favourites from the quick service menu are shepherd’s pie, beefs tips, gravy and mashed potatoes, or mashed with the works.” Pickering says, “Favourites from the kitchen menu are classic breakfast, braised beef po boy, and sweet club. We have no fryers, so sides are healthier options that include potato salad, pasta salad, daily soup or Covered Bridge potato chips.” Ruby’s sweet club is by far the most popular sandwich, with the braised beef po boy coming in a close second. Ruby’s patrons love that they serve the classic breakfast all day. Ruby’s favourite desserts, Pineapple Delight and Sex in a Pan, were classics at family dinners and are still favourites at Ruby’s Counter. “Sex in a Pan is a crazy name for a dessert, but it’s one of the best desserts you’ll ever have! It’s a delicious pudding dessert with a crunchy pecan crust,” Pickering said, “Our dessert menu is ever-changing. Our bakers, Betty and Jauinta, love to change things up and try new ideas. But staples are Flakies, Pineapple Delight, Sex in a Pan and we always have cookies.” Ruby’s also offers a grab-and-go cooler of individual or family-sized meals that are perfect for a busy summer lifestyle. They are sensibly priced—between six and fourteen dollars—and you can add favourite desserts. Ruby’s drive-thru is a great choice if you’re on your way to the beach, work or simply on-the- go. “Pick up our Bakin Express coffee, sweets, breakfast and lunch sandwich or sub, and of course our quick serve lunch items.” “We will be launching three sauces in the next few months with the addition of Ruby's Sauce Company: Cherry Bomb BBQ, Maple Balsamic Vinegar Dressing, and Bacon Jammm,” Pickering says. “We will be focusing more on building our small off-site catering needs this summer.” Be sure to stop into Ruby’s Counter while visiting Kensington. It’s just like a visit to your grandmother’s kitchen.
▲ Coreen Pickering
T he inspiration behind Ruby’s Counter comes from owner Coreen Pickering’s grandmother. “Ruby was a farmer’s wife in rural PEI who loved feeding everyone and anyone,” says Pickering. “She always made sure the community was well- fed. Whether it was a family in need, a community event, or neighbours stopping by to buy eggs, she always had a meal or baked good ready for them.” In her early years, Ruby ran her own restaurant, Sunnybrook Diner, in Clinton, where a lobster plate cost just $1.60. Visitors to Ruby’s often heard her say, "thank you kindly" and "bye for now," sentiments that Ruby’s Counter strives to keep alive. Pickering’s nickname, Little Rub’s, was given to her because of her similarities to her grandmother. “We shared a lot in common—our height, looks, and passion for feeding people, always wondering what the next meal would be,” she says. Pickering grew up on a dairy farm in Clinton, PEI and in 2019, she and her husband bought the Ship to Shore Restaurant in Darnley. The menu at Ruby’s is described as home cooking. The chefs, owner Duncan Smith and manager Alan Paul try to keep the dishes simple and good while supporting as many local producers as possible. “Some of our
RUBY'S COUNTER 116 Victoria St W, Kensington 902.836.3900
SUMMER 2024 www.pei-living.ca
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