Buy in to The Greatest Movie Ever Sold
Seven years after adopting a McDonald’s-only diet for Super Size Me, Morgan Spurlock once again puts himself at the centre of his documentary action. This time, Spurlock’s credibility, rather than his health, is on the line, in a movie about product placement in movies that follows Spurlock in his quest to fund the movie entirely…
Gatekeeper’s Lodge Residency wraps up
Aimée Brown wraps up her productive Point Pleasant Park Gatekeeper’s Lodge Residency this weekend with Suburban Shelter, in which the intrepid park resident sets up a “domestic survival scene” on a 1/2 acre plot of land that was once destined to become privately owned. Join her on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29 at…
Surfing and the city that never learns
The city of Halifax is in the midst of a two-pronged sponsorship scandal. First, of course, is the concert loan scandal, which, among other things, involved secretly handing large amounts of taxpayer money to a private company in the bizarre hope that, well, I’m not sure what they were hoping. Photo ops with aging rock…
Love the Police
The cops! Bless ’em. They have just taken us through the stormy waters of ridding ourselves of a noxious guttersnipe who took up residence in our house as an invited guest, then turned on us all and wouldn’t move out. It’s taken months and hundreds of wasted police time to deal with this person. The…
Dedicated to the Revolutions at SuperNova
When I left the theatre after seeing Dedicated to the Revolutions, I wondered if what I’d just seen was actually theatre at all. The “play” began with an intense Jenga game that went on until one of the actors accidentally provoked gravity. Using all manner of exploration from white boards to Flight of the Condors-esque…
The Halifax Jazz Festival tickets on sale now
The Halifax Jazz Festival turns 25 years old this year, forgoing a quarter-life crisis and instead leaping feet first into awesomeness. It’s their silver anniversary, and they have programmed some shows that promise to be well worth your hard-earned silver. At today’s media launch, festival organizers presented this year’s fest, announcing the full line-up (including…
You Give Love a Bad Name
So we ended the relationship, fine. Given the circumstances, that was the best option. You left, and I had to move. Fine too. I didn’t want to stay in the home we created anyway. You said you would help me move, that was very thoughtful of you. But did you help? No. Did you help…
Donut Ban
Nice deal. Let’s have a certain franchise stop selling donuts and muffins in their hospital locations. Apparently we are not capable of making our own decisions regarding what we eat. What a fucking pathetic joke! How about putting your time, effort, and money into hiring some cleaning staff for your filthy shitholes. I’d think sanitation…
To the Urinous Bums of the North End
To bearded, pot-smoking bums who beg for change in front of the liquor store, lay down drunk in the lobbies of apartment buildings on North Street while rolling a fatty, and calling people a prick if they ignore their request for change. Nothing makes me happier in the morning than telling you off in the…
Drive Thru Merging
Anyone ever witnessed the lane of cars that enter from the opposite side of the parking lot, and wait to merge into the drive thru lane? It happens every morning with out fail… and then honk when you don’t let them in the minute they’ve stopped? Here’s a thought, GET TO THE BACK OF THE…
Sandwich Bitch
At a local sandwich shop, the guy in front of me on his cell phone. It was lunch time and the line up was at least 8 people long. He proceeded to talk on his cell phone for at least 15 minutes while in line as well as during the production of his sandwich. I’ve…
Dear Love the Way We Love
Please submit your anonymous and predictable yearnings for the guy on the bus, the girl at the bar, the hunk at the bus stop, etc. ad nauseum to the Coast personals. Love the way we love should require some original thought. —Bitch
Surfs Up
Hang ten, HRM, because according to the twitterfeed and a local Facebook page a surfing apparel company is currently planning on hosting its Cold Water Classic event in Nova Scotia this fall and has requested $200,000 from Halifax Regional Municipality. HRM has pre-approved to fund the event with $145,000 (coincidentally the event’s prize money—a requirement…
Etiquette for Eating Out
For those of you who love to treat servers like shit when you’re dining out, please follow these simple instructions: GO TO HELL! Fast food exists for a reason, but fuck you if you think you can expect us to serve you in the same time frame. And no, you cannot call ahead and bully…
I Love Your Bellies
You shimmy, you snake, you magnetize me with your lovely bellies. You are Halifax’s many talented belly dancers. Your skill is outstanding, and you are an absolute joy to behold! I am enthralled with you all and I will be seeing you Sunday! I am very proud you call Halifax home! —Belly Lover
Nectar hosts evening for wine connoseurs
Recent Best of Food-winning, Dartmouth hotspot Nectar Social House (62 Ochterloney Street, 406-3363) is hosting a special wine night, Tuesday May 31, from 7-9pm. For $40 (+ HST, gratuity), the resto’s sommelier will guide you through a evening of new and old world wines, accompanied by local and international cheeses and charcuterie. They can accommodate…
Common Grounds TV highlights Halifax coffee culture
Airing right now at globalauthority.ca and on youtube is something called Common Grounds TV. British Columbia natives Nik Green and Edan Marshall, the series hosts and creators, take a look at coffee culture across Canada. Last fall they were here in Halifax, and shot some footage. Green is former cafe owner in Grand Forks, and…
Congrats to all Atlantic Book Awards winners!
Check out the 2011 Atlantic Book Awards winners, if you see these folks, give them a hearty high-five: -Kathleen Winter took home the $20,000 Thomas Head Raddall Atlantic Fiction Prize for Annabel (House of Anansi Press) -Alexander MacLeod won the prestigious Margaret and John Savage First Book Award for his collection of short stories, Light…
Liquor Store Drivers
I’m amazed at the level of shitty driving observed at a local drive-through liquor store. In my 20 minutes in line I’ve observed the following: Silver Cobalt – There are 15 cars in the right lane in line to go through the drive through. Who in the fuck do you think you are sitting in…
Wow Wow Weee Waa Very Nice
To my amazing best friend who never fails to surprise me with post cards, care packages and lots of love. Although we are far apart you always find a way to make me feel so special and loved! You are the most thoughtful and amazing friend a gypsy could ask for! Love always… —Your Fellow…
Presenting Today’s Warm Fuzzy
I was forwarded the following email from Rob MacArthur, who as you may recall, decided to close his much-beloved jam space The Rock Garden after five years last November. The Rock Garden won Best Rehearsal Space in this year’s Best of Music Poll and I thought I would share MacArthur’s response below. Wasn’t sure who…
Bike Love
Big thanks to the gentlemen who walked me to my bike after the club on Sunday night. You really completed the night and I couldn’t stop smiling or laughing while trying to find your bike. Hope I wasn’t too much to handle and that we bump into each other again in the next two weeks.…
Lady in Plaid
I keep running into you around this city. Just wanted to say that I think you are stunning. You have a gorgeous smile and a sweet laugh. I don’t know if I’m on your radar, or if you’ve caught me stealing glances, but you are seriously too stunning! Thanks for making this city a little…
Express Mistake
To the lovely cashier working at a store on Barrington Street, thank you so much for being so kind to me. I was so embarrassed when I looked up and realized I was in the express lane with way too many items but you were super sweet and made me feel much better about my…
The Adonis
It’s because of your inconsistency and aloofness that I stopped searching for unicorns and saw the perfectly adorable horse right in front of me. Thank you. —Cherry Mocha
Escape from Dartmouth
Trying to get out of a Dartmouth subdivision on Saturday night—no idea which way to go and every street looks the same—but fortunately you drove up behind me and could tell from my crappy confused driving I was lost. I pulled over to let you go by, but you stopped and asked where I was…
