Friday, April 27, 2012

The Wine Event of the Year!

It'd Friday am and I'm really excited for Monday.  Wait, WHAT?  Yes, I know this is not a comment most people would say on a Friday, when, as LoverBoy would say, "Everybody's workin' for the weekend!"  But this MOnday is a little different.  THIS Monday, I get to attend Innovative Beverage's first ever Grand Portfolio Tasting!

The event, held at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia will feature winemakers and winery representatives for 8 different countries, representing 17 wineries and 15 different wine regions will be pouring their wines; that's 80 wines to try!! There will also be a fresh oyster bar and delicious canapes.  The Grand Portfolio tasting will not only be a fun event, but a great fundraiser to boot as 100% of the proceeds will go towards the Kids Help Phone Atlantic! AND tickets are ONLY $50!!


Here are the details for the event:


Date- Monday April 30th
Time- 7- 9:30 pm
Location- Art Gallery of Nova Scotia- Hollis Street
Price $50 plus HST
Tickets available from E:leslie.keevill@kidshelpphone.ca, PH: 457-4473

To name a few...


The Hess Collection
Taylor Fladgate
Zenato
Santa Margherita
Peter Lehman
Frescobaldi
        

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Big Day Downtown, The Series. Episode 6

We're on to episode 6 of Big Day Downtown, the Series.   In this episode, I get to learn all about Halifax's rich history at Pier 21 from Kristine Kovacevic.  Pier 21 is an incredible spot and really does have a past worth looking into.  After the Pier, we're off to learn about the other developments happening down on the Pier while I chat with Colin MacLean of the Waterfront Development Corporation Ltd. 
  
Tune in and watch the interviews for yourself, and when you venture out on the waterfront this summer, make sure to take it all in - including a stop at Pier 21!

       

Find out what's happening on in downtown Halifax. Discover hidden gems or rediscover old favourites. This series explores food, music, events, fashion, art, culture, entertainment, issues, good causes and cool products and services. 

Get your city fix with Big Day Downtown: The Series on EastLink TV. EastLink Magazine premieres on EastLink TV Sundays at 7:00 pm and is also available in HD on EastLink OnDemand.

Check the full schedule:

Monday, April 23, 2012

More MODA!

Last Friday night, my BF and I went out to a late dinner at MODA on Dresden Row.  Neither of us ad been before, but we were looking forward to trying it out.  When we arrived at about 8:30, we were seated at a tiny table for 2 by the window. After quite the  time trying to make a decision, we finally settled on two courses each - although mine were a bit smaller.  

After hearing the specials, there was no way that we could turn down the incredible-sounding soup; a broccoli base with Applewood Smoked Cheddar and pieces of prosciutto.  Mitch does have a weakness for soup and often orders one as a starter, but this one is by far one of the best we've had in a long time.  The broccoli base was pronounced, but incredibly well-balanced with the smokey cheddar and cream.  The prosciutto crisps were like little treats within each spoonful. 

Soup of the Day $9
Broccoli & Applewood Smoked Cheddar w/ Prosciutto

My first course were three jewel-like spheres in the most luxurious tomato sauce I've ever had.  Within the crisp shells, the rice inside was well-cooked and creamy with the earthy flavour of mushroom.  The sauce was a lovely pool; smooth and fresh with a hint of rosemary.  I could easily have had another plate of these.  

Risotto Spheres $11
Mushroom risotto stuffed w/ Asiago cheese
Rosemary Tomato Sauce
The tomato sauce was soo good that I scraped every last bit off the plate!
Holy cannoli!  When Mitch ordered a steak, I didn't think anything of it - he often does.  But neither of us were ready for this meal!  The tenderloin at MODA is the best steak I've ever had in Halifax.  First, it was cooked perfectly and it was also super flavourful and tender.  the steak is served with a couple different options, but Mitch chose the Shopshire blue cheese sauce.  Smothering the steak, it made every bite moan-able.  Instead of a potato on the side, he was allowed to substitute for another starch and chose some spaghetti tossed with loads of garlic and olive oil. 

Beef Tenderloin $32
w/ Shopshire Blue Cheese Sauce
Garlicky Spaghetti
I chose a lighter dish; a simple spinach salad with a lovely warm dressing of honey and Balsamic, dusted with Parmesan.  The menu listed bacon, but I did only find one piece.   
Warm Spinach Basil Salad
Baby Spinach w/ Basil, Smoked Bacon, Parmesan
Warm Honey-Balsamic Dressing
I would certainly go back to MODA again and have recommended it to several people since our dinner.  It's a nice little resto with fantastic service and food, and is a perfect spot for a celebratory meal, or just a really, really nice dinner.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Restos coming together for Eat Your Heart Out Halifax

As I mentioned Wednesday's post last week, there are plenty of restaurants on board for the Eat Your Heart Out Halifax event happening on Tuesday, April 24th.  And I just might have eaten at a few of them, ok, a lot of them!


