It was our anniversary last week. Typically when October 4th rolls around, we sort of force ourselves to go out somewhere, usually opting for a quick bite and then we can say to the kids “See, Mom and Dad went out!” Just kidding…but only sort-of. Fall is a busy season for us and trying to find a free night isn’t always easy, but it felt like we really needed to take some time and celebrate this one…being married for 20 years…is sort of a big deal. So after some deliberation….meaning Troy waits for me to tell him where we are going…we headed out to Mateus Bistro in Mahone Bay.

Matues Bistro is such a beautiful, welcoming space from the inside and out. Right in the heart of Mahone Bay, it’s impossible to walk by in the summer, with their outdoor patio full of people and music and not want to join them. Now in the fall, the patio is even more charming with their lights, candles…and box of blankets…it is just so darn inviting!

The kitchen and restaurant are under the direction of executive chef and owner, Matthew Krizan, who has a fascinating story from his arrival in Newfoundland as a child, to his years working up North, and finally to opening up Mateus Bistro in Mahone Bay, his first restaurant, eight years ago. This summer Matthew represented the Maritime Provinces at a Canada’s Table Dinner in Ottawa in celebration of Canada 150. What an honor!

It was a Wednesday night, we did not have a reservation and were lucky enough to grab a table, because the place quickly filled up! In fact when we left there was only 1 table for 2 left. (luckily for the couple who arrived later that evening) I love everything about the inside of Mateus Bistro as well. The wood floors, which look original, are stunning, the fixtures, and the beautiful artwork hung everywhere just complete the space.

We each started with a soup, I had a red pepper coconut cream soup and my husband had seafood chowder. I love cream soups and this one did not disappoint.

For our main I went with fresh Panko Crusted Haddock served with a grilled corn & tomato salsa, mashed potatoes & vegetables…which was amazing! Troy had Chicken Scallopini, sliced chicken breast topped with a caper cream, served with mashed potatoes & fresh vegetables. Oh my. I thought about that meal for several days….this is totally normal right? 😉

A perfect way to celebrate 20 years of marriage…with something sweet of course! I had a warm chocolate brownie with fruit sauce and Troy had cheesecake with haskap sorbet. Coffee was served in an individual french press…which I loved!

We finished our coffee outside on the patio and spent a few minutes reflecting on our anniversary. A lot happens in 20 years, and there’s no one else I’d rather have by my side through it all. The longer we’re married…the more I appreciate it. It was a special evening and I’m so glad we decided to spend it at Mateus Bistro. It was perfect.

Mateus Bistro is located at 533 Main Street in Mahone Bay and you can check their website for fall hours .