Gone But Never Forgotten
After Hub-Unit’s brother’s funeral yesterday, we visited our niece and nephew. H-U fell flat on his back as we were leaving… weirdly enough, it straightened out his back from his last fall which left him unable to stand up straight for months. He said it almost felt like someone pushed him backwards on the shoulder…
Halifax production town
Well, it may not feel like summer, but the from-away productions choosing Nova Scotia to shoot in are gathering. For starters, the eighth Jesse Stone CBS TV movie starring Tom Selleck and directed by Robert Harmon went to camera on Friday. It’s called Benefit of the Doubt. And a Stephen King adaptation Bag of Bones…
South End Polar Bear
While walking my dog every morning, this charming bear always brought a smile to my face. I was always anticipating what he may be dressed as next and I am sad to see that he has now retired for the season. I hope he comes back next year with all of his holiday costumes. My…
Tattooing Amber
I love all the hard work and dedication you put into the festival every year… Happy 5 years, we all love you and here’s to 5 more! —Tattooed Freak
Carbon Arc hosts CFAT and WIFT this week
The Centre for Art Tapes animated celebration Animation With Love: Home Sweet Home takes place this Thursday at 7pm at the Carbon Arc (1588 Barrington Street). It features local animation by a swath of talented folks, including Andrea Dorfman, Tara Wells, Eva Madden-Hagen, and Jess MacCormack. And speaking of CFAT, we’ve learned that like AFCOOP…
Still a Believer
Although I am unlucky at love I will always be in love with love. To those of you who are happy in love, show it and don’t take it for granted. Show me it does exist and can be a healthy happy thing. Thanks to all the people I see walking around holding hands, especially…
Chalkboard Poetry
Everyday I walk past a certain house on Harvard St. I always look forward to reading the poems on the chalkboard outside. It always makes me smile that someone takes the time to share something so simple with the rest of the world. —Passing Neighbour
Fish Rocks
I was enjoying my weekly chowder and fish special at a fantastic fish house in Bayers Lake and a couple came in. They ordered some food, but the server took the time to explain that if they ordered the same thing but in another way, they’d save a bundle of money. Who takes the time…
Dakini Silks & Things opening party
Dakini Silks & Things (1528 Brunswick Street, 719-3105, 405-7497) is having its grand opening party this Friday, May 27, from 5-8pm at its new space inside Spree Designer Market, upstairs from Steve-O-Reno’s Brunswick location. The store is the new venture by Katherine Munro, who will be selling “recycled, vintage, reclaimed and hand made clothing and…
Too Good for These Losers
I wish people would stop trying to get me to date guys I have no interest in. I like being single. But when I eventually want a boyfriend I’m not dating a guy with no prospects and no decent looks. I’m an attractive, university-educated professional who’s been moving up the corporate ladder. Why should I…
Littering Bluenosers
Good on all the runners this weekend, but it is disappointing to see parts of the course littered with loads of energy gel wrappers, etc. This is a community event, not olympic qualifiers, so show a bit more class, and please put your wrappers in the bin. —Community Folk
Get a Clue
I was a bit anxious about the “Rapture” that was supposed to happen. But, that was the biggest scandal since Bill Clinton banged Monica Lewinsky. Look, fake ass prophet nothing happened, because God says that only He knows the end of the world, and not even his son nor the angels in heaven know the…
The Rapture
You can’t even count on a decent apocalypse anymore. WTF. Have all my shit ready to go, so far I’m still stuck in this fucking weather waiting. Maybe I got left behind already. Maybe I shouldn’t have racked up all those charges on my VISA card last week, but I figured if they’re stupid enough…
Health Care Help
I am sorry I need to vent because I am so fucking pissed off at our government my blood is boiling. There is an operation called a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (weight loss surgery) that not only saves lives but also greatly improves the quality of life a person has forever. It is covered by MSI…
Running Rip Off
Thought it would be fun to take part in the 5 km run last weekend, but the registration fee was $65. Event management, did you not get any sponsors to offset the cost? Small towns and big cities alike find ways to make these runs affordable for all, why can’t you? —Ran in the Park…
Bad Comedians
I hate when they rag on the audience for not laughing. If no one is laughing it’s probably because your joke is lame. When I go out to see some comedy, I want to either laugh or not laugh (preferably the former, but I don’t mind the latter). What I don’t want is for someone…
Caught in a Lie
This is the 5th time in the past month that you’ve blown me off. Every week, we made plans for the weekend and they fell through every time because of something that came up on your part. I believed you every time you said you weren’t feeling good, or that you were visiting family out…
Take Your Butts…
A certain Halifax hospital has a really nice garden maintained by volunteers which is a lovely place to sit and enjoy the outdoors, except for all the cigarette butts that careless smokers drop all over the place. Could you smokers have a little consideration for other people. Puhleezzz?? —Babette
The Bike Pedaler opens in Dartmouth
For all those whose motto is “Two wheels good, four wheels bad,” check out The Bike Pedaler (25 Portland Street, Dartmouth, 406-7773). The new shop, run by Marc Rickard, will be all about the sustainability of bicycle culture, offering Canadian-made and low-impact bikes. According to the store’s Facebook page, “The Bike Pedaler will be a…
A year of Obsolete Records
Ian Fraser is justifiably proud of his baby, Obsolete Records (2454 Agricola Street, 407-7228), which this week rocks its first anniversary Saturday, May 28 with a bunch of excellent local music, including The Prospectors Union, Gianna Lauren, Jon McKiel, Jenn Grant and Matthew Hornell. There’ll also be snacks, prizes, and no tax on purchases all…
Light Is The Day to screen
As was mentioned recently in the Haliwood Insider, local filmmaker Laura Dawe is off to the Canadian Film Centre in Toronto this summer to study in the Director’s Lab, one of only five people accepted per six-month session. Before she goes, Dawe will screen her feature Light Is The Day, the first screening of the…
Mitchell Wiebe and the Diefenbunker art factory
On a rainy Saturday in Debert, we crawled underground and wandered in a chilly lair, getting lost in both our physical surroundings and Mitchell Wiebe’s electric art (as well as work from Eleanor King, Adriana Kuiper, Scott Munn and Graeme Patterson). Then we got Taco Bell.
Banana Republic to open in Dartmouth Crossing
Shoptalk has learned that Banana Republic will open a factory outlet store in Dartmouth Crossing this summer. For those of you getting tired of Gap and Old Navy, you’ll now be able to shop at the third store in the US fashion empire. (All are owned by Gap Inc.) No word on exact opening dates…
Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides sinks
The fourth Pirates movie is a forgettable attempt to extend an expired Disney franchise. Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley have abandoned ship, leaving Geoffrey Rush and Johnny Depp. Even the director of the first three movies has bailed, replaced by Rob Marshall (Chicago). The plot involves a group of pirates (a British flotilla, religious Spaniards,…
No Woman No Barf
I have a hard time being friends with someone after a romantic relationship has ended. No matter whether on good or bad terms. I try and be as mature as possible in trying to accomodate this, but whenever contact is made with the ex my stomach drops and I feel very anxious. Kind of like…
Baptized in Blood’s NKOTB Tattoo
On the eve of the Maritime Tattoo Festival, I asked London, ON metal up-and-comers Baptized in Blood about their best/worst tattoo stories. Lead singer Johl Fendley recalls a botched tribute to his childhood heroes.“I’ve had my neck and full chest tattooed but nothing will ever compare to the pain I went through getting my toes…
When I’m 80 I Won’t Care!
