Shopping at the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market!

Although eating out is a favorite pass time of mine, cooking at home is just as fun. When I do cook at home, I get my supplies at the Halifax Saeport Farmers market!

I'm not usually one for crowds but there's something special about the market. The smell of all the wonderful foods cooking. The vibrant colors from the many craft vendors. The array of meats, produce, dairy and breads, and all under one big roof! The people that fill the aisles is just another part that makes this weekend ritual such an enjoyable one.

I always take the time to browse every aisle. Many of the vendors stay the same while some are always changing,  you never know what new items you'll find here from week to week. There is always a couple of favorite spots that I visit every week.

A visit to the market is pointless without my yummy chocolaty goodness from Boulangerie La Vendéenne. These guys are pretty popular so you have to get there early before they start selling out. I try to make it by 8am, 9am at the latest. This amazing pastry is filled with custard and chocolate...how could anyone say no to that! And of course, I always pick up a loaf of bread while there. My usual favorites would be the apricot or raisin loaf. Picking just one is hard to do!

 

Boulangerie La Vendéenne

And what goes great with bread? Milk of course! 

Not any milk, Fox Hill Cheese milk. I first discovered these guys while visiting the Annapolis valley. We simply followed the little signs to this wonderful place. We fell in love with the cheese right away. Cumin Gouda was, and still is our favorite of all the cheeses. I shouldn't forget the gelato they make. One word, Pistachio, try it. And now our most popular reason for visiting Fox Hill Cheese, their milk. Definitely give it a try.  I like knowing that my milk comes from happy cows. 

Fox Hill Cheese

As well as milk, yesterdays purchase included some yoghurt, an ingredient I needed for making lamb Korma. Lamb which was also purchased at the market.

East Coast Family Market / Blois Family Farm is my number one spot for buying my lamb and goat. Great service and wonderfully kind people to do business with!

NO visit to the market is complete without a meal, snack or beverage. I always wait to grab a coffee at the market. There's a great selection of spots, my two favorites are Steve-o-Renos and Java Blend. I also try to save my appetite for the market so I can indulge in a homemade crepe, a nicely stuffed breakfast wrap or even a wonderful spicy samosa. There's something for everybody. My latest purchase was a Tamal from El Gallo Mexican foods, located on the second level. Another great dish served at the market.

For a good visit, give yourself a few hours. There is an ATM at the market but I would advise that maybe you take some cash out before you get there. Hope the Market puts a smile on your face like it does for me when I enter the doors.

The Halifax Seaport Farmers Market is a must see for anybody visiting or living in the Halifax area. 

Until next Saturday!

The sweet Doberman, anybody know her name?

Homemade Pizza, Success!

Last night we decided to make pizza, from scratch.

Having made homeamde pizza many times before and even after downsizing good dough recipes I've collected from many different restaurants over the years, I've never been able to really perfect that nice jumbo slice of pizza, like the ones on pizza corner. Same goes for the sauce. I was pretty much convinced most of these recipes only worked when made in large quantities. I assumed I had lost this battle, until last night.

First of all, you need a pizza stone. I 'm sure it was a large contributing factor in last night's events. I gives that nice pizza bottom you get from a pizza place. I received one for Christmas with the intentions of making Naan bread from one of Gordon Ramsay's cook books. Tonight it was going to be broken in with two pizzas, a peperoni & salami pizza and a donair pizza.


So Gary went off looking for a good dough recipe and I searched for a good pizza sauce  We hit up Brothers Deli on Agricola for some peperoni and salami, grabbed some mozzarella as well.

Friends of ours came over and it was time to make some pizza! 


Since I was the one with previous pizza making experience, I was designated the pizza maker. It came back to me pretty quick, I even got the guts to spin some dough...I'm such a show off...tee hee.


Although, we didn't completely think the first pizza through. We had to jimmy it on to a piece of cardboard in order to slide it onto the stone in the oven, it did however, come out looking amazing! Once the first pizza was sin the oven, I started on the second pizza right away. 


Finally, it was time to eat! The pizza was amazing! I had accomplished mastering the big slice at home!!! I only wish I had taken a picture. Not to worry, we will be making more soon enough, something that good has to be eaten monthly!


I have to give credit where credit is most definitely due. To the sauce recipe and to the dough recipe. Just remember, along with a pizza stone, this makes one mean ass pizza! Top it with whatever you like.


