The Inn at Bay Fortune is an unparalleled culinary farm experience that’s on my bucket list and should be on yours. A few weeks back, the folks from Meetings & Conventions PEI visited the farm owned by celebrated Chef Michael Smith and his wife, Chastity Smith, and I’m entirely jealous.
Located in eastern Prince Edward Island, The Inn at Bay Fortune is an immersive interactive farm-first culinary experience perfect for corporate retreats or incentive travel programs.
The visit always begins with a 1-hour guided farm tour led by farmer Kevin Petrie where you get to walk between rows of gardens and learn how much thought and care goes into every one of the fresh herbs and vegetables you’ll find on your plate later that night.
The team is incredibly proud of the unique terroir they’ve developed over the years that impart local flavours into everything grown in the rich, healthy black soil.
There’s a sense of whimsy and PEI charm around every corner; old PEI lobster traps frame the garden rows, and substantial heaping piles of oyster shells represent the total oysters enjoyed by guests each year the property has been open.
You can, they did, and I will one day soon add to that pile by partaking in the incredible Oyster Hour, featuring hot salmon fresh from the smokehouse, a farm-forward cocktail, and oysters, fresh from the bay and expertly shucked at the Bay Fortune Oyster bar.
And then, finally, there’s the Fire Feast itself.
From your table, you have a full view of the kitchen staff, affectionately known as the “Fire Brigade,” working their magic on the custom-built 25-foot brick-lined, wood-burning, fire-breathing behemoth that is the heart of their kitchen.
There are no buttons, no dials- just old-school cooking expertise as they shift each pot and pan to where it needs to be among the roaring open flames. It’s an incredible spectacle to behold, featuring every form of live-fire cooking in a flurry of tactile activity you will never forget.
Each course is presented with care, explaining the meal, how it was harvested and prepared and what makes it so special to share.
The Inn at Bay Fortune is a unique experience you’ll find nowhere else, and that’s just one more reason to consider Prince Edward County for your next corporate retreat or incentive travel program.
Reach out to Meetings & Conventions PEI; they’re good people to work with, and they will help you create an experience your client, guests and/or boss will rave about for years.
Author: Jason Koop is a writer, influencer, fan of Canadian event experiences, and VP of Business Development with Canadian Special Events. After more than 15 years in the apparel industry managing accounts for some of the world’s most prominent designers like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Vanity Fair Corp, Jason was ready for a change. Combining his relationship-building skills with his marketing background and his new love for events, he has built the largest following of corporate event professionals in Canada for CSE. He is helping to lead the brand to a new level of success.