Food + Drink

Nick-N-Willy’s is the first Atlantic Canadian outlet of a franchise that’s carved a niche in the crowded pizza market by perfecting a “Take-N-Bake” version of its product: The convenience is that you can take it home and bake it whenever you want. You can also eat in and there’s home delivery. Eating in on Quinpool […]

It’s March break, and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s reception area is crawling with kids. Before they’ve even begun their tours of the gallery, they’re shouting questions—“Where’s the bathroom?” “Where are the pirates?” “Why’s that restaurant called Cheapside?”—and adults are patiently answering—”Down that hall,” “At the other museum, dear” and “Because the food’s cheap.” […]

The first time we had dinner at the Press Gang, we were seated in a small alcove, at a very private table. Candles nestled in niches along a stone wall, the music was right and the lighting was low. My husband looked around, gazed deep into my eyes and whispered, “This would be a great […]

It’s hard to believe another restaurant actually sat here, where the Celtic Corner is—it looks and feels as though it’s been here forever. It’s a welcoming environment in which we feel instantly comfortable, as do a lot of other people, judging from the large Tuesday night crowd. In the back of the room are several […]

The North End Diner is housed in a building with an interesting history: The space was once the famous Camille’s and more recently served as the pool-table area for the adjacent North End Pub. The NEP is still referred to as “Joe Comeau’s” by long-time patrons, many of whom are or were sailors or other […]

Sitting on the corner of a building that also houses the Bluenose Laundromat, and downstairs from the now-defunct Cafe Vienna, the Pyramid Cafe is a cheery, sunny space. The interior decor might be described as minimalist eclectic, but it’s comfortable, relaxed and familiar. Most of the clientele seem to know each other—indicating the place has […]

Everything is bigger in Texas, they say. And the first thing we note on the Lone Star’s menu is the 72oz Challenge—that’s four-and- a-half pounds of sirloin steak with all the trimmings and if you can eat it in one hour, it’s free. I guess they take that bigger thing pretty seriously. Interestingly, “Canada’s Only […]

The dining room at Saege Bistro is crowded, voices rising above the sound of an indoor waterfall. Early-afternoon sun highlights a basket of artisanal bread, a plate of cheese, an arrangement of dried herbs. People are tasting food, trading business cards, listening intently. But this isn’t an ordinary lunch at Saege. In fact, it’s not […]

Ah, Valentine’s Day—seems like such a good idea, a day to celebrate love. But as anyone in a romantic relationship knows, Valentine’s Day can be one of the most stressful days of the year. Hours spent planning the perfect evening, making sure everything is just right for the love of your life—the pressure is really […]

The Brewery Market seems like a natural place for a pub; after all, it’s a brewery and it’s downtown in a tourist city. But there have been a couple of pubs here that have not done well, the worst being Mugsy McCeol’s, which I found guilty of committing heinous crimes against the digestive tracts of […]

I first reviewed Fiasco in September of 2001, not long after it opened. Until I reread the article (“Something of a Fiasco”), I couldn’t really remember much about it, other than I wouldn’t go out of my way to revisit—until now. Since Fiasco is one of a few local chef-owned (chef Martin Keyzlar) restaurants providing […]

Rogi Orazio is the newest darling on Halifax’s restaurant scene, with much buzz and a few good reviews floating around. Nestled along the Hydrostone’s shopping area, the little restaurant is in good company with Epicurious Morsels and Salvatore’s. Trumpeting “Italian and World” cuisine, the interior of Rogi Orazio has a distinct Mediterranean feel. A long, […]