Welcome to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries web page designed especially for the professional cook or chef to provide you with the most up-to-date information on Nova Scotia seafood.

Seafood as an Appetizer
Rope Cultured Blue Mussel Suppliers
Native Oyster Suppliers

Nova Scotia seafood...the Appetizer's appetizer!

Appetizers are consumed during 34% of all meal occasions, and due largely to the growth of disposable income, this figure is growing with Canadian restaurants and bar operators experiencing a 5% gain in occasions that feature an appetizer or side dish. Customers are looking for appetizers, which will tempt the eye, as well as, provide a new taste experience. More and more, patrons share an assortment of appetizers, rather than order individual entrees. They are looking for a dining experience which will excite their senses, leave them satisfied but not full, and allow them to experience a variety of foods which make up the Nova Scotia dining experience.

Wait staff are also becoming more involved in suggesting appetizers to patrons. This has proven to increase patron satisfaction, the amount of the guest check and of course the tip! Initially, many thought that selling appetizers was pushy. Nothing is farther from the truth. It is their job to suggest and show off the menu and specialities of the house. The perfect appetizer can set up the entire meal. Consider just two appetizers can mean another $15 to $20 on the cheque and another $3 to $5 in tips for wait staff.

Nova Scotia seafood is the perfect appetizer, as it provides a variety of flavors, ease of preparation, and a light, nutritious fare. Two of the most popular Nova Scotia appetizers, for tourists and locals alike, are blue mussels and native oysters. Experience has shown if a wait staff serves a bowl of steamed mussels to one table, four other tables will follow suite and order this popular appetizer.

To assist with ordering, a list of Nova Scotia mussel and oyster growers has been included. For a complete list of Nova Scotia seafood companies, contact our website at http://www.gov.ns.ca/fish/marketing/seafood/fishsuppliers.asp

Other links of interest:

Taste of Nova Scotia
Recipes and Tips for the Consumer

Rope Cultured Blue Mussel Suppliers

Native Oyster Suppliers (Crassostrea Virginica)

Aqua Delight Seafoods Ltd. Contact: Mr. Paul Budreski Tel: (902) 423-4646 Bay Enterprises Ltd. Contact: Mr. Charles Purdy Tel: (902) 257-2690 Bras D'or Oyster Farms Contact: Mr. James Crawford Tel: (902) 756-3264 Fax: (902) 756-3264
Cape North Development Ltd. Contact: Kenneth MacKinnon Tel: (902) 383-2611 Dunphy's Oysters Contact: Mr. Alex Dunphy Tel: (902) 383-2701 Eel Lake Oyster Farm Contact: Mr. Nolan D'Eon Tel: (902) 648-3472 Fish Haven Contact: Mr. Bill MacDonald Tel: (902) 295-1781 North Harbour Oysters Contact: Mr. Mel Grover Tel: (902) 674-2690	Shandaph Oysters Contact: Philip Docker Tel: (902) 928-8581 Fax: (902) 926-2021 Skyfish Ltd. Contact: Bernard MacLennan Tel: (902) 895-8181 Fax: (902) 895-8180 Unama'ki Oyster Farm Contact: Charles Dennis Tel: (902) 379-2024 Fax: (902) 379-2159 Washabuck Aqua Resources Contact: Foncie Farrell Tel: (902) 725-2843