Sou' Wester Restaurant and Gift Shop

Sou' Wester Restaurant and Gift Shop

At such a beautiful spot as Peggy's Cove, one shouldn't expect too much by way of food. Especially a place that bills itself as both a restaurant AND a gift shop. But here at the Sou' Wester, the actually had a quite nice menu.

I gravitated to the Haddock Burger (though there were a number of other items that also caught my fancy. And a good choice it was. I also opted out of the fries (or, that other popular Nova Scotian dish, sweet potato fries) in favor of a really good (and by good I mean wet and creamy) cole slaw.

Good food, great view.

Meal: Lunch
Date Visited: 21 August 2010
Rating: *** 1/2
Address: 178 Peggy's Point Road, Peggy's Cove, NS. B3Z 3S2
Website: http://www.peggys-cove.com/

The Fire Side in Halifax

The Fire Side

I'd been looking forward to this spot on word of mouth reports. I had high expectations, which might have made me expect a bit too much.

My party sat upstairs, which had great outside lighting (it looked dark on the lower level and since it was nice out and still early, we wanted to catch some Nova Scotian rays!). There was also seating outside, but it was a bit chilly for that not that there weren't some diners out there).

I went with the Mediterranean lamb burger (ground lamb and pork seasoned with cumin, mint, coriander, dill, oregano. Grilled, topped with feta arugula, olives and sun-dried tomatoes; served with fries, but I added the side Caeasar salad for a small charge).

The burger was quite good, but the overall experience was lacking some zing.

By the way, no reservations.

Meal: Dinner
Date Visited: 22 August 2010
Rating: *** 1/2
Address: 1500 Brunswick Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Website: http://www.thefireside.ca/

Gazebo Cafe

Gazebo Cafe

After an hour drive from Halifax to our waterside resort, we needed a quick little lunch. Not wanting to eat at one of the resort properties quite yet, we took the fifteen minute drive to the picturesque town of Mahone Bay. At the visitors' center, they recommended a spot just down the street. Sadly, it was out of business, but nearby was the Gazebo Cafe. It was a bit tricky getting a table for nine, but after a short wait, we were able to get a table.

I wasn't that hungry, so I passed on the tasty looking mussels and seafood chowder. Not being a fan of crustaceans (as loyal readers know), I also passed on the lobster roll. Others in my party had all of the previous and came back with great review.

I, however, went with the BLT sandwich. Not bad, but served rather plain (no chips, fries, salad or even a pickle).

So, rating on the BLT, it's a bit low, so I recommend sticking with the seafood options.

Meal: Lunch
Date Visited: 17 August 2010
Rating: ***
Address: South Main Street, Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, B0J 2E0, Canada
Website: N/A

Minato Sushi Japanese Restaurant

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Minato Sushi Japanese Restaurant

Wandering around Halifax, we saw a number of sushi spots. But which one? Being near the sea, I was looking for some good sushi, so how to tell? In this case, we got lucky and were overheard discussing options in the lobby of the hotel. One of the staff quickly opined that Minato's was the best spot in Halifax.

So off we went.

On walking in, I spotted the server carrying a big bowl of kimchi! Hmmm. Interesting. On sitting down and seeing the menu, not only was kimich offered, but a wide variety of Korean dishes. Turns out the owner was Korean. So, in addition to some edamame and sushi selections as appetizers, I had the Korean beef and an extra order of kimchi.

The beef (pulkogi, bulgogi, pick your spelling!) was excellent and the kimchi just right. The sushi was also fresh and well prepared.

Highly recommended.

Meal: Dinner
Date Visited: 14 August 2010
Rating: ****
Address: 1520 Queen Street, Halifax, NS, Canada
Website: http://www.minatosushi.ca/

As You Like It, or, What You Will

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

As You Like It

Sometimes you just want a good, quick, deli sandwich. Heading out on the streets of Halifax, there it was, "As You Like It".

Did I like it? Yup. I got the chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat. Served with a cranberry dressing (interesting touch), I added a package of poutine flavored chips.

Fast service and probably a popular lunch spot for office workers.

Meal: Lunch
Date Visited: 16 August 2010
Rating: ****
Address: 1660 Hollis St Halifax, NS , B3J1V7
Website: N/A

Salt Shaker Deli: Shake a tail feather down to ...

Salt Shaker Deli: Shake a tail feather down to ...

One needs to always be a bit wary when in tourist spots, you never know quite what to expect. So, when we stopped in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Lunenbert (Nova Scotia) I wasn't certain what would come up on the meal-0-matic. Stopping in one of the
souvenir shops, we were pointed in the direction of the Salt Shaker Deli.

A few minutes walk brought us there and luckily, there was a table for seven available!

