Mary inquired about Hlfx. restaurants. Tried to respond privately but the mail was returned address unknown. We were last in Hlfx. last summer and before that a few years earlier. Enjoyed ourselves immensely both times and dined well. Here are a few of our observations about the "dining scene": 1. Best restaurant without a doubt was da Maurizio's in the Old Keith's Brewery Bldg. Expensive but equisite Italian fare. The duck ravioli with orange beurre blanc sauce were fantastic. The only restaurant we ate at twice both times we visited; 2. Also very good was Il Mercado on Spring Garden Road. Owned by the same people but more trattoria style, ie. ceramic tiles, etc. Less formal, terrific antipasti selection; 3. Further down the way toward Dal from downtown enjoyed the food at the Bistro located on the main floor of an apartment building. "Parisian" like in food and ambience; 4. Across from Historic Properties enjoyed the asian influenced food at the Purple or Sweet Basil (sorry do not recollect the name specifically...definitely Basil of some sort or another <smile>); 5. Very traditional but good food at O'Carroll's. Had rack of lamb which was done very well but the food was very rich, ie. veggies "swimming" in butter. Given the heat of last summer that was not a good idea; 6. Generally disappointed with the seafood. Very touristy and not particularly inspiring. Better in my view to snack and sip some wine outside on the deck at Salty's rather than "dine" upstairs. Great view of the harbour from their deck/lounge. Used to be called the Clipper Cay or something to that effect when I went to Dalhousie in the '70's with the Bluenose moored beside it. Same thing with McElvie's (sp?) located in the old firehouse downtown. Nothing special, disappointing. Previously had tried the Five Fisherman and although put down by many as a "tourist trap" enjoyed the food there. Mind you it was October so the "hordes" had gone home by then; 7. That same trip had Thanksgiving Dinner at a steakhouse down Spring Garden road whose name escapes me. Upstairs with an Irish motif. Decent steak and prime rib. Recall they brought the tenderloin to ones table and measured it off to the size requested; Hope this helps. Sorry cannot recommend any place on the Island as we spent our last vacation in Cape Breton and in and around Halifax. If you want further info feel free to mail me. Cheers Bob Macdonald Edmonton, Alberta [email removed]
Nova Scotia, Canada