A newly expanded Biscuit General Store will be re-opening on June 1. The popular boutique has taken over the former Studio Argyle space next door. Owner Wendy Friedman says the renovated store will offer larger menswear, cosmetics and accessories sections, as well as brand new departments. "One is what we're calling a Family Fun department, which will have gifts, toys, games and all sorts of things for children," she explains. Another major addition is the Frocks department, which will offer a wide selection of cocktail dresses and career wear. "It will be work-appropriate attire," says Friedman, "but not power suits, because those are over." Thrifty shoppers can rejoice at the addition of a "bargain basement," which will offer a variety of items at discounted prices. The new space adds much-needed stock room space, which means more products and sizes will be available, including more shoes, candy, housewares... "We really needed it," says Friedman. "We were bursting at the seams!" Biscuit is located at 1661 Argyle, and can be reached at 425-5436.

Going coastal

When Mark Giffin saw an opportunity to realize his dream of owning his own restaurant, he took it. The former head chef of Bish has bought Coastal Coffee at 2731 Robie, and takes ownership on June 1. The name will stay the same, but patrons can expect big changes. "We'll still be doing the coffee, but we're obviously going to be adding a lot on the food side of things," says Giffin. He will soon be introducing a full, unique breakfast menu to the shop. There will also be an expanded lunch menu, and he plans to start offering catering service soon. When asked about the decision to leave Bish, Giffin says, "It's always the dream to own your own place. It was just time to move on." You can call Coastal Coffee at 405-4022.

Paddle pushers

Ten years ago, long-time paddling enthusiasts Tony and Jane Duplante fell in love with their hobby all over again. Disenchanted with heavy, uncomfortable boats, they were ready to give up altogether. Then they discovered Swift Canoe and Kayak, a manufacturer out of Ontario. They loved the products so much they opened their own dealership on Lake Banook in Dartmouth. Paddle East Canoe & Kayak is the first Atlantic Canadian dealer of Swift products. Tony swears by them. "Swift boats are well made, safe, lightweight performance boats. Carrying a 16'6" canoe weighing only 35 pounds is a breeze and when the boat is in the water it almost paddles itself! Really! We now own one of his canoes and two kayaks, not only because he builds a hell of a boat but the company is all about paddling." Because the store is right on the water, customers will be able to test the products before they buy. They have demo models of the full line of canoes and kayaks on site. The store will be open Wednesday to Friday 11am to 7pm, weekends and holidays 10am to 6pm, and by appointment. Out-of-towners are encouraged to call ahead to ensure they will get the time and attention they need. Paddle East will also be hosting their grand opening the weekend of June 16 and 17, with visiting Swift reps, paddling demos, test paddling, prizes, a contest and discounts. "We don't pressure," says Duplante, "We introduce our customers to Swift and let it happen. We are not a "big box store,' more of a home for paddlers that happens to offer awesome boats and service. When you come through our doors don't expect to leave quickly! Spend some time, have a coffee, chit-chat...the dock and boats are ready when you are." Paddle East is located in Paddler's Cove at 300 Prince Albert Road. For more information call 1-866-665-6638 or see their website: paddleeast.ca.

A raw deal

The long wait for sushi in Dartmouth is over. Hamachi Grill and Sushi House is now open at 644 Portland. Extensive renovations have turned the former Pizza Hut location into a beautiful Japanese restaurant with a floating sushi bar. This is the third restaurant in the Hamachi family, but as owner Boris Mirtchev explains, "All of our locations are very unique from each other." The Dartmouth restaurant is the largest of the three, with 150 seats including the dining area, the lounge, and the private dining room. The restaurant will offer both sushi and Japanese grilled items, including steaks and seafood. Unlike most sushi restaurants in Halifax, this one will be open seven days a week. Sushi-cravers can call the restaurant at 444-4688 or check out the full menu at hamachihouse.com.

Plaid to rest

The Plaid Place has closed down its Spring Garden Road location, but will re-open on June 1 as a whole new store. "Kids, kids and more kids," says owner Lisa Risley when asked what the new store will offer. That doesn't mean they will be selling children, but they will be selling everything you need if you have one. The store will now be called Ragamuffin Kids, and will be selling clothing, shoes, books and gifts. "Spring Garden is not the spot for a seasonal store," says Risley about the decision to close the touristy Plaid Place. "We wanted to see what was missing on Spring Garden." Indeed, Ragamuffin will be the only shop of its kind on the street. The Plaid Place will still be open at its Barrington Street location, as well as a new shop in the Pier 21 terminal marketplace. Reach the shop at 423-4258.

