Big Day Downtown

My Big Day Downtown started off like any other: I got up, brushed my teeth and hopped on an amphibious vehicle that rolled through the streets of Halifax and then plunged into the harbour.  Well, I guess that’s not really the ‘usual’ morning for me, so let me tell you how it really happened.

My Big Day Downtown took place during that lovely time of year called my vacation.  Weee!  I was off for a full two weeks; one of which, I spent relaxing at home in Halifax.  When the Big Day Downtown rolled around again this year, I was thrilled to spend one of those vacation days trying out something new.  You see, the objective theme of this year’s BDD campaign was to try something new – and so I did.

If you follow my blog you know that I’m a food and beverage writer and generally, my life revolves around food.  The logical response to trying something new would be to venture out to one of downtown Halifax’s new restaurants.  But I wanted to shake things up a little -- and after much consideration, I decided to base my day on some new experiences. 

My experiences were fun!  One was lighthearted and adventurous: getting to know a little more about the city I live in and learn some historical highlights.  My other experience was slightly unnerving, something every woman goes through; has anxiety about; bites her nails over, and so on.  So what were these two experiences? My first was a ride on the Harbour Hopper, and the second: a hair cut…by a new hairstylist!  That’s right, I embraced this assignment hardcore.

So the day actually started just like any other vacay day; I got up, got some coffee, checked my email, got ready and headed out for a walk with the man.  Come to think of it, the HH wasn’t even my idea; he had been trying to get me on it all summer!  And when someone gives you a $100 Visa to do with what you will, there’s no time like the present!  We stopped in to the little Murphy's on the Water hut on the waterfront and purchased our tickets at $29.89 each.  A tour was leaving in 15 minutes so we hurried over to get a good seat – the very front row, in fact!

Our tour guide was awesome; knowledgeable and hilarious, she (and our driver) guided us though the streets of DT Halifax, all while filling us in on various tidbits of the city’s history.  We went down Argyle St. and saw the shadow in the window of St. Paul’s church; we waived to all those lucky lunchers eating on the hot sunny patios of Argyle and we climbed to the top of Citadel Hill to take in the awesome view of Halifax.  From there we waived hello to Mr. Alexander Keith’s grave at Camp Hill Cemetery; cruised down Spring Garden Road and heard learned some tidbits about Keith’s Brewery, Nova Scotian Crystal and the Historic Properties’ history as we travelled along the waterfront.

The moat at Citadel Hill

A view down Spring Garden Road

Keith's Brewery

And then we got the warning: there was about to be a BIG splash!  As we rolled along by the Casino Nova Scotia, I was prepared to get soaking wet – but it was just to psych us up, and I didn’t feel a drop!   So our little vehicle that could, drew up its wheels and set sail in the Halifax Harbour.  From there we learned some facts about Purdy’s Wharf, said ‘Hi’ to Theodore tugboat and heard all about some of the most famous nautical disasters in Maritime history; the Halifax Explosion and the sinking of the RMS Titanic.  By the time we got back to shore, I was having so much fun that I was sad to have to go.  What a fun adventure for tourists, but also a great opportunity for local citizens to try something new in their own environment!

Heading into the harbour

A view of Purdy's Wharf towers

The Dartmouth Ferry

A view of the Clocktower

Once on dry land, I headed over to Granville Street for my brand new haircut.  I really, really needed one.  My hair had gotten to the point where I couldn’t stand it anymore.  And so, in the spirit of the assignment, I abandoned the usual spot where I normally get my hair cut, and I jumped into an appointment with a new hairstylist at Thumpers. 

Before...

Thumpers is a lovely salon.  With its cool location and awesome décor, I was thrilled to spend a few hours in such a nice spot.  Trust me, I needed some pampering time, so I was happy to have someone wash and dry my hair so that I didn’t have to!!  I was pretty pleased with my cut; my bangs were an the short side, but who cares really? Hair grows back after all! I know, I know, you're probably thinking: "What's different?  She looks exactly the same!"  But seriously people, I got a t least 5 inches cut, and my layers got some much-needed attention too!  Altogether, my cut + tip was $69.

After!!

