Droplets of fresh summer rain snaked across the window of my petite suite at Ye Olde Argyler Inn. I stared out at a sailboat which sat on the dock below as a moody mist snaked across the sea which indents along the horizon to form protected Lobster Bay at the confluence of the Tusket and Argyle Rivers.
Built in 1996, the Argyler Lodge was created by the passion of a yachtsman, and strikes the perfect balance between rustic maritime sensibility and modern convenience. On the second floor of the lodge five antique adorned suites offer rest and relaxation to weary travellers while the properties main floor dinning room and wrap around verandah act as the local communities lively living room.
I march down the stairs just before the dinner hour and stroll along the porch as the pitter patter of rain splashes into lush garden. Pulling open the screen door I step into the dining room where two young local men strum on guitar to a packed house. Families and friends huddle around harvest tables, slurping pints of sudsy beer while devouring their dinner. Once the duo finishes each ballad the entire room erupts into jovial cheers.
I grab a seat at a fogged in window and run my finger down the menu as Wonder Wall by Oasis offers a sweet serenade from across the room. Moments later my travelling companions gather around the table, that evening appear a bit like glazed over zombies. I assumed the culprit of our fatigue was our unintended lunch binge that afternoon in Shelburne but wondered if the somber rain could have helped put us all in a state where our minds were peddling slowly.
That evening our dinning habits would play out in a more restrained fashion featuring slow sips and nonchalant nibbles. A bottle of L’Acadie by Luckett Vineyards acted as a perfect social lubricant, livening our senses as we waited for a parade of steaming plates to arrive at the table. The Argyler is owned and operated by an American family who have ensured their menu speaks to both classic Americana cuisine and Nova Scotia specialities. Pop by to enjoy a pint of beer with juicy burger and crispy wings or opt for a taste of local lovin via lobster poutine and steamed clams. If you’re interested in sampling a true tradition be sure to order Mike’s Creamed Lobster featuring chunks of succulent lobster meat sautéed in rich butter and cream served over a toasted bread bowl. When you’re dealing with glum womp-womp weather there’s no better way to wrap up the day than with hearty home cookin!
The Feast:
l’acadie, luckett vineyards
loaded potato soup
bacon, cheese, sour cream, green onions
steamed clams in beer
lobster poutine
chicken wings
roots beer bbq, sweet thai chili
orchard salad
apples, praline pecans, goat cheese, red onion, dried cranberries, spinach, balsamic vinaigrette
friends fish sandwich
deep fried haddock, lettuce, tomato, onion, tartar sauce, household roll
Mike’s Creamed Lobster
chunks of lobster meat in cream sauce over toasted bread bowl