Selling children? Email: shoptalk@thecoast.ca

Da Maurizio restaurant, a long-standing favourite in Halifax, will soon be changing hands. The Bertossi Group has decided the time has come to let one of its downtown restaurants go, selling it to Andy and Tanya King. The Kings are the husband and wife team that already runs the upscale Northern Italian eatery in the Brewery Market: Andy has been Da Maurizio's chef, and Tanya the manager, for many years. Current owner Stephanie Bertossi couldn't be happier with the arrangement. "We're very excited. It's like having your children taking over for you, they've been with us so long." Bertossi expressed surprise when asked about rumours that the restaurant would be closing soon, and assures patrons that they can expect the same quality of fine dining that da Maurizio is famous for (you can still book your table for that special dinner at 423-0859). The deal should be finalized by June 1.

Clothes call

Heroine is the latest business to move uptown from downtown. The clothing boutique was formerly located at 1656 Granville, but has now reopened at 5775 Charles, just off Agricola. "I live in the Agricola area, so now have opened my business in my own neighbourhood," says owner Jody Manley. "I also am a big supporter of neighbourhoods and think the Agricola area will be the next Queen West of Toronto. I had several requests to move to the Spring Garden area, but for me, Agricola was the only option going forward with Heroine. I was lucky enough to find the perfect space." That perfect space is in the Creative Crossing building, replacing the Allison Moz Pottery studio that occupied the space before. Manley is one of many business owners who have seen the potential of Agricola Street. The area has seen a lot of activity in the last year, as a number of upscale stores and hair salons have made the north end their new home. "The new shop is smaller than the previous one," says Manley, "but brighter and more intimate. I plan to have a smaller but evolving collection—I only order a few pieces of one style and, when it's sold, move to something else, so my clients are getting unique pieces. I also plan to do regular trunk shows—Heroine has four main designers and they will all come to Halifax each season, to meet their customers and offer them customization and unique pieces only available at the show." Heroine will continue to focus on Canadian designers, and has started carrying new lines, such as Karen Wilson handbags. The store will be open seasonally to accommodate the cyclical schedule of the designers. Manley plans to close the shop in late July and then re-open in September. For more information about the changes, call the store at 420-0328.

Don't mess with success

The Fight Store is now open at 1274 Hollis, in the former Allgood's Comics location. The shop sells everything you would ever need to kick someone's ass. Specializing in MMA gear (that's Mixed Martial Arts, the fastest-growing sport in North America), the store also sells equipment for a wide array of fighting styles, including karate, tae kwon do, judo, and even wrestling and boxing. "I noticed that there's a pretty big demand for gear and equipment," says co-owner Ryan Saunders, who has been studying martial arts his whole life. "You usually have to order everything online, and it's expensive for shipping. Plus, it takes four to six weeks for shipping, and when you get it, it might not fit." Saunders's first solution for this problem was to sell gear out of the back of his car. Eventually, the business grew and moved into his apartment. Now it's become a full-size shop, and business so far has exceeded expectations. "There are only two stores in Canada selling MMA gear," says Saunders, "And we might be the only one that sells gear for as many fighting styles as we do." Many of the items The Fight Store carries are ordered from the United States, and some are brought in from Thailand, including brands like UFC, Tapout and Sprawl. The business already has an online store set up as well. For more information, head down for a visit, see the online store at www.fightstore.ca or call the shop at 406-KICK.

Tour de Downtown

Haligonians now have one more method of transportation available to them. Fresh Air Pedicabs offers weary downtown wanderers the option of relaxing, with ecologically friendly, bike-powered taxi rides to get them from point A to point B. The company was co-founded by Michele MacLean and Michele Furfaro, who were inspired by the bicycle pedicabs they saw while visiting Havana. Their fleet currently consists of three 21-speed pedicabs, each equipped with pedal-assisted 500-watt electric motors to help customers feel less guilty about needing a lift up Prince Street. All drivers are over 19 and are road-tested. The service area will mainly be the downtown core, but the drivers will be able to carry passengers as far as Dal, SMU, Quinpool and Point Pleasant Park. They will mainly be servicing people who spot them in the street, but customers can also call the company to be picked up. The rides will cost around 50¢/min., but negotiating with the driver beforehand is encouraged. The pedicabs will also be available for special events, including birthdays, anniversaries and unforgettable date nights. Fresh Air Pedicabs will be running both days and evenings, and you can plan your event by calling 430-0990.

