ILona Daniel
Chef Ilona Daniel is a renowned culinary expert and media personality, blending her roles as an instructor at the Culinary Institute of Canada, Food Editor for Harrowsmith Magazine, CBC PEI Radio Personality, Mainstreet Eats, and host of the TV cooking show, Get in the Kitchen. A sought-after speaker, educator, and hospitality consultant, she operates her own consulting organization while contributing as a food photographer, recipe developer and writer. Chef Ilona’s dynamic presence has been showcased on platforms like VICE TV, APTN, Bravo TV, CTV Atlantic, and Breakfast Television.
Where do you live in PEI?
Historical downtown Charlottetown.
What is your favourite thing about life in PEI?
The pace of life here has a gentle rhythm to it, and to get away from it all, a beautiful landscape is never far.
What is something people wouldn't know if they're not from the island?
There is wild food everywhere. I enjoy foraging for strawberries, blueberries, sea asparagus, and apples. When it comes to stopping to smell the roses, here on PEI, we mean that literally.
What are you passionate about personally? What do you really enjoy? What can’t you stop talking about?
Locally produced food and drink. You can buy some of the best oysters or lobsters just a hop, skip, and jump from where they're pulled out of the water. There are bakeries nestled in back alleys with croissants that will make you worship butter in ways you never imagined.
If you had to choose one spot on the island to take someone who has never been here, where would it be?
The North Shore, with its sand dunes, lighthouse, deep sea fishing, and amazing fish and chips. And for a magical experience, the wild spirit of the most westerly point of the Island, with the sounds of crashing waves and the most breathtaking sunsets you'll ever see.
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