From the Introduction

The time has never been better for a cookbook that focuses on the unique foods of Canada’s Atlantic terroir. Steeped in culinary tradition, yet bursting with contem­porary cuisine, these provinces offer a wealth of locally grown and artisanally pro­duced foods common across the region. For years, these were provinces of industry, but times have changed: the coal mines have closed and the Grand Banks of Newfoundland no longer teem with cod. Today agri-tourism and grassroots food production, led by young creatives, have become the new face of the region’s culinary scene, and the region is undergoing an edible renaissance while still managing to stay tethered to tradition. Young innovative chefs and food purveyors are choosing to call these provinces home, build businesses here, and create a renewed food industry that stands firm in its unique culinary heritage while looking forward to a local, sustainable, and very modern spot on Canada’s burgeoning food scene . . .

. . . The question of why two West Coasters would write a book focused on Atlantic Canada is one that we considered deeply while dreaming up this project. The answer is quite simple: we have a love for the place, the people who live there, and the producers and foods that define the culinary scene.

This book is the culmination of an incredible journey through the Atlantic Coast’s terroir and its culinary renaissance, ultimately bringing Atlantic food traditions to your home, and introducing you to some of the people who make it all possible. And what a journey it was: over half a year on the road, countless interviews, hours of research, intro­ductions to people we now count as friends, and innumerable meals that will forever live in our memories. We foraged for mushrooms, berries, and wild herbs in Newfoundland, watched the sun rise over oyster beds in Prince Edward Island, explored Nova Scotia from the Annapolis Valley to the top of the Cabot Trail, and fished for sturgeon on the great Saint John River in New Brunswick. We travelled for over forty-eight hours from our homes in Vancouver to the Fogo Island Inn—off the northwest coast of Newfoundland—by planes, trains, automobile, and ferry—and it was worth every minute! . . . In every corner of the great Atlantic coast, our hearts filled to overflowing with an even deeper love and respect for the place, the people, and, of course, the food.

A Rising Tide begins with an overview of Atlantic Canada’s culinary influences and current trends. We’ve provided a list of items that make it easy to bring the tastes of the East Coast into your kitchen, but since some of these recipes involve hyper-local and incredibly seasonal ingredients—from sweet gale and lovage to primrose and Jonah crab—we’ve offered you substitution ideas so you can make these recipes regardless of where you are. While we recommend using as many of the local foods listed in the recipes as you can, we have also recommended ingredient substitutions to ensure the results are tasty no matter what is available to you.

Each province has its own chapter with recipes for every meal of the day, and most also have drink pairings. They are a mix of our own recipes, inspired by our travels, and recipes contributed by local chefs. You’ll also find stories and essays featuring ingredients fairly common across the entire region and known to define the province. Finally, at the end of the book, there are menus for every season, just in case you’re craving a beachside picnic or a winter warm-up brunch. Our desire for this book is that you’ll come to know the individual provinces as well as understand the collective cultural experiences they share.

This book is a testament to the chefs and home cooks of the region. It is for those who call this place home and for the visitors who love the people, the place, and, most notably, the foods. We invite you to ride along with us as we set sail to the wilds of Newfoundland, drive slowly through the pastoral beauty of Prince Edward Island, hit the burgeoning craft restaurant scene in New Brunswick, and stand silently in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley to marvel at the simple scent of apples baking on the earth. We hope this book will live in your kitchen and be covered in handwritten notes and coffee rings, all while you travel along with us through scenic Atlantic Canada.
—Danielle and Emily