We are proud to introduce Chef Hunter Guindon from The Table Culinary Studio in P.E.I. as he shares recipes with his new column From The Table in every issue of Vicarious magazine.
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New London, Prince Edward Island — If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering into a charming countryside church only to find a rollicking, sensory-driven feast waiting for you instead of a sermon, welcome to The Table Culinary Studio. Here, Sunday best means an elastic waistband, and the only commandments are “taste everything” and “ask for seconds.”
Built inside a lovingly restored rural church, The Table isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a portal to a Prince Edward Island you can taste, smell, and revel in. Think wooden pews swapped for graceful dining tables, stained glass traded for the warm glow of candlelight, and a choir replaced by the sizzle of butter and the satisfying clink of wine glasses.
Meet Your Culinary Conductor: Chef Hunter Guindon
Leading the charge is the island’s very own culinary wunderkind, Chef Hunter Guindon. With the mischievous grin of someone who knows exactly how good his next plate is going to be, Guindon weaves magic from whatever is freshest that morning — be it hand-dug clams, backyard garden beets, or a side of beef from a neighbouring farm.
Each week, Guindon designs a new seven-course tasting menu, pulling you deeper into PEI’s edible soul with every forkful. Hyper-local? Absolutely. Playful? Always. Expect a few surprises too — like a dish so beautiful you’ll hesitate to eat it… until your knife mysteriously finds its way into that first buttery scallop.
“At The Table, every dish tells a story. These are the moments you’ll want to tuck away and remember forever.”
Hold Tight, Your Culinary Adventure is About to Begin
Picture yourself seated at the long, welcoming harvest table, glass of local wine in hand, a mischievous glint in your eye as the first course arrives. Maybe it’s a silky chowder that smells like the sea on a sunny day, or a hand-rolled pasta so fresh you can hear Nonna Guindon (we assume) singing in the kitchen.
You’ll watch Chef Hunter and his team glide around the open kitchen — a graceful ballet of knives, flames, and laughter — while he peppers the evening with stories about the farmers, foragers, and fishermen who made your plate possible. It’s part dinner, part show, and wholly unforgettable.
And the ingredients? They’re fresher than gossip at a country market. From buttery oysters kissed by the Atlantic, to carrots so sweet they’ll ruin supermarket vegetables for you forever, every bite tells a tale of this lush little island.
The Table Verdict: Pull Up a Chair, Stay Awhile
Dining at The Table isn’t just a meal — it’s a journey, a celebration, and, quite possibly, a religious experience for your taste buds. You’ll leave lighter of spirit (and heavier of belly) with new friends, incredible stories, and a longing to come back before the dishes have even been cleared.
“Some restaurants feed you dinner. The Table feeds your soul.”
Reservations are a must — this kind of magic doesn’t stay secret for long. $175 per person covers seven unforgettable courses, plus memories you’ll be bragging about to anyone who’ll listen. (Pro tip: spring for the wine pairings. You won’t regret it.)
So sharpen your appetite, dust off your sense of adventure, and get ready to meet Prince Edward Island — one gloriously delicious plate at a time.
Plan Your Visit to The Table:
- Season: May 15 – September 30, 2025
- Time: One seating nightly at 5:30 PM
- Reservations: Required
- Price: $175 per person (+ tax, beverages extra)
- Website: thetablepei.ca
Top 5 Moments to Watch For at The Table
- That First Bite “Whoa” Moment
When the first dish lands and you take that inaugural bite — cue the choir! It might be a buttery lobster tail, a carrot purée that defies science, or a bite of cloud-like biscuit that instantly erases any self-restraint you thought you had. Warning: audible sighs of happiness are inevitable. - Chef Hunter’s Storytime Sessions
Between courses, Chef Guindon pops out of the kitchen like a culinary bard, spinning tales of oyster beds, heirloom potatoes, and farmers with better beards than hipster baristas. It’s like dinner theatre, only tastier and less awkward. - The “What Is That?!” Plate Reveal
Prepare to have your curiosity piqued as new dishes arrive looking like edible art installations. Is it a roasted beet, a pickled quail egg, or a tiny meteor from Mars? (Spoiler: it’s a beet. And it’s glorious.) - Making Friends Without Even Trying
Something magical happens when an intimate dining room full of strangers share the same unforgettable food and a festive dining experience. Suddenly, you’re clinking glasses with a couple from Montreal and trading travel tips with a teacher from Vancouver. (Don’t be surprised if you leave with a few new Instagram followers — and maybe a standing dinner date for next summer.) - The Bittersweet Goodbye
After seven courses and countless “oohs” and “aahs,” dessert lands and reality sets in — it’s almost over. Take your time. Linger. Soak in the candlelight, the laughter, the satisfaction of a night well spent. This is the stuff stories are made of.