eastcoastal's Profile
Charcuterie Ratinaud
Since they make most everything, I would hope they would be knowledgeable
Hey Halifax Open City this weekend
absolutely... gonna start the day with a morning-burger from the Brooklyn Warehouse pop-up and then wander around downtown.
Charcuterie Ratinaud
Try not to be put off by the decidedly bare-bones retail space... the goodies are head and shoulders above the unfortunate physical space.
As You Like It Sandwich Bar, Hollis St.
Try calling:
http://www.yelp.ca/biz/as-you-like-it-2-halifax
Halifax: Bistro Le Coq?
I've been for brunch now, and had a good experience.
The table split some hors d'oeuvres:
-fois gras mousse with rhubarb and orange marmalade. These were served with toasted baguette. I'm not sure what ratio of baguette to fois gras they expected, but we were served a terribly inadequate (about 30% of what we'd eventually need) supply of bread. The server was happy to get us more. The rhubarb and orange marmalade really did the trick in cutting through the richness of the mousse, and everyone really enjoyed this.
-Duck confit salad. The duck was great. The end.
We ordered a bunch of drinks too... all were quite pleasant, I would suggest that you try whatever sounds appealing to you.
So yeah... brunch with drinks and appetizers...
Lobster Benny - fine... apparently really nice if you like lobster. I don't, so there you go. My dad really liked his - except for the potato rosti that accompanied it.
Crepe du jour (I think it was a ham and asparagus with some veggies in it, and a chardonnay cream sauce) - really nicely put together - great flavours and great texture. My mum ordered this (and we all tried a bit of everyone's food... passing side plates around... gauche? mayber... but that's the way we roll) and she enjoyed it... except for her rosti.
Eggs Benedict on duck prosciutto - the duck prosciutto was a nice touch. Eggs were cooked perfectly, and this had just the right amount of sauce. She didn't enjoy her rosti.
There seems to be an anti-rosti sentiment running at our table. I didn't try any of anyone else's, and my meal didn't have one, so I can't say what the real issue was... murmers of "Not tasty"... "soggy"... "cold"... abounded at our table. Given the option again, I think it was unanimous, that everyone would have preferred the salad accompaniment.
Steak sandwich was my brunch, it was served with frites, no rosti. The steak was cooked perfectly... the sauce was perfect... the toast was perfect.. the egg it was topped with oozed goodness all over when I cut into it... pretty much excellent. I didn't have much room for the frites - they were good, but not amazing. I saw on the menu that you can order them with parmesan and a truffle mayo as a side... I think either the seasoning was muted by the flavours from my sandwich, or I just got regular ole' frites cooked in duck fat. I have heard great things about the frites here, and I have no complaints... just wasn't blown away by the duck fat factor - I guess I was expecting more.
My boyfriend, in a break from the savoury experiences abounding at the table, broke from the mould and ordered the apple pancakes. These were fluffy and delicious... spiced just right, and served with local bacon. He was pretty hungry... I guess his food was less filling than everyone else's.
After a round of coffees, groupspeak ordered deserts. Maybe it was the cocktails talking. Who has dessert with brunch?
My dad had a selection of their house made ice creams. All were good, but the mocha was outstanding. I had creme brule, which was delicious... just the right balance of creme and brule. My boyfriend and mother both had the illes flotantes - the islands were poached (without hazlenuts) and they were served surrounded by creme anglais - so really, according to my research, a combination of illes flotantes and oeufs a la neige. They were pretty good, and the custard was delicious. I'm sure my sister had kirsch buchette, which was also good and decadent, and called for more coffee.
The atmosphere was nice... great space (though I felt the tin ceiling was a little too shiny given its close proximity. I've been to bistros before that tend to be long narrow spaces with high ceilings and small tables packed together - usually they're crammed with people enjoying themselves and the boisterous atmosphere is part of the charm. Bistro le Coq was a little more subdued, with fewer tables. So go with your friends and fill this place up. Enjoy some cocktails and great food.
Masa Harina, where can I buy it in Halifax (or even mail order in Canada??)
The last time I was at Superstore, only 4 of the 5 employees I asked knew what phyllo pastry was, let alone where to find it. There's usually one person around who knows what products are... the trick is to find them.
Halifax: Bistro Le Coq?
