Cowwmin (Come in) for a visit

Cow’s

1869 Lower Water Street,

Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1S9, Canada

(902) 422-9336

http://www.cows.ca/

For me a visit at Cow’s , is a must wherever I can find one. The Cow’s Halifax (just opened in May 2014), is very well located , it’s in the Historic properties area (waterfront). On the day of my visit, the weather was uncertain, and I decided to visit a few establishments (I would be inside if it starts to rain). My first stop , was Cow’s. I got inside and started looking at the merchandise, like any other Cow’s shop (boutique, store), you can find specific Cow-themed merchandise, that reflect the local attractions. Ex: in PEI (Ann of the Green Gables). In Halifax, you have more stuff with the theme, like Nautical, Navy, Army (Ex: Cow of Duty) ; but you will also find the regular themes (like popular movies, heroes , video games, famous people, etc.) . They have a huge variety of items , from cups, pyjamas , t-shirts, hoodies, spoons, etc.  The visit is free and you should go , it’s a Canadian institution , they are the creators of Canada’s best ice-cream ( probably the best in the world).

I am not a huge fan of ice-cream, but I have to admit that the first time I tried it (it was at the first Cow’s store ever opened , located in Cavendish , PIE) , that’s when I got hooked for life and since then, everywhere I go, I am looking on internet to see if they have a Cow’s store in the area. Usually,  I buy some merchandise at every location I visit; but this time I haven’t. I was supposed to return to pick-up a t-shirt and I didn’t had enough time. Gladly for me, we have the possibility to order online.

You have to take the time, to stop and read , on some of the t-shirts …I was alone and was laughing out loud . I guarantee that you will laugh!

The Ice-cream, like I said it`s the best in Canada ( in a survey of readers of Reader’s Digest and named the world’s top place to get ice cream by Tauck World Discovery.) Unless you are lactose intolerant , you have to try it at least once. They have more then 32 varieties of premium Ice-cream and since 2006, they now produce cheddar cheese ,I bet it`s also very good, but I haven`t taste it yet. But I will for sure in a near future.

Would I recommend? of course, you should go for a visit and taste the ice-cream or cheese, why not both, and take the time to read on the merchandise .

Don`t worry about going alone, or being an adult …anyone fit`s in ( alone, with friends, groups, family, etc.)  really, don`t hesitate!

Organization

 

 

My husband and I discovered the Restaurant Sens , by accident…really! We had an accident on the highway …we lost a wheel (rear-left side). Rest assured, we were not harmed , but shaken quite a bit . To make a story short, we got towed to the Garage (Sega Chrysler St-Bruno) where they took care of everything. The repairs will be long, so we had no choice but to go to the Hotel. The Mortagne was suggested, and we went.

After getting to our room, we noticed that they had a terrace (a real nice one). After a glass of wine, and calming down a little bit (we were shaken after the accident , a very stressful event). We got down, sat on a sofa (it was very quiet and nice), superb place to be after such a scare. We noticed a few persons (staff) around the outdoor bar (counter), they were talking together, without noticing us (I figured), I went to the bar, and ordered our first drinks …making sure to let them know of our ordeal of the day. One gentleman (I guess it was the manager or something like that, was compassionate) . We had our drink while reminiscing the whole experience, that could have turned more badly . After a while, we were expecting that a waiter or waitress would showed up and ask if we want something else, but it did not happened. I had to return to the bar and asked again….but this time, I said If I were you guys, I would make sure to take good care of my clients , because at the end of your shift, the way you act will directly reflect on your tips.

They got my message, after that one of them ( young Italian man, he even spoke Spanish with me , it was real nice and unexpected, he was very nice.. Piedro , I think? but I am not sure,  sorry!) , more experienced or money wise, took the lead and was our waiter for the rest of the evening . At some points, we have met two salesperson who joined us on our sofa. We chatted a while, having a few more drinks ( it was also the Latino night and a live Cuban band was playing on site) and decided to stay for dinner (it was getting late, at around 9h00 ) . The experience was superb. the food is succulent (gourmet style). It was a very positive experience , that make us want to return  the next day(we had nowhere else to go), stuck at the hotel waiting for our jeep to be fixed. When we’ve returned , our yesterday’s waiter was fast on offering drinks and suggested food we should try at dinner. I listened to his suggestions and order a trio of spiced food ( I specifically said nothing too fat) and It was fat (but one’s taste is not another one). He offered something else, but that was it for me, I was not hungry anymore.

