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Along New Glasgow’s downtown core, you’ll find a culinary experience like no other in Pictou County and neighbouring communities.
Willow Harrison and Tom Emmott opened Little Gull Bistro, located in the spot where The Bistro used to be, in Spring 2023. Now, they’re approaching the 1-year mark of making the spot their own.
“It was a torch being passed,” said Emmott. “They have been so supportive of us,” said Harrison.
The pair of red seal chefs originally met through a mutual friend, while Emmott was working at The Bistro. Their paths would eventually cross again awhile later. After that, the couple began realizing their shared dreams of one day creating something of their own.
At the beginning, they considered a food-truck endeavour, however, legislation surrounding food-trucks and the requirement that a kitchen space had to be attached to it made that route unfeasible.
Then the opportunity to purchase an establishment they both had deep admiration and respect for arose, and they knew it was the time for their next chapter.
“We knew we wanted to make everything from scratch,” said Harrison. “So, we bought a really good pasta machine.”
Harrison and Emmott are proud to serve from-scratch, quality dishes, created from local sources whenever possible. Beyond the food, they have done their best to source everything locally, down to the plants serving as decoration throughout the restaurant, and the propane they use in the kitchen.
“We want this to be the place where the menu changes, showcasing local products,” said Harrison.
Luckily for customers, there is a plethora of fantastic product and producers in the area. From the fresh ocean catches caught in our backyards, to the rich produce farms, and the excellent livestock producers; the opportunity for culinary creativity is readily available and abundant. “There are so many options,” said Emmott.
“Everyone has been so supportive,” said Harrison. While every new venture comes with a learning curve, Harrison and Emmott have continued to put one foot in front of the other each day. For this team, a big change has been Emmott stepping away from the kitchen to manage the frontend, while Harrison runs the kitchen. While they know and respect their roles, each element of the business remains a collaborative effort. “It’s Willow’s kitchen, and our food,” said Emmott.
“In the back, you have to be a dog, but in the front, you have to be a cat,” said Emmott, quoting friend and long-time server, Cathy Hafey. The pair also mentioned their returning kitchen staff member, Carmela Carrera, when speaking about their wonderful and talented team.
When you enter Little Gull Bistro, you are met with genuine hospitality. You immediately feel welcomed, and a big part of that is due to the seasoned expertise of the staff.
“We wanted this to be an easy-going place filled with laughter and lots of eating,” said Emmott. “We wouldn’t have been able to be here without the community support. Everyone who has helped us, from getting the place ready to the day to day,” said Harrison.
They remain focused dreamers, who have big ideas for the future. Until then, their thrilled to be building something they’re so proud of. “We want to be a spot that serves good, real food,” shared Emmott.
“We feel proud, and it feels good,” said Emmott. “We’ve never had the feeling of, ‘I’m dreading going in there,” said Harrison.
Harrison, originally from Alberta, and Emmott, originally from Northern Ontario, have both lived throughout the province for nearly two decades. For the past few years, they’ve been settled in Pictou County. They come from different backgrounds, both with newcomer parents. Their backgrounds have and continue to influence their culinary repertoires, which they’ve brought along as they’ve embarked on their new journey. Little Gull Bistro serves dishes that stray from traditional cuisine category boxes, creating a universal language without need for words to form connection and share culture.
Carrying on the legacy of a well-loved establishment, especially in a tight-knit community, is no easy feat. But when your food tastes as good as what Little Gull Bistro is serving, it’s easy to continue rallying behind the restaurant post-torch passing.