So today, despite the lack of sidewalks, towering snow banks and city wide parking ban, the people, they came. Apparently, nothing will stand between Haligonians and their burgers. Even we crossed the bridge to get our fix. And that was after the third round of shovelling. 

So while I’m very obviously a fan of all things burger, this week isn’t about stuffing as many burgers as possible into my pie hole. I’m not a fan of feeling like a bag of crap and I certainly do not need to carry around more weight then the ever growing baby taking possession of my body. In addition, I’m a purest when it comes to burgers. I don’t want ten toppings. I don’t want some sloppy hot mess. I certainly don’t want several different kinds of meat in addition to the patty unless of course we’re talking bacon. Bacon is its own food group anyway. Instead, I simply want a delicious burger where you can actually taste you know, the burger. I also appreciate knowing where my meat comes from so burgers made with local meat are the only ones that make the cut. 

Maybe it’s just me but I happen to think burger week is really about braving the March weather to support local businesses. Trust me, this Winter has been hard on them and they need all the support they can get. It’s also about raising much needed funds for Feed Nova Scotia. Yes, some burgers are a steal at 5 bucks but those other more expensive burgers come with a side of a Feed NS donation. Some folks aren’t fortunate enough to afford a $5 burger let alone groceries. Think about that for one second. How can you say no to helping out those less fortunate while enjoying a deicious burger for a few extra bucks? It’s a no brainer. 

Because we were limited in terms of parking and what was actually opened, we chose The Big Smoke at Flipburger to kick off burger week. We are big fans of all things smoked and this local patty with grilled onions, oven smoked tomato, smoked gouda, Oulton’s double smoked bacon and hickory smoke-infused mayo didn’t disappoint. Though compared to similar options based on house made, local ingredients like Ace and 2 Doors Down, the price seemed a touch steep. Then again some combos around $20 are among my top picks. Hey, at least that’s $2 in the hands of Feed NS and money spent in the local economy. 

I might as well give you my top picks while we’re at it. In no particular order, your Halifax Burger Week plan of attack:

1. 2 Doors Down – Listen, both the Ol’ School and Smokehouse cheeseburgers at 2DD are the stuff dreams are made of. Literally. I dream of them. No doubt the Steakhouse will be bad ass.  

2. Chives – I am beyond stoked Chives is participating since there isn’t one thing that comes out of their kitchen that’s not incredible. This Steak Tartare Burger will be no different. Plus, I have it on good authority that it’s freaking amazing. 

3. Ace Burger Co. – I know you can get the Classic any ol’ day but it’s just so damn good that chances are I’ll be hitting up Bearly’s this week. The Jughead available at the Gus location is also legit. It’s the perfect old school bacon cheeseburger. 

4. Krave Burger – One word. Bacon jam. 

5. La Frasca – PEI beef tenderloin burger on a sweet onion brioche with Granny Smith pine nut relish, whiskey oak pork belly, fried cambozola, arugula, and pommery aioli just sounds awesome. 

6. Stillwell – A trip to Stillwell is worth it for the Tokyo fries alone. Besides if you’ve had either the Diner or Fancy burger, you’ll already know the Schmancy II should be at the top of your list. 

7. EnVie – I’m not simply adding a veg option to be well rounded. Their vegan take on a Big Mac genuinely interests me. They sold out by 6 pm today so apparently I’m not alone. 

Wow, that’s one a day so I better stop there. But I’m also crushing on Seasons by Atlantica’s Long Yard lamb burger, The Stubborn Goat’s Hell Fire burger (though there is no way the baby is letting me eat that!), and the Korean BBQ burger at the Armview. So.Many.Burgers. And that’s only 1/6th of the list. 

There you have it.  A week of burger indulgence with the added bonus of helping those in need. For the complete list of participating restaurants, full descriptions and all the Halifax Burger Week 2015 details hit up the official site. 

And maybe remember that Feed NS and local businesses deserve your love year round. You can even order a burger. 