The service, started very slow and difficult, but once they are organized, or once they know that you are good clients (I am not sure which one comes first), they will run to make sure you are pleased with everything.

The Restaurant’s name couldn’t be more perfect, it’s an all SENSes experience (even more true in the summer). Beautiful for the eyes, agreeable for the ears (Latino Thursdays), Sensational for the nose (fresh herbs and gourmet food), Delectable for the palate (taste fresh and amazing),  the touch…well, if you happen to have a companion with you (hold hands or share fingers food) and if you have a 6th sense, you know that you have to visit that establishment.

I would definitely recommend to everyone, doesn’t matter if your a groups, between friends, colleagues, a family, a couple on honeymoon or even solo, in town for business. They will have something to make you want to return as soon as possible.

Suggestion: you have to try the Duck mousse “mousse foie de canard” with Clos du Bois wine!

 It’s a huge two tombs up for me!

 

A fabulous find after a disastrous accident

Hotel Mortagne

1228 Rue Nobel,

Boucherville, Quebec J4B5H1, Canada

1-866-500-4938

http://www.hotelmortagne.com

reservation@hotelmortagne.com

 

It was the first day of our 3 weeks summer vacation (July 2014), it was a beautiful day, sunny with no cloud, but a bit cold. We took the road with our jeep and our camper-trailer . Heading to Quebec city (our fist stop). The road was on construction (In Canada , especially in the province of Quebec, most of the road are in constructions for years) nothing new. It was bumpy and we couldn’t even drive at speed limits (we were towing the camper). We started hearing strange noise and the jeep was acting funny (but no worries, it was at the garage for the past 10 days, for maintenance and some repairs, like the brakes, and calipers) . We were just past St-Bruno-de-Montarville, Qc. Getting close to Ste-Julie. when  I said to my husband, shouldn’t we stop and check what’s going on (it’s shacking a lot now), My husband said that he will stop in a few minutes, when their is less traffic . A few minutes after that, it happened….we lost a wheel (rear-left side). Rest assured, we were not harmed , but shaken quite a bit . To make a story short, we got towed to the Garage (Sega Chrysler St-Bruno) where they took care of everything. The repairs will be long, so we had no choice but to go to the Hotel.

One of the local Gentleman’s that was at the garage, suggested Hotel Mortagne (in Boucherville) 10 minutes away from the garage ( fairly new, good restaurant, higher quality, pool, terrace, close to stores and other restaurants). I just took my IPhone and made the reservation. We got to the hotel at around 3h00 pm. The receptionist did her job well, but when I mentioned that I was there because of a car accident on the highway, and that I had to book online with my phone and that it was not an easy task (the website is not IPhone or Ipad friendly..it kept asking me to go to the main website) , it only offered to book a room (no choice of rates possible ) she didn’t reacted.

We finally got our Room keys, went upstairs ( we were on the 5th floor) . As soon as we walked-in, we both said the same thing, it could have been worst. We didn’t had any expectations, we were not planning a stay in that area at all. The bedroom is huge, with nice furniture, clean, no dust, no stains, no bad odors . The bathroom , is also a very comfy size, with saloon’s full doors, It’s different. The shower, is large and functional (no need to worry about low pressure or not having hot water).  Now, it’s time to talk about The view…It’s in an industrial part of the town (so you can see lots of vans and vehicles), but if your lucky enough to get a room that is above the patio (terrace) you will be very happy with the view, because not only you got to see the amazing terrace (with flowers, trees and many other plants), it’s like being down-south for a moment. You will also , be able to see the Olympic Stadium in Montreal (you have a direct view),

The bed and pillows are very nice (one firm and one soft), the mattress is more on the soft side, but we have good night sleeps (even if we were still shaken from the accident).