Peddle tips about local business my way by email: shoptalk@thecoast.ca

If you've ever gone for dinner at Mexico Lindo in Fairview, you know how hard it is to get a table. That problem will soon be over, as the owners have decided to expand the seating area. "If you don't have a reservation, you won't get a table after 5:30," says co-owner Wilson Jenkins of the current seating situation. "Typically we're turning away 20 people every night." The expanded dining room will allow for about 15 extra seats. "I know that doesn't sound like a lot," Jenkins says, "But consider that we only seat 26 people total right now." The plan also includes the addition of a second washroom. The renovations are expected to be complete by the end of the month. During this time the restaurant will remain open, doing the construction only on days when they are already closed (Sundays and Mondays). To contact the restaurant for reservations or more information, call 445-0996.

Fire in the furnish

The long wait for fans of Scandinavian-inspired affordable furniture is over. Dartmouth Crossing will soon be the home of HRM's first JYSK store. Oh, you thought I was going to say that other Scandinavian furniture chain? Nope. JYSK is a Canadian company, out of British Columbia, that promises all the fun of assembling your own furniture, without the impossible-to-pronounce product names. In fact, the only thing confusing about JYSK is the name of the store itself, which is pronounced "yeeesk." The furniture is mostly made in Denmark, and offers the same clean, simple lines that thrifty home decorators have come to expect from certain larger furniture chains. JYSK will be opening soon out at Dartmouth Crossing, nestled between what will soon be a Home Outfitters and a Moore's clothing store. To find out more about the company, and to check out their catalogue, go to jysk.ca.

Peas and Qs

Johanna Galipeau loves fashion, and it shows. Her new shop, Sweet Pea Boutique opened on May 4 at 1542 Queen. The shop sells women's clothing, specializing in Canadian designers and environmentally-friendly brands. Galipeau says she wanted the shop to give the atmosphere of a high-end, big city boutique, but also be affordable for everyone. The clothing ranges from formal to casual, and offers trendy brands like Fieerce, House of Spy, Grab, Kitty Clothing, Alice in Wonderland and Only. Sweet Pea also carries accessories to finish your perfect outfit, and will soon be adding shoes. "I want to be a one-stop shop," she says. For now she has to tackle the full-time task of keeping her shelves stocked. "We had an awesome opening weekend. I already have to order more stuff." The shop is open seven days a week. For more info call 423-0975.

Scoopy do

Pinky's Ice Cream has opened two of their pink-and-white-striped stands for the summer. Last weekend the Bedford Highway and Flemming Park locations both started scooping out the good stuff. This weekend the Point Pleasant Park stand will be open for business, and there are plans for at least three more stands in the Metro area. According to founder and president Kevin Riles, the company has their eye on spots in Lower Sackville, Timberlea, and possibly even in the Public Gardens. When asked about new flavours for 2007, Riles names two: English Toffee and Butterscotch. He also assures me that they will still be carrying the Birthday Party flavour, and lets me know that it is one of their most popular flavours. As it should be. I mean, it has chunks of cake in it! To see a list of flavours, or to look at a map of Pinky's locations, go to their website at pinkys.ca.

Urban outfitters

PRC Urban Wear is now open in the CIBC building on Barrington. The store sells a wide array of hip-hop style clothing and shoes, specializing in brands new to Halifax. "We have nice stuff," boasts owner Paschal Uzochukwu, "things you don't get around here, that's what we have. We're all about top notch designer wear." He says the response has been good during the short time they've been open. "We get good vibes from everyone," he says, adding that he keeps his prices reasonable because he wants everyone to be able to afford to shop there. Uzochukwu is confident his brands will impress Halifax urban trend-setters. "Anyone who walks in here and is disappointed, that person doesn't know about fashion." Contact the store, at 449-7833.

Bits and bites

The Empire Theatres Cinema in Bedford is now closed. Sad news for this reporter, who recalls many happy memories at that theatre. It seems the little theatre just couldn't keep Bedfordites from making the short trip to Bayers Lake for comfy stadium seating. No word yet as to what will occupy that rather large piece of real estate...Uncommon Kids is also now open at 1030 South Park in the Sommerset building. The store, the latest in the Uncommon Group of businesses, specializes in quality toys and kids products, including brands like Bugaboo, Kettler, Automoblox, Phil & Teds, Skip Hop, Ugly Dolls and Faber-Castell. Check out the website at uncommonkids.ca for more info, or call the shop at 431-UKID...The Booster Juice stand at Spring Garden and Queen will open May 17. Drink it in.

