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.  

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.

Fidtastic Brunches at Fid

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post on innovative brunches in Halifax.  I love The Coastal Cafe for their yummy eggy, bacony, etc. creations, but another resto who offers crazy-good brunch dishes is a little closer to home - Fid Resto.

This is another multiple meal post, but all of the photos and dishes featured are brunch items available on the Fid Resto menu, and ALL are delicious!

For those looking for a meal a little on the lighter side, you should try The Good Bowl on  for size.  A bowlful of filling, healthy, fresh ingredients culminate into a meal full of flavour!

The Good Bowl

Yogourt, topped with

Apple, Banana, Berries, Dried Fruit, Nut and Nut Butters

If decadent but fresh comfort food is what you're after, this daily special would be just the thing. I know, fresh and decadent in the same sentence? Allow me to elaborate! Fresh, verdant basil pesto, combined with cream created this lovely, lush sauce that blanketed the soft and tender gnocchi.

Today's Special

Basil Pesto Gnocchi

The Lamb Breakfast at Fid are what a protein addict's dreams are made of! The sweet and savoury lamb meat is wrapped around lamb sausages filled that include dried fruit and nuts. Two fried eggs pair beautifully with the sweet tomato jam and yummy potatoes...there was something amazing about the potatoes as well, but I can't quite remember that detail!

The Lamb Breakfast

2 Fried Eggs, Roasted Potatoes, Tomato Jam &

Lamb Sausage wrapped in...Lamb!

A beautiful concoction of warmed blueberries, 
pastry and cream.

I don't think this is on the regular menu, but it reminds me of something my grandmother would have made - just simple, good quality ingredients. This dessert seemed like the kind of snack I'd like to have right before bed - talk about sweet dreams!

My three dining companions decided on the full breakfast. This plate is a ton of food and totally worth the price. The fact that you get a little bit of everything with this dish really evokes the 'full' in Full Breakfast.

FID Resto Full Breakfast

Bacon, Sausage, Fingerling Potatoes, Scrambled Eggs

Crumpets & Roasted Tomato

Ahhhh - this was so good!! A perfectly cooked, hard-boiled egg was enveloped in a sweet and savoury ground meat mixture, then coated with a crispy batter. You could hear the crunch as I cut through. I'd love to say that I made a dent in this, but alas, my little belly could only hold half this and some crumpet...I ended up letting my 22 year-old, rugby playing cousin have it....after he had devoured his own Full Breakfast! Where do men put this stuff?

The Scotch Egg

w/ Crumpet and Fresh Greens

Slow Food Nova Scotia's Second Annual Spring Supper!

Well, Spring has sprung, and in the culinary community of NS, who pride themselves on using local ingredients, this means that it's time for the second annual Slow Food Nova Scotian Spring Supper! Proceeds from this event, sponsored by Taste of Nova Scotia and the Winery Association of Nova Scotia, will go to Slow Food Nova Scotia and Feed Nova Scotia.

On Saturday, May 7, some of Nova Scotia's most beloved chefs will come together to cook an incredible 7-course meal - paired with Nova Scotian wines - using the province's finest culinary products in their dishes. Chefs Darren Lewis of Chives; Renee Lavalle, The Feisty Chef; Dennis Johnston of Fid Resto; Paolo Colberto of Jane's on the Common; Kim Stacey of Emma's Eatery; Chris Velden of Ryan Duffy's; Graeme Ruppel of Brooklyn Warehouse and Michael Howell of Tempest.

To give you an idea as to the luscious, local menu, I thought I'd start you off with a few photos from last year's incredible offerings:

So now, take a look at this year's menu, and start saving some room! This year's Spring Supper will be held at Christ Church Community Centre, 61 Dundas Street (around the corner from Two If By Sea), Dartmouth. The reception starts at 6:30 pm, with dinner occurring at 7 pm sharp!

Tickets are $75 (Members) and $85 (Non-Members). Did I mention already that the wine pairings are indluded? Seriously - this is the Best Deal Around! Tickets are available at Chives, The Brooklyn Warehouse, Fid and Jane's on the Common. Limited tickets are available, so make sure you get yours soon! For more information, contact mail@slowfoodns.ca.

SLOW FOOD NOVA SCOTIA

SPRING SUPPER 2011

MENU

Homemade Biscuits & Butter

Kim Stacey, Emma's Eatery

Curried Indian Point Mussel Chowder, Petit-de-Grat Snow
Crab Cake, Preserved Peach Chutney

Darren Lewis, Chives

Riverview Arugula Salad, Broken Roasted Garlic & Mustard Vinaigrette

Ricotta Wafer, Crispy Black Olive

Paolo Colberto, Jane's on the Common

Harpoon Caught Swordfish, Salsa Verde,

Wild Rice Risotto, Lobster Chili Oil

Chris Velden, Ryan Duffy's

Nova Scotia Lamb Shawarma, Tzatziki, Pickled Turnip,

Herb Salad, Chickpea Socca

Renee Lavalle, The Feisty Chef

Slow Roasted Windsor Valley Pork Belly, Local Sweet Potato

Dennis Johnston, Fid Resto

"Jigg's Dinner" Granite Irish Stout Braised Beef Rib,
Haddock Brandade,Savoy Cabbage, Fiddlehead Mustard Pickles