Thanks for the review... I'll have to check it out sometime.
Funny enough, I was just reading a french cookbook that was explaining the difference between iles flottantes and oeufs a la neige:
The meringue for iles flottantes is supposed to be baked in a mold and is supposed to include hazelnuts. The instructions say to serve it with the meringue on the plate, spooning the creme anglaise around it to make it appear as though it's an island.
The meringue for oeufs a la neige is not molded, but poached in sugar water, no hazelnuts. To serve this one, you're supposed to pour the creme anglaise onto the serving platter first... floating the meringue on top.
LOL - glad I got to use some trivia that I thought I'd never get the opportunity to spout. I do have to say that anytime I've had floating islands as a desert, they've come floating on the creme anglaise. May not be the traditional way, but is probably a bastardized North American version of the desert that is accepted in its own right now.
Annapolis Valley wineries
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/wine/beppi-crosariol/surprise-one-of-canadas-best-wines-is-from-nova-scotia/article2154874/
Halifax: Bistro Le Coq?
Anyone been to Bistro Le Coq, the new RCR joint on Argyle? I walked past the other day, and it looks inviting. Plan on checking it out sometime soon and was wondering if there were any recommendations...
Dhaba Express, a new Indian restaurant in Halifax, NS
Whoah - no need to get so defensive Patriciahahn.
Work on your restaurant (or your friend's) and take constructive criticism as a way to improve. Unless it isn't a restaurant you're connected with, and it's only coincidence that the only posts that you or jaymacleod have made on the Atlantic Canada forum have to do with Dhaba Express.
If it is only coincidence, chill out a little - no one's attacking you, and everyone's experience at a restaurant is different.
Halifax: where to get fresh Kaffir lime leaves?
I've had good luck finding lemongrass in Sobeys (Windsor Street), Superstore (Young St., Joseph Howe Dr., Wuinpool), and at Pete's Frootique (downtown).
There are a number of Asian Grocery stores that may have good curry pastes, but they're easy enough to make yourself if you have a food processor. If you don't have a food processor, or you'd rather let someone else press the button to mash up your herbs and spices, check around - I couldn't tell you which brands are superior... maybe someone else on here could shed some light
Mail order the Atlantic
Being from Atlantic Canada and having traveled to/through Maine many many times, I have to say that our local food traditions are surprisingly different. Sure, there's lots of lobster on both sides of the border, but local canned clams are not that common. From my experience, there is not much of a tradition of canned baked beans - sure, growing up, pretty much all the households I knew had one night a week dedicated to baked beans in molasses with brown/oat bread, but these were not the types of meals that could find their ways easily into some sort of mail order arrangement. Not without a lot of mess.
I would suggest that you stick to the stuff you know, and engage in a bit of cross-border shopping. I don't think you'll find anything that satisfies your nostalgic urges in Atlantic Canada.
Looking for Hungarian deli in Nova Scotia
There's a place on Chebucto Road called the European Pantry. I've driven past, but haven't been in, so don't know what they have... it's worth at least calling to check them out.
Going to Fid's: what to order?
depends on when you're going... at lunch, the pad thai is excellent... dinner, the fid cakes. Other than that, the menu is tight and fairly easy to navigate... it changes a lot (except for a few standbys like the pad thai and fid cakes), so go with an open mind and ask your server.
Food Trucks in Halifax?
yeah... "people" in New York.
The trend has yet to rise (to be followed by the inevitable backlash) here. At least we can preview the trajectory.
MIX Fresh Kitchen
I went for dinner with family the other day
Our server was great - very personable with good suggestions and just the right amount of interaction with our table
The menu didn't seem overly large, but it was a little odd: the appetizers all looked to be fairly heavy, leaving me feeling like if I ordered one, I wouldn't have room for a main.
We decided to split appetizers amongst the table:
Chicken Mango Nachos - not much to elevate these past regular nacho fare. Lamb Poutine - a nice combination of fat and salt, a step above street food, but nothing amazing. When Pigs Fly (a plate of chicken wings and ribs.... I'm not a wing or rib person, so went along with the table's wishes a little reluctantly. The chicken was decent enough I guess - nothing I'd ever order anyway. The ribs though? Amazing! These things deserve their own dish. They were smokey and tender on the inside with a crispy well-seasoned coating. Amazing.
