Suddenly it’s feeling pretty good to be Halifax, what with Condé Nast’s Traveler magazine calling you “the king of Canada’s east coast.” And The White Stripes coming. Full links to these stories and more — watch for the requisite hockey reference — below.
THE SUPER CITY
from New York
In a glowing and brand-new article (it’s dated for publication in May 2007), glossy vacation bible Condé Nast Traveler takes a trip to Halifax and likes what it sees:
The capital of Nova Scotia wouldn’t be what it is today without the inspiration and impositions from royalty past and present. Here, a regal tribute to the king of Canada’s east coast.
Within the Prince George is Gio, home to one of Halifax’s young emperor chefs and his adventuresome cuisine (425-1987; entrées, $22–$28). Culinary potentates likewise rule at Franco-Asian Fid (422-9162; entrées, $19–$25), the swanky Seven (444-4777; entrées, $21–$31), and Seven’s tapas-bar offshoot, Mosaic (405-4700; tapas, $4–$12). For those who insist on a table with a view, Bish is lavishly waterside (425-7993; entrées, $25–$30). Visiting Hollywood royalty patronize renowned Fiasco for its seafood and sauces (429-3499; entrées, $15–$26) and the Press Gang, a steak house snuggled at the bottom of Halifax’s oldest residential building (423-8816; entrées, $22–$33). (story here)
Did you notice the Mosaic plug? That place didn’t open long ago, so Traveler is very up to date. Funny they didn’t mention the province’s new tourism campaign (as diss-cussed yesterday).
ALL THE WHITE MOVES
from Rochester
The music blog Raindog just posted all The White Stripes’ Canadian tour dates, so the Halifax show Friday, July 13 at the Cunard Centre was on the list. More interesting is their Saturday gig: The Savoy Theatre in the wee Cape Breton town of Glace Bay. And from there it would be a handy ferry ride for the duo’s next date — Saint John’s, Newfoundland on Monday July 16, a trip that will launch a thousand plays on the word “rock.” (storyhere)
SLAP. SHOT. SHOOT. SCORE.
from Alliston, Ontario
This article caught my attention for two reasons. First, it brings hockey and Halifax together. Second, it is from the tiny town near the even-tinier town where a publisher of my fond acquaintance grew up. The only other time I hear about Alliston is when Christine plays the name game with another Ontario transplant and tries to explain where she’s from. “Do you know where Durham is? Orangeville? What about Amaranth? New Tecumseh? Caledon? How about Alliston, you’ve gotta know Alliston? Once you’re there, you’re close.” Anyway, according to Alliston’s Herald, the town has a claim to fame beyond being an analog version of Mapquest:
The TNT Minor Midget rep team, sponsored by the Alliston Hornets, was in Halifax, Nova Scotia from April 5 to 8 to participate in the Shearwater East Dartmouth Minor Hockey Association International Hockey Tournament. (storyhere)
The team actually made it to the final, but lost to the team from St. Marc. That’s in Quebec. You know Quebec?
HOTEL TELL-ALL
from Schleswig, Germany
At the Germany-based public relations site openPR, you can find a glowing endorsement of the Marriott Harbourfront hotel’s renovations:
Halifax’s premier waterfront hotel, Halifax Marriott Harbourfront, has even more to offer business and leisure travelers thanks to the completion of the latest phase of its five-year, $14 million renovation plan. The Halifax casino hotel is located on the sparkling waterfront, connected to the exciting Casino Nova Scotia and situated in the heart of downtown.
“Halifax Marriott Harbourfront is the city’s premier hotel, and we’re investing heavily to ensure that we continue to offer the highest level of service, comfort and amenities that today’s traveler wants and the Marriott brand represents,” says Leah Leslie, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Nova Scotia hotel. (story here)
Of course this is PR, so the Marriott is talking about itself. But doesn’t it sound like they did a bang-up job?
Reviews of the Marriott or Halifax sightings online: We’ll take ’em all. Send links here.
This article appears in Apr 26 – May 2, 2007.