Economy Shoe Shop - It Ain’t all About the Nachos!

The Economy Shoe Shop is my destination of choice when I want a fun night out for yummy food at a reasonable price. Located on Argyle Street in the heart of downtown Halifax, this restaurant/bar, often referred to as the ‘Shoe Shop’, is rarely less than packed. From its inception in the late 90’s, it has expanded from the original restaurant to include The Belgium Bar, The Diamond and The Backstage; three separate dining areas, each with it’s own unique atmosphere. Since opening ten years ago, the Shoe Shop has been a ‘go-to’ spot with food, drinks and entertainment for every taste.

My meal of choice at the Shoe Shop is generally the nachos- voted “Best Nachos in the City” by the Coast 10 years running. They’re a huge, fantastic creation of salty corn tortilla chips, crunchy vegetables and warm, gooey cheddar. The Shoe Shop actually makes them right with cheese and vegetables between every layer. On this visit, however, I had a craving for something a little different. I decided on the hamburger and was not disappointed. The Shoe Shop’s self- proclaimed “Best Burger in the City” might just live up to its claim. At the affordable price of $6, it will certainly fill you up. The burger consists of a 6 oz. flame broiled patty seasoned in-house, served on a Kaiser bun with lettuce, tomato, onion and a pickle spear. To be just a little more indulgent, I added a slice of cheddar cheese for an extra .75¢. The patty was well seasoned within a soft, fresh bun, and to my excitement they didn’t skimp on the toppings. I couldn’t possibly have had a cheeseburger though, without some fries. Since the burger is served without, I ordered a side of the Shoe Shop’s alternative roasted potatoes. The potatoes were tasty; savory seasoned bite-sized chunks with a crispy shell and a soft middle. As the serving was fairly large, they were a great bargain at $2.50. Now you can’t have a cheeseburger and spuds without a good drink, so what else? Beer of course!

As per usual on a Friday night at the Shoe Shop, there wasn’t a seat left in the house. The place was alive with delicious smells and up-beat tunes. The servers were all busy, scurrying around from the bars to their sections. I’m happy to report that the service was great, and our glasses were never empty. Go early if you want a table right away. If you arrive any time after 6, you’re sure to be waiting.

If you want a meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy and entertainment to keep you going all night long, the Shoe Shop is a sure thing. My bill, including tip, came to just under $20.

Economy Shoe Shop

1663 Argyle Street.

Open 11am-2am daily

(902) 432.7463

www.economyshoeshop.ca

'Traditional' Easter Dinner Bites

There are a few meals within the year that I get truly excited for weeks in advance. Easter Dinner is one such meal. In my family, Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter Dinners traditionally consisted of turkey with all the trimmings. However, as I've become more involved in all things culinary, I've managed to sneak in a few additions to liven up these festive meals-with Easter Dinner though, I've met my match.

I'm cool with the turkey for Christmas and obviously for Thanksgiving, but Easter is a time of new beginnings, of new birth...and for me that only means one thing- spring lamb! What? I know, it's a little morbid, but it's the perfect way to start the season. Just think of it, a delicious rack of lamb encrusted with pistachios, served with sweet potatoes and maybe even a cherry glaze-mmm. Ok, ok, I'll deviate. Perhaps a nice brown sugar-baked ham with fingerling potatoes and asparagus would be more to your liking? I'll even suggest a meaty salmon fillet with Hollandaise, roasted new potatoes and some crispy sugar snap peas!

I'll admit, I do appreciate Easter Dinner as a time to sit back, relax and enjoy the anticipation of Spring, but please- hold the gobbler. 'Cause the way I gobble turkey, twice a year is plenty.

Rogi Orazio: A New World Spin on Old World Charm

Walking into Rogi Orazio, I felt as if I was in a bustling Italian trattoria. Located in the Hydrostone Market, the restaurant offers Halifax’s patrons an authentic Mediterranean dining experience. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, enhanced by the pleasant chatter of dinners.

I decided on two appetizers both within the $9 price range. I chose to start with Portobello Risotto Balls ($ 8.95) followed by the Pear and Gorgonzola salad with toasted Walnuts ($8.95). To begin the meal, a friend and I shared a bottle of Goats do Roam, a South African white at the affordable price of $32.00, while we munched on the house bread; a light, buttery herbed focaccia and a classic Mediterranean dip of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

The risotto balls were prepared just as I’d hoped; cutting through the deep fried, crispy coating revealed warm, creamy rice and Bocconcini cheese paired and with the woodsy, musky taste of the mushrooms. I was pleasantly surprised by the unexpected addition of jalapenos. An odd combination, but they worked quite well together as the heat and acidity of the peppers cut through the richness of the rice. These were served atop a bed of tomato-basil rose sauce.

Next came the Pear and Gorgonzola salad with toasted Walnuts. On a base of Mesculin greens were slices of crisp Bartlett pears, fresh, buttery walnuts and creamy, pungent Gorgonzola cheese. Red onions added a nice crunch, and a little bit of spice to round out the sweet flavor of the pear. The salad was perfectly balanced, with no one ingredient upstaging another. The dressing was a light, Dijon vinaigrette, and worked quite well with the other flavors of the salad.

My one complaint for the evening would be the service. The restaurant had a steady turnover, and the servers were visibly busy. However, though we were forewarned that the kitchen was backed-up, a little more attentiveness would have been appreciated.

Service aside, the meal was fantastic, and I would certainly go back for more. Altogether, the total including tip came to less than $50.00. Not bad for an evening of savory Italian comfort food, good wine and great friends!

Rogi Orazio

5517 Young St.
Sun-Thurs: 11:30 am-11pm

Fri-Sat: 11:30 am-2am

(902) 454-9991
Email address rogi@ns.aliantzinc.ca