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!

 

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!

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.

 

 

For History and the Architecture

Historic Properties,

www.historicproperties.ca/

1869 Upper Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 1S9
(902) 429-0530

 

If you want to travelled back in time, this is the place to go. The site is rich in history, don’t be afraid to enter on the site, you will not regret it. At first I was inside , where they have a few boutiques with souvenirs, and local artisans clothing, jewellery, etc. even a Subway restaurant and a nice little café. Go outside, it’s the door on the left side (Salty’s restaurant’s side, not the Murphy’s side). It’s really like you’ve just jumped in time, it’s all old and authentic buildings, well preserved. Many of those buildings are used as little shops. In that area you will also find a well-known restaurant (establishment that is very popular for tourists and locals in Halifax) Salty’s.  You will also find another local attraction, Cow’s. Worth a visit if you don’t know what it is.

So, if you are an architecture enthusiast , I would recommend that visit. Don’t miss it!

Judged by what you wear

Spirit Spa,

5150 Salter St #200,

Halifax, NS B3J 1V4

(902) 431-8100

I was at the Jazz festival in July 2014, having a glass of wine. Dressed in my summer clothing (short-shorts and a tube top). I felt like having a manicure and a pedicure (it’s summer and it’s a very hot day), mid-afternoon. One of the staff members at the festival gave me a card, when I asked for a reference on where to go. So , I walked-in, only a few clients were sitting down having some treatments. I tried to catch the attention of one person, when finally she came to me, I asked her is they would have time for a manicure and pedicure, or at least the manicure. She looked at me Head-to-toe and said nop! ” we are fully booked, and I asked what about tomorrow? still she replied “we are fully booked , we might have something next week” , So Ladies, if you want to have some personal cares done at the Spirit Spa, wear your Christian LouBoutin shoes and your Dior couture Clothing. I should have wear my LouBoutin shoes, but I was wearing my Soda’s Sandals (more appropriate to walk on the waterfront boardwalk!

I would not recommend , unless you call to make an appointment, so you will not be judged by your clothing’s.

A long walk that your eyes will like!

Halifax waterfront boardwalk.

It was my second time in Halifax, N.S., my last time was 10 years ago. I can tell you that this time was the best. I guess I have mature and really look with my eyes. You know when they say you look but did not see. Well, now I have seen and taste every minutes that I was walking along the waterfront boardwalk. So many things. Yes, bring your camera, there is so many things to see, that you don’t want to miss anything, when you try to remember your visit. Tips: don’t hesitate to go in the small streets, you’ll find amazing things (boutiques, pubs, shops, glass blowers, brewery’s, etc.).

Splendid for the eyes and soul

Halifax Public Gardens.

It was a hot summer day. My husband and I were just walking around . He surprised me with that visit. We walked in the gardens for at least 90 minutes, It’s well kept, clean, as green as green can be. I loved every minutes.

My Blog….what is it about?

I will talk to you about my traveling experiences, the Resorts I visited , my hotels-Motel stays, the spas I went, local businesses I tried and discovered. I will publish my reviews, with pros and cons , from my point of view of course, I will make it as fair as possible, but as always when it comes to taste and likes and don’t like, we are very unique, so maybe you will want to see for your own eyes if we share the same opinions on what I am writing.

I am inviting you to comments or to ask questions regarding my posts , and I will be more then happy to reply to each one of you.

Thank you for sharing my traveling word,

Safe trip, enjoy the ride,

Love, Line x0x

The World as seen by Line Boutin!

Here is my blog , THE WORLD AS SEEN BY LINE BOUTIN

I will talk to you about my traveling experiences, the Resorts I visited , my hotels-Motel stays, the spas I went, local businesses I tried and discovered. I will publish my reviews, with pros and cons , from my point of view of course, I will make it as fair as possible, but as always when it comes to taste and likes and don’t like, we are very unique, so maybe you will want to see for your own eyes if we share the same opinions on what I am writing.

I am inviting you to comments or to ask questions regarding my posts , and I will be more then happy to reply to each one of you.

Thank you for sharing my traveling word,

Safe trip, enjoy the ride,

Love, Line x0x