I had only a few problems during my stay. One was about the ladies room next to the restaurant , one of the toilet, was so dirty (someone must have been very sick ) it needed to be cleaned real bad. I told the staff at the reception, and within minutes it was cleaned (spotless cleaned) . I returned about an hour after and it was done.  My other problem, was about the rate of the room, as I told previously, the website was not Iphone or Ipad friendly, so I couldn’t select Governement rate, and mentioned it on check-in (without saying that I wanted that specific rate). I assumed that it would be fine anyway. On the second day, after I was a bit more calm (less stressed then on my first day), and remembered that I should tell them about the rate that I needed. The lady at the reception, said no we can’t . I asked to see her manager, she was gone home. On the day of my check-out (after 2 nights), I asked again the lady that was working that day (Roxanne), she was kind enough, to say that she was not able to do it manually on her computer, but she would let her manager help me with that. The next day, I received an email from the manager Mrs Katrine Montbriand , she gave me the rate (I have showed Roxanne the proper Id card ). The adjustments was done and was attached to my email. After all that we’ve been trough, we were grateful that she agreed to refund the difference . Thanks to Roxanne for making the request. I appreciate it!

So people, if you have difficulties using the website, you shouldn’t hesitate to call directly to the hotel , with all your specific demands.

Would I recommend this Hotel? of course I would,  without any hesitation. If you have to go in that area and consider just passing-by, you should make a stop and stay for a night, really you should!

 

The best Restaurant In The Gigantic Saguenay- Lac-Saint-Jean

Port D’Attache

 

860 Rue Arthur, Roberval,

Quebec G8H 2M1, Canada

(418) 765-1200

http://portdattache.ca

My husband and I just bought a Sailing-boat at the Roberval Marina, and decided to start our vacations on our boat . It was during the festivities of The Traversée internationale du Lac St-Jean , The town of Roberval probably triples in size during a full week.  We were expecting to find a good table for the two of us. The Port d’Attache is located in the Marina’s building (they have 2 level and a huge outdoor terrace that is the best place to admire the boats) . The restaurant is managed by a team , leaded by two fantastic ladies , the twins sisters , Denise and Diane Maroux. 

My experience: We went to the restaurant, expecting to have a table with a view…foolish of us, it was full , and at the time, I didn’t really believed it . Since the upstairs terrace was empty, that’s where we asked to be seated instead. The waitress told us, that if it rains , the chance to get us inside, is minimal to none. We still stick to our idea of eating outside. We placed our order, my first choice was to get the Fondu Vignerone ( a fondue with fresh cut slices of filet mignon). To my greatest deception , we can’t have that outside (of course not, open flame in the wind). We ordered , steaks and a very good bottle of wine. We just received the bottle of wine, when we noticed the sudden changed in the winds and the formation of huge dark clouds. I looked at my husband and said it’s not going to be pretty. I jumped out of my chair, and ran to Kevin (one of the waiter), I told him, it’s going to be ugly in a few minutes, could you do a miracle and find us a small area inside (even the smallest), He said all cute, don’t worry mam, it’s not going to rain, we are used to those clouds around here, it will be all gone in a few minutes….I insisted that it was a matter of minutes before the rain gets here and it will hit real hard. He went inside, got us a table (a small one, but a table inside close to the bar). I returned to my husband, the waitress (Carolanne ) was arriving with our steaks, I said lets go inside, we have a table, it’s now or never, or the steaks are going to be flooded. We just got to the table inside, and the rain started ( heavy rain and winds). Kevin, came to me after that and asked me for the weather predictions for the next day. Again, I have to say thank you to both of them , Kevin and Carolanne, you were totally awesome for helping us, our evening was saved! Total amount for that evening (Two steaks, one very good bottle of wine and a cognac) 110$ without the tips. Quality/price, you can’t compare to anywhere else, it’s a gourmet meal at the price of a fast-food chain. One note about the baguette bread ….If they forget to bring you some, you really should insist on getting it, it’s warm and they have soft buttercream (frosting kind of) mixed with fresh green onions…it’s to die for !

