Canadian hospitality at its best

Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia, stands out as the most populous in the province, and is filled with exciting destinations and international cuisine where a slew of local chefs dominate the restaurant scene.

Since the mid-1970s, Robert Risely, the brainchild and pioneer of RCR Hospitality Group (www.rcr.ca), has owned more than a dozen restaurants in Halifax that bring out their eccentricity for an ideal, eventful dining experience. Shannon Bruhm, who serves as the group’s president, along with the rest of the team, continue to remodel Halifax’s culinary landscape. For more than four decades, RCR has owned and operated many well established restaurants while also serving as the caterer of note for major functions, priding themselves on deeply passionate chefs who prepare and serve locally sourced produce as well as freshly caught seafood.

Cable Wharf Kitchen and Bar, situated directly on the water with hypnotic views as far as the eye can see, overlooks the captivating Halifax Harbour. Cable Wharf, which was remodelled and renovated, was purchased by RCR Hospitality Group in 2023. Over a year later, the restaurant has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike.

Plunge right into their Atlantic cold water-pickled herring that is delicately balanced by a boldly flavoured buttery cauliflower concoction and a grapefruit dashi. For a well balanced and fulfilling starter, the seafood chowder’s thick and creamy consistency is brimming with enticingly fragrant chunks of shellfish and whitefish. Further diving into an intensely appetizing experience, the crab cakes are a true treat made up of a number of flavours: sweet seared pineapple as well as an exquisite slightly bitter mustard aioli. For an even more refreshing touch to revive the palate, the caramelized peach salad in a walnut tarragon vinaigrette explodes with a variety of sharp and pungent tastes. The selection of main courses focuses on the freshest catch, including the Icelandic sustainable cod fillet, in the form of fish and chips, immersed in a thick and crispy pale ale batter and served with a cabbage slaw, a creative rendition of a coleslaw. Cable Wharf’s lobster roll is another must-try with local catch tossed in mayonnaise and stuffed in a soft garlic potato bun. For the diner inclined to quench their thirst, the bar programme offers a variety of drinks and cocktails with many locally based refreshments.

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Above, from top: Metallic panelling on the ceiling at Pazzo Ristorante & Enoteca. Dishes served at Pazzo.

For a more elevated feast with an RCR Hospitality Group twist, Pazzo Ristorante & Enoteca is their most recent project. Located on historical Barrington Street, also recognized as one of the major streets of the city that is home to the Halifax City Hall, it welcomes guests to a majestic site with detailed silver panelling. The desirable aroma in the air entices the crowd. Freshly baked focccacia bread with a variety of spreads made up of a green olive tapenade and a white truffle lemon butter is a perfect way to start the culinary Pazzo journey. A bright and crisp panzanella with locally sourced heirloom cherry tomatoes and crisp red onions, perfectly drenched in extra virgin olive oil and lemon, is a refreshing continuation of the appetizing trip as the grand antipasto offers an extensive variety of delectable tastings, including preserved vegetables, marinated olives and artichokes, as well as a tangy cheese selection. The range of pastas, freshly homemade and prepared al dente, is available in either small or large portions. The mushroom agnolotti, a truffle- and ricotta-filled pasta, is submerged in a delicate butter tarragon sauce. For an even simpler offering the orecchiette, also known as ‘little ear’ pasta, is prepared with an arugula pesto, roasted peppers and Italian sausage. To accompany each dish, a number of sides accentuate the full meal, such as roasted potatoes in a confit butter and a confit garlic, lemon glazed carrots with toasted pine nuts, as well as caramelized fennel in a lemon butter glaze. The dedicated team behind Pazzo stay true to their homemade preparations that are exclusively made to order; as a result, get ready to take the time to sit back and relax before leaping into their complete culinary masterpieces.

We make our way back to the bustling harbour where executive chef Ted Pace outdoes himself at Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel’s Harbourstone Pour House (www.theharbourstone.com). Chef Ted’s profound passion for fresh farm-to-table cuisine can be seen and relished in each platter. He brings his vision and culinary talent to the table where diners can enjoy a plethora of options. Whether a simple dish or a more sophisticated platter, Chef Ted highlights rich tastes and appealing visual beauty. The chowder is packed with seafood combinations floating in a delicate creamy soup, a scoop of olive tapenade on Newfoundland cod (a lean and meaty portion) accompanied by a silky turnip and parsnip purée—a delectable awakening. The Atlantic lobster roll immersed in a delectably seasoned tarragon cream bursts with thrilling tastes to satisfy diners’ appetites.

