Read Part 1 HERE !
We rolled into Halifax just before 6 PM, which granted us a brief slot for exploration prior to dinner.
We rolled into Halifax just before 6 PM, which granted us a brief slot for exploration prior to dinner.
I was first to abandon the car. The road trip had been a lengthy one - too lengthy, if I'm completely honest - and since we had returned to civilization (and data reception!!), there was no longer a reason to avoid using our lower limbs.
The streets of Downtown Halifax weren't so different from that of walk-able suburban neighbourhoods back home. Objectively speaking, they were cleaner. Shop variety was as about as diverse as The Danforth, with about as much pedestrian traffic as Bramalea City Centre at 7 AM, and closed as early as major malls in Richmond.
The streets of Downtown Halifax weren't so different from that of walk-able suburban neighbourhoods back home. Objectively speaking, they were cleaner. Shop variety was as about as diverse as The Danforth, with about as much pedestrian traffic as Bramalea City Centre at 7 AM, and closed as early as major malls in Richmond.
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Students in sweats made up the bulk of the citizens wandering the streets. This group became more prevalent nearing Barrington Street and Spring Garden Road. Located at the T-intersection was Saint Mary's Cathedral, a large commercial building, and restaurants featuring an outdoor patio.
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The odd Cantonese bakery was also discovered while heading downhill towards the waterfront. At this point, many eateries had shuttered for the day; Kee Heong was no exception.
Traversing the waterfront trail, I came across a jewellery boutique specializing in pewter, COWS' ice cream-only kiosk, a playground of abstract attractions, a 360 experience dome, and an open historical exhibit. This journey was accompanied by perpetually breathtaking perspectives of the harbour.
A new multi-level building was in the midst of construction just north of Prince Street. To accomodate pedestrian and visitor traffic, a Seabridge had been laid in place. The boardwalk permitted a beautiful view of the waters, unobstructed by boats and sailing equipment; on the south side of the bridge were orange pillars, each baring a snippet of information regarding the city and its history.
Small bulbs had also been wound about each side of the bridge, providing a soft glow after nightfall.
Small bulbs had also been wound about each side of the bridge, providing a soft glow after nightfall.
View the full album HERE !
At the other end of the Seabridge was a souvenir shop. It was here that I learned of Theodore (the) Tugboat's immense popularity, as well as his placement in Newfoundland every other year. Consequently, he was nowhere in sight this year, even if his themed merchandise was aplenty.
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Continuing on, I passed Halifax Ferry Terminal, then East Coast's own Cacao 70 outpost. It wasn't long before I reached a larger COWS boutique. This one carried landmark-bearing commodities as well as a full spectrum of ice cream flavours.
We leisurely observed the sunset from across Salty's. The scene before us dimmed from a vibrant orange to dusty pink, then sky blue to rich indigo.
Tummies rumbling, we set across the Seabridge in the opposite direction in search of sustenance. Soon, the moon materialized over the harbour, indicating the arrival of the night.
Quickly settling on the Waterfront Warehouse, we were led to the back of the restaurant and seated at a spacious table away from the booths.
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The establishment was home to a scopious selection of local oysters, and even boasted an open, oyster-shucking counter.
Our server recommended the Warehouse Seafood Tower from the tainted, black-and-white paper menu. The meal was three quarters of a hundred dollars and described to contain the following elements:
- Full cracked Atlantic lobster
- Local oysters
- Shrimp cocktail
- Chilled crab
- Smoked fish spread
- Marinated chillied mussles
- Solomon gundy
- Housemade chutney(s)
- Vodka-infused cocktail sauce
My pick hadn't been a top choice on the menu, and understandably so. Given this, I would not hesistate to declare it the climax of our meal. Roasted sweet potato and cauliflower, fresh arugula, fluffed quinao, and juice grape tomatoes slathed in tahini dress was a stellar combination!
The Seafood Tower, though, was less stunning. Served in (iced) three tiers, our server supplied us each with a bucket of utensils for ease of consumption. Inside the bucket were single-use wet napkins, plastic bibs, and pincer-cracking tools. He took the time to introduce the "tower"'s components one at a time.
The Waterfront Warehouse was very much a warehouse at its core. But, as time passed, the interior was converted to that of a mainstream seafood restaurant - almost Red Lobster-like.
The Waterfront Warehouse was very much a warehouse at its core. But, as time passed, the interior was converted to that of a mainstream seafood restaurant - almost Red Lobster-like.
I will be upfront and confess that the Seafood Tower did not offer the best value. The shrimp cocktail, cocktail sauce, and solomon gundy (pickled herring) were identical to the likes of Costco. The lobser tail was tiny and still partially frozen. Snow crab legs suffered the same, half-chilly/half-mushy fate.
Oysters were salty to the point where I was gagging; factoring in their size and fishy stench, it was evident that minimal effort had been exerted to ensure depth of flavour. Indeed, they were plump and fresh, but there were no other traces of seasoning besides salt.
Oysters were salty to the point where I was gagging; factoring in their size and fishy stench, it was evident that minimal effort had been exerted to ensure depth of flavour. Indeed, they were plump and fresh, but there were no other traces of seasoning besides salt.
Undoubtedly one of the few higlights was the Fish Pâté. Served with crostini/baguette slices and crackers, the spread was delclious and a bit crunchy on top (could it be from nuts?)
All in all, I preferred the lobster tail from Harbour City best. The other constituents were outright dismal.
All in all, I preferred the lobster tail from Harbour City best. The other constituents were outright dismal.
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There was an unmistakably smug aura being radiated from our server. He did not seem like local, to which he happily replied that he was not; Pape and Logan in Toronto was his hometown. The consensus was that non-thoroughbreds appeared hastier and less affable.
Details of the washroom cannot be recalled besides that it resided across from the oyster bar.
Details of the washroom cannot be recalled besides that it resided across from the oyster bar.
Ending off the evening was a quick run to Cafe Taiyaki 52. I picked up a discounted batch of Matcha Mini Gangs (aka mini taiyaki), while observed how locals dealt with homeless residents in the city.
Souvenir counts were recapped, and a few trials at long exposure were made before falling into a deep slumber.
I was in for a wretched surprise the next day.
I was in for a wretched surprise the next day.
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