Check out the participating restos below, as well as the links to my past posts on some of the participating restos and decide for yourself where you'll dine on the 24th! Be sure to visit on Monday to see my post on one of the first participants of EYHO;  MODA!


OnyxSaege BistroEstiaFid RestoChives Canadian BistroMorris East Restaurant, Pipa Restaurant & BarCafe ChiantiDurty Nelly's


Harbour City Bar & GrillEconomy Shoe Shop, Mexico Lindo, Vinnie’s Pasta Bar,  Rock Bottom BrewPub and Baton Rouge.


              



Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Post-run dinner at Saege

As of this past February, I joined a running team.  It was a pretty good idea, since I eat out quite regularly - that maaayyy be an understatement!  Anyhow, on this particular running session we had to do hill training!  That's right - the very words made me quiver with fear.  

As it turned out though, it was a cinch.  I ran up and down Citadel Hill 18x, and was barely breathless at the finish.  To celebrate my athletic aptitude...I wanted a drink.  A glass of bubbly was the only thing on my mind, and when Mitch suggested that we go to Saege Bistro for dinner, I happily agreed.

Once inside with my sparkling flute in hand, we made some choices for dinner.  With my metabolism running at a feverish pace (yeah right), I decided to share the Appetizer Tasting Plate ($13) with Mitch and order the uber-delicious sounding scallop entree.

The Appetizer Plate was OK; but I wasn't thrilled.  The crab cake was very nice; light and with a crisp breading, but it was almost falling apart when the dish arrived at the table.  The shrimp was cooked well and had a great, bright and spicy flavour.  I let M have the spring roll as I was saving room for my main event.  

Appetizer Tasting Plate 
Chili  Shrimp, Spring Roll & Crab Cake
Glass of bubbly post-run

When the entrees arrived, I was ready to dig in.  My scallop dish ($22) was excellent.  The scallops were anchored in a creamy butternut squash & pumpkin puree that had just the right amount of sweetness.  Always one to appreciate some veg, the addition of spinach and tomato was a great choice, with the ripe red fruit bursting in my mouth.  I moved one of the scallops to the side of my plate and made a decadent discovery; hidden seductively between the squash puree and the incredibly supple scallops was a slab of salty, delicious Oulton's bacon.  I would, 100%, order this dish again.

Seared Digby Scallops
Braised Oulton's Bacon, Butternut Squash & Pumpkin Puree
Grape Tomato & Spinach

Ah, the bacon!

Unfortunately, M wasn't so lucky the first time around.  I've since convinced him to order his steak 'rare' instead of his usual (groan) "rare to med-rare", as he almost always ends up with a medium-well steak.  Minor rant here, as it's happened at 3 different restos in the last month.  Anyhow, when the second attempt at a rare steak arrived, it was a very nice plate. The meat was super flavourful and tender.  I also put away several forkfuls of the earthy wild mushroom risotto - I could have eaten a whole bowl!

Getaway Farms 6 oz. Striploin $22
Wild Mushroom Risotto & Braised Shallot Jus

Since I have a salty tooth and M, a sweet, I could do without when the dessert menu appeared.  But I did have a taste of his for good measure. ;)  I had mixed feelings about the Vanilla Bean Cheesecake ($8).  On one hand, the blueberry compote was lovely and the luscious lemon cream 'to-die-for', but the cheesecake had a very granular texture that I really didn't care for.  I'd think twice before ordering this dessert, but some of the other options sounded pretty decadent, and were a nice change from other resto's old standards.  
Vanilla Bean Cheesecake $8
w/ Blueberry Compote & Lemon Cream
Even with the minor disappointments of this meal; we had an excellent time.  The atmosphere in Saege is comfortable and unpretentious.  It's one of those casual fine dining spots that allows you to have a great meal at a reasonable price point, but still feel like you indulged. I will go back again, and have a couple times since.  It's well worth the visit - especially if it's scallops that you're craving!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Big Day Downtown, The Series: Episode 5!


