Shakespeare Comes to the Baccalieu!

Art event at the baccalieu trailHere’s a fun cultural event happening right here on the Baccalieu Trail that we hope many of our guests will partake of. The Perchance Theatre (formerly New World Theatre) has announced its August line-up of Shakespeare plays, to be performed at their outdoor Elizabethan theatre modelled after the Globe in London. They’ll be performing The Merry Wives of Windsor, Henry V and the Muses and Minstrels, surely to much acclaim.

Book a picnic basket at Cupid’s Haven and make a day of it. And please note that they’ve got a summer camp for young actors. You can learn more about the theatre and their offerings here. And don’t we keep telling you – there’s so much to see on the Baccalieu Trail!

Literary Events in Brigus

Literary events in Brigus newfoundlandLiterary event in brigus

Please see the above for a heads up of a fun literary event taking place in Brigus this weekend. You know that we love all things Baccalieu Trail, and we love Brigus. This event is celebrating the Kent Centennial. You can learn more details, including about who Rockwell Kent was, here.

Little Boat Across the Harbour

Newfoundland boat across the Atlantic Ocean

I just saw a little boat go across the harbour on a rainy, foggy morning, and I was drawn to yesteryear. At least for the time being, we here ‘around the bay’ are living in the past, present, and future – a rare trinity. It seems so fitting to live in Trinity Bay: an hour from St. John’s – a million miles from everywhere.

I lived long and gone far and seen my fair share of the world. Now I live in the trinity of my life right here in Trinity Bay. In the quiet of a rainy, foggy morning – it doesn’t get much better than this!

Minister of Tourism Visits New Restaurant and Inn in Newfoundland

Minister of Tourism in Newfoundland visits our Newfoundland Inn

We were happy that Terry French, Minister of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, came to the Shag It Cafe this past Wednesday. He came to try Joe Friday’s famous cod au gratin appetizer, of course, and he wanted to see what we have done with the place, too.

I believe he was impressed with the breathtaking view at the Shag It and all the work we did to convert the apartment into the original Newfoundland café it is now. He was even more impressed with the fact that across all our properties on the Baccalieu Trail, we have gone from 3 ½ employees last year to 23 this year.

We were also proud to show off The Doctor’s House, which he loved as well. We had a wonderful BBQ, saw the ponies, trekked the property, and said hello to the first born on the farm since we acquired it (we now have 4 beautiful baby chicks – stay tuned for pictures!).

We spent the night telling stories of this remarkable province and all the potential we both see in the Baccalieu Trail. We talked about how we are trying to provide the experiences the government is promoting, including in all those beautiful ads we see on tv.

I also learned that Minister French has connections to this Wonderful World of Whiteway – lucky man. He has land here that was given to him by his Aunt Minnie Bishop, who was a resident. He is well known by the locals and related to the Harnums.

We also talked about my late brother, Jack, who I know really liked Terry. Seems like the feeling was mutual. Overall, it was a blessed night, and we were happy to share our work with someone who does so much for this province.

Yummy Toutons

Toutons, traditional Newfoundland food

Lisa has been at a workshop the past few days (more on that later), and I just had to share this picture. These are toutens, a traditional Newfoundland dish that is simple and delicious (and healthy, let’s pretend), that all visitors should try when they’re here. It sounds simple enough, but toutens are dough traditionally fried in fat-back pork (although oil and butter is often used now). Barry Parsons at Rock Recipes has a nice description of them, and when he says their “virtues are universally enjoyed by all who have known it,” he’s right!

I like my toutens with molasses (most of us do), but looks like Lisa’s were paired with a nice berry sauce. I’d take it! And if you’re interested in making your own, here’s a recipe. Please let me know in the comments – where’s the best place to get toutens? Do you make your own?