Halifax favourites

I didn’t even have a chance to prepare a Halifax favourites post before actually leaving Halifax – too busy wrapping up school & jobs. As time consuming as that was, I’m now done, back in lovely Ottawa, and have the time to share a few of my favourite spots in Halifax.

What’re your favourites? I’m sure there are many places I didn’t even get a chance to try, as my time there flew by so quickly!

• Ace Burger (@aceburgerco) – the classic & deluxe – such a busy place, you’re lucky if you get a seat!
• Sugah  (@SugahHFX) – blueberry ice cream with fog burner coffee mix-in – zillions of combos available
• Tom’s Little Havana (@TomsHavana) – scotch night & cards – what beats drinks, eats & games? Also, this used to be a cigar bar, making it even more fantastic!
• Two if by Sea (@Twoifbyseacafe) – croissants beyond belief – both in Halifax & Dartmouth
• Propeller (@PropellerBeer) & Garrison (@GarrisonBrewing) – local seasonal & standard brews, as well as growlers (best deal)
• Hamachi Kita (@HamachiHouse) – salmon & tuna maki with tempura (yes!) & lots of other fresh options
• Julien’s Bakery (@JuliensHydro) – the most delicious almond croissants, brioche & café
• Charlie’s Club – cheapest pool in town

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Some photo creds to Kevin James

The brioche collection

There’s a great bakery, Julien’s, by my place here in Halifax that’s got me hooked on brioche. Recipes for brioche have been jumping out at me in my RSS feed and elsewhere. Once this semester finally wraps up (only a few weeks left…!!!), I’ll be baking and baking and baking. I haven’t baked in too long and am missing it more and more every day. 

Nonetheless, for those of you with some free time, I know you’ll want to check out and try these delicious recipes for variations on brioche. 

Have you made brioche before? What’s your favourite recipe?

Wheat brioche buns – Sprouted Kitchen

Buttery brioche sandwich rolls – The Café Sucré Farine

Brioche filled with chocolate ganache – Technicolor Kitchen

Brioche à la fleur d’oranger – Manger

 

Tall Ships Festival 2012

I didn’t realize that the Tall Ships Festival isn’t an annual occurrence in Halifax until after it happened. Thankfully, I still made it out a few times to see this amazing spectacle – and an amazing spectacle it was! I’m so glad we were lucky enough to be living in Halifax this summer to see the tall ships fill the pier and to share in the celebrations, fireworks, music, and more.

Here are some of the photos I took from one evening down by the water.

Enjoy!

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The ocean & a lot of rhubarb

If you ever ask me if I want to go visit the ocean, go the beach, be near any body of water, the answer will always be YES! And (an important consideration in Nova Scotia), it will be an extra enthusiastic yes if it’s sunny.

Every time I visit the salt water I’m hit with the realization that I now live on the east coast. Somehow it still hasn’t sunk in, even after 9 months. I am on the edge of Canada and it’s pretty neat. For those that aren’t here, and thus may be enjoying the heat of elsewhere, here are some photos of the ocean for you to enjoy! In the coming weeks we’ll be developing the film so keep an eye out for those, too.

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On another note, I just scored a huge bundle of rhubarb! As mentioned in previous posts, rhubarb is one of my favourites. Actually, a lot of things are my favourites, but rhubarb’s definitely up there. Any brilliant ideas for what I should bake with it? I was thinking lemon-rhubarb squares, but I want to explore some other ideas. What are your favourites?