Steak Frites at Brooklyn Warehouse

So, I know that it's evident that one of my favorite restos is The Brooklyn Warehouse, and this meal further adds to my love affair. I recently went to dinner with a friend of longtime family friend of mine who has been away from Hali for about 4 years; long enough to miss the opening and rise to fame of Brooklyn Warehouse as one of Halifax's best restaurants (in my opinion).

On this visit, I knew what I wanted to order from the moment I sat down. It didn't take long to convince my friend that she wanted the same. We decided on the Steak Frites; an 8 oz. NS Striploin, oven roasted potato wedges, olive oil poached tomato with chevre and Pommery mustard dip.

Holy mother! Look at that piece of meat! Not only was the steak incredible and perfectly cooked for my taste, but the fries were just right as well - fat chips with a crispy shell.

The Pommery mustard was a great addition to the plate - the savoury, spicy sauce added a nice kick to the steak. On the side, an unexpected, luscious bite was provided in the form of a sweet, supple, olive oil-poached tomato. Topped with creamy, melted goat cheese and drizzled with tangy balsamic, it was a wonderful accompaniment! This was definitely one of the most lovely, well-balanced plates I've ever eaten in Hali...yet another reason why Brooklyn is one of my fave spots for a quick bite, or an meal of all-out, local-product awesomeness!

Sippin 'n' Shuckin', 2011

A couple weeks ago, I wrote about Sip' n' Shuck a couple weeks ago. I was so pumped to have another opportunity to try some of the newer Nova Scotian wines, the always incredible ice wines and, some fresh, clean and salt watery goodness of Nova Scotian oysters. As you'll see, I definitely took advantage of the crustaceans, but at Sip' n' Shuck, there is so much more to take in!

Along with the freshly-shucked oysters, there were hors d'oeuvres prepared with oysters; mussels steamed with bacon and leeks and saffron-vanilla; a luxurious cheese board, an enormous selection of chocolates from the Sweet Spot Chocolate Shop (my fave chocolate spot in the province) and a wine presence from almost all of Nova Scotia's wineries.

Make sure to keep your eye out for this event next year, at $35/ticket, it's a great value, and a wonderful opportunity to check out some of NS's best products from vine and sea!

Succulent, shucked Oysters

Ice wines from Blomidon Estate Winery, Gaspereau Vineyards,

Domaine de Grand Pre and Jost Vineyards

A variety of bubblies from Tideview Cider

Steamed Mussels

A luscious chocolate-covered caramel from the Sweet Spot Chocolate Shop

Girls Night out at the Five Fishermen Grill

If you're anything like me, you would have been wondering what had become of Little Fish, the Five Fisherman Restaurant's little sister resto on Argyle Street. A few months ago, the former Little Fish opened its doors as the Five Fishermen Grill, with a delicious new menu and an even more tantalizing restaurant space. Gone are the bright orange walls, to be replaced by a slick and sleek slate blue overview, dark wood tables and a uber sexy glass-walled wine cellar.

I managed to coordinate a dinner with some of my favorite wino-foodie gal pals, and we got together to sample some of this amazing-looking resto's cuisine in the hopes that the food looked as amazing as the new space.

Not at all to my surprise, it surpassed our expectations. In an effort to go slow, and not let our eyes overpower our stomachs, we started out with three apps - and ended up sticking to those as they were so filling! We started with a bottle of bubbly from Five Fisherman's award-winning wine list, then proceeded to order the calamari, a trio of seafood sliders and the lobster fritters.

Bathed in a mysteriously spicy Hoisin glaze, the calimari was slick and tender. A five-spice aioli further enhanced the dish with a luxurious earthy taste. I do love my calamari in this city, and I was super excited to find a version that wasn't tossed in tomato sauce...NOT that it's a bad thing - I just love the unexpected!

Calamari

Flash fried, hoisin glaze and five-spice aioli

Next, we had the plump and tender lobster claws in a crispy sweet cornmeal crust. This was a lovely juxtaposition, as the lobster meat was succulent and sweet, while the crust provided a delicate crunch. The sweetness of the crust contrasted beautifully with the fresh, verdant and piquant salsa.