I didn’t exactly try something new with the remaining $1 but instead, I threw in a couple bucks and had an old favourite: a cappuccino at Uncommon Grounds on the way home.  I had a great day trying out some new spots in the downtown core; I’m so used to focusing on restaurants that I often miss the businesses that are thriving.  I had plenty of other ideas to choose from too – but they’ll just have to wait until next year’s campaign.

Stay tuned to With Bite for updates on a really cool project that I was thrilled to be a part of; Big Day Downtown, The Series!! For the past month, I’ve been running around downtown Halifax speaking with business owners, residents and city planners to learn more about what’s happening downtown now, and what’s to come in the future.  Make sure you check out the Downtown Halifax Business Commission’s website to keep up-to-date on the series; it will air in November.

I’d like to do a big shout out to the folks at DHBC; particularly Ivy Ho, as well as Tracy and Julian at Firefly Digital Media for being great directors, cheerleaders, make-up/wardrobe assistants and coaches.  It was an absolute blast, and I can’t wait to see the end result!

A Birthday Feast at 5 Fishermen Grill

Last month, my friend celebrated his Bday so we took advantage of the specials at the Five Fishermen Grill.  For the whole month, the Grill offered a 'no corkage' option as well as a $5 lobster tail!! Who wouldn't want to make this a dinner destination with these offers on board?

I dropped off our wine earlier in the day to keep it chilled, and we arrived for dinner at 7:30 with another bottle in tow.  The staff was super-friendly and sat us in a mammoth booth for about 6 people, but we still took up the whole table with our orders.  Along with a glass of white and the irresistible bread basket, we took in a plate of the Calamari.  I've had these suckers before (and loved every lick of them - see here), but it was my friend's first time here, so it was nice to watch him discover this new, mysterious flavouring from both the Hoisin and the 5-spice on one of his favourite dishes. 

Calamari

 Flash fried, Hoisin-glazed w/ 5-spice aioli

Once our entrees came, I was already feeling almost satisfied, so the fact that I finished my entree and still had room for dessert still baffles me to this day.  My friend ordered the 10 oz. Black Angus strip steak; a huge piece of meat, and a great value at just $24.  It was beautifully cooked - better than I've tried in some steakhouses.  Grilled to a medium rare, it was served with richly seasoned mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, steamed spring vegetables and a hearty peppercorn sauce.  I don't normally go for a big steak in a resto - especially a seafood-based one, but I would certainly come back specifically for this dish, and I've recommended it to several people.

My salad was unbelievable; talk about a protein plate!! The Seafood Cobb Salad consisted of grilled shrimps and scallops a piece of hot maple smoked salmon, crumbled bacon, egg, 1/2 an avocado, corn salsa & tomatoes and a generous portion of Stilton cheese.  Believe it or not, there was lettuce at the bottom of the bowl as well.  

And if that wasn't enough of a treat, the 5Fish featured a $5 lobster tail w/ drawn butter as a special as well.  Needless to say, I got more 'Surf', while my friend had a bargain "Surf n' Turf"!  The lobster meat was succulent and tender and we finished every bite.

Since a pal of mine was the manager of 5Fish at the time, and caught wind of our Bday celebration, dessert was on the house, and we couldn't say 'no'.  A 'Field of Carrots' cake was his dessert of choice, and it was decadence to sum it up.  5 layers of moist and spicy cake was topped with a rich, but light w/ cream cheese icing and sprinkled with walnuts.  A lovely creme anglaise and caramel sauce kicked the indulgence up a notch.  It was a bit much for me, but the Bday boy sure was happy.

Two bottles of wine, some cocktails, sweet and savoury later, we closed down the resto and stepped out in to the crisp March night.  Though normally I would have called for a cab, I needed some serious movement to walk off my food baby.  The 5Fish Grill could easily be one of my favourite restos in Halifax.  Though some may think of it as a tourist trap, I think it's precisely the opposite.  Sure, tourists flock to this destination, but it offers quality like no other seafood resto on the waterfront does.  The quality is consistent, and there is a focus on local product, wine in particular.  

PB & Nutella; a cheap n' simple treat!

