The Mallard Cottage inn and restaurant
Quidi Vidi village- pronounced “Kiddy Vidi” is adjacent to Quidi Vidi Lake (well known from the St. John’s Regatta) and is known for several small successful local businesses. The one and only inn by Mallard Cottage opened in 2017 and is located in Newfoundland and Labrador. This local company is a true gem, hidden in the picturesque Quidi Vidi Village is this impeccable 5-star accommodation and restaurant. The inn by Mallard Cottage takes a mix of Newfoundland charm and modern coziness to make their own unique style. Just a stone throw (or a quick taxi ride) from downtown St. John’s, this inn should be on your bucket list.
Everything about the inn is quaint and impressive. With two houses containing only 7 king suites, the attention to detail is a work of art. Each room is furnished with the highest quality amenities and local décor and just like the art hung on each door made by Jessica Waterman it is all traditionally modern. You can see local businesses represented throughout the inn. East Coast Glow soap in every bathroom, Jeremy Charles new cookbook “Wildness“, quilts on every bed made in Clarkes Beach, Third Place Tonic, The Newfoundland Distillery’s spirits for complimentary cocktails, Quidi Vidi beer from the neighbours down the street and art pieces all around the inn. It is clear that Mallard Cottage does its part in supporting other local companies.
Food and beverage is where the inn and restaurant excels. When staying at the inn you have free drinks and snacks in your room and common area. In the morning outside your door you are greeted with a basket of baked goods (we had banana bread), coffee or tea, and juice. Right across the street is where the restaurant is located and the overwhelming amount of flavour in each dish will leave you breathless.
The dinner at Mallard Cottage was full of locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Being one of the top restaurants in NL you can expect a beautiful meal, great service, and a lovely ambiance. They work into their dishes an array of wild game, seafood, and produce. In the summer you can see the garden outdoors that has fresh veggies. I enjoyed a blueberry mojito (which was the featured cocktail that night). I have tried mojitos in Mexico, London, Greece, Italy, etc. and this cocktail had to have been the best one I have tried yet. For an appetizer, I had flatbread with braised mutton, turnip slaw, and sour cream and spaghetti bolognese with greens and parmesan for my main. Unfortunately, I did not leave room for dessert but all three offerings looked delicious.
Brunch the next day… my oh my, if you thought you have had the best breakfast sandwich before, but have not tried Mallard Cottage… think again. A friend recommended for me to try it saying that “If there was only one meal I could eat every day for the rest of my life it would be Mallard’s breakfast sandwich” and it lived up to the hype. Paired with the best breakfast sandwich I had a delicious hot coffee and a side of wedges (that were amazing) and once again left with a full belly and a happy smile. Both meals were served by the lovely waitress Becca- talk about amazing customer service. One great feature about this restaurant’s brunch is the desert box you can get full of yummy cakes, muffins, and pastries (my recommendation is you STOCK UP)!
After brunch we seen a wedding party getting photos done, the scenic views of Quidi Vidi is perfect for a few amazing shots. This made me think… the inn would be a perfect place for a wedding party to stay after a reception at the beautiful restaurant. Once the night was coming to an end you could always visit our local friends (Quidi Vidi Brewery) up the street for some local craft beer.
The Mallard Cottage inn and restaurant is a small, peaceful, beautiful visit in Newfoundland. This would be the perfect date weekend for locals or a week’s stay for come from aways, I would highly recommend this accommodation! If you are looking for peace and quiet this is the place for you. A highlight for me was waking up to the birds in the morning, going for a walk where you see the fisherman filleting their fish and hearing the locals sing good morning to one another.
I can’t wait to come back for another weekend getaway!
Make sure you also take the time to explore your home in 2020.
Big hugs xxoo
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