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And now the rest of the world is in on it. Big news hit this morning that Edna snagged a spot in Air Canada enRoute’s Top 10 Best New Restaurants in Canada. This year I was beyond humbled to be asked to be a panelist for enRoute and, though part of me wanted to keep this local gem all for myself, they were at the top of my nominees list. You can imagine my excitement then when I was invited to dine at Edna with Mr. EnRoute himself while keeping the whole thing on the down low. Talk about thrilling! Our experience, like every single experience I’ve had at Edna, was nothing short of perfection. In my eyes, they had already made the cut.

So today put your hands together for Jenna, Ryan and the whole damn Edna team.  I’m not sure the line ups will get longer but dang if it isn’t worth every minute.  

And a big congrats to the other nine restaurants across Canada in the top ten. The gorgeous shots on enRoute’s site are enough to have me salivating all over my breakfast. Looks like I’ve got some travelling to do. 

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Most years, the BHDC develops a theme for the Big Day Downtown to guide the bloggers on their adventures. This year it was all about crowdsourcing for ideas. Now, I make recommendations a lot. Sometimes it’s a co-worker looking for a new restaurant to try and other times it’s a visitor to the blog emailing about an upcoming trip to the city. There’s not much downtown I haven’t tried though there are a few new ethnic spots on my list. When I took to the interwebs with the idea of a drink/small plates crawl, many of my favourites haunts made the cut. Obviously, my followers/readers/friends have great taste.

What was I to do but grab those gift cards and head out for a post-work Happy Hour Big Day Downtown. I hope you’re ready cuz we’ve got some drinking to do. 

Stillwell 

It is no big secret: I’m madly in love with all things Stillwell. I don’t know if it’s the stellar service where conversations over the difference between APAs and IPAs are commonplace or the creative bar menu curated by Chef Graeme Ruppel. Maybe it’s the welcoming atmosphere where 20 year olds mingle with baby boomers over pints of craft beer. Whatever it is, I dig it. And I’m not alone. It’s not uncommon to see the place packed on a regular weekday night and this Thursday was no exception. With barely a seat in the house empty at 6 pm, it appears to be the spot for the after work drink. 

With a rotating craft beer menu, I get quite giddy whenever I see a beer I haven’t tried before. Yes, we drink a lot of craft beer. The staff are also ridiculously helpful and knowledgable about everything beer. If you can’t decide, owner Andrew, Chris or Laura or one of the beer-crazed staff totally have your back. On this visit, Brent went for the Trou du Diable Shawinigan Handshake, a hopfeinweiss out of Quebec, a delicious hoppy wheat beer. I opted for the Boxing Rock Vicar’s Cross. I’m sure I’ve tried it previously but without a vivid memory, I just had to get my hands on what some herald as the best IPA in the province. What better to pair with that hoppy goodness? Salty peppery Tokyo fries alongside the umami-est of dips, the famed Atari mayo. And I say famed because god damn it, the stuff should be famous. Whatever umami powerhouse is in there – perhaps dashi – I pretty much want to spread it all over myself. Yeah, that. The fried chicken is also a sure bet. Extra crispy yet sill moist, it’s the honey drizzled all over it that really nails it. According to Brent, “it’s the best fucking fried chicken in the city”. So, ya know it’s legit. 

Snacks and drinks for two including tax and tip (we’re excellent tippers): $28.85

Onyx

Now for most of you, when you’re going for a drink or a night on the town, you head but one place, the infamous Argyle Street. With a bar for anyone’s taste, it’s pretty much the epicentre of nightlife in the city. While many of the bars are serving up the same ol’ bar mix cocktails, Onyx is doing things right. They even have an entire section of the cocktail menu devoted to shrubs, vinegar-based infusions, which I took advantage of during the Big Day Downtown launch a few weeks back. Brent couldn’t resist so went with the Gusto, a bourbon, thyme and plum shrub powerhouse. On this visit, however, it was all Southern Sour for me. Though I’m not the biggest fan of amaretto, this version of a sour with amaretto, bourbon, strawberry and basil won me over. But it gets better. 

Despite us enjoying a night out on the dime of the DHBC, the folks at Onyx surprised us by covering the bill. Apparently, sometimes when it’s not super busy, they like to spread a bit of customer appreciation around. Damn, I knew we should’ve ordered a second round. Big thanks to Drew and the whole Onyx crew for the love. 