Pizza Dough - Gary made one modification. It calls for olive oil, it says it's optional and I would recommend using it. We actually used a flavored olive oil that had some Italian seasoning in it. Called Tuscan Herb. It came from Liquid Gold, an olive oil store at the Hydrastone market. I would recommend a visit to Liquid gold if you've never been before. Wonderful variety of flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly, A nice to place to shop!


Pizza Sauce - I had only glanced at the ingredients and never really noticed the amount of time suggested in cooking this recipe. Despite letting it cook only a few minutes before spreading it over the dough, it turned out very nice. The fennel seed really makes the sauce. I would suggest if you don't have enough time to cook down the onion and celery, to mince it finely.

Now go get your hands dirty and make some pizza folks!


Happy Eating!

Checking in at the Chebucto Inn!

We had to run some errands in Halifax yesterday morning, so we decided to grab a bite to eat while out. I wasn't intending on doing a blog entry, but I have to give credit where credit is do, so I apologize for not having any pictures. :(

We headed up Lady Hammond road and visited the Chebucto Inn Restaurant, located in the Chebucto Inn, of course. 

Eggs Benedict is a favorite of both mine and Gary but it's sometimes hard to find, done right.  Same with a breakfast steak. I am not a fan of the little fast fry jobbies that go from raw to well done with no option for medium rare. Chebucto serves you a nice little thick cut steak that can be ordered to your likeness, a big plus for me!

So, Gary ordered the Eggs Benny,and  I was feeling a little carnivorous and chose the steak and eggs. 

The meal was ready within 5-7 minutes of us ordering and that was with a decently filled dining room. The Benny looked wonderful, with nice portion of creamy Hollandaise sauce over the eggs and some yummy looking hash browns. My steak was cooked medium rare....pure joy!

The service there is very good, the ladies are always happy to serve you and they keep a good eye on your coffee levels!

And the best part was the very affordable prices,

Benny $7 (approx)

Steak and eggs $12 (approx)

Next time you're looking for a new little breakfast spot to try, try this!

Happy Eating!

Chebucto Inn

6151 Lady Hammond Road,

Halifax, Nova Scotia, 

B3K 2R9 

Toll Free: 1-800-268-4330
Local: (902)453-4330
Fax: (902)454-7043
E-Mail: info@chebuctoinn.com

http://www.chebuctoinn.com/restaurant/index.html

Save the best for last - The Coastal Cafe

Well another year has come and gone, just like that!

I haven't been reviewing lately and I would like to apologize. sometimes life just gets in the way. I have been eating out quite a bit but it's been with friends and I don't want to be bothering them with my constant note taking and picture snapping while trying to enjoy a simple meal. Many dishes have been enjoyed and others not so much, so I wanted to end it on a positive note at a place I am quite fond of, The Coastal Cafe.

While in Halifax today gathering supplies for a much anticipated three course fondue this evening, we decided to make our last stop of the year at our favorite breakfast place in Halifax. Of course I speak of none other than the gastronomically amazing Coastal Cafe!

If you haven't been here before, well you can't be my friend! (But seriously, go before I delete you from Facebook). 

Tucked away in a  little building on Robie Street, this tiny little place has got lots of punch for it's size. Although small, the restaurant makes the most of the space available. There's one very long bench on the main wall with tables for two and four.  Along the front window there's a bar style counter with seating for 4-5 people, nice for people watching. There's a couple of other tables on the other side of the room just before the cash. A special note for cat lovers, so is the Coastal cafe! There's a couple shelves with pictures of cats. I was once told they are pics of the dockyard cats, but I forget to ask every time I'm in there. I will find out some day. 

To get food at the coastal, you go to the counter, not your typical restaurant rules apply here. When available, you grab a table first then head up to the counter to order your meal. There's a couple copies of the menu on the counter if you want to return to your seat and take a moment to decide on what you want. Trust me, with all the amazing choices, it sometimes takes a while. I should note that most days you won't have much choice for seating and you may have to stand a wait for a few minutes before a table becomes available. Not to worry, the wonderful staff will hold your order until you get seated so the meal isn't waiting for you. And it's so worth the wait!

When deciding on your meal, make sure to take a quick glance at the specials board located just above the coffee station. The special was both mine and Gary's choice today. Who could go wrong with fried chicken and eggs!! Now that I have your attention, let's proceed to the food!

Whenever I explain the Coastal's food to people I say "Breakfast kicked up a notch" because that's what it is.  If I want bacon and eggs, well I'm gonna stay home and cook it. If I want fried chicken or duck gravy poutine with my eggs than I go to the Coastal.