For my main I got a thai beef salad that was ok - the dressing on the greens overpowered the beef. Not totally balanced. I ended up wishing I had the macaroni and cheese with bacon - it just seems like the sort of thing that the kitchen would have done well.
I tried some of other people's food. There was a chicken curry pasta that was sweeter than I go for in a curry. A mushroom pasta that wasn't anything special, and a burger that was outstanding.
Deserts were split as well - the vanilla creme brule was very well done - everything just right. Bread pudding was good, but, again, not amazing. Apple tart was phenominal.
Overall, it was pleasant - not as adventurous as I had hoped going into the experience. I'll likely try again in a few months and see what's changed
Halifax - Gourmet delivery?
Several of my family members (but not me directly) have had good luck with Pete's
http://www.petesfrootique.com/
Whet/Fred Dinner
I understand Whet at Fred is open for dinner a few nights a week now. Anyone been?
MIX Fresh Kitchen
Tried to go today for lunch, but it was closed for a special function. Boo-urns.
Was planning on checking out the size of the menu to see if it was, indeed, scandalous.
Hello Halifax, first time in your city next month
Janes on the Common - a casual neighbourhood spot that's supposed to be a hip take on diner food. Always have had good experiences there (except for dry pork... once... out of many trips) http://www.janesonthecommon.com/
Fid as mentioned above... used to be higher-end, but they've done away with the linens and adjusted prices while maintaining high quality food. Local market produce prepared with a french style. http://fidresto.ca/
Morris East - wood-fired pizza. Eat-in only. Usually have decent wines. They try to source things seasonally. http://www.morriseast.com/
Everyone goes to the Economy Shoe Shop on Argyle St. It's not gonna blow your tastebuds away, but is an interesting atmosphere. Safest to stick to beer and nachos if you're looking to enjoy it for what it is: a local institution.
Coastal Cafe is a great breakfast spot with good lunches. Good chef using high-quality ingredients in a small room. No reservations, and lineups for breakfast on the weekend http://www.thecoastal.ca/
There is a steak place that is pretty overpriced much of the time, called Cut (I must say that I do enjoy their tartare though)... it has a sister restaurant, called Cut Urban Grill, in the same building that did pretty good tapas the last time I was there - best for sharing with friends http://www.cutsteakhouse.ca/
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Morris East
5212 Morris St, Halifax, NS B3J, CA
Durty Nelly's Hlfx
I think that the other restaurant you're talking about, on Barrington, is Chives.
I've been to Durty Nelly's twice - both times were last summer. First, let me say that the way they approached the exterior makes my skin crawl - trying to create a faux olde-fashioned building out of cheaply painted plywood panels. It's in what I consider to be an historic building in its own rights: the first curtain wall building in Atlantic Canada. They've tried to create old world charm on the interior as well, with much more success. I still find it incongruous with the rest of the building, but they've used nice authentic materials, and it feels quite cozy.
Anyway - on to the food.
I can't remember specifics at this point two years later. I do remember that the food was good.... pretty standard pub fare that felt high-quality... but nothing spectacular. If I were to pick a spot on Argyle for good pub food, first I would pick the Foggy Goggle, then Durty Nelly's, the the good ole Shoe Shop. Our server two years ago was nice enough to remain as my strongest memory of the place.
I would go to check it out if I were you... I find that going somewhere where your imagination has been stoked by a television program or something else brings another dimension to your meal. Go, but don't expect to have your mind blown.
New Seaport Farmer's Market in Halifax
Found this article on-line...
http://passable.ca/2010/08/23/the-market-habit/
Grocery and Alcoholic Beverage Stores in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia wines I purchased at the 2009 Port of Wines Festival:
Gaspereau Vineyards 2008 Seyval Blanc, which was the top scoring NS table wine at the show
L'Acadie Vineyards L'Acadie Brut, which is produced using the traditional Champagne method
from 2008's Festival, I took home Jost Vineyard's 2007 Vidal Cayuga, which was that year's top scoring NS table wine, and won a silver medal from Tasters Guild International
Grocery and Alcoholic Beverage Stores in Nova Scotia
I would say that the best Gaspereau wines are not to be found in the regular NSLC stores, but in the private stores (Bishop's Cellar, in Bishop's Landing on the waterfront, or Premier Wine and Spirits in Dresden Market - same place as the downtown Pete's), or at the vineyard, where you can actually walk through the vines (tasted some of the raw materials while there last year).