I am 37, and have quite a few tattoos (about 17). At least once a week I am out and get asked this very question,”What are you going to do when you’re 80 with all those tattoos?” I guess I’ll be doing the same thing I’m doing with them now… living my life! Why do…
Tired of Tired Hair
I moved back to the city last year, my hairdresser who was an awesome stylist/colourist retired cause she was allergic to the products. I have been on a search to find an awesome colourist/stylist in Halifax… unluckily, I trusted someone to color and cut my hair and I have nothing but a mess on my…
Seasons Change
Dear ex-girlfriend: Get over yourself! I’m sorry I went off the deep end when we broke up; you acted like a bitch without a soul, and I was a drug addicted petty pathetic sad sack of shit without a friend in the world. I get that, and I’m sorry for loving you for 7 years.…
Bridge Business
The other morning, you saw that the person ahead of you at the bridge toll did not have enough quarters to pass the toll. You got out of your car and threw some in for them. I just want to say you brightened my morning with that kind act. Cheers! Hope you have a lovely…
nggrfg at SuperNova
As I write this, Berend McKenzie, writer and star of nggrfg, is preparing to perform his one-man show in front of the students of Dartmouth High, and I predict they’re going to be blown away. McKenzie has something they—-and all of us—- need to hear, and he does it in a totally engaging and entertaining…
Humani-T Cafe celebrates Victoria Day
Head up to Humani-T Cafe (5755 Young Street, 454-9999) on the Tuesday after the long weekend, the official birthday of Queen Victoria (and Bob Dylan, for that matter), May 24, and from 8am to 8pm enjoy a couple of specials; the Dessert Plate, dark chocolate peanut butter oatcake and strawberry sorbetto for $5.99, or a…
Youth Horror Movie Trailer Competition happening now
Oh, Jason Eisener, what have you wrought? Dartmouth cultural hotspot Alderney Landing, is putting the call out for entries to a Youth Horror Movie Trailer Competition. If you’re between the ages 14-25, put together a horror movie trailer, three minutes maximum running time, for a fictitious horror movie. Submissions must be received no later than…
Best Buffet
The largest all-you-can-eat buffet in Halifax is the Best of Food’s first ever Best Buffet. With over 50 items to select from, including dim sum, sushi, and an array of deep-fried yumminess, this Chinese-Canadian fusion buffet is sure to satisfy anyone’s craving. Now at two locations— get full at the waterfront location or at 201…
Best Burrito
We figured it was time to inaugurate this menu item. Even though Halifax doesn’t have too many Mexican places, burritos have been popping up all over the place. Makes sense that the joint that specializes in them would get the vote, a hearty (and tasty) addition to the Halifax food scene just down Blowers from…
Best Smoothie
Pete’s is the place to go for a quick (and delicious) bite to eat and drink to wash it down. There’s not enough room to list all the sandwiches, salads and smoothies at Pete’s To Go Go and Power Juice Bar. Add another kick to your day by adding some extra nutrition, such as protein…
Best New Restaurant
Co-owner Stephanie Bertossi attributes the sudden and undeniable success of her new restaurant, which replaced her company’s long-running fine dining spot Bish in February, to the atmosphere. “It’s like a party at home,” she says, remarking on the photos on the walls of chef Maurizio Bertossi’s friends and family, going back to the 1960s. “We’ve…
Best Asian Grocer
Tian Phat wins again, successful completing a three-peat for Best Asian Grocer. The store is hitting a milestone in 2011, celebrating its 20th year in business. Customers keep coming back because of Tian Phat’s fantastic variety of Asian foods and spices. Whether the mood calls for Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai and more, Tian Phat has…
Free Will Astrology
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) What’s going to happen for you in the coming week will be the metaphorical equivalent of gaining the ability to see infrared light with your naked eye or to detect the ultrasonic sounds that only dogs can hear. With this virtual superpower at your disposal, you just may be able to…
Best Patio
There’s something about a patio in the sky. Here at The Coast, we’ve even done stories on establishments that have above-street-level outdoor space. There’s just something about them that people like. Combine that with the service, food and atmosphere of the beloved Your Father’s Moustache on Spring Garden Road and you get the repeat winner…
Best Campus Eats
Dalhousie University just wouldn’t be the same without the resident Dawgfather, servin’ up hot dogs to the student community. Jerry Reddick, the Dawgfather’s alter-ego, and his business have been staving off hunger—and insanity during exam time—for Dal students for years with friendly service year-round, offering an assortment of hot dogs and veggie dogs. Hate to…
Best Place To Watch The Game
You should have been at Bubba’s for game seven of this year’s Habs/Bruins series. Every single seat was filled; baskets of wings, cups of their dozens of multi-hued sauces and glasses of beer filled every available surface; eyes glued to the dozens of giant flat-screen TVs. Then the Penguins/Lightning’s seventh game started, and it got…
Best Seafood
Best Seafood champion Five Fishermen now offers up two options for hungry guests: the restaurant, for a little more of a refined feeling, and the downstairs grill, for a more laidback atmosphere. The grill serves up a variety of deep-sea deliciousness, with Oyster Happy Hour happening every day from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. The restaurant still…
Best Thai Restaurant
Half of the job is making the food taste good. The other, making it *look* good. And manager Michelle Zhong and the rest of the Talay Thai staff do both with intricate class. The pad thai is a big hit, along with their cashew chicken. It’s not just the food that looks fantastic. They take…
Best Bakery
When you walk into Julien’s, the intoxicating aroma of freshly baking bread will almost overwhelm you, and an appetite for delicious pastry will overtake you. Didier Julien has been mastering the art of bread-making since living in France as a 14-year-old. Now he brings that taste of Europe to the Hydrostone in Halifax. The shop…
Daydream Nation’s Michael Goldbach
In my high school class there was always this girl who was really pretty and really intelligent and really separate,” says Michael Goldbach, the writer-director of Daydream Nation. “She just seemed to have her own thing going on, and always seemed to be in trouble with older guys. She was the kind of girl I…
Best Desserts
We could go on and on, praising Il Mercato for its delicious Italian desserts, but we think the right impression could be made just by listing a few of them. So, here goes: You can try Zuccotto (alternating layers of genoise, straticiatelle, chocolate mousse, covered in chocolate ganache), Pistachio Almond Cake (a rich, moist cake…
Best Server
“I think that people just really enjoy their experience here,” says Tara Sobey, modestly explaining why she has received so many votes for Best Server. “We’re a pretty friendly neighbourhood pub. Happy smiles.” This is the second time in a row Finbar’s has won for Best Crew. The atmosphere at Finbar’s is very community-minded, given…
Best Cookie / Cupcake / Doughnut
Susie’s wins its first Best of Food award by offering a crazy variety of sweet things, from cupcakes to cakes to whoopie pies to cookies to cheesecake babies. You can even buy their buttercream frosting in a tub if you’d like to spread it on your own baked goods (or just scoop it out with…
Best Shawarma
Did you know that shawarma comes from the Turkish word *çevirme*, which means “turning”? Well, you do now. What is it about the scent of this spinning, sizzling hunk of meat that puts our brain on a one-track mission (and doubly so if intoxicated)? Venus Pizza has won Best Shawarma for years, due to a…
Best Beer Selection
Is there any surprise that this place has been named Best Beer Selection year after year? With over 60 beers on tap, ranging from local favourites like Garrison and Propeller, to sexy imports like Beck’s and Saigon Lager, even seasoned beer lovers can find something new. Grab a few friends, hit up one of the…
Best Health Food Store
Though Planet Organic is a health-food store, it’s also kind of like a pharmacy, but without the drugs. You can walk up to the counter at Planet Organic, tell a staff member your ailment and then have a natural remedy recommended to you. Along with knowing everything there is to know about fruits and veggies,…
Jenny Omnichord and Wax Mannequin say bye-bye babies
Jenny Mitchell (AKA Jenny Omnichord) and Wax Mannequin have been traversing the roads from Ontario to Nova Scotia suited up in matching dinosaur hats. A love for dollar stores and their quirky gems is just one of the reasons the pair make great tour companions. “We both like injecting fun and silliness into tour adventures,”…
Best Pasta
A frequent winner in this category, Il Mercato remains the destination for Haligonians who love their pasta dishes. Options include the rigatoni—sauteeed with pancetta, onions and tomato, black olive pesto, topped with goat cheese—or the linguine— sauteed with green beans, roasted pinenuts, basil pesto, cream and parmigiano—or the handmade ravioli—filled with roasted chicken, wild mushrooms…
Best Kid-friendly Spot
Local Jo continues to be Best of Food’s Best Kid-Friendly Spot, winning three times in a row now. This quaint little neighbourhood cafe serves up fair trade and organic coffee, local teas and a menu comprised of farmers’ market goodies. The kids’ section always has a revolving assortment of toys, so let them play a…