Graeme Ruppel, The Brooklyn Warehouse

Noggins Warm Apple Pocket, Rhubarb Panna Cotta,

Fox Hill Gelato Michael Howell, Tempest

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

Sip 'n' Shuck, 2011

Last year, I went to an event sponsored by Taste of Nova Scotia and the Dept. of Aquaculture and Fisheries entitled Sip 'n' Shuck. I went to check out what was going on with Nova Scotian wines and seafood, and expected simply an evening of wine and seafood pairings focusing on oysters. Unfortunately...I didn't like oysters, and chose to leave earlier than I normally would for this type of an event.

This year, I've been invited back again, and I couldn't be more excited! Withing the past year, with help from one of my favorite oyster-loving gal pals, I have become quite the oyster lover myself! It's incredible to taste something at the epitome of its freshness; slightly salty, clean and luscious. I love the way that an oyster gently glides down your throat, tickling your taste buds on its way down. If you're really fortunate, you'll have the perfect accompanying wine to help wash it down. At this year's event, you can learn how to shuck an oyster and get wine pairing tips from a Sommelier.

Make sure to get your tickets for this year's event by calling Cassie Benjamin at the Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia at 902.422.6234. You will be provided a receipt via email, and the pre-paid tickets can be picked up on site. The festivities will take place on Friday, January 28 at the Delta Halifax, and tickets are $35 per person.

Email: cbenjaminaans@eastlink.ca
Ph: 902-422-6234

Sip n Shuck Event details:

Nova Scotia Oyster, Mussel & Wine Tasting Night
Friday January 28, 2011, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Sip n’ Shuck - $35 per ticket
Delta Halifax, Baronets Ballroom

Presented by: Delta Halifax/Barrington, Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia, Winery Association of Nova Scotia, Mussel Industry Council, Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Beat the Heat with Stutz Hard Cider

I'm sitting on my balcony this Wednesday evening being thankful for several things; thankful that I'm not moving today (Sept. 1st), thankful that there is a slight breeze way up here on the 4th floor; thankful that I'm not the crazy jogger who just ran by; and thankful that I have a refreshing bevy in hand.

You see...it's currently 40 degrees...for real! I've lived in NS for 5 summers now, and never have I experienced this kind of heat. I'm not really complaining either....except that there is only 1/2 of my bottled beverage left, which means that I'll have to go to the store - at this point, there's no way my life can go on without this icey-cold treat in my hand.

The icey-cold treat in question? It's Stutz Cider, what else? There's only one word for Stutz; delicious, no two; refreshing, wait three; crisp....well you get the idea. Stutz Cider was developed in 2002 and has been amassing a devout following ever since. It hails from the Stutz family in just outside Wolfville at Grand Pre Vineyards. Sure, I could easily drink a Strongbow cider, but why would I want to when Nova Scotia offers a delicious equivalent?

Seriously, this is a drink that not only tastes great, it makes you feel great for supporting a local business. And talk about feeling great? As the ad indicates, when you drink Stutz, you've got serious Sex Appeel!

Robert Kenner comes to Halifax, Nova Scotia!

This September, as part of the World Culinary Tourism Summit, also known as One World One Table, Robert Kenner, producer of Food Inc. will be coming to Halifax!

Kenner's film Food Inc. exposed the food industry in North America, and gave viewers a sneak peek as to what happens to our food before it makes it to the grocery store. Amongst the many reviews for the film's merit, it was this tag line that gave me the heebee jeebees: "How much do we really know about the food we buy at our local supermarkets an feed to our families?" Yikes! As a society, we really need to quit ignoring these questions and face the music - Food Inc. will make you do just that.

Don't forget, Robert Kenner will be in Halifax as part of the Culinary Tourism Thought Leadership World Summit on Monday, September 20th at the WTCC, and will present the Opening Addresss: 'The Illusion of Choice' from 10:00-11:00 am. Don't forget to check the website's Agenda as well to see what other events are running throughout the day!

*UPDATE on Robert Kenner's address*

Monday, September 20 at the World Trade & Convention Centre, @ 6:30 pm

The evening's first course will be in the form of a "Local Culinary Journey", offering diners a taste of local dishes from all seven regions of the province. Once your palate is whet, Kenner will speak about the 'high cost of cheap, mass-produced food, and its effect on our environment, health, economy and worker's rights.' Dine on Atlantic Canadian lobster for the main course, as you let Kenner's words sink in, adding some 'food for thought' to your dining experience. And for dessert; a decadent Salon du Chocolate, featuring a 18th century chocolate demonstration from the Fortress of Louisbourg in addition to chocolate sampling. A fine night, indeed!

This event is hosted by Taste of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada Lobster. Tickets are $125 +HST, and are available at Ticket Atlantic (902) 421.1221 or at ticketatlantic.com