The wine industry is really just starting to take off, so while there are some really good wines (only whites, in my experience), there are also plenty of mediocre or disappointing wines. If you want recommendations on specific wines, I have always found the staff at Bishop's Cellar particularly helpful
Halifax: Chinese Food
Never experienced Cheelin's food, but have heard before from others that it is good.
Silver Dragon is the same kind of ambience as Robie foods (situated a couple bloks from each other on Robie St., between Young St. and North St.). Reasonable prices and acceptible fare, but if you found China Town grubby, I wouldn't recommend you eat in.
I usually enjoy the food from Great Wall, on Bedford Row. King's Palace on Quinpool is OK - I mostly like to go there for the over-the-top ceiling tiles and weird low-rise international-style building.
Grocery and Alcoholic Beverage Stores in Nova Scotia
Reds do not seem to do well in the Nova Scotian Climate. I've had some nice Seyval Blanc from Gaspereau... as well as a nice crisp rose from the same winery. Other NS roses are sweeter and not as interesting.
Halifax: 3 meals, 1 brunch- 2 dinners. So many restaurants, so little time. Help me choose.
I would hit Morris East if I were you. Not sure what the menu is this month, but the traditional pizza is almost always there, and it never disappoints (get it on white crust). Appetizers are always good, and if they have salted caramel tarts, you'd do well to save room for dessert. No linen, so not considered as "high end" as the other dinner places you mentioned, but I think the warm service and attention to food is top notch.
A few days in Halifax
I haven't had Dim Sum in Halifax, but Great Wall is walking distance from your hotel and has excellent Chinese, I would think that Dim Sum would be similarly good.
Seafood is difficult to get without being in a boring tourist place - though I've enjoyed the oyster Po' Boy Sandwich at Little Fish on Argyle St.
Close enough to walk in good weather:
Morris East - fantastic pizzas with changing seasonal toppings. They cook other stuff in their apple wood fired oven - wood fired caesars and bloody marys are great. Weekdays from 5-6 they have happy hour specials with nibblies and drinks. I have always enjoyed my meals there - small, stylish, and very relaxed.
Chives - fresh local food. I've never been absolutely wowed, but most people I know who've eaten there can go on and on about how much they love it.
Fid is a little farther away. I'd walk it if I were you, but you may prefer a cab (I'd walk to most of theses places from your hotel if the weather was nice enough). Used to be higher end local food, prepared in a French way. They've removed the linen from the dining room and lowered prices. I've been since they've changed and can safely say that the food is still very high quality and still sourced at local farmers markets.
A little further away, but worth it in my opinion, is Jane's on the Common. So. Good. They aren't a seafood restaurant, but whatever way they're doing the haddock it's always fantastic. They also have a way with scallops and shrimp cakes.
All of my suggestions above are pretty casual - especially Great Wall. Jane's, Fid, and Morris East are all stylish but still casual. If you're looking for something a little higher end, I would suggest Da Maurizio (excellent Italian), or Bish ("world cuisine"). Gio is the restaurant in the Prince George Hotel, and they're a nice higher end place.
Further from your hotel, but in a very interesting space is Fred/Whet. This is a hair salon/gallery/cafe in a neighbourhood in transition. Sounds odd, but really works. This is a lunch or weekend brunch type spot - no dinner. It's in a mid-century bank building and is all high ceilings, polished concrete, and pretty lights. It's not a "local" experience if you're looking for fiddles and lobster, but is an authentic piece of my Halifax (the guys who run the place grow their own herbs, and raise chickens ostensibly for their eggs, but I can't vouch for how local their food is in all cases). If you go, you must have a cupcake.
In the same neighbourhood is a place called Coastal Coffee - it's a breakfast brunch lunch place. Small room. No reservations. And often a well deserved and well rewarded wait.
Are there any (good) French restaurants in Halifax?
I would also suggest Fid. I haven't been recently, so I can't confirm the continuation of high quality, but I have never ever had a bad experience at Fid. In fact, all my experiences have been memorably good.
The food is not overtly French, but is French in style. It's not a classic French restaurant, but serves up local ingredients prepared with care by someone with a French eye (or tastebud) for style.