Early 2024 welcomed Moxy Halifax Downtown by Marriott. Co-owners and developers Norman Nahas and Joe Metlege unveiled a modern and intricately designed 160-room getaway, situated in close proximity to many major sites. A large and eye-catching pink neon Moxy sign stands bright from afar while a grandiose statue of a lion at the driveway welcomes visitors and passers-by into the whimsical realm of the Moxy. Walking straight up to the check-in counter, connected to the funky Bar Moxy, you notice how the quaint atmosphere offers a cozy escape. The clean minimalist rooms, many with kitchenettes, offer guests a relaxing experience. For those requiring a toothbrush, toothpaste, bath towel or any other necessary amenity, a stocked cupboard on each floor is available.

Moxy Hotel does not provide the full conventional offerings of a standard hotel. For example, housekeeping services are provided once every other day during a guest’s full stay and in-room dining is unavailable. The Moxy concept shies away from the traditional offerings of a hotel while still maintaining comfort.

Sit outside on the lobby’s terrace while sipping on a hot beverage or a cool drink; otherwise head inside to choose from Bar Moxy’s extensive food menu that includes a piquant lobster roll, a creative shakshuka served on a delicately baked flatbread, and a beautifully marinated spicy shrimp. As guests reminisce, recharge and relax in the midst of an æsthetically delightful atmosphere, the professional and hospitable general manager, Harry Arora, is available daily to ensure that each visitor is taken care of and that the space is well maintained.

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Courtesy Halifax Tower Hotel
 
Above: The Halifax Tower Hotel and Conference Center.

From the hip and amusingly entertaining ambiance of the Moxy, we make our way 15 km outside Halifax (a short 15-minute drive) where the cleanliness and exuberant hospitality of Halifax Tower Hotel and Conference Center, Ascend Hotel Collection (www.halifaxtowerhotel.com) awaits.

Since opening in 2022, the 14-storey towering edifice stands tall in the distance. Centrally located in Bayer’s Lake, the Halifax Tower Hotel includes spacious meeting rooms, more than 100 guest rooms and suites, business centre, a ballroom fit for 320 people, as well as an indoor pool and hot tub. Located next door to a 73-room Comfort Hotel that opened more than a decade ago, owner Stephanie Giannoulis and the team opted to expand the property. The exceptional décor includes a sublime entrance with a spiral staircase and lifts that guide guests directly to the hotel lobby situated on the third floor. The sophisticated furnishings include marble flooring and majestic vases. A complimentary hot buffet on the top floor as well as a 24-hour hot beverage machine in the lobby offer a cozy and welcoming touch. Other convenient offerings include on-site parking, an electric vehicle charging station and a well equipped fitness centre. Whether travelling on a romantic getaway, a corporate gathering, a solo trip or an escape with family and friends, Giannoulis and her team’s goal is to make guests feel right at home.

From Nova Scotia, make your way to New Brunswick where the beauty of Canada is just as spectacular. The Algonquin Resort St Andrews by-the-Sea, Autograph Collection (www.algonquinresort.com), is a fabulously spectacular luxury resort with a rich tale to tell, having served as a vacation destination to a number of heads of state, namely HM King Charles III (when he was HRH the Prince of Wales), Theodore Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson, as well as most of the Prime Ministers of Canada. The inviting entrance leads guests into a delightful lobby with a cozy fireplace, regal piano and a stunning, serene setting. The rooms are cozy and delightfully arranged, offering comfort and style while overlooking sublime views. A spa, golf course, as well as an indoor heated pool with access to a three-storey waterslide brings an extra spark to the resort’s entertainment offerings. Early morning coffee and a full breakfast are available to enjoy on the delightful patio overlooking eye-catching greenery. The welcoming staff, as well as the majestic surroundings, contribute to a memorable experience. •

 
Lola Cristall is Paris editor of Lucire.

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