And how about a little theatre?! In this episode of Big Day Downtown, The Series, I get to visit some of downtown Halifax's centre stages.  I'll chat with Jim Petrie; owner, operator AND artistic director at Petrie's Halifax Feast Dinner Theatre about the preparation that goes into one of his shows.  I also get to visit Neptune Theatre and discuss it's past and plans for its future anniversary with artistic director, George Pothitos.  
  
Get your ticket to one of these great production houses and see what shows get 'top biling' in downtown Halifax!


       

Find out what's happening on in downtown Halifax. Discover hidden gems or rediscover old favourites. This series explores food, music, events, fashion, art, culture, entertainment, issues, good causes and cool products and services. 

Get your city fix with Big Day Downtown: The Series on EastLink TV. EastLink Magazine premieres on EastLink TV Sundays at 7:00 pm and is also available in HD on EastLink OnDemand.

Check the full schedule:

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

'Eat Your Heart Out' Halifax!

I want to write about a great event coming up, here in Halifax on Tuesday, April 24th.  Save room for dinner that night, because over ten restos in Halifax will be participating in 'Eat Your Heart Out', a fundraiser in support of the Maritime Heart Centre. 

The inaugural ‘Eat Your Heart Out, Halifax’ event is a unique approach to fundraising that celebrates the HRM food scene while raising critical funds for heart disease care and prevention in the Maritimes.

‘Eat Your Heart Out’ is a novel concept; on Tuesday April 24th 2012, participating restaurants will donate 15% of their food sales for the evening to the Maritime Heart Center. This gives diners an opportunity to support the Maritime Heart Center simply by enjoying a meal at one of a number of local restaurants.

“This is a unique fundraising model that holds great benefit for everyone involved” says John Britton, Executive Director for the Maritime Heart Center. “We hope to make this an annual fundraising event that removes the need for expensive tickets and dressing up. We want Haligonians to go out en-masse on this one night and have dinner with friends and family at one of our numerous participating establishments. This means raising money for heart disease is as easy as raising your fork”.

In addition to raising money, the event also celebrates HRM’s incredible restaurant industry. “Halifax has such a vibrant food scene” says Nancy Tissington of the Spring Garden Area Business Association. “This initiative showcases both our city’s innovative cuisine and social conscience. The restaurants get health-centred exposure and promotion and the Maritime Heart Center receives the proceeds, which stay right here in the Maritimes supporting heart disease care and prevention. It’s a win-win all round”.

The fundraising model is based on other wildly successful dine-out events that take place across North America, and as HRM doesn’t have a city-wide charitable dine-out fundraiser the Maritime Heart Centre is hoping to grow this event year-on-year to include more and more restaurants and, eventually, more communities across the Maritimes.

“Heart disease is Canada’s biggest killer” says Britton, “and nowhere is this more obvious than right here in the Maritimes, where 1 in 3 people will die of a heart-related condition. This is a fantastic opportunity for people to contribute to our charity simply by doing what they would normally do – enjoy a great meal at a great restaurant. When you choose to eat at any of our participating establishments on April 24th you are automatically supporting heart disease care and prevention in your community”. Early reservations are highly recommended.

‘Eat Your Heart Out’ takes place on April 24th 2012. For a full list of participating restaurants visit the Maritime Heart Centre or call 902 446 3669.

Currently, participating restos include: 
Onyx, Saege, Moda, Estia, Fid, Chives Bistro, Economy Shoe Shop, Mexico Lindo, Vinnie’s Pasta Bar, Rockbottom Brewpub & Morris East. 

Monday, April 9, 2012

Big Day Downtown, The Series. Episode 4

Here, it is!  Episode 4 of Big Day Downtown, The Series!  In this episode, I get to fill in the blanks about what's going on in downtown Halifax.  I get up close and personal with some of the developments in Halifax with Andy Fillmore, Manager of Urban Design with Halifax Regional Municipality.
  
Tune in and find out for yourself, some of the plans of HRM By Design and see what's coming up for the city's downtown.  


       

Find out what's happening on in downtown Halifax. Discover hidden gems or rediscover old favourites. This series explores food, music, events, fashion, art, culture, entertainment, issues, good causes and cool products and services. 

Get your city fix with Big Day Downtown: The Series on EastLink TV. EastLink Magazine premieres on EastLink TV Sundays at 7:00 pm and is also available in HD on EastLink OnDemand.

Check the full schedule:

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter to kiddies young and old! I hope you have a lovely day, filled with chocolate bunnies, marshmallow-y peeps and all sorts of chocolate - peanut buttery treats!

I see this card every Easter, and I never cease to giggle!