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.

Light dinner at The Wooden Monkey

A couple weeks ago, I went to The Wooden Monkey for my friend's birthday. I'm a big fan of small plates because it allows me to try more stuff. So as my friends were going for entrees, I opted for the Japanese Dumplings. Once I heard the soup of the day, I was sold on that as well! Soup is my comfort food, and when it's a hearty, earthy-flavoured soup, I just can't pass it up!

The soup was a blend of tomato, fennel and Parmesan cheese, pureed just to a medium thickness that ate almost like a chili. Warm, rich and with a slight bite from the licorice-flavoured anise, it was the perfect choice to fill my belly without being too heavy.

Tomato, Fennel & Parmesan Soup

Japanese Dumplings

Marinated tofu, vegetables and roasted seeds, wrapped, pan seared, oven finished,

with a hot chili sauce and garnish salad

With a crispy outer shell, the dumplings had plenty of crunch and the dipping sauce was slightly smokey with a tangy finish. The stuffing, a tasty mix of veg and tofu was flavourful, though a bit on the skimpy side. A garnish salad tied it all together - a nice addition as it provided a fresh element.

Crispy...

L'Acadie Vineyards

After Gaspereau Vineyard's offerings quenched out thirst, we meandered on to a different sort of palate experience; one that tickled my tongue, put a smile on my face, and amazed me, yet again by the incredible jobs that winemakers are doing in this province.

This Saturday, L'Acadie Vineyards was hosting "Stars on Ice", a sparkling wine tasting with fondue. Who doesn't love fondue? Melted cheese and chocolate; a winning combination. For $10 pp, this event paired the vineyard's 3 sparkling wines with cheese fondue and their dessert wine with chocolate fondue.

We started out with the 2006 Brut ($35) Medal winner at the Canadian Wine Awards, Atlantic Canadian Wine Awards and All Canadian Wine Championships. Made by the traditional champagne method of natural fermentation and ageing the wine on its yeast lees for three years, the Brut pairs well with...anything! But if you're going to be conservative about it, the winemaker suggests pairing it to any seafood dish, or in this case, a lovely cheese fondue.

As attendees wait with baited breath, Winemaker Bruce Ewart
pours up some glasses of the Brut.

An attendee removes the cheese-soaked bread from the fondue pot.

Next, we moved on to what I believe may be my favorite wine of the day, L'Acadie's 2008 Sparkling Rose ($26), a medal winner at the CWA. Again, aged using the traditional champagne method, this is another lovely bevy to drink for a special occasion, or to try with spicy cuisine. It's also the quintessential summertime-lovin' , patio-sippin' wine!

The final of the sparkling offerings was the 2007 Organic Cider ($17.50). This certified organic cider uses CO apples from the Annapolis Valley, including Golden Russet and Northern Spy and has a refreshingly tart taste. I'd drink this on it's own, or with a cheese plate and a nice chunck of crusty bread.

As the last drops of the Organic Cider were drained, our group moved on to the dessert station featuring chocolate fondue and the vineyard's dessert wine, 2008 L'Acadie Soleil ($26), A double Gold medal winner in the 2009 ACWC, this Recioto-style dessert wine is created using 100% dried grapes. Since dried grape's sugar content is increased, the resulting wine is rich and sweet with flavours or apricot and honey.


The rich, chocolate fondue, using local chocolate-maker Just Us! 's products sat in a pool over the simmering hear, welcoming sweet and tangy strawberries and soft vanilla pound cake.

As I consumed yet another chocolate-dipped strawberry, we bundled up and got ready to venture into the biting cold. The cold temperature outside, however, was no match for the rosy glow that brushed all of our cheeks. We were filled to the brim with wine, cheese and chocolate, - What could be better than that?

In tomorrow's post, we pass Bald Eagles on the way to Nova Scotia's newest estate winery, Muir Murray Estate Winery. Stay tuned for the delicious cheese fondue recipe. It was so good, that L'Acadie provided copies for the guests!

The Wooden Monkey

Last Friday we had a staff development day off-site. While we spent the morning in a gorgeous boardroom overlooking the harbour, we spent an even better lunchtime sampling the fare at The Wooden Monkey. This spot focuses on using fresh, organic ingredients- and it shows. Their menu screams local with brews from some of Halifax's breweries, wine from NS vineyards and meat, seafood and vegetables from the province's farmers.


I had the Sweet Apple Salad and added a side of plump, juicy scallops to add a little heft to the meal. Though I'm by no means vegan, this salad is one of the many vegan and vegetarian options available on the menu. Sweet apples combined with piquant daikon, tangy goat cheese and rich, meaty walnuts allowed for a wonderful contrast of sweet and spicy, creamy and crunchy.

Sweet Apple Salad

Organic greens, sliced apple, carrot, daikon, scallions,
goat cheese and walnuts, accompanied by a grain mustard maple dressing

A side order of scallops :)

For dessert, there were a variety of desserts around the table. I didn't have room for an ice cream sammy, but our server did bring me a couple of their ginger cookies to try. Sweet, spicy and soooo tender, they were the perfect small ending to my meal when paired with a hot cup of tea.

Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches
Locally crafted ice cream from Dee Dee’s in Peggy’s Cove,
between two housemade ginger cookies

A tofu cheesecake with Merlot- stewed berries served as a dessert for one on my colleagues. Though the sauce was spectacular, I have to say that I actually prefer my cheesecake with cheese! The texture was a little odd, but more importantly, it lacked the tangy bite that I've associated with cheesecake. It's a great option for a vegan diet, however, and I know several vegans who are quite fond of this sweet treat!

This was my first experience at The Wooden Monkey, but it certainly won't be my last. Looking around at the many different dishes at my table, I'm sure that I would be equally pleased with any of them. The burgers, pastas, sammies and nachos were all mouthwatering. Add to that the fact that the ingredients used were healthy not only for me, but for healthy for Nova Scotia's economy and I was sold. It's hard to resist a restaurant with an message as good as it's menu.