LITTLE GULL BISTRO A unique casual & inviting dining experience By Amanda Stellisano In a region of Nova Scotia known for its beautiful coast, magnificent sandy beaches, warm waters, and world-famous brown sauce pizza. Little Gull Bistro has been soaring the culinary experience to new heights since its opening in Pictou County. We sit down with Willow Harrison and Tom Emmott, owners of Little Gull Bistro, to understand what has foodies from all over flocking to New Glasgow to try their uniquely casual and elevated culinary experience.
On the cusp of summer 2023, Willow Harrison and Tom Emmott started serv- ing up high-end culinary offerings with local produce at the Little Gull Bistro. They purchased the well-loved restau- rant space, previously known simply as The Bistro, from Heather Poulin and Rob Vinton. The previous owners have passed the torch but continue to of- fer support and advice when needed, making Little Gull Bistro a thriving part of the Pictou County community. When asked what they enjoy doing in their free time, Willow and Tom laugh. In the restaurant business—especially in a kitchen where it’s just the two of them—free time is scarce. But on the
occasional opportunities that they find some, they like to head out into nature. They particularly enjoy beach days and foraging. But more than anything, they just take the opportunity to relax. Willow and Tom are both red seal chefs who have worked across the country and around the world, in the kitchens of hotels to Michelin Star restaurants. They had known each other for sever- al years through a mutual friend but re- connected more recently. Initially, they tossed around the idea of opening a food truck together. But the red tape that comes with that process is tangly, and it ultimately wasn’t aligned with the vision they wanted to bring to life.
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