Drinks for two including tax and tip: $0

Obladee

A long time favourite, Obladee, A Wine Bar is the spot to get your wine on. While other places may call themselves a wine bar, this is the real deal. The menu, while large, is focused enough to point you in the right direction. Can’t decide on a red? Get a flight with the three featured wines of the week. They even have a Nova Scotia flight to get you better acquainted with our crisp whites. Better yet, ask the staff. Stefan, like the rest of the staff, know their wine like the back of their hand. It’s like they know what you want before you do. They’re that good.  

On Stefan’s recommendation, Brent chose The Crusher Grower’s Petite Sirah from California. We were immediately in love. Think dark fruit and smoke. I was intoxicated by the smell alone. I couldn’t resist keeping it local and finally trying the Planter’s Ridge Tidal Bay. This may very well be the best Nova Scotia wine I’ve tried to date. 

And what are you going to eat alongside wine? Charcuterie. Always. Obladee nails charcuterie, pairing local and imported meat and cheeses with locally made pickles, chutneys, jams and olives. There’s even vegan options and chocolates available. That’s how serious they are about charcuterie. We couldn’t help but craft our own board and it was every bit as delicious as you think.

Wine and charcuterie for two including tax and tip: $53.85 

Morris East

No stop on the drink train would be complete without a visit to Morris East. Though the drink menu is small, it’s mighty. Katrina, the genius behind the beverage program, really knows how to create a balanced cocktail and, in my opinion, is at the forefront of cocktail culture in the city. On a visit a couple weeks back, Brent had the Kentucky Blitz, a shrub-based cocktail with gin, bourbon, blueberry mint shrub, and cucumber. It was incredible and I simply had to have it again. If vinegar in your cocktail freaks you out, I dare you to try the Kentucky Blitz and tell me it isn’t the best damn thing you’ve ever drank. Since we seem to be working our way through the entire cocktail menu at Morris East – I had the Negroni Spaglioto last visit – Brent decided on the Pepperberry Fizz , a concoction of gin, white pepper, blackberry, lemon and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. Talk about delicious. 

Though it was hard to resist the Korean chicken wings we devoured last visit – GO GET THEM NOW – we chose to share the Enchilada pizza, adding the blackened chicken for more kick. I mean how can you go wrong with a wood fired pizza loaded with roasted corn, black bean tomato sauce, applewood smoked cheddar, pico de gallo, sriracha sour cream, and cilantro? You can’t. Besides, I’ve been a long time fan of corn on pizza.

Pizza to share and drinks for two including tax and tip: $44.28

Noble

Nobel? What the hell is Noble? Though Noble is not a complete secret, I’d wager some of you still have no clue that the basement of the Middle Spoon houses a speakeasy accessible only by uttering the password to the upstairs staff. If you’re not yet in the know, consider yourselves told. This, my friends, is easily one of my favourite spaces in the city. It’s intimate and warm and you do sort of feel like VIP when you’re down there. 

Whether you’re looking for a classic cocktail or a more modern version full of bitters and house made syrups, they’ve got you covered.  My Cristo Blanco with lillet, Dollan’s vermouth, and Islay gin was right on the money. Brent went with the Eye in the Sky which I can’t for the life of me remember. Hey, at this point we’re five drinks in and the note/picture taking has all been forgotten.

Be warned, however: the cocktail menu is rather extensive and the prices start at $12.99. Before you get all bent out of shape about spending that much on a cocktail, some of them, like the Cristo, are 100% liquor. No bar mix, no filler. Just an expertly crafted cocktail made with love. Damn, I think 13 bucks is a steal. I also highly recommend sitting at the bar to watch Anne Marie or another bartender in their element. 

Drinks for two including tax and tip: $37.24 

Though we didn’t make it everywhere, there are a few other spots that are perfect happy hour contenders.

The Bicycle Thief 

Several friends on twitter suggested the new champagne patio bar at The Bicycle Thief. We were eager to finally take our seat at the waterfront gem and even walked down only to find an empty patio and a chilly waterfront breeze. Hopefully sunny patio days are not yet over. 

