By Waheeda Harris
A native of Kensington, Prince Edward Island, Glenda Burt discovered her love of cooking as a child, working in her parent’s restaurant and bakery. She attended Holland College’s culinary course where she received her Red Seal. In 1997, Burt opened The Home Place Inn & Restaurant in a beautiful 1915 house. Her menu reflects stylishly presented traditional Island dishes using local produce, seafood and beef. Chef Burt provides fresh meat pies to Alantic Superstores and Sobeys on Prince Edward Island. She was the recipient of the coveted People’s Choice Award during the PEI Fall Flavours Festival in 2008.
How do you feel about the local-food focus on Prince Edward Island?
I love the focus on “buy local”. My cousin has a certified organic farm in Pisquid. He and his family raise turkeys, beef, pork, geese, lamb and grow many vegetables, herbs and fruits. It’s amazing the work that they put into their farm. They are so passionate about what they produce, much the same as I [am] with the food in my restaurant.
What local PEI specialties do you recommend to visitors?
I always recommend the preserves at the PEI Preserve Company located in New Glasgow. Bruce MacNaugton took an old creamery and turned it into a jam-making business. The Clyde River flows alongside his restaurant/preserve company and the location is very beautiful!
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