Well, in looking over the menu, there were local Indian Point mussels, so I had to have some. Especially when saw there was a special, "Pint and a Pound" - pint of draft beer and a pound of mussels. The only trouble was there were so many options:

• Provenqal
• Steamed in White Wine
• Propeller Honey Wheat Beer
• Propeller Porter Beer
• Roasted Garlic & Cream
• Thai Coconut Curry
• Spicy Tomato & Harissa
• Portugese Style with Sausage
• Creamy Madras Curry

Many of the options were tempting, but I stuck with the basic white wine option. Excellent mussels and just the right amount. Highly recommended.

A feew days later, on a boat cruise, I got to see the mussel beds in Mahone Bay:



Meal: Lunch
Date Visited: 18 August 2010
Rating: ****
Address: 124 Montague Street, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0
Website: http://www.saltshakerdeli.com/

Not Today: King of Donair

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

I was so sad passing pizza corner this, my last night in Halifax. I never had a chance to try a donair at K.O.D. - King of Donair.

I had wanted to try the classic donair at midnight, but my scheduled never worked out ... so ...

Not today, but someday!

Steve-o-Reno's

Steve-o-Reno's Cappucino

Located on a little side street, Steve-o-Reno's is a perfect little spot for coffee or a quick bite.

I stopped in for a late lunch and didn't really want too much. Nice and comfortable decor, wifi, and helpful, friendly staff.

The main item on the menu is the "Egg-o-reno", a nice take on the basic "Eggwich". I got mine with veggies, cheese, and a bit of ham. Very tasty!

I didn't get a coffee, but reports from friends say that it was excellent.

Be aware, Steve-o-Reno's is cash only!

Meal: Lunch
Date Visited: 15 August 2010
Rating: ****
Address: 1536 Brunswick St, Halifax, NS, B3J 2G2
Website: N/A

Java Factory

Java Factory


They roast their own coffee. What else do we need to say?

Locally roasted coffee always has a bit of an edge in the race for the perfect cup. I didn't get a chance to stay long at the Java Factory (passing by on a walk around Halifax), but the smell of roasting coffee drew me in.

Located in the Pier 21 area of museums, cruise ship docks, and  beer breweries, it has a great location.

I didn't get a chance to try the foods, but the pasties and other offerings looked good.

And the coffee? Excellent!

Meal: Coffee
Date Visited: 17 August 2010
Rating: ****
Address: 1113 Marginal Rd., Halifax, NS B3H 4P7
Website: http://www.javafactorycoffee.com/

The Old Triangle Irish Ale House

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

The Old Triangle Irish Ale House

When I looked online and saw such fare as "Aer Wingus" and "Blarney Stone Crabs" I had a feeling I was in for an authentic faux Irish pub experience. Though the decor went for the pub look, the food was a typical North American take on "Irish" with a extras thrown in.

Our group got two starters, the Sweet Potato Fries (served with a curry mayo sauce and some Poutine (see my first poutine experience in Vancouver). Here, the poutine had the basic fries topped with ground beef, caramelized onions, gravy, melted cheese, and the addition of a summer savoury stuffing.

For an main course, I went with the official (it seems to me) fish of Halifax, the Pan-Fried Haddock, served with coleslaw, a side salad and the highlight of the meal, a special zingy tartar sauce.

Our table had a problem with one order (wrong dish brought out) and some dishes were like more than others. Overall, an adequate meal.

Meal: Dinner
Date Visited: 16 August 2010
Rating: ** 1/2
Address: 5136 Prince Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 1L4, Canada
Website: http://www.oldtriangle.com/home.php?site_id=1

Wired Monk

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Wired Monk

The Wired Monk looked interesting from the outside and had a nice homey feel inside. Though it seemed like a "local" kinda place, it is part of a chain with a number of locations in Nova Scotia (not that there's anything wrong with chains!).

The selection of morning baked goods was fine and the coffee tasty. Service was prompt and friendly.

Located on a corner with a construction site next door, it was a bit noisy, but that shall pass.

Meal: Breakfast
Date Visited: 16 August 2010
Rating: **
Address: 5147 Morris Street, Halifax, NS
Website: http://www.wiredmonk.com/stores.asp?ID=12

Cabin Coffee, Halifax

Cabin Coffee, Halifax

• Coffee house vibe, check.
• Laid back, slightly spacey service, check.
• Big comfy chairs and couches, check.
• Whacky decor, check.
• Incredible baked goods, check.

Yup, Cabin Coffee is the real thing. But, unlike a lot of local coffee place hangouts, the coffee is actually pretty good. Staying just a block or so away, I went to Coffee Cabin a number of times and at different times of day. At lunch, they offered a good selection of soups (I had the tasty chili one day) as well as sandwiches.

As noted above, the baked goods were tasty (if a bit adventerous - the cinnamon roll was an interesting failure), the muffins and scones were outstanding.