2 Doors Down

Since their opening, I’ve been a huge supporter of everything 2 Doors Down: the relaxed service, the incredible comfort food built upon the freshest of local ingredients, the drink menu where local takes centre stage. It all sort of feels like home.  We had hoped to include 2 Doors Down in our big day  – despite the fact that we had been there the day before – but it just wasn’t in the cards. If you’re looking for great eats and a drink menu with something for everyone, you know where to go. Korean chill cheese fries and Beggar’s Beer are all you need to know. 

The Drawing Room

On the weekends – Friday and Saturday – the top level of the Henry House transforms into the coziest, most romantic cocktail lounge. The cocktail menu is also huge, with drinks grouped according to era. Like Noble, The Drawing Room is for people who love cocktails. Come, join us. 

Bishop’s Cellar

Though we had spent the full $150 (and then some) on our Big Day Downtown, I returned the following day to grab a bottle of that smokey petite sirah we relished at Obladee. The thing about Bishop’s, other than their incredible wine, craft beer and small yet thoughtful spirits collection, is that incredible service. It’s not the kind of place where you feel uncomfortable buying a bottle of wine less than $20. They legitimately want to help you find exactly what you want. $20 or $200, they’re there because they simply love wine and it comes though every single visit. 

If you’re looking for more ways you can love downtown, check out what other bloggers had to say about their Big Day Downtown. You even have a chance to win your own downtown shopping spree so keep your eyes peeled to the twitter.  

Is it wrong that I want to do the whole thing all over again?

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Not really a donut fan myself, this wasn’t really on my radar. Brent, on the other hand, was all over it. If you’ve been following the food truck revolution happening around the world then you would probably expect crazy concoctions and wildly delicious glazes. Much like the insane menu at Gourdoughs out of Austin, TX. Pulled pork, potato salad, and honey BBQ sauce on a god damn donut. Insane indeed.

Rather than a variety of donuts made with different batters or stuffed with curds and jams, Ol’ School is all about the old fashioned mini donut. You know, the ones they make at Costco, filling the place with that irresistible fried dough aroma. The menu, though small, is varied with options ranging from simple cinnamon sugar to the more elaborate special, a dig at Rob Ford with donuts covered in powdered sugar, strawberry or raspberry drizzle, and pop rocks. Plus, at 10 for 5 bucks it’s a pretty good deal.

While the menu shows creativity, I wouldn’t go so far as to call these ‘gourmet’. These days that term is getting thrown around with abandon. Case in point, the gourmet burger trend. Apparently, slapping the word gourmet on your sign is enough for some restaurant owners to think they have a premium product. Cheese and bacon does not a gourmet burger make.  What is gourmet anyway?

That’s not to say these weren’t delicious. They are exactly what you want in a donut: a soft, fluffy batter, sweetened just enough, fried til golden brown, and served up so fresh they’re still warm. I would, however, have appreciated a higher topping to donut ratio but that didn’t stop a line forming in the mere 5 minutes we were there. Apparently, Halifax likes donuts. 

As news of one food truck calling it quits made waves yesterday, it’s refreshing to see this donut loving family braving the weather and truly embracing the food truck culture even if it is only on weekends. If you’re looking to get fix, best follow them on twitter at @olschooldonuts.

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In fact, I’d even go so far as to say it was the best year yet.

Everyone seemed to be in the highest of spirits, the food was varied and exciting, and, the best part, there were no sliders in sight. Well, I may have seen one in there somewhere. I’ve always thought the Savour Food & Wine Show represented a chance for restaurant to show us what they got, entice us to visit their restaurants with but the tastiest of bites. This year it really rang true. People brought their A game.