Best Fish & Chips
John’s Lunch is a fish and chips joint located on the edge of Dartmouth in Woodside. Though it’s a little outside many a Haligonian’s orbit, the eatery’s long standing tradition of offering the best in fish and chips—since 1969—makes it totally worth the trip. First Runner-up: The Battered Fish Second Runner-up: Phil’s Seafood
Best Steak
Another longtime Best of Food winner, restaurant chain The Keg has taken the title of Best Steak for years. The combination of great steak and affordable prices that boosts this steakhouse to the top every time. Pick your steak-y goodness with the classic New York, filet mignon, peppercorn or rib steak, among others. First Runner-up:…
Best Caesar
“We try to stay innovative all the time,” says Brooklyn Warehouse co-owner George Christakos, on his secret of taste success. He recognizes that in the economic recession, a lot of places cottoned on to what he does, the fine dining quality food and drinks in a very casual atmosphere. But with more and more choices…
Best Liquor / Wine Store
These guys know their wine. The well-informed Bishop’s Cellar staff is always helpful if you’ve got questions on any bottle on the shelves. If you’re looking for something new to help expand your palate, frequent tastings are known to happen. New this year is a website that will ship wine right to your front door.…
suddenlyLISTEN celebrates 10 years with Pauline Oliveros
It was five years ago when Norman Adams and suddenlyLISTEN first brought Pauline Oliveros to Halifax for the first time and at the time, he says, “It seemed like a dream.” No wonder. The composer, performer, philosopher and author has 60 years experience making music, exploring sound and honing her concept of Deep Listening, a…
Best Italian Restaurant
In honour of this year’s 10th edition of the Best of Food survey, we are calling special attention to some restaurants that won back in 2002, and also won in 2011 (not to mention winning plenty of prizes in between). Il Mercato is one such restaurant, which has become legendary over the last decade for…
Best Bedford Restaurant
Plans for expanding The Chickenburger empire continue, according to operations manager Colin MacDonald. Not one, but two new locations are in the cards, out at the airport—tentatively set for September—and another downtown, in the parking lot behind Starbucks at Queen and Spring Garden. “We’re working on getting that ready for the fall,” says MacDonald, who’s…
Best Fish Cakes
Kim Emma Stacey, the “Emma” in Emma’s Eatery, was not expecting to win. “Nobody was even talking about voting for us,” says the head chef/owner, who also added that in her first year of business—this is her fourth—she had been pushing to win Best Fishcakes.Stacey says her fishcakes don’t deviate away from the traditional recipe,…
Best Vegetarian-friendly Restaurant
Vegetarians and vegans can participate in the donair craze, too! A seitan donair is one of the entrees in the light fare section of this innovative menu. Winner of multiple Best Vegetarian-Friendlies (and the 2010 award for Best Use of Local Ingredients), the Wooden Monkey has long been a favourite of animal-conscious eaters. Try the…
Best Atmosphere
“We try to stay innovative all the time,” says Brooklyn Warehouse co-owner George Christakos, on his secret of taste success. He recognizes that in the economic recession, a lot of places cottoned on to what he does, the fine dining quality food and drinks in a very casual atmosphere. But with more and more choices…
Best Place To Satisfy A Sweet Tooth
This Barrington boutique of bon bons has been giving us thrills since it opening its colourful doors in 2001. This place will take you back to the days when you used to ride your bike to the corner store to blow your allowance on Hot Lips, Eye-Poppers and Jawbreakers. Well you’re all grown up now,…
Bahamas flies solo
As Afie Jurvanen—AKA Bahamas—prepares to depart from Toronto for Halifax’s Long Live the Queen music festival, he’s excited to play in the atmospheric North Street Church for a rare solo acoustic performance. “That’s a very different type of show,” says Jurvanen. “It’s something I love doing that I don’t do too much of live.” But…
Best Pizza Pie
This 2011 edition of the Best of Food poll is the 10th annual edition, so we checked the first Best of Food issue from 2002 to see which restaurants were voted the best both back in the day and today. Salvatore’s is among the select group. Ten years ago, Coast food critic Jillian Brown talked…
Best Clayton Park Area Restaurant
What’s Sushi Nami Royale’s secret? Here are a few tips: 1) Tsu-Nami hours. Between 3pm and 5pm and 9:30pm and 11:30pm Monday to Saturday, customers receive 20 percent off everything on the Tsu-Nami hours menu, including gyoza, beef tataki and karakuchi shrimp fry. 2) Sushi Nami Royale Membership. It has its privileges. You can get…
Best Fries
After Bud the Spud closed shop, someone had to take the title of Best Fries. And what better someone than the Battered Fish? Home cut fries are made fresh daily. The fries are made from burbank russet potatoes, cut with a shoestring chip cutter (so it absorbs less oil), and served with signature sauces chili…
Best Barista
If a cafe could have a lead singer, its frontman would be Zane Kelsall. A lot of the appeal of Dartmouth hot-spot TIBS comes down to the service, the staff put through a rigorous series of tests before they’re allowed to serve people, all orchestrated by co-owner Kelsall. And his rumoured ambition for the year…
Best Restaurant
“We try to stay innovative all the time,” says Brooklyn Warehouse co-owner George Christakos, on his secret of taste success. He recognizes that in the economic recession, a lot of places cottoned on to what he does, the fine dining quality food and drinks in a very casual atmosphere. But with more and more choices…
Best Stall At The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market (Prepared Foods)
The inaugural year for this category, with the first year of the Seaport, and Schoolhouse takes it. Handmade and jam-packed with protein, antioxidants, fibre and gluten-free grains, these breads and goodies give market-goers a healthy option that’s easy to stomach. The idea for the business came from when co-owners Aidan Brunn and Jen Laughlin began…
Hot Chitz
Halifax in 1993 was a great place for music—according to critics all over North America—especially if you wore flannel. But outside of “the whole grunge thing,” as Derrick Hiltz calls it, the city’s small punk scene operated independently and produced the now-legendary Chitz. The band formed from friends who’d played in other punk bands, when…
Best Lunch Specials
Things change. In the first Best of Food survey in 2002, for example, there was no Best Lunch Specials category. Similarly, 10 years ago there was no such thing as Fid Resto—simply called Fid, the fine dining restaurant was all a big winner in the inaugural Best of Food. Through 10 years of the survey…
Best Cole Harbour Restaurant
There are lots of reasons to stop in to Jamieson’s when you’re out in Cole Harbour. We’d suggest the desserts and the sweet selection of whiskey. Or how about the chowder, including shrimp, scallops, mussels, haddock and salmon in a classic white wine and herbed cream broth? Or maybe the poached pear salad, with toasted…
Q & A with Brad Anderson
For those who have yet to see it, Vanishing on 7th Street is a horror movie set in Detroit. One night, the power goes out and almost everyone vanishes, leaving piles of clothes on the ground, in cinemas public spaces and city streets. A lucky few—Hayden Christensen, Thandie Newton and John Leguizamo—manage to avoid this…
Best Cafe
The cool hub of the new Dartmouth scene, Two if by Sea continues to wow customers. Is your favourite, massive and buttery croissant the one with savoury prosciutto or the sweet chocolate? Do you go for the enormous cookies or the espresso? Or maybe you just like to hang out there in the windows and…
Best Brew Pub
Five original ales (red, brown, raspberry wheat, cream and IPA) plus seasonal ales are what’s been keeping Rogue’s Roost the Best Brew Pub for years. This perennially busy place overlooking Spring Garden is a great place to grab an after work pint and do some quality people- watching. Happy hour is Monday to Saturday 5-7pm,…
Best Stall At The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market (Produce)
Where’s the beef? It’s here, the first year at the Seaport Market. The Getaway Farm raises its cattle with a strict grass-feeding policy, rather than using grain. The result is a healthier cut of meat. Everything at the stall is freshly cut and unfrozen, and the staff will help with any cooking or recipe questions…
Best Crew Of Regular Customers
“I think that people just really enjoy their experience here,” says Tara Sobey, modestly explaining why she has received so many votes for Best Server. “We’re a pretty friendly neighbourhood pub. Happy smiles.” This is the second time in a row Finbar’s has won for Best Crew. The atmosphere at Finbar’s is very community-minded, given…
Stargate Universe Series Finale
Like a lot of good sci-fi shows, Stargate Universe was cancelled before things really got interesting (think Joss Whedon’s Firefly). The gritty Lost-meets-Star Trek Space Channel series, which aired its finale May 10, finishes off the elaborate two season story-arc with a cliffhanger that will likely make diehard fans bitter about the unresolved loose ends—the…
Best Donair
For this 10th anniversary edition of the Best of food survey, we are taking a look back at some restaurants that won in 2002 and are still winning awards today. King of Donair is in this exclusive group, so we went back to the 2002 print archives (since older issues of The Coast aren’t currently…
Best Dartmouth Restaurant