One night last week I was feeling the need to bake.  I didn't want to engage in a crazy flour- explosion mess, but simply to mix something up; feel the excitement as it baked in the oven; relish in the aroma as it wafted through the apartment and bask in my domesticity.

...I made Kraft peanut butter cookies from the label on the jar.  But wait! Before you write me off, please know that I had limited ingredients in my pantry and a trick up my sleeve.  I may have started with the humble 3-ingredient cookie, but I finished with an incredibly easy and delicious treat; perfect on it's own or to dip in a midday coffee or tea. 

BTW...I eat organic crunchy PB because I try to avoid excess sugar - I buy the Kraft stuff for the man. Just sayin'!

For the cookies:

1 c. Kraft smooth PB (Chill your PB first; the recipe is tricky with soft PB)
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
Nutella - the amt. is to taste!

Method:

Heat oven to 325°F.

Mix all ingredients with large spoon until well blended.

Roll into 24 balls; place, 4 inches apart, on baking sheets. Flatten with fork.

Bake 20 min. or until lightly browned.  Cool 5 min. on baking sheets; transfer to wire racks. Cool completely!

Match up like sized cookies and slather with Nutella.  

Stand at the kitchen counter and eat at least three before offering them to anyone else. :) 

Peanut Butter-Nutella Sandwhich Cookies

An impromptu dinner at Fid Resto

A month or so ago, a friend and I stopped in to Fid for am impromptu dinner.  We were actually on our way to get some sushi when we walked past Dresden Row and quickly changed our plans. It was a chilly night and the atmosphere inside was warm and inviting.  It took us a while to make our decisions (well, me really) so we put in an order in for some apps while I poured over the menu.  

My friend had the traditional French soup served with rouille and Mozzarella cheese.  It was an interesting concoction, and once I was filled in on the process, it made a bit more sense.  The fish soup consists of chicken stock and pureed fish bones and the mayonnaise-based rouille with tomato and mustard are meant to thicken it up...Not sure where the Mozzarella cheese comes in, but I do know that  it's a delicious antidote to a chilly night.

I felt pretty special that night.  The 'special' was a sushi-esque roll made with snow crab just off the boat.  But...since we arrived later in the evening, and there wasn't enough left for the 'special', I got a dish that I'd wager was even better; a snow crab salad.  This was one of the best dishes I've ever had in a Halifax resto.  The snow crab's texture and flavour was light and delicate.  Paired with a variety of ingredients that complimented it beautifully; earthy Shiitake mushrooms, and a selection of herbs used in lieu of lettuce; basil, cilantro and mint, I smiled and sighed with every bite.

The Hangar steak was fantastic - just look at it.  You have to admit that it's an impressive dish - one I wouldn't event come close to finishing, but my friend had no trouble putting it away.  The steak is marinated for 7 days to the desired tenderness, and served on a luxurious bed of garlic mashed potatoes.  A handful or two of arugula was all that was needed to finish it off.

For my entree, I (finally) decided on the halibut.  FYI, I was going back and forth b/w this dish and the scallops.  But I've had Fid's halibut before, so I knew it was a sure shot at spectacular - and it was.  With a substantial crust and sprinkled with fleur de sel, the delicate fish was flaky and succulent.  Served on a bed of crisp fingerling potatoes,  a pile of tender steamed fiddleheads added freshness.  This dish was nothing if not simple; only a few ingredients, it fact.  But it was the simplicity that made it so delicious. That's what I love about Fid; generally, it's 'no fuss'.

Though I was thoroughly satisfied, I let my friend convince me into splitting dessert.  We ordered the moelleux au chocolat; a molton lava cake dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with a lovely caramel sauce.  Incredibly indulgent, the cake was delicious.  Balanced on top was a crisp brandy snap twist; the perfect contrast to the soft, euphoric cake.

It's nights like these that make dining out so fun.  We had intended on a $30 or so meal;  pretty standard and low key.  But switching it up to make a special night out of an ordinary one will make this dinner a memory, as opposed to a forgettable experience.  With so many restos to choose from in Halifax, it's these kinds of memories that will keep me coming back to Fid.