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/

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

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/