Gary and I usually go for separate meals and share but today we were both intrigued with "The Durty Bird" special on the board. Two eggs with buffalo chicken, bacon andHavarti on an english muffin with hash browns.

Aside from squirting the yolk of one of my fried eggs all over my jacket, it was the best tasting thing I've put to my lips in a while! Aside from all the other ingredients there was also some kind of wonderful guacamole style spread on the bottom. Gary asked if gastronomical was a word  because that's how he felt about it. And the hash browns are tossed with fresh herbs which tastes just wonderful. So much flavor, so much variety, and such a reasonable price. You just can't beat it!

I'm originally from Newfoundland and I'm still somewhat new to this city, so I try a new restaurant every time I'm in Halifax, trying them all will be a challenge but I'm up for it! This is why I usually don't return to the same place twice, not because I didn't enjoy it but simply because I have so many other places to try! Only one restaurant gets return visits and has also become a tradition in bringing all CFAs (come from away) here. The Coastal Cafe. Just. Try. It.

2 x Durty Bird 12$ea

2x Coffee 2.25$ea

Total 32$ ...Money Well Spent

The Coastal
2731 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3K 4P1
(902) 405-4022

http://www.thecoastal.ca/

Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday - 8-3 (Breakfast Until 2pm, Lunch 11-3)
Saturday - 8-3 (Brunch Only)
Sunday - 10-3 (Brunch Only)

Cousins Village Fisher Restaurant

After finishing a nice trail on the North Cape, I figured this would be a good chance to have our Fried fish dishes! There was a restaurant at the lighthouse but it was clearly intended for tourists with the prices to accompany it. So we decided to drive into Tignish and see what our choices were. Our first stop was a take out with a small dining area located in the middle of a convenience store. We decided to check out some other options.

After getting quite frustrated listening to our smartphone's GPS provider, we finally found Cousins Village Fisher Restaurant (nowhere near where it was pointing us, I'd just like to add). It looked like we were walking in just after a little busy rush, it was a round 3pm. The place was decorated nicely. We made our way to a booth and the waitress returned with some menus.

We took a quick look through the menu and decided on some onion rings for appetizer, if they were homemade. I decided on clams and chips with a side of gravy and Gary was having fish and chips.

Unfortuately, the onion rings were not homemade, so on two choice number two, Mussels. No luck, they were out. So then we decided on fishcakes. The waitress was very apologetic and explained that this was their last weekend open and many menu choices were no longer available. This made complete sense. Our mains were still available so all things considered, it was understandable.

The fish cakes arrived and they were excellent, nice ratio of salt fish to potato and a very nice seasoning.  Our mains followed shortly after. My clams were done perfectly. No grit, and a nice golden color on them. Gary enjoyed his fish, also nicely fried with just the right amount of batter.. Both our dishes had a side of coleslaw and it was damn good coleslaw, the creamy type. Only thing I'd object to would be the tarter sauce and the fries, neither were homemade. Overall it was a good meal. 

I usually don't order dessert but today I in the mood for something sweet and I noticed coconut cream pie on the menu.What grabbed my attention was the description, "House made, a customer favorite". I ordered my pie and waited patiently. And finally it was here, I grabbed my fork and got down to business. With the first bite I was reminded why I love coconut cream pie so much...Such a creamy filling, topped with that wonderful whip cream and a dash of coconut over the top. The texture was amazing, did I mention how creamy it was?...So creamy! . The sad part is, my lack of control caused me to dive into the pie while forgetting to get a picture :( I guess this means I'll just have to order more pie while visiting PEI!

Bill total, was $51 with taxes and tip included. (prices are approx.)

Fish and chips 12$

Clams and Chips 13$

Fish cakes (6-7$ maybe?)

Two pop 4$

Dessert 4$

Didn't make note of price on the fish cakes as I had originally planned on onion rings and I forgot to  note the price after I had changed my order.

All in all it was a decent lunch, besides the little hick ups along the way. I'm sure during the summer months when they have a complete menu, it' all worth trying.  The bill was a little higher than usual but then again, we don't usually order and appetizer or dessert with our lunches. What the hell, we're on a mini vacation right?

Cousins Village Fisher Restaurant
276 Phillip Street
Tignish, PE
902-882-5670

Happy Eating Everyone!

By the Bay - North Rustico PE.

