In such a close-knit community like Halifax, where cafes, restaurants, local shops, and evenings at local watering holes fill our downtime, it’s tough to imagine a vision of the neighbourhood where we’re all confined to our homes. What are we without casual banter, brunch lineups and the ability to pet dogs in the Common? […]
Bar Kismet
Posted inFood + Drink
Where I work: Birdies Bread Co.
WHO SHE IS Jessica Best, owner of Birdies Bread Co., remembers the exact moment she fell in love with sourdough. After her culinary training, she began working at a bakery in St. John’s, Newfoundland. On her first day, Best saw the bread coming out after baking. “Making sourdough is such an intimate process,” she says. […]
Posted inBest of Halifax
Best Chef
Gold Winner Renée Lavallée, The Canteen Silver Winner Annie Brace Lavoie, Bar Kismet Bronze Winner Stephanie Ogilvie, Chives Canadian Bistro “I’m always flabbergasted because I don’t feel like I deserve it, there’s so much talent out there,” says your Best Chef for the third consecutive year, Renée Lavallée. She squirms a little while her husband […]
Posted inBest of Halifax
Best Cocktails
Gold Winner Lot Six Bar & Restaurant Silver Winner The Middle Spoon Desserterie & Bar, Halifax Bronze Winner Bar Kismet The people behind the bar are what make the cocktails at Lot Six work so well, says manager David Lynds. “They are so serious about perfecting their craft,” he says, “it’s impressive.” Most menus take […]
Posted inBest of Halifax
Best Fine Dining
Gold Winner The Bicycle Thief Silver Winner Bar Kismet Bronze Winner Ristorante a Mano The pedal is to the gold medal once again for the Halifax waterfront’s longtime people pleaser, The Bicycle Thief. The shiniest jewel in the Bertossi Restaurant Group crown, this atmospheric Italian eatery sets the mood for your big night out with […]
Posted inBest of Halifax
Best Seafood
Gold Winner John’s Lunch Silver Winner Pleasant Street Diner Bronze Winner Bar Kismet John’s Lunch isn’t only celebrating a couple more Best of Halifax golds this year—it’s also the beloved diner’s 50th anniversary. Kathy Hilchey beams with pride not only because of milestone, but the fact that she gets to be part of the magic […]
Posted inFood + Drink
Six fall foods and the local wines to drink with them
Sandals season isn’t completely over (so sue me) but technically fall has arrived—it’s just about time to wear rust-coloured sweaters, eat tiny chocolate bars and avoid turning the thermostat up. As the slow-cooker meals and blended soups start to trickle their way into our minds and onto our weekly menus, we reached out to three […]
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In this together
Women in Hospitality: The Evolution of Hospitality As Told by Women Sun Sep 8 and November 17 Lot Six, 1685 Argyle Street, 3pm, $25 eventbrite.ca Jessica Babin is at it again. The 28-year-old wine connoisseur who conceived Mermaids and Merlot—a pretension-free wine club for women—to is pressing pause on that particular project to start something […]
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Mermaids and Merlot’s no-pressure, no-pretension guide to wine
The first rule of Jessica Babin’s wine club is that there are no rules. You don’t have to be an expert, or have any intention of being an expert, drink with her. Bar Kismet’s WSET-certified wine director runs Mermaids and Merlot based on a simple piece of advice she got from a teacher—life is complicated, […]
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20 things to eat right now
Spaghetti carbonara Mappatura, 5883 Spring Garden Road, $12/$22 Carbonara is a dish that so many restaurants make, but so few seem to nail. From cream sauces that claim to be carbonara to sauces with scrambled egg to thin, watery undercooked sauce, this supposedly simple dish can also easily be botched. Mappatura chef and co-owner Terry […]
Posted inFood + Drink
The joy of Annie Brace-Lavoie
It’s 9am when Annie Brace-Lavoie starts her day. The coffee maker is trickling as she begins to pull containers and produce from refrigerators. A tray of nest-like wheels made of praline-flavoured choux pastry make its way into the oven. After baking they’ll be cut horizontally and piped full of hazelnut creme. Desserts are always done […]
Posted inBest of Halifax
Best New Bar
Gold Winner Antojo Tacos + Tequila Silver Winner The Watch That Ends the Night Bronze Winner Bar Kismet “When we opened our door there was a lineup outside waiting for us. Expectations were high,” says Antojo’s manager Abhi Bawa of the first year at the instantly popular Argyle Street spot. “The team puts a lot […]