For a third year, Nectar takes the Dartmouth crown. We venture, as with all the great spots, it’s a combination of things that gets people coming back: the locally sourced food, the great service, chic decor, and a swank lounge offering martinis and cocktails with delightful names. Ever try the Raspberripolitan? How about the Russian…
Best Sweet Potato Fries
It’s crazy to think that 10 years ago, sweet potato fries were not a restaurant must-have. But now it feels like these delicious, flavourful deep-fried yams are just about everywhere. What really makes the sweet potato fries at the Old Triangle is the curry mayo. Yes, the fries are golden orange, crispy and satisfying, but…
Best Chinese Restaurant
The 2011 Best of Food readers’ survey is the 10th annual, and we’ve called special attention to some restaurants that performed a remarkable feat of longevity: winning in both 2002 and 2011. But The Great Wall has gone a couple steps further. Not only has it won the Best Chinese category every single year since…
Best Cheap Drinks
On a budget? If there’s anything hampering a good time, it’s worrying about the hole being burnt in your wallet. With no one seemingly able to beat Oasis Pub & Eatery’s mouth-watering prices, it is the place to go. Pints range from $2.75 to $5.25 and pitchers from $10 to $15.75. We’re talking domestic and…
Best Late-night Food
There’s nothing like a hot pizza pie or poutine or a burger or all of the above after a night out on the town. Freeman’s continues to dominate the Best Late-Night Food category with its selection of NY-style deliciousness. Open (and delivering!) until 5am at three locations: Quinpool, downtown at 1726 Grafton and new in…
One Hundred Dollars
How you accept Songs of Man depends on preconceptions of how you think (or want) this band to look and feel. In other words, do you want the rugged rawness of the old or the layered polish of the new? Deep down, little has changed. The songwriting is still the gold-standard of storytelling in the…
Best Club Sandwich
Editor’s note: With its latest Best Clubhouse Sandwich win in 2011, Your Father’s Moustache was elevated to the Best of Halifax Hall of Fame. Your Father’s Moustache’s clubhouse sandwich this year joins The Coast’s Best of Food Hall of Fame, where the category will be taken off the ballot and YFM will, for all intents…
Best Restaurant (Outside The HRM)
For the second year running, the French-accented fine dining spot in Lunenburg gets the Coast readers’ nod for best destination resto. Chef Martin Ruiz Salvador has experience in working in kitchens in Nova Scotia, Lyon, Dublin and in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he studied. The man knows what he’s doing, so make sure to give Fleur…
Best Ice Cream / Gelato / Frozen Yogurt
Open only from May to October, people will have to form their own opinions with this PEI-turned-nationwide-chain’s style of humour and merchandise (the cow toque is pretty cute), but the ice cream has been spoken for. And it’s not just people in Halifax who think it’s the best—Cows was named Canada’s best ice cream by…
Best Chef
It’s hard to know when Flinn has the time to do everything. Of course, there’s the restaurant, a consistent star in the Halifax fine dining firmament, year after year, offering the best in fresh, locally sourced food. Then there’s his burgeoning career as an author—he’s had a new book every fall for the past three…
Best Cocktails
For the first time in years, long-reigning cocktail champ Bitter End comes in second. The dimly lit, surprisingly large yet still cozy and classy Fireside is now Halifax’s premiere place for cocktails. Fireside is already known for drawing a crowd Monday nights with its $5 martini special, so why not give it another title? Don’t…
Most Wished-for Halifax Food Trend
Most Wished-for Halifax Food Trend All-you-can-eat-sushi Voters must have been wishing hard, because this one’s come true! Either that, or this must be Halifax’s best kept secret. Until now: Happy Sushi Restaurant (362 Lacewood Drive, 429-9858) offers all-you-can-eat for $13.99 during the week and $21.99 on the weekends. Check out the list below and try…
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell 3D
Splinter Cell 3D is very similar to one of the most critically acclaimed parts in the series, Chaos Theory. This portable version, however, is clunky and awkward. All of the elements you’ve come to expect are here—creeping around in the dark, silently disabling enemies, using night vision—but the controls are awkward at the best of…
Best Sackville Restaurant
Congratulations to Tom’s for another win. The comfortable, friendly and, um, large—the dining room can seat 200—establishment run by Dimitri and Tina Panopalis continues to be a destination for residents of Lower Sackville and the area, offering an all-you-can-eat lunch special through the week, dinner and movie deal Wednesday and Thursdays and 10 percent off…
Best Pizza Slice
A huge slice of pizza from Sicilian is the perfect way to end an evening of shenanigans and debauchery. The perennial Best Pizza Slice winner sits right on famous (or infamous, depending on how you look at it) Pizza Corner. Now introducing five new recipes (chicken bianco, Sicilian supreme, Tuscan, pepper jack and bella roma),…
Best Greek Restaurant
his Mediterranean haven is treading in familiar, winning waters for a reason, fixing traditional Greek grub in fine form daily has kept it at the top. A dispute with an Albertan Greek eatery means the former Opa is now known as Ela Greek Taverna, but its classic mousaka entree—an oven-baked dish layered with lamb, eggplant…
Best Coffee (Espresso-based)
Knowing you have a good product is one thing, but how many owners actually take the time to see if their product is as fair trade and organic as they claim it is? Java Blend owner Jim Dikaios has started making trips to Central America to visit the farms he gets his coffee from. “I’d…
Psychedelic Horseshit
Psychedelic Horseshit’s name and weirdo garage rock pedigree suggest a record that’s a wall of fuzzy noise, but Laced jumps all over the map. “Puff” is a mass of bleepy sine tones and launches into the industrial Skinny Puppy-like growl of “Time of Day.” The record strays into feedback-filled surf rock and then changes gears…
Best Breakfast
We like the Elvis—the peanut buttery, banana waffle delight. But’s that’s us. We also like that the Coastal is licensed. We like that it’s open from 8am to 3pm, with breakfast served until 2pm and lunch served from 11am. We like the overlap. We like the all-day breakfast on the weekend. We like the Elvis.…
Best Poutine (Original)
Now that we have our Extreme/Gourmet category, Willy’s has wrestled Best Poutine out of long-reigning champ Alexandra’s hands. Made with fresh-cut fries, cheese curds and (vegetarian!) gravy, Willy’s is Halifax’s new top choice for poutine. But you didn’t need us to tell you that. Check out the Poutine Hall of Fame at willysfreshcut.ca to see…
Best Fine Dining
It’s hard to know when Chives chef Craig Flinn has the time to do everything. Of course, there’s the restaurant, a consistent star in the Halifax fine dining firmament, year after year, offering the best in fresh, locally sourced food. Then there’s his burgeoning career as an author—he’s had a new book every fall for…
Best Coffee (Regular)
Knowing you have a good product is one thing, but how many owners actually take the time to see if their product is as fair trade and organic as they claim it is? Java Blend owner Jim Dikaios has started making trips to Central America to visit the farms he gets his coffee from. “I’d…
Serenity: The Shepherd’s Tale
Though Firefly went off the air in 2002, Joss Whedon has managed to keep the ’verse alive not only through a movie but also in several comic book spin-offs. The latest one, Serenity: The Shepherd’s Tale is written by Whedon and his brother Zack and focuses on Shepherd Book: a man of god with a…
Best Brunch
It’s been a big year for jane’s. They opened their satellite kitchen at 2053 Gottingen and another spot in the Discovery Centre. We’re OK if jane’s opens 20 new locations so long as they continue to serve the grilled cheese sandwich with the tomato butter and the french toast with the coconut flakes at brunch.…
Best Poutine (Extreme or Gourmet)
Sometimes it’s best not to fix what isn’t broken, but that’s not the case with poutine. Although the original recipe of fries, gravy and cheese is the height of French-Canadian cuisine, the demand for bigger, better and different has caused us to create this brand-new category. Winning last year for Best Poutine (Original), Alexandra’s offers…
Best Indian Restaurant
Taj Mahal continues to thrive in the south end of Halifax. Almost a year-and-a-half after salvaging the remains and starting over from fire damage, Taj still has the right stuff. These days the only things burning are the staff’s ears, with the menu being talked about all over town. Sit in and choose from an…
Best Hot Chocolate
You have to wonder if The Powers That Be at this particular coffee company realized just how popular its line of chocolate would become? With hot chocolate coming in classic, spicy and peppermint varieties (and a soy milk option), it’s not a surprise that Just Us! has been named Best Hot Chocolate for the third…
Size may matter, but you’re still a jerk
Q I suppose you are going to call me an asshole once you have finished reading my letter, but I hope you have some advice for me. I am a 45-year-old heterosexual male. My last relationship lasted nearly seven years. I am currently single. I am discouraged. One of the reasons for my discouragement: I…
Law & ORDER: Criminal intent
Let’s talk lady cops: Mireille Enos is holding down The Killing; Jennifer Beals is busting all kinds of balls on The Chicago Code; Mary McCormack is still killing it on In Plain Sight and three weeks ago, Kathryn Erbe returned to Law & Order: Criminal Intent as wry, understated Alexandra Eames. Last season, Erbe and…
