Sweet tourist’s money

Sugah Confectionery & Ice Cream

1479 Lr Water St,,

Halifax, NS B3J 3Z3,  Canada

Phone: 902-421-6079

http://www.theuncommongroup.com/v/sugah_about.asp

I visited Sugah on two different occasion, It was during a 8 days stay in Halifax. I was walking on the waterfront boardwalk and I noticed lots of visitors getting out of that store (it’s more of a store then a restaurant). People were getting out with ice-cream cones and bags of candies. So on my first visit I decided to try and Ice-cream cone, I was not ready to get in a long line-up and being rushed to order something. When it came to my turn to place my order, I asked if they have frozen yogurt , did not; so I tried asking for a pistachios in a waffle cone , did not have either. You basically have only a few choice you can choose from , as plain as Chocolate and Vanilla…with a few variants and you put it in a cone or in a paper bowl. From my point of view…very boring and expensive.

My second visit , I concentrated on the candies ,  I looked at a few bags and I choose a bag of brittle (Beer Brittle), at least it’s a local product , hand made with local beer (Garrison’s Irish Red Ale). Again, it was very expensive for a little 300g bag (7.95$) , but like I said, I wanted to at least try a local product. It’s very good by the way.

My suggestion, I would recommend that you go for the candies, not for the ice-cream. You definitely have to taste the brittles.

 

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!

 

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!

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.

 

 

The delightful taste of Paris cafe’s without the price

Two if by sea café,

HISTORIC PROPERTIES
1869 Upper Water Street
Halifax, NS
B3J 1S9
(902) 492-4600
Monday thru Friday 7:30 am til 5 pm
Saturday 8 am til 5 pm
Sunday CLOSED

http://www.twoifbyseacafe.ca/

One morning I was going down my Hotel’s street , heading to the waterfront and the harbour. At the corner of  Barrington and Duke . I noticed a small mall entrance, that says Historic Properties . I walked-in  out of curiosity; first I have seen a few shops (artisans and souvenirs), then I found it…close to the exit door and to the access-door for the Historic Properties boardwalk. Right on my left side, similar to a Paris small café. They have a wide variety of pastries (Viennoiseries) , like croissants, Pain au Chocolate (chocolate bread), muffins, cinnamon-buns, etc. They also have speciality coffees and teas  (Espressos , Cappuccinos, lattes, etc).

The seating area , is well located, just in front of the counter, it’s large enough to sit probably 50 persons (note that they are sharing the eating area with a small Subway restaurant), it can get a bit crowded depends on the time of the day. Since I was having breakfast at around 10am, it was perfect. After ordering your items, you will have to add your sugar, cream, etc. The dispensers are in the sitting area (since it’s used by everyone, it can be a little messy at time) .

My experience: I decided to order a Pain au Chocolat, with a Chai Latte . The waiter who took my order, did his job but not more then that ….I get that you might feel that you need to serve more clients, but please put the accent on the quality of services, not the quantity delivered. I was only hoping for a smile that morning (I am a tourist). He prepared my order, added some cinnamon on top of my latte (nice gesture), the latte was as beautiful as it was good to the taste, they are forming a kind of leaf on top of the latte. I will post my pictures later, you have to see it to understand.  Anyhow, he put my order on a small carrying-tray, but the latte was too full, so I spilled a little bit on my way to the table (High table with bar stole high chair, very nice and comfy). I didn’t knew where the napkins were (normal it’s my fist time there) , I returned to the counter, asked where it was and he just pointed at me . It was rude and again, I am a tourist , we help your business’s survive, try to keep that in mind .

After all this (no smile and rudeness) , I sat down , took a few pictures of the breakfast (for my reviews), and taste it . Boom, wow, fantastic, unbelievable. It’s like I was brought back to Paris, in a small café; where I was paying 4 Euros, only  for my chocolate bread . It was a delightful experience. No matter is the staff was not up to the task, with that first bit…. he was forgiven (almost) .