Highly recommended.

Meal: Snack/Breakfast/Lunch
Date Visisted: 13-17 August 2010
Rating: ****
Address: 1554 Hollis St., Halifax, NS B3J 1V3, Canada
Website: N/A

Not Today: Beaver Tails

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

This post introduces a new feature: Not Today.

Not Today will be posts about places that I didn't eat and probably will never go to (or food dishes that will be permanent pass bys).

To kick off Not Today, we have "Beaver Tails". Not sure how pervasive this dish (?) is in Canada, but basically, it's a big flat piece of fried dough (roughly shaped like a "beaver tail") and covered in gooey sweet stuff of your choice.

Did I want a beaver tail? Not today!

Seen in: Haliifax
Date: 14 August 2010
Some other day probability: 1 out of 100

Dofsky's does mussels

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Dofsky's Urban Grill

Off to Halifax for a family wedding and when in the Maritimes, one must have mussels!

The rehearsal dinner was at Dofsky's, a nice comfortable spot which offered three different styles of mussels. I went with the "home" version, which was white wine, tarragon, and a touch of cream. An interesting blend, but not sure if I liked the cream. Still, quite tasty and a nice large serving (appetizer on the menu, but made for a full meal). I added a Caesar salad to compliment the ebony mollusks.

Of note was the selection of Nova Scotian wines. I'd never had one before. At dinner, there were two options, a red and a white. I went with the Marechal Foch which was quite good.

(sorry no mussels pictures ... they were too dark!)

Meal: Dinner
Date Visited: 13 August 2010
Rating: *** 1/2
Address: 1583 Brunswick Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J3P5, Canada
Website: http://www.dofskysgrill.com/

Salty's, a savory taste of Halifax

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Salty's

One couldn't ask for a nicer spot and day. Right on the waterfront at the Halifax boardwalk and a beautiful, clear and sunny day.

We had an outside table with a water view and stayed mostly with a seafood meal for lunch.

I went with the fish and chips (not something I usually get, so it would be a change). Haddock seems to be THE fish here in Halifax and that's what they were battering up at Salty's. The batter was nicely textured and the chips nice and crispy.

The fish and chips were served with tartar sauce, but was brought malt vinegar on request.

The other entries at the table, maple salmon, tuna sandwich, seafood chowder, all received good reviews.

Meal: Lunch
Date Visited: 14 August 2010
Rating: *** 1/2
Address: 1869 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS B3J 1S9, Canada
Website: http://www.saltys.ca/

Go, Go Fish!

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Go Fish Ocean Emporium

As you can see by the picture, this really is just a shack by the water. There are some seats (some even under the only slightly dripping cover). But you're not coming for the ambience, you're coming for some of the tastiest food in Vancouver (and that's saying a lot for this foodie heaven).

I went with the salmon tacones (taco cones, get it?) with slaw. Simply one of the best prepared salmon I've ever had.

A colleague comments, and I agree:

Literally a seaside fish shack. Food usually comes off the neighboring dock and onto your plate. Great fish and chips, sandwiches, soups/chowders, specials. Go early.You gotta eat outside or huddle in your car, but totally worth it.

Meal: Lunch
Date Visited: 10 November 2009
Rating: *****
Address: 1505 W 1st Ave., Vancouver, BC V6J 1E8
Website: N/A

Shabu-shabu Doo! ... in Vancouver

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Shabbusen Japanese Yakiniku House

The first time I had shabu-shabu was in Taiwan; where exactly it was or what the name of the restaurant was remains a mystery to me. The food, however, was simply fabulous.

While in Vancouver to attend a conference, I was awed by the number and quality of Asian restaurants. When the group I was with asked where we should go, I said I didn't really care, but it had to be some type of Asian food. The rest of my group readily agreed and we quickly chose Shabusen, located right near the conference hotel and also receiving good word of mouth at the conference.

Our group of five was early enough to not need a reservation, but the restaurant quickly filled up. We were seated – by the efficient and brusque staff – in a booth designed as a small dinghy. We had some trouble climbing “aboard” (only realizing too late you should take off your shoes and just walk on the seats). Once settled in, I started to examine the complex menu. There were lots of choices, all arranged around various pan-Asian options. The rest of the group settled for the Chinese version of the bento box, but I opted for the shabu-shabu, partly to satisfy their curiosity and also to compare to my Taiwan experience.

Shabu-shabu, for those of you who don't know, is a variation on the hot pot idea. You're given a pot of broth that is heated at your table, and plates of uncooked food. In my case I had beef, various cabbages, mushrooms, tofu, etc. There is also a sauce or two for you to add to the blend.

You throw everything in the pot and stir and wait.

The non-meat options were a little heavy on the cabbage (none of the tofu variations or fish add-inn that I had in Taiwan). Also, there were only two sauces, a peanut sauce and a thicker, not too spicy sauce.