After that first experience, well…let’s say that we were addicted. We returned at least 6 times during our 2 weeks at the marina , we had breakfasts, we had Lunches , afternoon snacks and drinks, and of course more dinners (just the two of us or with some family members). Every time, it was superb, the staff always pleasant and welcoming (even to tourists). Even if they know me now, I think that they are wonderful with every one and don’t take your patronage for granted. They are truly appreciative.

Recommendations: You should make a reservation, ask for a table close to a window (the view), tip the staff well (they work very very hard and they deserve more gratitude).

It’s  a Restaurant that is accessible to anyone ; families (with kids or teenagers), between friends, solo, couples (good for romantic dinner’s as well), the can accommodate even larger groups (a wedding reception happened while we were at the marina) .

The Marcoux’s sisters have succeeded with that business, I predict that they will be in business for a very very long time …franchises in a near future perhaps? It would be nice, to see more restaurant like that .

Kudos to the owners and the staff!

On ne sait jamais quand une critique touristique est en ville!

Never again in a Million years

Pub L’Amareto

869, boul Saint-Joseph,

Roberval, Quebec, Canada

(418) 275-0230

First I have to say that It was my first visit and that it will be the last. I would prefer to go to a fast-food restaurant, before returning in that establishment. 
My experience started when I called to make a reservation, that very first minute, I ask to make a reservation for that evening (it was around 1 PM), the lady on the phone, while laughing she said we are booked, I replied all evening? she said yes, again I said, you haven’t asked me at what time I was interested to go and you can pretend that you are fully booked? She finally said , I don’t even have a pen or pencil to take a reservation. Well….get one!

Finally, I booked for 7:30. We got there on time, and  to my great surprise, it was not over-booked or full. They showed us to a table, (a bar table, without a nap) everybody else were sitting at a nice table (with a proper setting, nap, utensils, crystal glasses for water and wine). We really felt like the intruders. I made the comment, that it was not a proper table, compared to the other ones ( can everyone be treated equally and have a normal setting), the waitress , just looked at me with a weird look and brought us some paper placemats and utensils (dirty knife for me and a missing spoon for my daughter) . They didn’t offer wine , we had to ask for the wine list, they just throw it on the table, we ordered some (a good bottle), They came back with the bottle (opened it and put it on the table), like if it was a plain cold bottle of beer or soda….we are tourists, bringing good money in your small town . Then we ordered food, it was all very average, my son in-law ordered that same thing that I have ordered (a pickerel filet) , it was full of fish bones !

My husband , tipped-off his glass of wine on the table (accident), one waitress have observed it and instead of coming over to help (at least bring some napkins so we can clean it up, she just turned around and walked-away. I had to ask for more napkins from another waiter and it took me a long time to get is attention.

At the end of our meal, it was time to get the bill and pay (we just wanted to leave). Again, I had to ask to get the bill. I paid (just now the waitress looked at me and forced a smile), the tip was equal to the quality of service and food (low). 

It’s too bad , that they missed the boat on that one. Because, we just bought a boat and it’s at the marina (Roberval) yearly…If our money is not good enough for you, we will bring it somewhere else, where the appreciate the tourists! 

By the way, we all speak French very well, so it was not because of the language barrier!

Tips: Avoid being upset and go somewhere else !

A Tourist’s Charmer

Stayner’s Wharf Pub & Grill

5075 George St

Halifax, NS B3J 1M3

 

902-492-1800

http://staynerswharf.com/

 

It was my second day in Halifax (8 days vacation), I was walking around in the area of  the Upper water street. When my husband text me (he was at the convention center for the week), he was on lunch break, he wanted to know where I was and If I was ready to have lunch, so we’ve meet on Upper street and decided that the closest Pub-Restaurant was Stayner’s Wharf Pub & Grill . We decided to sit on the patio (terrace) outside, it was a lovely day, lots of sunshine and it was hot ( we used the patio umbrella).  As soon as we found a table, the waitress was ready to take our order (a couple of beers on the tap and a fish n’ chips) , they are used to have lots of clients at lunch time, so they were well prepared and organized . We got our meal and beers, even had time to talk a little bit with the waitress (very charming, knowledgeable  and tourist’s oriented) , she was very helpful when it came to suggestions on where I should go for a visit that afternoon (The lower water street, the boardwalk and the historic properties) , she even mentioned that If I get bored alone, I can always come back for another beer and a chat with her.

