East Coast rock band Andre Pettipas and The Giants have been making a notable name for themselves in the Canadian rock scene over the past seven years.
With a mix of accolades over the years including multiple singles spinning on the nationally-syndicated East Coast Countdown, winning The Arkells Leather Jacket cover contest, Jim Beam National Talent Search Regional Winners (Halifax) in 2019, and more, the Nova Scotia natives saw a big breakthrough in 2021. This Andre Pettipas and The Giants' song "Sympathy Card" from the album the album No Fools No Fun hit a respectable #27 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart.
This album was also nominated for "Rock Recording Of The Year" at the 2022 East Coast Music Association Awards and Nova Scotia Music Week, and led the band to record a live album at legendary El Mocambo in Toronto during their release tour. The band's latest single “Definition Of A Dweeb" was released in June and tells the age-old story of being a high school outcast in the catchy, charmingly-angsty way fans have come to expect from Andre Pettipas and The Giants.
Recently, we asked the band's frontman Andre Pettipas to share his favourite places to dine in his home base of Pictou County. From iconic spots for Pictou-Country-style pizza (trust us, it is a thing!) to a fun cantina that's brimming with live music, the rocker's taste buds do not lead us astray.
Breakfast
Eastside Family Restaurant is my go-to.
It's got the traditional approach to diner-style breakfasts: hefty portions, great service and it won't break the bank. Basically everything you want on a breakfast trip.
Lunch
For a late lunch you'd be silly not to scope out some Pictou County pizza because you can't go wrong with Pictou County pizza.
It's got "brown sauce", which makes it so unique. Most places also use Chris Brothers pepperoni which gives it a whole other flair as well.
The Dillard at Sam's Pizza in Stellarton is a personal favourite. It has dill pickle and ham on it. You can also go for the pep and cheese at Acropole Pizza or Andre's Pizza.
Dinner
For dinner, you're going to want to hit up Shoebox Cantina. They've got a great menu with daily specials that are always a hit.
They also have music every Monday night, which is fantastic for folks in the music industry on their typical day-off to go enjoy some live music.
Drinks
As a non-drinker I've been able to enjoy the nightlife with ease throughout Pictou County.
Shoebox has a 0.5% Kombucha that is amazing, and they also have a huge list of local taps for order that is always revolving. The Thistle always has the 0.0 sunbrews which are delicious. Backstage Brewing has an impressive list of Craft beer that they make and always have Libra readily available to accommodate the sober folk.
Blue Lobster Public House also makes some amazing cocktails and has no problem [creating zero-proof versions] for the non-drinkers.
