Foreword
David McMillan, Co-owner of Joe Beef, Liverpool House & Vin Papillon

The moment I cross the bridge over the Bay of Quinte, a warm sense of “I’ve been here before” comes over me. The déjà vu feels like a famil­iarity with the spirits, the ancestors, the landscape and the trees of this slice of Canadiana. I’ve lived in France, and my whole career has been spent working in Montreal, but the county, although it’s not my home, feels like home.

When Chris told me he was writing this book I immediately said: “I want to contribute something.” I’ve known him for a long time, ever since we first opened Joe Beef, and I can’t think of anyone better suited to do justice to this place that neither of us are from, but both love. And I can’t imagine a better pairing for Chris’s writing than Johnny’s photographs. Johnny’s a transplant, as is most everyone who hasn’t been here for 10 generations or more, but he knows the county, its people and its rhythms as well as anyone, and his images capture the essence of this special place.

I have met a vast collection of friendly, like-minded people in the county: hard workers, dreamers, farmers, every one of them with a deep love of this island that feels forgotten somewhere in time. There are the born-and-bred county folks who have been here for generations, who know every road, every pasture and every family. Then there are the newcomers: the people who picked up from wherever they lived, who saw what I see, and ultimately made significant life changes to move to the county. For so many, this is a place where people can come to start anew, be part of something, and work and contribute to the community.

And whether I’m talking to longtime locals or brand-new residents, I have great discussions all over the county. I often find myself dwelling on the idea that I work and live in Montreal in a very urban setting, but enlightening exchanges in the city are few and far between. I find myself craving the county and those conversations at the Legion, or the various watering holes around the island, on main streets or at wineries. I always feel the need to get one point across during these chats. In almost every conversation, you’ll hear me say: “Do you realize how lucky you are to live here and be a part of what is going on?” I usually follow up by stressing how jealous I am of the beauty that fills the eyes and hearts of this amazing community. Prince Edward County, to me, offers a chance to start a community or join an existing, robust one, and that isn’t something that happens everywhere or every day.

I’ve driven along every road and explored every corner of the county during my stays. I fantasize about opening a restaurant, a B&B, a cider house, a winery, of farming goat or lamb. But I can also support, tour, explore and live the county life through visits, too, and I hope you will do the same with this book at your side. Visit Prince Edward County! #CountyUp