Cornmeal Crusted Lobster Claws with Salsa Verde

The trio of sliders gave us all a couple bites of each burger to in order to sample the flavour combinations. The little buns, though fairly standard, white bread, were soft and sweet; slathered with mayo, they were the perfect scene upon which to set the three little patties! All three patties were drastically different, yet the seafood within was moist, and flavourful.

Five Fishermen Gill Sliders

Lobster & Corn, Salmon & Dill, Scallop & Saffron

What you may not know about the Five Fishermen Grill is its Oyster Happy Hour! Everyday from 4:30-7:30, the 5FG has oysters available for half price!

Succulent and fresh with clean, salty seawater, the oysters were light, but just enough to tip us over the edge....Though we tried to tempt ourselves with dessert, we decided to quit while we were ahead!

Oysters

Me and mah ladies!

This was a really great night, and I hope to have dinner at the Five Fishermen Grill again soon. There are several other menu items that have caught my eye, and who could say no to an oyster happy hour?!?

Happy Valentine's Day!

I wish you all a

Happy Valentine's Day,

full of love, good food, good wine and chocolate!

A homemade valentine's day supper

As Valentine's Day approaches, people are doing their usual scramble of trying to get reservations to their favorite restaurants. While this is a lovely opportunity to show your special someone how much you care, I can't think of a better way to express it than to make food together!

Just think, what could be more romantic than turning on some good music, opening a bottle of wine and making food together - it's so much fun! So...in order to assist, I thought I might share with you a lovely meal - made simple!

I've always been a sucker for ravioli, and the opportunity to put my favorite ingredients inside, but I didn't quite know how to get around the pasta part. So one night, while feeling gutsy, we decided to make our own pasta using wonton wrappers. This was pretty much a 'throw it in' type of meal, so unfortunately, I don't have any measurements for you. However, think of it this wya - that makes the meal more of an adventure, right?!?

We sauteed chopped onions, mushrooms and garlic, then added some (thawed) frozen spinach, ricotta, grated Parmesan cheese and seasonings. We also fried up some thick cut bacon to add a meaty richness.

Simply put the filling in a corner of a won-ton wrapper and moisten the edges. Then fold over and press the edges together and voila!

Though the prep might take awhile, the cooking time is minimal. Cook the ravioli in boiling water until they float to the top - around 3 minutes, and you're done! Over the Christmas holidays, I also made this with a filling of butternut squash, smoked chicken and cream cheese, topped with a brown butter-saege sauce and toasted walnuts. Holy canolli, those were good!

Aaaaaannnyway, back to the matter at hand, a nice garlic cream sauce and a dusting of freshly grated Parmesean make this a rich, decaent, tailor-made pasta for two!

3rd Annual Rare & Fine Wine Tasting

As a member of the Savour food & wine Festival planning committee, and a sommelier-in-training, I'm really excited for the Rare & Fine Wine tasting. Join us on Friday, February 18th, 2011 for the #rd annual event. From 7 - 9:30 pm at Windows at the World Trade Centre, R&F wines will be poured for an exclusive tasting of rare and vintage wines.

With over 30 wines rated at 90 points and above, this is THE wine tasting you do not want to miss out on. Once you've narrowed it down to you "I can't leave without a bottle" wines, you can even purchase them! Each wine, retailing at $60 and above, will be available for this one night only in Nova Scotia and will include:

•a 94-point Super Tuscan wine

•a 95-point Rhone wine

•a 95-point German Riesling

•a 93-point Champagne
•But don't take my word for it! Click HERE for the list!

DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY! TICKETS ARE ONLY $99*

Friday, February 18th, 2011

Windows at the World Trade and Convention Centre

7:00 - 9:30 p.m.$99 + HST*

Ticket and hotel room packages are now available through the Westin Nova Scotian. Call 1-877-993-7846 and quote Rare & Fine to book your room today. Only $179 plus taxes!