alladin13's Profile
The Oldest, Continuously Operating Eatery/Pub in Canada?
The Seahorse Tavern in Halifax has been continuously operating since the late 40's, same name, same place.
L'Auberge le Saint-Gabriel in Montreal is probably the oldest restaurant in Canada, started operations since the late 1600's, and is currently in the same building, but I don't believe it has been operating continuously since that time.
I've been to both several times.
IL Mercato - Downtown Halifax location
I'd agree the chicken/mushroom ravioli is incredible!
I don't go often, but do find the food here to be very consistent - if you have your favourite dishes, they will be the same if you go a year later, which is kind of comforting.
I'd agree the noise level is too high when the place is packed, but when it's not packed the design allows sound to travel - I've been there for lunch when it is not busy, I could clearly hear a conversation from a couple at the other side of the room because of the acoustics. But, if they have redecorated a bit, maybe that has changed.
Best pizza place in Halifax
I agree - a friend who was a Peter's fan bought us a meat-lovers pizza earlier this fall - she was so excited for me to try Peter's... the pizza was very disappointing.
Best pizza place in Halifax
I lived in Montreal for 20 years, and while there are some great pizza places, many are worse than here in Halifax (the ubiquitous pizza slice places in Montreal are awful - come on, admit it!). Montreal is a wonderful food city, probably the best ever for us folk on a normal budget, but I don't recall any pizza place in Montreal that could come close to the wonder of a slice Salvatore's original - which is for me, the best pizza I have had anywhere.
Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Is.?
Here's my two cents worth:
* For amazing fried clams, try John's Lunch on Pleasant Street in Dartmouth, near the hospital and Woodside Ferry Terminal.
* Best fish n chips would be at Wharf Wraps in Fisherman's Village in Eastern Passage, Dartmouth. Although I did hear that it's not quite as good as it was.
* In Wolfville, go to Tempest, in Lunenburg, Fleur de Sel - both fine dining.
* The chicken/wild mushroon/gogonzola/sherry ravioli at Il Mercato in Halifax is worth the trip alone.
* Best bakery is Les Vendeenes in Mahone Bay - they sell at the Halifax Farmer's Market on Saturdays. Julien's pales in comparison - Julien's "heartier" breads weigh nothing (pick one up) which means the loaf is basically fluff inside. La Vendeene's bagettes are wonderful; their croissants are pretty good (and I lived next to one of the best patisseries in Montreal for 12 years - so I hope I'm close to being an expert on this one!).
* Salvatore's plain old cheese pizza is just wonderful - real Italian, not a Canadianized version. They are on Young St in the north end Hydrostone Market in Halifax.
* The Chickenburger in Bedford is an institution - been around since the 30's, and has the neon to prove it. I like their cheeseburgers, chickenburgers, and shakes. I worked there as a teenager - the place is spotlessly clean, the beef and chicken is fresh, not frozen.
* As for better dining in Halifax, I like Seven, Mosaic (actually a lounge with small plates), Taj Mahal, Onyx (Mick Jagger ate there when the Stones were in town almost 2 years ago), and daMaurizio - Maurizio is a wizard in the kitchen, but I understand he has sold his signature restaurant to focus on his other establishments.
* Just Us Coffee - unbelievably, this fair trade java joint has just about the best coffee I've had anywhere. Based in Wolfville, they have cafes on Barrington St and Spring Garden Rd in Halifax. Skip the Timmy's and Starbucks and go here!
* For pub food, I like The Old Triangle on Bedford Row. Probably the nicest tavern in town.