Fill our cup. Email: shoptalk@thecoast.ca

A store that sells chains has now become a chain itself. Joanne David Accessories has doubled its fun with a new location in the Spring Garden Place Mall. The new store is now open in the former Splurge location. After 21 days of renovations, including a few coats of manilla and tan paint over the formerly red walls, the small shop has changed dramatically. "People say it looks so much bigger," says co-owner Joanne David, "It's very clean and clear. The new skylights make the whole store brighter." David, who owns the stores with her husband, Harout, says their motto is "one of each." "We rarely carry more than one handbag or jewellery item of the same style or colour." The shop has opened just in time to take part in the annual Spring Garden Spring Fling this weekend. They'll be celebrating their grand opening with a tax-free sale. The popular accessory boutique will also keep the original location open at 1276 Barrington. "We love what we do," says David, "I make sure all those around me are accessorized properly. What is life without accessories?" Contact the shop at 404-1276.

Makeover, makeover

Kara's Urban Day Spa at 5980 Spring Garden has expanded. The salon has now taken over the adjacent space, which formerly housed the Maki Maki sushi restaurant. The expansion adds seven more hairstyling stations, and allows for a full and complete spa area. Kara's now has a full-time massage therapist on staff, where before they could only have a freelance masseuse. There is also a new and improved retail section, offering a wide array of hair, tanning, cosmetic and other products. Manager Jody Gurholt says that the renovations are ongoing, and will finish with a complete overhaul of the exterior. "It's going to look identical to our Cole Harbour location," he says. For more information, contact Kara's at 422-3900.

Meat me in Bedford

Good news for carnivores: The Bedford Prime Steak and Chop House will be opening soon at 1067 Bedford Highway. The space was previously inhabited by Zorba the Greek, but don't expect to see anything resembling a Greek diner now. "We came into the place and literally gutted the bathrooms, and installed all new windows and lighting," says chef and co-owner Mark Langley. "We had a custom bar built and a big wine rack." The restaurant will specialize in steak, and Langley says it will be the only restaurant east of Montreal offering USDA prime-rated beef. The menu will also feature ribs, lamb, veal, chicken and seafood. "We make everything from scratch," Langley says, "from salad dressings to sauces, and a local bakery makes all our breads and desserts." Menu items at the restaurant, which Langley owns with his brother, Shawn, will be priced in the casual fine dining range, similar to Il Mercato or The Cellar. "We didn't want to exclude ourselves to the upper class," Langley explains, "We know people are going to come in here expecting Zorba's, and we don't want them to think they can't afford to eat here." The restaurant is expected to open sometime in the next week. For more information call the restaurant at 832-5259.

Crafty manoeuvre

Waterfront window shoppers may notice that Handsmith's is no longer filling the streetfront space in the Historic Properties mall. The shop, which sells a wide array of works by Canadian artisans, hasn't gone far, just a few steps inside the mall. The store now finds itself without its second story, but according to co-owner Theresa Smart, the new space suits them far better. "Technically, the other space was bigger, but we weren't using it. So, practically, the new space is bigger. There is more display area, which means we are showing more items than ever." Lower rent for more showcase area is a good deal no matter how you look at it. The shop will still offer an ever-changing selection of Canadian-made handcrafted artwork. "Every year we bring on a new slate of work from new artists, and new works by artists we already carry," says Smart. Handsmith's second location, formerly in Bishop's Landing, will not be re-opening. Contact the store at 492-4438.

Bits 'n' bites

Free Comic Book Day goes down at several local comic shops this Saturday (see The Dope Show on page 51 for more info). Participating shops are Monster Comic Lounge at 2091 Gottingen (429-2398), Strange Adventures at 5262 Sackville (425-2140) and The Last Game Store at 278 Lacewood in Clayton Park (457-7529) and 590 Portland in Dartmouth (434-3350). Details at freecomicbookday.com...Two new giant stores have opened this week at Dartmouth Crossing. The newest additions to the mega-park are Michael's and Linens-N-Things. More than 25 new businesses are slated to open over the next two months, including a Jack Astor's Restaurant on May 7...Work is being done at 6196 Quinpool, former home of The Nail and Kneecap restaurant, now seems to be undergoing renovations...Bad news for Bedford movie-goers who don't want to make the journey to the BLIP: the Empire 6 Theatre on Mill Cove in Bedford will close for good on May 3...The Italian Garden restaurant at 5688 Spring Garden is now closed. No word yet as to who will take over the space.

Take over our space. Email: shoptalk@thecoast.ca