Suck Dan’s dick, John Cummins
Q I am a bi woman happily married to a straight man, and we both “participate” in hot sexy times with other women during threesomes. It’s hard to find hot 30ish bi girls where we live, but the encounters we’ve had were for the most part excellent. Everything was great until three weeks ago, when…
Best Burger
Though Darrell’s has owned this category for many years, it’s a competitive one. Brooklyn’s big burger is hot on the heels of the peanut butter king, but has yet to topple him. Yes, we use the masculine when discussing the peanut butter burger—if burgers had genders, this one would certainly be a guy. This is…
Best Pub Food
Winning two years in a row now, this 177-year-old converted mansion is the nicest place to get kicked out of in Halifax. But before you do that, you should try the menu. Offering up a hearty selection of traditional British pub grub, including fishcakes (for which it won Best Fishcakes in 2010), homemade beans and,…
Best Use Of Local Ingredients
It’s hard to know when Chives chef Craig Flinn has the time to do everything. Of course, there’s the restaurant, a consistent star in the Halifax fine dining firmament, year after year, offering the best in fresh, locally sourced food. Then there’s his burgeoning career as an author—he’s had a new book every fall for…
Best Martini
A Best of Food champion, Bitter End continues to be Halifax’s number one choice for best martinis, winning nine years in a row. Whether it’s a decadent Sinful Bliss (vanilla vodka, Butter Ripple, crème de caçao, Baileys) or a Jacked Up (JD, melon liqueur, Amaretto, pineapple juice), if you want something sweet with a punch,…
WeeTube’s internet tendency
Maiko Bae Yamamoto and James Long are two innovative switchblades from Vancouver. Both are graduates of Simon Fraser University, and can be seen in this month’s SuperNova Theatre Festival acting out a YouTube comment dialogue in the idiosyncratic 80-minute performance WeeTube. Swivel the knife, and these two are also directors, professors and the artistic directors…
Fleet Foxes
If in some magical alternate universe Simon & Garfunkel had made Radiohead’s Kid A, this is probably what it would sound like. Helplessness Blues, the second full-length from Fleet Foxes, is leaps and bounds better than its previous self-titled release due to crisp production and more refined sonic textures. With less of the band’s trademark…
Best Chicken Wings
You should have been at Bubba’s for game seven of this year’s Habs/Bruins series. Every single seat was filled; baskets of wings, cups of their dozens of multi-hued sauces and glasses of beer filled every available surface; eyes glued to the dozens of giant flat-screen TVs. Then the Penguins/Lightning’s seventh game started, and it got…
Best Ribs
Two thousand ten’s Best New Restaurant claims Best Ribs again in just its second year. “I would say it’s all about the smoke,” says kitchen manager Alan McPherson, who says Boneheads doesn’t take any shortcuts when it comes to ribs—no boiling, no ovens, just low and slow. “We give them a good three or four-hour…
Best Middle Eastern / Persian Restaurant
Another repeat champion, Mezza has the Middle Eastern/Persian category by the kabobs. This family owned and operated restaurant delivers in every aspect of a memorable dining experience. Acclaimed owner and general manger Tony Nahas runs a tight business and promotes quality among his staff. The chefs craft beautifully plated Lebanese meals such as chickpea soup,…
Best Microbrewery
Propeller Brewery has come out with quite a few new things since winning Best Microbrewery last year (and the year before that…and the year before that). Earlier this year, Propeller released its One Hit Wonder line of beers (with an adorable little handle to boot) and in January, the Revolution Russian Imperial Stout was made…
Erica Leal puts her best Face forward
After reading up on the psychology of jewellery, Erica Leal’s creativity was piqued. The curious relationship between the wearer and the viewer became the inspiration for her jewellery exhibit Face Value, which examines the ways in which the jeweller’s vision is adapted by the wearer and interpreted by the viewer. “I wanted to focus on…
Bruce Springsteen, The Promise: The Making of Darkness on the Edge of Town
In 1977, on his fourth record, Bruce Springsteen came to grips with the biggest follow-up album pressure in rock history. His first two hadn’t done much, but Born to Run put him on the cover of Newsweek and Time in 1975, a huge hit anointing New Jersey’s favourite son the savior of rock ’n’ roll.…
Best Bargain
The Westcliff has been Best of Food’s Best Bargain for a couple of years now, and co-owner Beverly Griswold says it’s because they’ve maintained that steady bargain for more than a decade. “We’ve been here for 12 years and our prices haven’t really changed that much,” she says. One of the Westcliff’s most popular selections…
Best Chowder
It’s been a big year for jane’s. They opened their satellite kitchen at 2053 Gottingen and another spot in the Discovery Centre. We’re OK if jane’s opens 20 new locations so long as they continue to serve the grilled cheese sandwich with the tomato butter and the french toast with the coconut flakes at brunch.…
Best Salad
Pete’s is the place to go for a quick (and delicious) bite to eat and drink to wash it down. There’s not enough room to list all the sandwiches, salads and smoothies at Pete’s To Go Go and Power Juice Bar. Add another kick to your day by adding some extra nutrition, such as protein…
Best Diner
OK, so if you want to get a sense of the imagination and delightful flavours available at the Armview, this was a recent selection for their Weekly Burger option, The Mango Tango Burger: beef patty, roasted red pepper and garlic aioli, mango salsa and lettuce on ciabatta. This is not your average diner food, nor…
Best Tea
Still in its infancy and World Tea House has been given the title of Halifax’s Best Tea. You can go the traditional route and grab a pot and a mug of some delicious Masala chai or white coconut cream, or you can try something really special like a tea cider, tea latte or tea hot…
A Box, a Bag and a Bottle lingers
It’s really a shame that talented playwright Charles Crosby has decided to give up writing plays in favour of novels. His most recent, A Box, a Bag and a Bottle, is a real gem filled with honest emotion, sharp dialogue and a twist that makes this a truly memorable piece. The tiny, slightly shabby Living…
Dream Friends/Quaker Parents
Quaker Parents return with more restless, shoestring pop; combining a plethora of clever quips, jittery guitars and stripped-down drums.“Teeshirts” is a standout with its anthemic, ’60s girl-group chorus. The flip side is a decidedly scrappier affair: Dream Friends muster up all their wide-eyed enthusiasm and earn their keep on their debut outing. As everything wanders…
Best Bartender
The 26-year-old bartender has been mixing drinks for four years now and has only good things to say about his workplace of two years, the Seahorse. “It’s a great place to work. There’s no stress, so you can give the people what they want and focus on hospitality,” says Shave. Next time you’re there, ask…
Best Milkshake
Darrell’s much-adored shakes come in the expected flavours: chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. But have you ever had a creamsicle shake? They have that. How about cranberry. No really, cranberry! And if you’re in Darrell’s for the peanut butter burger, you might want to complement it with a chocolate-peanut butter milkshake. It is good. Coast readers…
Best Sandwich
Pete’s is the place to go for a quick (and delicious) bite to eat and drink to wash it down. There’s not enough room to list all the sandwiches, salads and smoothies at Pete’s To Go Go and Power Juice Bar. Add another kick to your day by adding some extra nutrition, such as protein…
Best Sushi Restaurant
Suuuuu-shi! Halifax sushi lovers take their rolls seriously. The Hamachi House is a beloved Japanese cuisine favourite that does just the same. An atmosphere that’s filled with worldly and classical music provides the soundtrack to your dining experience. This, coupled with reasonable prices ($4.50-$14), is the reason they’re a student magnet. Come in after 10pm…
Best Wine List
Time to break out the champagne. Opened just over six months ago by siblings Christian and Heather Rankin, Obladee has made its mark on Halifax’s wine scene. “We change wines continuously,” says Christian. “It would be strange if every two weeks there wasn’t something different.” A revolving menu is sure to attract those wine lovers…
Run away with the Circus Cabaret
Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, Halifax Circus is transforming the James Dunn Theatre into Halifax’s very own big top this weekend. This gathering of brilliant and daring performers isn’t just a celebration of local talent but also of a new collaboration with Cirque du Monde (a social outreach partner of Cirque de Soleil). Performers…
Best Family Restaurant
In our inaugural Best Family Restaurant category, it should be no surprise that longtime Greek and Canadian food resto on Quinpool Road took home the gold. For 15 years on Quinpool (in two locations) and another 14 before that on Barrington Street, the Panopalis family has plenty of experience pleasing Haligonian bellies. Whether it’s desserts…
Apocalypse not now
Harold Camping, president of the California-based Family Radio, says the Rapture will happen this Saturday, ushered in by a “worldwide earthquake” and leading to the complete destruction of the Earth on October 21. But perhaps Sunday is instead the day of reckoning. As the Mississippi River flood peaks, it might overwhelm a flood control structure…
A Box, a Bag and a Bottle lingers
