Culinary Expeditions

07/13/2025

July 19, 2025
We’re looking forward to a one-night-only culinary experience at The Slope Bar & Grill in Ingonish, featuring Cape Breton’s own Chef Donald MacInnis.

This exclusive event is the perfect excuse to enjoy a scenic drive along the Cabot Trail and indulge in a menu crafted with local passion and flavor.

📞 Call or message The Slope Bar & Grill directly to reserve your table.

06/28/2025

Day 2 of KitchenFest brings four Cape Breton favourites to the Red Shoe stage!
🗓 Saturday, June 28
🕢 7:30–10:30 PM
💵 $15 Cover | 19+
🪑 First come, first served—Cape Breton style.

John Pellerin
Fiddler, step dancer, and Antigonish native, John Pellerin has been performing since childhood. His style is pure Cape Breton fire—tight, rhythmic, and rooted in tradition.
🔗 https://kitchenfest.ca/artist/john-pellerin/
Bonny Jean MacDonald
A Mabou fiddler with deep family roots, Bonny Jean MacDonald brings drive and joy to every tune. She’s played with East Coast favourites like Kilt and now performs with her cousins in Crossfire.
🔗 https://kitchenfest.ca/artist/bonny-jean-macdonald/
Hilda Chiasson
From Chéticamp, Hilda Chiasson is a powerhouse pianist with over 50 recordings to her name. Her playing adds lift and elegance to every performance.
🔗 https://kitchenfest.ca/artist/hilda-chiasson/
Mary Beth Carty
A multilingual singer and instrumentalist, Mary Beth Carty mixes Celtic and folk traditions with heart and fire. Expect accordion, guitar, and sweet harmonies.
🔗 https://kitchenfest.ca/artist/mary-beth-carty/

🎶 Get here early—this one’s gonna fill up fast.

06/23/2025

Mabou Ceilidh Days Festival – June 26 to July 1, 2025

A Week of Cape Breton Spirit, Music, and Celebration

Now in its 58th year, Mabou Ceilidh Days returns with a full lineup of community fun—from family parades and horse-and-wagon rides to boat parades, fireworks, ceilidhs, picnics, and good old-fashioned square dances. Whether you're a longtime local or a first-time visitor, this is the perfect time to feel the heart of Mabou beat strong.

Festival Highlights Include:

Thursday, June 26: Opening night celebrations, youth dances, horse-and-wagon rides, and a storytelling walk through Mabou’s Gaelic history

Friday, June 27: Kids' ceilidhs, a festive boat parade, music at the marina, and fireworks to light up the bay

Saturday, June 28: Pancake breakfast, softball tournaments, the noon parade, a community picnic, milling frolics, and music all over town

July 1 – Canada Day: Cake, community awards, races, live music, and a family movie night to close out the festival

🎶 While You’re in Town...

No visit to Mabou is complete without a stop at The Red Shoe Pub—offering local flavours, cold drinks, and live traditional music all week long. Catch Glen MacNeil performing live on June 26 from 7–10 PM, and don’t miss our steak night special from 4–9 PM that same evening.

We’re open daily from 12 PM until the fun ends and the doors close.🪑Seating is first come, first served—no reservations needed. Come early and stay late!

📅 Mark your calendars & get the full festival schedule here https://www.mabouceilidh.com/

Let’s make memories together—see you there! 💛

06/15/2025

It’s the most wonderful day of the week! MARKET DAY! Head on over anytime from 11 am - 2 pm to shop from 60 local vendors bringing you their best. We’ve got our 50/50 draw happening, along with live music from Amie Rose. Don’t forget you can also purchase your duck for the Mabou Ceilidh day’s Duck Race just inside the arena doors! We'll see you soon!

06/13/2025

Make a Day of It in Mabou this Father’s Day – Sunday, June 15! 🌞🎻

Treat Dad to a full day of Cape Breton charm:

🛍️ Mabou Farmers’ Market | 11 AM–2 PM
Fresh produce, artisan goods, live music & local treats.

🚶‍♂️ Celtic Shores Coastal Trail
Take in ocean views, wildflowers, and fresh air—or relax at West Mabou Beach nearby.

🏛️ An Drochaid Museum | 12–5 PM
Explore Gaelic music, language, and culture.

