Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
June 23, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development:

Province Congratulates Top Restaurateurs

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in this Honourable House to congratulate Jeremy Charles and Jeremy Bonia, owners of Raymonds, as well as Todd Perrin, owner of Mallard Cottage, on being named the number one and seven restaurants in Canada respectively by Vacay.ca .

Mr. Speaker, this is the second year in a row that Raymonds, located in downtown St. John�s, has been named the best in Canada. The reputation of the experience offered by the staff at Raymonds has become so well-known that Adrian Brijbassi, founder of Top Restaurants in Canada has said that �Jeremy Charles and Jeremy Bonia have made Raymonds the nation�s greatest destination restaurant in one of its finest places to visit." This designation is not a casual one, Mr. Speaker. This sought-after recognition comes from a collection of Canadian and U.S.-based fine-dining connoisseurs, leading food and travel journalists, and industry experts, which is published each year by Vacay.ca .

Mallard Cottage, in historic Quidi Vidi, ranks number seven with its contemporary twist on authentic Newfoundland cuisine. The Mallard Cottage, an 18th century Irish-Newfoundland style cottage, is recognized as a National Historic Site because it is one of the oldest wooden buildings in North America. It is also now known as one of the country�s best restaurants.

Mr. Speaker, culinary experiences play a tremendous role in the tourism industry. Tourism spending reached $1 billion for the first time in 2011, while the province welcomed more than 1.5 million non-resident visitors from 2012 to 2014 and non-resident tourism spending increased 36 per cent. Offering a high quality, unique and truly Newfoundland and Labrador dining experience only adds to the top-notch travel product we offer.

Mr. Speaker, the majority of restaurants throughout our province are small businesses. I am keenly aware that encouraging and supporting local business owners, especially our province�s tourism and food sectors, is critical to building new businesses, which ultimately leads to a stronger economy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all Honourable Members to join me in congratulating the owners and chefs of Raymonds and Mallard Cottage on being named amongst Canada�s top 10 restaurants. Their dedication to their culinary craft and creating incredible dining experiences is something everyone in the province should be very proud of. Thank you.

2015 06 23                            1:50 p.m.