It’s really a shame that talented playwright Charles Crosby has decided to give up writing plays in favour of novels. His most recent, A Box, a Bag and a Bottle, is a real gem filled with honest emotion, sharp dialogue and a twist that makes this a truly memorable piece. The tiny, slightly shabby Living…
“Third party” impedes Coast request for Common concerts documents
Here we go again. Readers will recall I’ve long argued that ALL city contracts should be a matter of public record, as a matter of course. If the city contracts for services, the contract should simply be posted on the city’s website, with all the particulars spelled out—term, dollar amounts, details. Such a policy would…
The Voice
To the guy that walked by my window at 3:30am this morning singing to himself, I just wanted to tell you that you have a beautiful voice. —Sleepless Girl in Her Bedroom
Don’t Let ’em Bite
To the person who decided to take the garbage bags full of stuff that were on my back porch: Have fun with that. Those bags were full of a lot of my personal stuff, including clothes, posters, games, a drum, and more. The reason they were in garbage bags on the back porch? Because they…
Agricola Boy with Dogs
To the boy on Agricola Street who is always walking a german shepherd and another black dog… you rock my world. And those dogs are awesome. —Bloomfield Love
You Suck at Interviews
You’ve worked 2 jobs your entire 25 years of life, each one for 5+ years and you’re loyal with great references. I’ve had 9 jobs and haven’t worked more than 2 years at any of them, I too am 25. You’ve always had trouble obtaining a new job. We both applied to the same job……
Him
To a certain bitcher… You’re so funny and I enjoy reading your stuff. —Yeah, You
Herpes Lovin’
I’m a young, attractive female. I also have herpes. I know, I know, “How awful, what a shame, that’s too bad… Blah blah blah.” It’s not that bad! Really! Can people PLEASE get over the STIGMA? It’s a virus. It’s not a death wish, it doesn’t make me “unclean”, etc. I got it from someone…
Harper Sucks But…
Yes, we are all a bit down from the results of the election of a majority and YES it’s gonna be a rough few years… but people… get a fucking hold of yourselves! Some of you are going off the deep end and are sounding like a bunch of defeated lunatics. You talk like the…
AFCOOP hosts an equipment flea market
As the Haliwood Insider announced last week, Atlantic Filmmaker’s Cooperative (afcoop.ca) is in the process of moving to new digs on Conwallis Street. As the move goes forward, they’re selling off a bunch of stuff they’ll no longer have room for in the new space. What that equipment might be exactly is still a bit…
Heather Rappard Projects Beautiful Feelings
Heather Rappard – formerly of estimable bitch-punkers Meat Curtains — also makes pretty, unnerving videos (check out the “heathersews” channel on YouTube to see blankets grow sequins and Chief Thundercloud in an moving aquarium t-shirt.) After successfully creating projections for this year’s Wearable Art Show, she’ll be doing more during The Chitz show at the…
Hit and Run
I was at the Hydrostones Thursday evening to attend a French class. I parked across from the coffee shop. There was an SUV parked there in front me… I was far enough away, but alas you still managed to back up, hit my bike and knock it on its side. How do you not notice…
Dear Possible Employers
I’ve been checking around to try to find a job for about a month now, going from place to place, dropping off resumes, mostly sending stuff through the online job market. But wouldn’t you think that when a sign on a storefront says ‘now hiring’ they in fact are hiring, but no! That’s not the…
Stolen Tips
I cannot believe you come up to my place of work and steal MY filled tip cup! No one was in the front of the store at the time and I was cleaning and happened to look up and see you run off with my tips missing. It’s bad enough I see you almost every…
Stolen Child’s Coat
Thank you to the jerks who stole my 8 year-old daughter’s coat from the movie theatre on Saturday night. It taught her a great lesson to look after her things better. It would be great if you would return this coat to the theatre so they could call me and I could get it back……
Bus Babysitter
Thanks to the three people with kids in strollers who boarded the #10 from Mic Mac Mall to Halifax on Saturday. You made my day. Especially the first idiot who made sure his stroller got on ahead of everybody else. The 30 people behind you really enjoyed tripping over it. The woman with the 4…
Bicycle Blues
To the ass who almost hit me head-on on my bike, while he cut the corner, and then proceeded to yell at me for being in the wrong lane, when it was he who was definitely in the wrong. And to the other ass who stole my bike last night from in front of my…
Broken Showers
Hey gym, do you realize how shitty it is to have no male showers for over a month? I can see a week or two but a month is unacceptable. How can I go to work after the gym if I can’t get a simple shower? I can’t! Get your shit together and fix the…
Random Kindness
Walking through Mic Mac Mall you stopped and said “Hi, how are you?” to me. I was quite confused because I didn’t recognize you. I don’t know if you thought I was someone else, or if you just wanted to be nice, but I think you’re super cute. Thanks for making me giggle like a…
Dub FX
…is a musician from Australia. And if you don’t know who he is, you should. Because he’s playing at Evolve this year. —Stoked
Gimpy Knee Lover
You have been in my life for almost a year now, and I still appreciate waking up every morning and having a laugh before work. Random adventures, our “4:20” times, and constant hockey matches are just part of the solid things we do together. I love you, and we are going to tear shit up…
I’m Here
I know you’re drinking and drugging too much. I know you’re sorry for what you’ve done. You need to deal with this before it’s the end of you. You’re failing. And you don’t need to. —I Just Want You Around
Spryfield Hardware Store
No, I don’t have to sign a receipt when I pay on my credit card. You’re the only branch in HRM that requests that you do. When I refused, you made the most appalling comments in front of me and other customers and the only reason I didn’t complain to the manager was that you…
Six Eight Realty Group opens
Pete Clive, an agent formerly with Harbourside Reality, has opened his own brokerage firm, Six Eight Realty Group, at 1453 Brenton Street (209-5347). The firm’s name comes from his height of six feet, eight inches, says Clive. Clive came about opening the business almost by accident. “I was just doing some continuing education last year,”…
Charity Night Ruined
Thank you so kindly, yes, you, in the south end, for ruining a romantic evening with my honey. Yes, you in the neighbourhood, the ones who had to file several sound complaints against a charity event (that was permitted by city ordinances). A special thanks to all you lovely idiots who love to ruin the…
Filthy Hole of a Hospital Should Be Replaced
I traveled to another county this weekend to visit my relative at the hospital. My relative is dying of cancer in one of the filthiest, dingy crapholes in this province that dares call itself a hospital. Peeling paint, dirty floors, ignorant staff who can’t tell you fuck all, no one responding to calls, no one…
Beware of Landlords from Hell
At the beginning of July last year I rented my first apartment; a beautiful, albeit expensive place downtown that’s close to all amenities. The landlords were sweet and accommodating and were one of the reasons that I choose this very apartment. However, at the beginning of February I found out that I will be leaving…
RENT-A-COP-OUT
Honestly, how many times do I have to hear “HEY, NICE UNIFORM WANNA-BE PIG!”? I work a job just like everyone else. Private Security may not be a 100k a year job, but it pays my bills and I am not ashamed of what I do. Sometimes, yeah I feel conflicted if I catch someone…
Shitty Waitress
To the waitress who gave my friend a pitcher when she ordered a beer (as in one… singular… beer) and then charged her 20 bucks for it, saying it was my friend’s fault. Screw you. We didn’t tip and you know why. Maybe the next time someone orders A BEER you should bring them that……
Median-Walking Morons
To the down-on-his-luck fella looking glum while shaking a dirty paper cup at me at a red light at the intersection on Connaught and Bayers Rd, why can’t you work? Really, do you think that the sad cardboard sign you’re holding with your depressing message of despair and the backwards letter “n” for effect is…
Misguided Risk Taking Individuals of Action
Spray painting “Burn Condos” everywhere is a good way to get your idea across. Trust me, I hate a lot of these snotty rich fucks moving into my R Rated Neighbourhood too… a couple are nice, but most are douches. However, consider this: Every condo that is built, each unit houses a family that would…
A Truly Beautiful Woman
Everybody spends their whole life in search of the perfect woman. On Saturday, May 15, you were with a friend at a club. I have searched for you for over 5 years. After our last encounter I never forgot you and have searched for you ever since. I just hope it won’t be that long…
Ain’t Nothing but a (Box of) Chicken Wing(s)
So we live in this nice apartment building by the Public Gardens. It’s not a cheap place to live, and has VERY specific noise rules. I’m at one end of the fourth floor, you and your college buddies are down at the end and across the hall from you seems to be an apartment full…
Caring Cashier
To the cashier at an organic grocery store who chased me down to return my wallet that I’d left behind. Thanks for your concern, honesty, and saving me the grief. Employees like you prove I should shop at your stores and citizens like you make me happy I live here. —Busy Buying Bike Guy
Where Can We Park?
