supportive people in my life; my husband, my parents and other family, a very special couple who are always available to pitch in with advice and offer a listening ear. This business would not have been possible without all the support I have received.

The thing you’re looking forward to most in 2022…

Being able to offer great quality food in a fun-loving happy atmosphere. Supporting and employing local Islanders is a goal I have set high for myself.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND TASTING TOURS

By Alana Lauren Photos Simon Reid

Entrepreneur and small business owner Jackie Herbert has carved out a special place on Prince Edward Island’s culinary and craft beverage market and she wants to share it with you!

Herbert likes to say she doesn’t just drive guests around the Island and sample drinks all day, Jackie’s work is much more specific and detailed than that. PEI Tasting |Tours specializes in creating one of a kind tasting tours throughout the Island. This includes helping guests to decide on their preferred tour itinerary to local wineries, breweries, distilleries, cideries, organizing interactive tours at specific locations, or often choosing appropriate beverages that pair well with their guests upcoming meals plans.

“Our Culinary Tours celebrate Canada’s Food Island by showcasing a variety of authentic food experiences across PEI. From tip to tip, we take our guests along the coastal communities, the interior rolling hills and to the water’s edge for the freshest seafood, local Gouda, mustards, chocolates, potatoes and so much more.” Herbert said, “We’ll meet the producers, talk to the experts and see how this small, but mighty Island has an abundance of food to be proud of. From the land to the sea, and straight out of the soil.”

We still offer our HOP, SIP and SWIRL wine, beer, cider and spirit tasting tours, but we’ve now expanded our culinary options to include local seafood, potatoes, chocolate and other artisanal delicacies with our LAND, SEA and SAVOUR tours. Our new oysters tours will kick off the season, and have guests shucking, and learning new skills with local island oyster producers and experts.

PEI Tasting Tours will impress you and connect you with the island by creating lasting memories of your special time on the Island. These tours run Island wide and offer exclusive, experiential activities for all types of guests!

“Everything is included; transportation, all tastings, and a take gift from us! Our tour guides are super friendly, energetic and happy to meet and guide guests from around the world.” Herbert said.

The craft beverage tours are a unique combination of showcasing Prince Edward Island’s finest craft beer and cider makers, vintners, and distillers.

“Our all-inclusive tours include stops at one winery, one brewery, one cidery, and one distillery, giving you a unique experience.” Herbert said, “We take pride in being a locally run tour company that provides guests with exceptional experiences and great service. We are professional and experienced certified tour guides. We are committed to ensuring that your experience exceeds your expectations by delivering service, value and topnotch quality.”

www.peitastingtours.ca 902.330.2739