From the amazing truffled mushroom spaetzle from Morris East to a deconstructed chai latte dessert from the gastronomic geniuses at Atlantica, there was no shortage of interesting plates to sample. While there were far too many booths to visit, there were certainly a few notable standouts. The stuffed trotter from Ratinaud French Cuisine was wonderful. It takes some gusto to serve pig legs to a room full of hungry folks and they really nailed it. 2 Doors Down rocked some local fish tacos not too mention some of the best dressed chefs there. We’re talking red plaid people. Vanilla poached lobster on beef tenderloin from the crew at The Five Fishermen was equally as delicious but c’mon, it’s vanilla poached lobster. Another seafood stunner was the scallop hot dog from Jason Lynch at Le Caveau. With the perfect pairing of bacon marmalade, kraut and tarragon aioli, it was easily the best hot dog ever. The Stubborn Goat Gastropub also shined with its smoked meatloaf on mash, showcasing a current menu item unlike many of the other vendors. Though there was wine and drink a plenty, the Disaronno, Wild Turkey, ginger beer and angostura cocktail shaken up by none other than Jeffrey Van Horne was by far the best drink of the night.

But for me, I think the best in show had to be Front & Central. Hanging pieces of duck prosciutto dipped in a savoury yet slightly sweet pistachio granola were then dropped onto a plate smeared with parsnip puree held by an awaiting guest. It was not only engaging but incredibly delicious. Leave it to Dave Smart and NSCC’s Peter Dewar to put the fun back into food. So popular was this game of catch the prosciutto that they even ran out. 

It’s not just about the eating and drinking however. Leave it to some incredible food and wine to bring out the best in people. Laughing crowds moved seamlessly from one booth to the next, never really forming a line. There wasn’t a frown in the house. Great tunes from the newly formed Prohibition Jazz Band also set the tone for the evening. Maybe I happen to know them and this is a shameless plug but maybe, just maybe, the night wouldn’t have been the same without them.

Savour is also about the company you keep. And mine was the best. Though I had arrived to find several local blogging friends, we had soon been split up. It’s odd that in a room this size – large but not massive – I didn’t once run into them. But with the Food Wife in tow, a new friend from the newly established blog Strut and Cut and a chance to catch up with loads of chefs, producers, and friends, we took on Savour and won.        

I couldn’t have asked for a better night. 

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It’s that time of year. Time to brave the cold temperatures, throw caution to the slushy sidewalks, and enjoy all the food and wine Nova Scotia has to offer.

Goodbye Winter blues. Hello food and wine.

In it’s 11th year, The Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia’s Savour Food & Wine Festival has long been the food event of the year here in Halifax. Unlike the month long culinary event of year’s past, the 2013 festival runs from January 30th to March 6th, giving you more than 30 reasons to come out of that Winter hibernation, at least for a night. 

It all kicks off tonight with the cocktail event of all cocktail events. Last year’s inaugural Imbibe: A Cocktail Story was fantastic. Let’s just say there was much imbibing, Now that many of the city’s restaurants and bars have upped their cocktail game, tonight’s event is sure to put last year’s to shame. We are stoked. Obviously. 

February is the perfect month to let one of the city’s amazing chefs do the cooking and I don’t just mean for Valentine’s Day. All month long Dine Around brings you 3 course, fantastically priced, prix-fixe menus at some of your favourite restaurants. A couple years ago, I enjoyed the Dine Around dinner at Chives and, let me assure you, it’s a sweet deal. 

The culinary students of NSCC’s Pastry Arts Program bring their chocolate game at Decadence: Chocolate, Wine & Cheese. On February 6th join the students for a study in  – you guessed it – chocolate, wine & cheese. Nothing but delicious.

Though unofficial, the festival also encompasses the 7th annual Nova Scotia Ice Wine Festival. Running from February 7th -16th, experience “Winter in Wine Country” with award winning ice wine, local food pairings, and a visit to the gorgeous Annapolis Valley.

You wine aficionados also won’t want to miss an exclusive tasting of some of the world’s top wines served with a little jazz on the side when the Rare & Fine Wine Show hits February 21st.