The food was very good, the beer was very cold and the price, amazingly low for the quality of food and the service. So, we tipped very well!

I am a maritimer and most of us are very social, but with all my years of travelling;  I can say that we can’t generalised on that one, some persons are not social and can’t interact with visitors, but in that case , they know how to make a fist impression on tourist. She made us feel at home and welcome.

It’s one of my best experience during that 8 days trip; I would recommend to anyone to try Stayner’s, and please , let me know if it’s the same thing year-round. Perhaps it was just a summer thing?!

 

Very European and for a Distinctive Clientele

The Bicycle Thief

1475 Lower Water Street, Halifax,

Nova Scotia B3J 3Z2, Canada

902-425-7993

http://bicyclethief.ca/

After many people told me that I have to try it at least once in my life, I decided to beg my husband to take me to that restaurant. He told me that we should have made a reservation weeks ago, or we might ending-up without a table. I risked it ! We went and lucky for us, we just sat at the bar for a cocktail and within minutes of our arrival. We got a table, outside on the boardwalk. It was a very nice summer evening. Next to us was a young family with 2 young kids (well-behaved and socialised I should add),  it was the only family that we have seen while we were there (personal opinion , it’s not the place to bring young children, if they are not use to that scene). It’s a place for a more specific type of clients (Distinctive Clientele), at a certain point, I was feeling like an outsider, but slowly I transformed into a princess and enjoyed every minute of that marvellous evening.

Right away, the first moment you walk-in, it’s a huge wow…all that luxury, lots of gold accessories, crystals, silverware , nice lustrous woods, chandeliers and imported lamps . The style is European classic (romantic) , grandiose. Worthy of the ”  Vie de Chateau” .

The service was remarkable , from the very first minute that you open the door until the minute that you leave. The service is impeccable, the staff ( I think they were hired because of their beauty, they are all gorgeous, the kind of beauty that you still try to pick-up your jaw on the floor) . Beside being pretty, they are making everything possible to please you, you don’t have to ask for anything, they know what you need and when you need it (butter, bread, water, more wine, etc.).

The food, amazingly fabulous, fresh, tasty, well-seasoned, perfectly cooked to your taste, the wine is the exact temperature it should be (not that I was carrying a thermometer with me but still).

For me, it was not the best meal I had in all my life  , but one of the best. The price is average for that kind of meal. For 2, main courses , dessert , a bottle of wine and a glass of port (350$) .

The only negative I have to say about my evening, is that I have lost my real Gold and diamond Belly-button ring (Spiral) , probably when I went to the ladies room; I went back the next morning and the told me that they didn’t have it. I believe that a lady must be very happy with her new jewellery . Bling Bling! That left me with a sour taste , a broken heart and a hole in my budget (I had to find another jewellery to replace the other one).

In resume, I loved my experience and I would recommend to anyone who can afford it .

Before I go, just a little suggestion to the ladies, be careful with you expensive jewellery , keep them on you.

 

 

A Part of the Canadian Heritage

Alexander Keith’s Brewery

1496 Lower Water St, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1R9, Canada

(902) 455-1474      

http://keiths.ca  

 

If you don’t already know, Alexander Keith’s is part of our Canadian heritage. It was founded in 1820 , by Alexander Keith, a Scottish Immigrant and also a Politician.  The brand became very popular, it is now sold in the USA since 2011. Good to know, in 2002 the Halifax mayor Peter Kelly , decided to include in every Alexander Keith’s case of beer,  a special invitation to the clients, an invitation to visit Halifax (good marketing strategy). It must be working , because they have lots of visitors.

 Now, back to my review;  I wanted to visit Alexander Keith’s brewery since 10 years ago, it was my first time in Halifax and I was a bit shy and would not have went by myself. Now, it’s another story, I am more  daring …I am so curious that I visit and do things that I would not have believed possible for me to do.  I went on a cloudy day, it was about 2:30, I took many pictures outside and inside. Good to know, you don’t have to pay to get inside, but you will have to pay if you want a guided tour  ( a new tour starts every 1/2 hour), I would suggest that you do it , if you have the time , it’s about 45 to 1 hour long, depends on the questions you might have. It’s possible to taste a full size beer, that have a bar on site. 