We agree that we need to bring more people into the downtown core. Public transit has its place, but so should private vehicles. Several major parking lots have been closed over the past few months both on the waterfront and on Queen Street. These parking lots before closed were full, so where are people to…
Wish Me Luck as You Wave Me Goodbye
Thank you to everyone who made my last weekend in Halifax so amazing! I don’t think anyone could ask for a better drunken roommate, roller derby, adventure-filled weekend. I love you all and will miss you while I’m gone. P.S. To my derby ladies, make me proud this summer! —Off to Ontario
My Hero
To the bus driver who let me on with only a $1.25, Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You are truly an amazing woman! —K.S.
Showing Off in Mom’s Car
Hello, teenage boy barely able to drive. Last week, when I was crossing the street near Monastery Lane and Quinpool, instead of slowing down to let me cross (since there was a red light ahead of you), you sped up and swerved towards me to show off to your two doofus friends inside the car.…
Fix the Roads
Why are the most used roads in this city the least maintained? Barrington Street; Monastery Lane (one of the worst! borderline fatal at times); parts of Coburg Road (some of it was fixed last year, thankfully); good luck not breaking a spoke on Spring Garden; Quinpool; parts of Robie; and list your own because I…
Fill it Up with Kindness
To the full serve gas attendant on the corner of Robie and Young: I do not mind paying a few extra cents to see your face in the mornings. Even though I can never get there early enough to be the “first most beautiful” of the day you always make me smile. When others would…
Beer Babe
To the girl who I nearly killed by running into you yesterday at the liquor store in a grocery store on Queen Street, I am grateful you acted so nice. You even held the door open to the fridge for me so I could grab my beer because you seemed to notice I was in…
Retail Wonder
To a certain clothing store in Mic Mac Mall: You guys didn’t seem to bat an eye when I showed up to exchange something I had in my possession for almost two years. You never ran out of kindness, patience or energy while I tried on half the items in the store in the process…
Said Thanks to the Wrong Driver
I sent some love to a metro transit driver a couple weeks ago but in my post I put the wrong bus… it was the 82 Millwood on Thursday, April 28, going toward the link depot. The driver gave me a transfer with extended time on it because I was having a meltdown over a…
Phacebook Phonies
Last night I watched an intelligent, articulate and interesting woman break down because of something posted by a ‘friend’ to her phacebook. Last week I heard two people having a very heated argument because of an ‘unfriend’. Wake up people and deactivate your phacebook-mind-fuck-profile and rinse the brainwashing right out. —Rinse and Repeat
Unnecessary Phone Book Distribution
Why in this day and age are we still getting phone books printed and sent out to everyone twice whether we want it or not? I got one delivered to my house and at my office building. There are 3 different companies, and they dropped off more phone books than we have employees! We have…
Noted environmental activist David Orton dies at 77
Longtime Nova Scotia environmental activist and philosopher David Orton dies at 77.
Sanitize Me
I recently went into a walk in clinic that happens to be one of the busiest locations in HRM. I was just going to get a prescription filled so I went in feeling pretty healthy. As I sat there, I looked around me at people looking like death, but mostly sick children coughing and sneezing,…
Argyle Rooftop patio opens May 19
For those of you who’ve been suffering through the sheets of rain and clouds of fog recently, here’s some good news: The Argyle Bar & Grill (1575 Argyle Street, 492-8844), the downtown bar and resto with a gorgeous rooftop patio, will be opening said patio Thursday May 19.
Auto Rocker
Started my Friday morning walk to work and saw someone waiting in traffic at the Barrington-South 4-way stop in a Toyota Yaris, playing AIR DRUMS while cranking Zeppelin’s Rock n’ Roll Part 2 in the car stereo. That was an awesome way to start a Friday, and great inspiration for the weekend. Cheers man. —Over…
Love Always Prevails
You are my prince charming come to life. The lengths that you have gone to keep our little family going is not going unnoticed. Since I got sick all you want to do is keep everything together. You work 12-16 hour shifts to make sure we have everything we need. You know just how to…
Big Fish, Small Pond
Dear elitist fucks, YOU ARE NOT AS POPULAR AS YOU THINK. Just because you have a lot of Facebook friends, and your fan page has a lot of “likes” does not make you the best thing since sliced bread. I bet if Facebook didn’t exist your ego would implode on itself. I guarantee you that…
Hfx: Loser Concert Venue
Why must Halifax and Moncton fight over whichever 30 year old, washed-up, bands they want to attract to their little cities, and then lose money on the shows? I decided I wanted to see a band while they were still relevant and went to Philadelphia last week to see Rise Against. I figured if I…
Walter Forsyth going to Banff
Filmmaker Walter Forsyth has received a CTV Fellowship grant to attend the Banff World Media Festival from June 12-15. Forsyth, director of After Frank and producer of Cubers, as well as a number of short films, has a bunch of new projects in the pipeline, including Leone Stars, a documentary about amputee soccer players. Check…
Transit Love
Well, I know there are numerous Transit bitches, and hell, I’ve penned a few myself. But yesterday I got hooked up twice by MT, and they deserve their due. I lost my wallet last August, on the bus. I figured I’d never see it again. Lo-and-behold, I get a call from MSI a few weeks…
Nailed
Parked my car after work in my parking lot on North & Robie, got out and noticed a nail… and another… and another. That’s right, some piece of shit apparently threw a handful of nails in my driveway. Luckily none punctured my tires. This is more of a heads up than a bitch for those…
The Atlantic Book Awards celebrate authors like whoa
[image-1] Books—everyone’s friends—are having a banner week. Beginning this Thursday, May 12 and continuing all week, things are getting very literary in the Maritimes. The Atlantic Book Awards are on like Genghis Khan wearing Sean Jean in Bhutan and features more free readings than you can shake a stick at, happening at libraries, bookstores and…
Sue Goyette’s outskirts meets daily poetry requirements
[image-1] Sue Goyette releases her third book, outskirts, into the wild this Thursday, May 12 at 7pm at The Company House. The release event features 16 readers who will recite a poem of their choice from the enthralling outskirts. The collection explores human relationships and pulls out poignant gems of emotion while also delving into…
The SuperNova Theatre Festival packs in the entertainment
[image-1] The SuperNova Theatre Festival kicks off its 18th annual showcase of contemporary Canadian touring theatre. Beginning Wednesday, May 18 at the Neptune Studio Theatre with Emile’s Dream (Newfoundland fiddlers, choreographed dance) and My Titanic (chowder disaster, blockbuster movies), and continuing until May 29 with nggrfg (queer black kid in straight white Canada), Dedicated to…
The Atlantic Book Awards celebrate authors like whoa
Books—everyone’s friends—are having a banner week. Beginning this Thursday, May 12 and continuing all week, things are getting very literary in the Maritimes. The Atlantic Book Awards are on like Genghis Khan wearing Sean Jean in Bhutan and features more free readings than you can shake a stick at, happening at libraries, bookstores and community…
What’s wrong: Environmentally unfriendly signs promoting environmentally friendly lights.
[image-1] Who’s responsible? Phil Townsend, director Infrastructure and asset mgmt, , 490-7166. Remarks: Reader Lee Stafford alerts us to these “poorly designed and poorly installed vinyl posters on all of the street lampposts in our neighbourhood” along Devonshire Avenue. The signs promote the new LED traffic lights but, notes Stafford, the vinyl signs will end…
What’s wrong: Trashed up yard outside Scotia Square
[image-1] Who’s responsible? Mike Samson, property manager, 474-6604. Remarks: In an otherwise well maintained stretch of landscaping along Barrington Street, the area in front of the propane tank seems constantly neglected and littered. Samson blames the weird dynamics of interplaying air currents, which funnel all the garbage of the street to this locale, and insists…
*What’s wrong: Dangerous stairs, Agricola and Sebastian Streets.
Who’s responsible? City recreation department. Remarks: A reader says the stairway has been deteriorating for some time, to the point that broken nails and wood are sticking out from its steps, and it’s become extremely dangerous. Asked about the stairs, officials at first didn’t know if they were a city or school board problem, but…