Lastly, the whole festival finishes with a bang March 6th when the Savour Food & Wine Show fills the Cunard Centre with local chefs, brewers, wine makers, and a load of us eager food lovers. Now grown to over 75 vendors, it’s a veritable culinary jackpot of our province’s best. This year’s addition of local products like the incredible cheese produced in the province will no doubt compliment the current offerings well. Perhaps this year we will see less sliders. Please? Not that a good slider isn’t amazing but rarely are they mind blowing. Regardless, Savour represents a unique opportunity not only to experience an array of Nova Scotia’s restaurants, vineyards, and breweries all at once, but also the chance to meet your favourite local chef or producer.

Put on those stretchy pants because this Winter you’ve got a lot of eating and drinking to do.

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Since I was lucky enough to snap some photos of EDNA for my review over at eat north, I thought it fitting to share some today. The most gorgeous of spaces, an ever changing menu built upon local food, and truly genuine people at the helm make EDNA one of the city’s best. 

Big city decor meets small town hospitality. What are you waiting for?

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Devour The Food Film Fest, the third installation and new manifestation of the Slow Food Film Fest, is about to change everything. Bringing 70 food filled films from far and wide plus 5 days of some pretty epic dining, Devour is set to become the food lover’s event of the year.  And it’s happening right now. 

I don’t know about you but I’m constantly envious of blogging friends attending city wide tasting events and huge food truck rallies and crazy food festivals and and and. Nova Scotia has its share of food events and sure, we’re not as huge as big metropolises like Toronto but god damn sometimes I feel like we could be so much more.  Devour is exactly what I’m talking about.

Five days of food and film made all the more sweet with cocktails, food trucks, cheese, and wine. There is no way this can be bad. But if you’re still on the fence about travelling the long hour to the Valley (you got that sarcasm right?), let me spell it out for you. 

It kicks off this evening with The Five Senses, a gala reception hosted by TV’s Bob Bulmer where twelve of the city’s best chefs get behind the line to bring you a feast that’s sure to please all the senses. Follow that with with a foray into the world of fruit obsession with a screening of The Fruit Hunters staring well known Bill Pullman. “A cinematic odyssey through nature and commerce, The Fruit Hunters will change not only the way we look at what we eat but how we view our relationship to the natural world.” If you had to choose but one event, tonight could easily fit the bill.

Then there’s the three incredible film-inspired dinners, course after course created by a tag team of local and visiting chefs taking inspiration from some amazing films. Thursday Front & Central’s David Smart joins Michael Blackie of Ottawa’s Next in a modern day feast inspired by the film Now, Forager. Then Friday’s Last Shepard Dinner sees local Jamie Smye of Pivot House pair up with Scott Vivian whose instagram feed for his Toronto restaurant Beast is reason enough to get excited. No wonder it is already sold out. Same goes for the third, a Mussles in Love collaboration between Danny St. Piere of Auguste Restaurant in QC and Blomidon Inn’s Sean Laceby. With each film screening prior to the associated dinner, it’s got date night written all over it. Thursday’s still open so I’d get on that. 

If perhaps you’re looking for something more casual, catch an early flick then hit up the Food Truck Rally brought to you by the local loving folks at Select NS. With an emphasis on sustainable seafood, Tin Pan Alley, the Food Wolf and a Brooklyn Warehouse pop up in Nomad Gourmet have created three amazing menus that you’d be hard pressed to choose between. Go ahead, have one of everything. I should also mention the release of the much anticipated Select NS calendar during the Food Truck Rally. You’re not going to want to miss out on seeing Miss May and her rhubarb white chocolate bread pudding. 

Then there’s Friday. Starting with a shorts program including Food Porn and It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere then leading into the feature film Hey Bartender, the night really gets interesting with a cocktail pop-up featuring Halifax’s famed Jeffrey Van Horne. To make it all the more awesome. you can soak up all that booze with the best burger in the city thanks to the Ace Burger Co take over of Nomad Gourmet. It’s no wonder Friday is among the top pics of The Food Wife who just so happens to be none other than the ridiculously talented Lia Rinaldo, one half of the Devour power duo.  I couldn’t be more proud.

Or how about learning from the best in the industry at a few workshops geared toward the food blogger, filmmaker and culinary enthusiast. Friday through Sunday workshops covering everything from nose to tail cuisine to food photography put you right in the action. I ain’t no filmmaker but with names like Laurie Barnett, whose work includes bringing us more Bourdain in Parts Unknown, the workshops are at the top of my list.  

