The Burgers are Back! PEI Burger Love Returns
It’s an island favorite and something that the locals rejoice for upon its annual return. It is - Burger Love!
Returning for its fifth year, Burger Love is a month-long celebration of Island Beef through the culinary creation of amazing, one-of-a-kind burgers brought to you by local restaurants and their rockstar chefs.
When the grills were turned off last year, PEI Burger Love sold 163,170 burgers during the 30-day campaign. That's more than the entire population of PEI!
In 2016, 73 restaurants participated and together they went through over 71,000 pounds of beef to feed their hungry burger-crazed fans.
Last year's burger sales generated total revenue of $2.2 million dollars, a clear demonstration of how much of a hit this annual event is with islanders. And it's not just the participaring resturants that reap the rewards. This year a number of venues will be donating $1 from each burger sold to The United Way of PEI to fund programs that increase access to local and affordable food for Islanders.
Participating restaurants partake for the love of pleasing the crowds but also vie for the position of Most Loved Burger. Taking home this prestigious accolade in 2016 was The Brick-Inator. This epic burger was created by Kyle Panton of the Brickhouse Kitchen and Bar in Charlottetown. A variation of the Brick-Inator will be in this year's running for Most Loved Burger and is listed as The Brick Deluxe.
To see the full list of participating restaurants, the burger map, and to cast your vote please visit http://peiburgerlove.ca.
Our love is headed to our our favourite local - The Landing, Oyster House and Pub - who are presenting 'Who's Umami?' - a burger built with all Island beef, toasted double split top bun, bacon, red onion, pimento cheese, umami ketchup, leaf lettuce, soy roasted mushrooms, rise & brine beer pickle, and topped with parmesan tossed tater tot.
Happy eating!
Last Year's winner, The Brick-Inator from THe BRICK House, CHARLOTTETOWN.
Explore PEI while geocaching
Do you consider yourself a treasure hunter? That is pretty much what geocaching is about! If you enjoy a walk in nature combined with a bit of adventure, then explore PEI with a GPS or your smart phone. Download a free app and you’re ready to track the cache.
What exactly is a cache, you ask? A cache is a small container, most likely camouflaged and a little off a beaten track or trail. The cache is waterproof and contains a log book or perhaps even pins, badges or small toys. There are thousands hidden in Prince County alone!
When you find a cache, remove the log, enter the date found and sign your user name. Then replace the cache in the same spot you found it. Log onto the geocache site, and in many instances, you will find history of the area and many interesting stories. You can see what others have written and how many have been adventuresome in the same area you just traversed.
Geocaching is enjoyed world-wide; so why not give it a try? You never know it might just end up being your new favourite outdoor activity. On beaches, in parks, deserted roads, in forests, graveyards, in secluded areas across PEI, get out and enjoy the beauty of our Island. A great place to begin your geocache experience is Green Park—a 4-minute drive from The Cottage!
For more information and to register: www.geocaching.com
Article by Carolyn McKillop
Lennox Island
In Malpeque Bay, a short distance from The Cottage, lies Lennox Island.
There is no time line for the First Peoples of Canada and when they settled in our area; however, storytelling tradition goes back thousands of years. The ancestors of the Mi’kmaq were 'gatherers' — fish, berries, wood for baskets. They travelled and lived in camps in the area: Northam, Tyne Valley, Port Hill, Conway Narrow, Freeland, and Portage. Hogg Island, also in Malpeque, was a sacred settlement and many Mi’kmaq are buried there.
There are many stories of hardship, struggle and survival. There are also many stories of success and triumph. Two books of interest at the cottage are Ni’n na L’nu: The Mi’kmaq of Prince Edward Island by A.J.B. Johnston and Jesse Francis, and Micmac by Choice by M. Olga McKenna.
In the fall of 2016, CBC profiled five communities in Canada facing serious threats from climate change. Lennox Island was one of these communities: the forecast is not bright—it is reported to have lost one square kilometre of land in a single generation. At this rate, 50 percent of the island could be underwater in 50 years.
You will be warmly welcomed to experience all that Lennox Island has to offer and learn more about this unique settlement. Stop at the Eco Tourism Centre and the Cultural Centre as well as walk the “Path of Our Forefathers.” Gifted artisans showcase original woodwork, painting, jewelry and basket weaving.
To visit Lennox Island, take Hwy. #12 from the cottage to Tyne Valley, continue past Ellerslie and take Rte. #163 to Lennox Island.
To learn more about Lennox Island you can visit www.lennoxisland.com, or watch the North Cape Costal production via Youtube.
Article by Carolyn McKillop