🍽️ The Red Shoe Pub | Open from noon
🎶 Live Music: Kinnon, Betty & Andrea Beaton | 4–7 PM | $12 Cover
👨‍🍳 Father’s Day Dinner Special | 12-9 PM | $40

✨ Food, music, culture, and coast—give Dad a day he’ll never forget.

🎩 Father’s Day at The Red Shoe Pub
Sunday, June 15 | Dinner 12–9 PM | Music 4–7 PM | $12 Cover

Celebrate the fathers in your life with everything that makes Cape Breton feel like home—a hearty meal, live music, and community warmth.

🍽️ Father’s Day Feature Dinner

Slow-braised Beef Brisket, with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, and sautéed mushrooms au jus.
Followed by a warm Apple Blossom drizzled with Crème Anglaise, and your choice of coffee or tea. $40

🎻 Live from 4–7 PM:
The legendary Beaton Family – Kinnon, Betty Lou, and Andrea – bring a rich, multigenerational sound that honors Cape Breton tradition in every note.

💙 Come raise a glass, pass a plate, and share a moment with Dad that he’ll never forget.

06/12/2025

Here’s what’s on tap at The Red Shoe Pub this week—cold pints, hot tunes, and some of Cape Breton’s best!” 🍻🎶

06/11/2025

06/11/2025

Such a wonderful weekly market! We met some old and new friends here!

06/11/2025

It’s our pleasure to announce that Nadine ( Molly’s Mom ) has been selected as Dr Strang’s Community Health Champion Award winner! established to honour an exceptional individual or group who contribute significantly to improving community health in Nova Scotia.

This award will be presented to Nadine’s family on her behalf at a ceremony in October. Nadine would be honoured, but she was not motivated by awards or personal acknowledgement. Her definition of success was to make the world a better place because you were in it, by that definition her life was remarkable. She would have accepted this award in the hopes it inspires others to get involved with a cause that calls to them.

A heart felt Thank You to everyone involved, our nominator, community leaders who wrote letters on her behalf, and the NS Health districts.

06/11/2025

📣 We’re Saying Goodbye to Bistro Phare — But the Story (and the Chef!) Continues

It is with heartfelt thanks that we share Bistro Phare will not be re-opening. We are so grateful for the community that supported us, shared meals with us, and made it such a special place.

But good food—and good people—always find a new home.

If you loved the food at Bistro Phare, you’ll be happy to know that Chef Michael Mondor is now at The Red Shoe Pub in Mabou!

🍽️ Enjoy a fresh new menu filled with home-cooked favourites
🎶 Live traditional music every night of the week
🐟 Daily Catch Specials
🥩 Try the 10oz New York Striploin every Thursday — served with crispy fries!

👉 Please continue to follow Culinary Expeditions as we bring you the best that Cape Breton has to offer — from unforgettable meals to local events, stories, and traditions.

📸 With Chef Michael Mondor in the kitchen — meet Jacob and Rian, a big part of the team at The Red Shoe Pub (Official)
This crew brings flavour, heart, and a whole lot of Cape Breton to every dish.

We hope to see you soon!

06/10/2025

🌿🎉 You’re invited to the very first ACAP Cape Breton Garden Party fundraiser — and we couldn’t be more excited! 🌼✨

Join us as we celebrate community, sustainability, and all the green goodness growing here in beautiful Unama’ki–Cape Breton. Your support helps us nurture a brighter, more sustainable future for our island home!

💚 All proceeds will go toward our habitat restoration and environmental education programs — making a real impact, right here at home.

What’s in store? Glad you asked!
🍽️ A delicious buffet of fresh, local farm-to-table fare from the amazing Pan Cape Breton Food Hub
🎶 Live music by the enchanting Bethany June, setting the perfect garden party vibe
🌱 Inspiring stories and updates from the ACAP team about the incredible ecological work happening now — and what’s coming next!

So throw on your garden party best and get ready for an afternoon full of flavour, music, and feel-good impact. We can’t wait to see you there! 🌸🌎

You can purchase your ticket at the following link: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/blooms-and-bees-a-summer-fundraiser

12/17/2024

Holiday Hours at the Whale House! 🐳

Shop local and unique finds + enjoy international flavours!

We are located at 14 Wentworth St in Downtown Sydney!