Then, of course, there’s the films. The Devour team has compiled a truly incredible selection of films exploring every angle of food, it’s past, present and future. There’s the beautiful examination of the declining bee population in More Than Honey or the intimate story of one family’s deep connection to the culinary trade in Step Up to the Plate.  If I could, I’d probably watch everything. 

See what I’m getting at? I didn’t even mention the Magic Winery Bus allowing visitors to explore our burgeoning wine scene or the All You Need is Cheese Express where a trip to Fox Hill Cheesehouse for award winning Canadian cheese, local beer, and cider is on the menu or Sweet Hereafter, the awards gala that closes the event on a sweet note with a dessert showcase from NSCC’s culinary students. I honestly can’t seem to find anything on this program you wouldn’t enjoy. 

But despite all the food and films and good times, underneath it all Devour represents something else.  Much more than a trip to the movies or even a phenomenal meal, Devour is rooted in Slow Food, in it’s belief in good, clean and fair food for all. It’s no coincidence these chefs share a deep passion about their homes, sourcing locally from its shores and farms and forests. It’s no surprise the event is being held not in the province’s capital but rather in its agricultural epicentre. From the backgrounds of the event organizers Lia and Wolfville’s own Micheal Howell right down to the film selection, Devour has Slow Food at it’s heart. Through film and food, Devour will engage us. It will juxtapose the past with the present, bring awareness to our current food systems both locally and globally, and ultimately start the conversation about how we improve those systems for all. 

That’s a conversation I want to be a part of.  And if it just so happens to involve savouring incredible local food, watching thought provoking films and meeting some of our industry’s brightest, then you bet I’m going to Eat It Up.  

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Hydrostone

As a whole, the Hydrostone pretty much has you covered. Everything from sushi to gelato to pizza to a butcher shop, it’s got your back. If I was to tell you my top picks I’d lead you to Storehouse Butchery where the lovely Jessi Gillis will hook you up with local meat, preserves, and vegetables. If you’re craving some pizza, there are now two options to satisfy. Order up any of the three topping pizzas at Salvatores or, better yet, grab yourself a cheesy meatball hero and never look back. If wood fired is your thing, you could also check out Mothers. Serving up locally inspired pies straight from the open wood fired oven, the newest pizzeria to hit the city is already garnering quite the fan base. 

On your way South, head down Robie St. for a visit to Coastal Cafe. Crazy delicious takes on breakfast like the famous Elvis, a bacon, banana, pb waffle sandwich, make it the top brunch pick. Avoiding at peak times on the weekend, however, probably a good idea. 

Agricola

If you’re looking for mad food options on one street, Agricola is where it’s at. There’s no better place to start than the centre of it all, North and Agricola. With food on all four corners, there is literally something for everyone. At one corner is Fred, a bright and modern muli-use space housing a furniture gallery, a cafe and a hair salon. Across the street you’ll find beer and the best burger in the city at Ace Burger Co inside the local watering hole Gus’ Pub. The next corner houses the Mideast Food Centre with loads of Middle Eastern groceries plus a lunch counter with all the falafel and hummus you could possibly eat. For cheap. Lastly, Cafe Aroma Latino rounds out the list with a small menu of Mexican and Latin American classics like arepas, tacos, and empanadas. You can literlly order the entire menu and try everything for dirt cheap. Yeah, North and Agricola. 

Just down the street you’ll want to hit up Peter at Bridge Brewing for a growler of his locally brewed Farmhouse Ale. Then things heat up again at Charles and Agricola where one side is Smith’s Bakery, the old school cookies and bread kind of bakery and the other, the start of a little renaissance of Creative Crossing.  At one end, the new resto enVie is bringing raw, vegan cuisine to the masses. Local Source finds its new home next door with loads more space for their the cafe and local grocery store.  Lastly, the much anticipated Agricola Street Braisserie is set to open any day now. With Chef Ludo behind the line, this is one restaurant sure to shake things up. I’d keep your eyes peeled for this one.  Because it just keeps getting better, across the street, slightly tucked away on Charles, the once creperie Tess has expanded it’s horizons to bring you killer brunch, lunch, dinner, and daily tapas specials. Think bacon and Brie eggs benny on crepes. 