The boxes were a hit with the rest of the table (quite large servings by the way) and my shabu-shabu was good, if not great. I think it will always be hard to match that first shabu-shabu experience.

Meal: Dinner
Rating: *** 1/2
Date: 9 November 2009
Address: 202-755 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1X6, Canada
Website: http://www.shabusen.com/

Have a Cuppa, Cupcake that is

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Have a Cuppa, Cupcake that is ... Cupcakes in Vancouver

Cupcake stores seem to be all the rage. In many ways, they make a lot of sense. You often don't want a whole slice of cake. And if you're not eating in, a slice of cake is often hard to transport. The cupcake places have also expanded their lines, adding mini-cupcakes so you can have a variety of options (think of them as the donut holes of the industry!).

While in Vancouver, I spied Cupcake while walking down Robson Street. The pink exterior and Fifties motif drew my attention and I resolved to stop for a cupcake before I left the city.

On my second night, after an early dinner, I stopped in at the small store and selected a pumpkin spice cupcake to go. On the way back to the hotel, I got a coffee and back at my room made myself comfortable for dessert.

The cupcake itself was light and moist with just the right amount of flavor and spices. The icing was also light and creamy, and abundantly spread. And that, is perhaps my general complaint about cupcake store cupcakes in general. The icing is usually of the light and fluffy nature. I like a nice, harder sugar toping.

Overall, however, Cupcakes serves up a good product. FYI, Cupcakes is a small, Vancouver-based chain. I passed another store, but had already had my dessert!

Meal: Snack
Rating: *****
Date: 9 November 2009
Address: 797 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 3V5, Canada (and other locations in the Vancouver area)
Website: http://www.originalcupcakes.com

Poutine and Beer

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Chill Winston

I'd finished up at the conference I was attending and wanted just a light lunch. I knew there are a number of places in Gastown that were still on my list and I decided to go to Pourhouse.

Unfortunately, it being Remembrance Day (aka Veterans' Day) they weren't open for lunch. I tried the Lamplighter, but the bar area was not responsive, so I headed a few streets over to a place I'd noticed earlier, Chill Winston.

The restaurant proper was quite full, but I planned on eating at the bar and easily found a seat. A nice little feature, the bar had a variety of magazines available for the single patron or the unsociable! I settled in with a copy of the Economist (and learned about declining population rates around the world) and ordered up a local IPA and an order of poutine. I was offered some pulled pork on the poutine, but after a moment of hesitation, said no.

For those of you who don't know what it is, here's the definition of the “classic” poutine:

The French fries are of medium thickness, and fried so that the insides are still soft, with an outer crust. The gravy is a light chicken, veal or turkey gravy, mildly spiced with a hint of pepper. Heavy beef or pork-based brown gravies are typically not used. Fresh cheese curd (not more than a day old) is used. To maintain the texture of the fries,the cheese curd and gravy must be added immediately prior to serving the dish. ("Poutine" from Wikipedia )

Chill Winston did a variation on it; a nice brown gravy on the fries and a selection (jack and chedder) of shredded cheese (not curds). Nice bit of a peppery taste, and overall, quite good.

The food was good, the beer tasty and the barkeep suitably attentive. Probably a good place to spend more time with the food.

Meal: Light lunch

Rating: ***

Date: 11 November 2009

Address: 3 Alexander Street, Vancouver, BCV6A1B2

Website: http://www.chillwinston.com/

Bubble me up Scottie!

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Bubble World Tea House

About two years ago, a Chinese restaurant opened near my house and soon put up a sign in the window, “Bubble tea here”. I was curious, but didn't explore further. Then, earlier this year, I traveled to Taipei and in my research discovered exactly what Bubble Tea is.

For those of you who don't know, Bubble Tea is Taiwanese creation that’s taken Asia, and the rest of the world now, by storm. While in Taiwan, I had my first bubble tea – green tea version – and it was quite good. The basic idea is a tea base (black traditionally, but I like green), milk, and boba balls, aka pearls (made from a mixture of tapioca and carrageenan powder).

While in Vancouver, which, by the way, has one of the greatest collection of just about every type of Asian restaurant you can imagine (and some you can't like Japadog), I had to stop in at a bubble tea shop.

Nearly across from my hotel was Bubble World Tea House, a small chain. Stopping in late one evening, the shop was quite busy. If I didn't think too much, I would almost think I was in Asia. From the décor to the customers, it was a little slice of Taipei. I ordered up a honey green tea with pearls and sat reading a local alternative newspaper for a bit, watching the intricate process of making the bubble tea (which involved probably three different machines) and my fellow customers.

Meal: Snack
Rating: ****
Date: 10 November 2009
Address: 1325 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C6, Canada
Website: N/A