I have to tell you that, besides learning about the process of making beers, you’ll have full show, the guides are wearing costumes and are singing often. So If you are not fans of musicals, it might not be for you. If you don’t mind the music and the acting part, you’ll have a wonderful time!

Everyone are welcome to visit, I have seen some families with kids (but they are not allowed to taste anything). It would be a good activity for groups of friends  who wants to have a good time.

Suggestion: Visit on a rainy day, even if it’s a bit more crowded, you don’t want to waste a nice sunny day inside of brick walls (humid and dark).

I would recommend to anyone , solo, couples, groups and families. Keep in mind that it’s  more of a show , so if you want to really learn about the beer fabrication, you might want to ask lots of questions or visit something else.

 

 

You’ll love it!

Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo

1586 Queen Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

I have seen a few military tattoo in my life. I used to think that kind of activity was boring, just hearing the sounds would get me irritated. But in time, you just hear a few notes coming from somewhere and you start tapping your toes on the ground ( you have to move to the sounds). Most of the musical instruments are used during the tattoo (bag-pipes, flutes, drums, etc.).

I was just walking around in the parks that day, and I got to the Province House, on Hollis street and a band was playing (free), I stayed and enjoyed the show. I know that during the International Tattoo, they have paying shows, you can see many fantastic bands coming from all over the world, but you can also see many of those bands for free during the day at specific locations (mostly parks and outside some government’s buildings).

Suggestions: If it fits in your budget,  don’t hesitate to pay to see the big show (lots of great bands ) it’s spectacular! If you can’t buy a ticket, you’ll have fun as well at the free outdoors show.

 

A Pleasant Surprise

Halifax Alehouse
1717 Brunswick St, Halifax, NS B3J 2G1
(902) 423-6113
http://halifaxalehouse.com/

It was the day of the semi-finale of the FIFA world cup 2014, I am a huge fan and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. My husband and I , were walking down the streets of Halifax, and had in mind to go to another sports bar , the Bubba Ray’s Sports Bar, we went in and it was crowded . We found another one, but it was …let’s say different (not too my husband’s taste). Then as we were walking around, we meet another couples of our friends who were looking for a place to eat and even if they are not fans of FIFA games like I am, they were willing to watch the game as well . It was getting late, and I was getting impatient. The gentleman of the other couple suggested  the new sports bar HFX , so we went for a visit and I was sure that we should have stayed to the last one we visited (even if it was not to everyone’s standards). Again, it was jammed packed . I really got upset at that time, the game was playing and I was there just moving around to find a spot where everyone would fit in?!

I was just about to return to the hotel, when they decided to go in Halifax Alehouse, to see if we could sit , have some drinks, meal and watch the game. There was not much spot left, but we managed to get upstairs , and find a table with 4 chairs, but a little far from the tv. It was difficult to watch the game. My husband decided to move and give me his chair, that was so much better (thank you honey, your the best, you saved my mood).

The atmosphere, after calming down , I noticed the staff , they are dressed like pirates or something like that , a beige or white blouse that shows lots of cleavage (not to worry it’s still good taste), and a long brown skirt. They have lots of beers to choose from (maybe wine and other things but that’s not what I wanted to I concentrated on the beers), I choose a local beer a Propeller IPA, very strong beer, fantastic to my taste. Then to eat I have picked the Alehouse Nachos , not expensive and very good (I almost finished it all alone).

Finally , I was able to enjoy the game, the company , the beer , the atmosphere of that new Sports Bar that I just discovered (thank God the other members of my party , decided to dragged me in) , and the food (fast food ok, but delicious).

I would absolutely recommend that Sports Bar to anyone (even to families with kids), solo, as love-birds or in a group;  everyone will end the evening with a smile on their faces.
It’s not fancy, it’s local, it’s friendly , the price are very affordable (even for students).
Don’t hesitate!