Gottingen

Though not food destinations per se, there are a few spots on Gottingen to get your dance on and work up an appetite, notably Menz Bar and the Company House. For food, I’d head straight to Edna. Easily one of the best restaurants in the city, the small, locally focused menu, ridiculously fresh oysters, and incredible atmosphere will have you wanting to move in. If you’re looking for something quicker, head across the street to the usual evening parking spot of the Food Wolf, a food truck dishing up Mexican Asian fusion like the infamous k-dog, a local weiner smothered in bacon, kimchi, and Korean spicy sauce. Otherwise, Ratinaud Charcuterie has all your local charcuterie needs because there’s nothing better than a meal of meat and cheese and bread. You can also get in on an intimate French dinner at one of their Kitchen Table series, that is if you’re lucky enough to snag some tickets. Also, keep your eye out for Field Guide, a hyper local resto set to open  in the space beside Ratinaud.  Just around the corner at Cornwallis and Bauer, you’ll want to grab a cone of the best ice cream in the city at DeeDee’s. Get the Mexican chocolate. And how could I forget Propeller Brewing, another awesome local craft brewery. Grabbing a growler of IPA is almost mandatory.  

Lastly, though I’m not sure if it’s technically the North End, Brooklyn Warehouse at Almond and Windsor will always remain one of my favourite restaurants. Excellent service, perfect atmosphere, a great bar list plus a new ever changing chalkboard menu. What more do you want. 

How’s that for dinner options. 

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I don’t know what it is but sometimes you just need a sandwich. You with me? Maybe it’s the simplicity, or the ease of a hand held meal, or maybe it’s the nostalgia of growing up on them. Whatever the reason, the minute I start craving a good sandwich, I head to Indochine almost every time. It’s certainly not your traditional sandwich shop but I ain’t no traditional gal. Tuna salad sammy? Nuh uh. Ham n’ cheese? Nope. Egg Salad? Maybe once a year. There are a few other places in town with some killer sammies, notably the meatball hero at Salvatores, the meatball panini at Ciboulette and I hear the Italian Market makes a mean Italian sub, but when I’m looking to get my sandwich fix, I look no further than the pork meatball banh mi.

You see. I’m addicted to flavour. To me, a basic sammy with its mayo, meat and cheese is pretty damn boring unless of course that meat is prosciutto, that cheese a heavenly strong aged gouda and that mayo a home made roasted garlic aioli. You see where I’m going with this? Flavour junkie. The Vietnamese pork meatball banh mi fits the bill. Tangy pickled onions and daikon, spicy chili peppers, crunchy cucumbers, loads of fresh cilantro, tart citrus mayo, and savory pork meatballs all nestled in a fresh baguette. Flavour bomb. It’s pretty much my perfect sandwich. 

If meatballs aren’t your thing, there’s a whole menu of fillings from lemongrass chicken to marinated organic tofu to satisfy whatever you’re craving. But the menu doesn’t stop at sandwiches. They offer bubble tea, smoothies, pho, bun (a Vietnamese noodle bowl which you all know I am mad addicted to at Pho Hoang Minh), fusion tacos, and a fusion salad box. Healthy, fresh, gluten free, vegan, they’ve thought of it all. 

Indochine also gets huge points in my books for sourcing locally, making as much as they can in house (in a teeny space I might add), and giving the city healthy lunch options without sacrificing flavour. They even offer the addition of Ratinaud pâté to any banh mi for a more authentic experience. Plus, with almost everything under 10 bucks, it makes healthy and local affordable. 

Back when I first started blogging, Indochine was one of my first reviews (it’s even framed on their wall) and I remain a huge fan today. While some take issue with the fact that it isn’t an authentic banh mi shop, I am thoroughly impressed with all Liz has done to bring the banh mi experience she fell in love with in Alberta here to us in Halifax while at the same time being committed to supporting local. I for one am grateful. 

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