This is one of my favorite breakfast places on the island. This was our second time back and we're glad we returned. It's your typical little diner spot with all the regular items on the menu. I've only ever been here for breakfast but I'm sure the rest of the menu is just as tasty!

Not feeling much in the mood for breakfast food, I decided on a BLT with homefries and Gary went with the Steak and eggs. 

We didn't have to wait long at all for the meals to arrive and we dove right in! I couldn't wait to get into the homefries, last time we were here, they were the most amazing homefries I had ever had. Wonderful pieces of potato fried with onions. Don't know if there's a secret spice, they just have yummiest taste! Gary enjoyed his steak and eggs, his steak was cooked to order as were his eggs.

Not much to say except this is a nice little diner that provides a filling meal for a long day ahead. 

Our bill came to $30.00 tip and taxes included. A little pricey for a plain Jane breakfast but still quite good!

BLT 6.00$

Side of homefries 2.50$

Steak and eggs 12.49$

and a couple of coffees, good coffee.

Couldn't find a web page, so here's the rest of the info...

7207 Main St Po Box 259

North Rustico, Prince Edward Island

C0A 1X0

 902-963-2290

Schnitzel Haus (New Brunswick)

On our way to PEI for the long weekend, this was a good spot to stop!

I'm always up for trying something new, and well this was it.We were just approaching the border of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Not wanting to stop at a fast food joint and knowing that I may have to eat an arm if we waited til PEI, I went to my phone and did a search of restaurants in the area. I noticed this place pop up and seemed to remember wanting to stop here before but they were closed. This time, we were in luck.

First thing I noticed when we walked in was the waitresses, dressed in what I called "Heidi" dresses. I soon learned they're called dirndl. The restaurant is decorated with everything from string lights to pictures and dolls, a little dated but interesting indeed! Also had the feeling I was in some sort of Swiss chalet, a real one not the franchise!

The menu starts with a little introduction to the restaurant including an explanation for a possible wait on the food, explaining that everything is prepared fresh and to order. Music to my ears!

The appetizers were a bit of a let down, I was expecting German themed items, and got tossed salad, french onion soup and clam chowder. They did have escargot but we decided on the evening's feature appetizer.

There were many different choices for mains but I concentrated mostly on their German offerings of Schnitzel dinner or Bratwurst dinner. Schnitzel is a choice of boneless meat that's been flattened with a mallet then breaded and fried. You can choose plain or have it dressed with a wine or even a cream sauce. Bratwurst is a sausage which can also be enjoyed with a sauce or gravy.

I chose to have the curry bratwurst with a homemade curry sauce, German fried potatoes and a red cabbage side dish. Gary ordered from the special board. He had a Reuben sandwich with German fried potatoes. For an appetizer, we had a homemade pretzel served with mustard. 

There wasn't much wait at all for the pretzel. Nothing special but tasted decent. The mustard had a nice flavor, I would beg to guess it's homemade or possibly a specialty type, maybe imported.

 

Despite the warning of a possible wait and there being quite a few people in the dining room, we got our mains in a respectable time.  I have to start with Gary's meal because that was the best Reuben sandwich I've ever had! Not that I was dissatisfied with my meal because it was great but that Reuben! It wasn't your typical Reuben but the flavor was amazing!  Perfect amounts of sauerkraut and meat with nicely melted Swiss cheese. The dressing was nice and creamy. Thumbs up!

 

My Curry bratwurst was nice. I enjoyed the taste of the sausage as well as the sauce. It wasn't your typical curry sauce, I had the expectation of a yellow sort of cream sauce but It was a dark red sauce with with the texture of a thick ketchup. It a nice curry taste along with almost a chutney flavor, maybe mango. Either way, it was something sweet and tangy mixed with the curry to make a very nice sauce that was enjoyed with the sausage and also the German potatoes. The potatoes were wonderful, they had a nice seasoning to them. They were sliced and fried with onions and seasoning. By the time I got to the cabbage dish, I was getting quite full but I did give it a try. It had a unique taste indeed, sweet but tart.

Unfortunately, we were too full for dessert but I guess that's sign of a good meal!

Our bill came to about 40$ (taxes and tip included). 

Pretzel 3$-4$

Curry bratwurst dinner 12$

Reuben Sandwich w/ fries 10$

Two Pepsi  3$

 (All prices are approximate)

In conclusion, glad we've found a good spot to eat while out on one of our many road trips! Give it a try next time you're heading out of the province (on wheels, that is), see what you think!

www.schnitzelhausaulac.ca

Onward to PEI....Happy Eating!