I was so pleased, that I even returned two more times (in one week). Ordered the same thing. On those occasions, it was a different staff member that took my order…but the faulty one was still around the counter, I suspect that he might be the manager or even the owner…but it’s just an impression. Before I end my review , here is a small advice to the staff members of the café ( you will probably read it) , please be more nice to your clients, at the end of the day it’s your job’s on the line.

Would I recommend this café….well, absolutely without any hesitation.

Luxuriant and Delicious…for the eyes and the palate

The Five Fishermen

1740 Argyle St, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2W1, Canada

(902) 422-4421

http://fivefishermen.com/

Impressive, would be the first word to describe my initial impression. It was my first time at that restaurant, my husband was at a Criminal Lawyers convention and that Restaurant was suggested to them. We were taking a long walk by the end of the week, when we decided to try them (at least go in and see if the menu fits our taste and wallet).  Without a reservation , showing up and asking to see the menu. We sat down on a little cushioned bench in front of the oysters tank (yummy right away). They have two different menus, one for the upstairs (where it’s more like the gourmet food ) and the first level (more casual and lounge food). For what we wanted to eat the evening (and my husband was feeling romantic). Telling the waiter, that we would like to go upstairs finally. He told us that lucky for us a few table were still available.   

From the moment we got upstairs, it was a huge WOW, the decors are sensational, lots of wood, chandeliers, crystals, elegant curtains , utensils, dishes, in resume;  it’s all dedicated to please the most difficult clients. Like my title says, it’s luxuriant for the eyes and the palate.

They have a real nice selection on the menu, from aged steaks, fresh fishes, sea food, and many other delicatessen . The wine list is exhaustive (from 50$ to 360$ a bottle) , same thing with the cocktails, or liquor selections. Note: The fresh oysters are fresh and succulent.

We have had a great evening, the food was excellent, the wine divine, I finished with a cognac that was as delicious as everything else.

The only negative point, the staff…when we arrived one of the host was playing role’s game with the oysters (I told him to stop playing with my food). Then our waitress got confused with our choice of wine ( she brought the bottle at the table , opens it then got all confused, took it back to the kitchen after filling our first glass, then came back to apologized saying that it was the wrong wine, but pour us some more as an apologies…then came back to the table still confused and apologizing , we told her that it was our choice since we’ve ordered, it was the wright bottle of wine ) … after that incident , I don’t know if she was still feeling bad about what happened with the wine , but she dropped some water on the table and on me when filling our glasses.

With all this said, I would not hesitate to return. It’s expensive, but it is well worth every pennies.

Tip: it’s usually crowded, so you better make a reservation at least a couple days before .

Price: $$$

Value: 5 out of 5

Venue: 5 out of 5

I would recommend absolutely !

Academie du Gourmet, Gourmet Academy

Academie Du Gourmet, Gourmet Academy

993 Notre-Dame St.

Embrun, Ontario

K0A 1W0

613 443-1700

http://www.academiedugourmet.ca

 

 

I visited the Academie Du Gourmet in Feb 2010  for the first time  and then , I returned many other times after that.  The Academie Du Gourmet,  is an Academie , where you can learn , but it is also a store , they offer a wide variety of services and products, you can take cooking classes  or wine tasting lessons (French and English) in a relaxing and friendly environment , you can buy different Items from frozen food, meals to go ,  delicatessen , gourmet products  and even wine cellars, just to name a few. The Staff are very welcoming and knowledgeable, they know every little secrets of their food and products.

 

In the summer, you will even have the option of taking your lunch on their outside patio, what a nice way to enjoy a day, sipping your glass of wine and having a fresh meal.

Tips:  visit their website for all the information’s.

 

Would I recommend it ? Yes, absolutely to anyone, Family, teens, kids , single, couples!

 

Location 3* ( well located in the area, but a bit far from the town)

Parking 4* (on the street or in the back of the building a huge parking lot and Free)

Accessibility 5* ( Wheelchair accessible)

Value 4* (average price but excellent products and food)

Service 5* ( they are professionals, available, friendly with the customers)