What’s Cooking: May 17 – 23
With the changing season comes a renewed opportunity to indulge in the culinary wonders of Nova Scotia. Some spots are still easing into their reopening, while others are settled in and boasting new and exciting experiences.
If you’re seeking new ways to embrace the arrival of spring, look no further! There’s much to discover this week on What’s Cooking.
Lincoln Street Food
The bistro is back! Lincoln Street Food reopens its doors May 17 ready to serve fresh, local and coastal food in its fun, yet laid-back atmosphere. They have a commitment to their relationships with local farmers and purveyors alike, so their menu changes regularly depending on what’s in season and what they can get their hands on.
Picture it as a farm-to-table market, where modernity meets the tradition of Nova Scotia. Be sure to pop-in and enjoy the seasonally flavoured and locally-driven menu.
Reservations and walk-ins are both welcomed!
East Coast Cider Festival
The wait is over, and it’s time to raise a glass to cider and celebration! The East Coast Cider Festival invites all cider imbibers to enjoy a tasting extravaganza at the Halifax Marriott Hotel this Saturday, May 18. Produced by Curated Food & Drink Magazine, cider-lovers can enjoy, discover and experience 21 different cideries from across Atlantic Canada. There are two tasting sessions to choose from, 1 – 6 p.m. or 6 – 9 p.m.
From crisp and refreshing to bold and complex, attendees have the opportunity to sample an impressive selection of ciders crafted with both care and precision from local producers. What better way to sip old favourites and discovers new ones too?
Make sure to pop by our members booths on your festival tour: Lake City Cider, Saltbox Brewing, Chain Yard Cider, Drink Sprizzi, Bulwark Cider, Annapolis Cider Company, Payday Cider.
Time slots are filling up fast! To ensure your spot, be sure to snag your tickets today.
Saltbox Brewery: Pints & Poses
Namaste and cheers! Saltbox Brewing Company invites you to roll out your mat and find your zen every Wednesday at 11 a.m starting May 22 until Aug. 29. Pints & Poses is an experience that seamlessly blends relaxation, rejuvenation, and a dash of seaside charm and vibrant patio feels. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or beginner, this weekly event is about fostering community and connection.
Saltbox assures there’s a warm welcome waiting for you on the mat!
Tickets are $17.50 and include a one-hour session led by instructor Darby Jack and a 13oz pint of your choice of beer or cider. Be sure to register for the first Pints & Poses today!
Ironworks Distillery
Ironworks Distillery has relaunched tastings for the season. With plenty of award-winning spirits to sample, they encourage you to experience their infusion of both tradition and innovation. Imbibers can choose their tasting adventure through three different sampling experiences this season!
Behind The Scenes: Experience an exclusive after-hours tour for up to ten guests. Journey through their historic building, and visit both the barrel and fermentations rooms and discover the ins and outs of the distillery process and sample along the way. The tour ends with a special cocktail and each guest of your tour will depart with an Ironworks branded shot glass and recipe card for future cocktail creations at home.
- 1.5 hr private after-hours tour at 5:45 – 7:15 p.m. Price: $350 / flat rate for up to ten people.
- Available for booking Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday.
Sensory Experience: Enjoy an in-depth approach to the fundamentals of nosing and tasting Ironworks spirits. They will guide you through sampling a few of their favourites and exclusive cask samples. This tour will assist in you gaining a better understanding of the steps of nosing and tasting craft spirits.
- 1.5 hr tasting experience tour at 7:00-8:30 p.m. Price: $50 per person
Spirits with a Story: A Guided Tasting: Immerse yourself in the history of Ironworks beginnings. During this tour, they will not only share the tales of the historic building, but show you the stills where the magic is made. Along the way, you’ll sip six of their signature spirts.
- five minute tasting experience. Time is set by guest and availability by the distillery. Price: $25 per person
All participants must be 19+
Discover all Ironworks Distillery has to offer and visit today! For more information on booking, e-mail: crafted@ironworksdistillery.com
Hope Blooms
Traditional java meets the healing power of fungi with Hope Blooms‘ new coffee. This unique brew blends coffee beans and four mushrooms: Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, Chaga, and Turkey Tail.
Here’s why Hope Blooms says you’ll love it:
- Better focus
- Improved gut health
- Reduced stress
- Clean energy
The blend combines the the bold flavours of coffee beans with the earthiness of mushrooms. It’s carefully crafted from the ground up and 100 per cent of the proceeds go to cross-cultural learning exchanges in Halifax (Kjipuktuk), NS.
To learn more and purchase, visit their website: hopeblooms.ca
Tangled Garden
Enter the edible landscape and not-so-secret garden this spring and celebrate the reopening of Tangled Garden on May 24. Nestled in the heart of Grand Pré, this spot serves as both a charming retreat and functional herb and fruit farm. Freshly harvested and nature preserving, Tangled Garden transforms its crops into jams and jellies, shrubs and syrups and inventive liqueurs and preserves of all kinds. Roam the surroundings and pop into the shop Monday – Saturday 10 a.m – 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m – 4 p.m.
Owner Beverly McClare re-invites you to book your unique culinary experience with Tangled Gardens afternoon picnic. Enjoy tea and house-made treats packed into hand-woven baskets amongst fresh-cut flowers and trees.
The season commences June 21 – Sept. 15 and reservations are open! Picnics are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays rain or shine.
Featured Recipe: Bulwark Original Cider Braised Pork Loin
Continue the cider fest celebrations with this recipe provided by Bulwark Cider, Muwin Estate Wines Ltd. The not-so-secret ingredient? The combination of both Bulwark cider and apple cider vinegar give this roast unmatched tenderness and taste. Complemented by all local honey, crisp apples and tangy cranberries, this chutney is a great accompaniment to elevate your dining experience this week.
Local Source Guide:
Bulwark Original Cider: Purchase Bulwark Cider at their cidery in New Ross, the Cider House in Halifax, by ordering online, or by visiting the NSLC, your nearest private liquor store, or Liquid Assets at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
Produce: Noggins Corner Farm Market, Stirling Fruit Farms Ltd., Masstown Market, Uprooted Market & Café, or one of the many other Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia.
Pork Roast: Masstown Butcher or the Pork Shop.
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Photography provided by: Jessica Emin, @eatwithjessie.
This recipe is featured in our 2021 Taste of Nova Scotia Culinary Guide.
- May 24: The Carleton is hosting a Beer Release Party for all to try the new beer crafted by Garrison Brewing Company. Doors open at 8 p.m. Swing by for sips and country music from The Desperado Band. Grab your tickets today.
- May 25: Happy National wine day! Celebrate with a glass (or two) of Tidal Bay, Nova Scotia’s signature wine. Pop by Jost Vineyards for their annual Tidal Bay bash! indulge in locally-inspired cuisine from Seagrape Café, groove to live music on our open-air patio, and seize outstanding wine offers. Doors open at noon and close at five. Admission is free! This is a 19+ event.
- May 25: Join Argyler Lodge and Restaurant on May 25 for an unforgettable culinary expeirence. Enjoy local seafood paired with wine from all over Nova Scotia. Seating is limited. Call 902-643-2500 or email info@argyler.com to reserve your spot.
- May 30: Discover an array of refreshing ciders from Nova Scotia’s finest craft cideries at the Old Orchard Inn during the Ciders and Sliders event hosted by the Nova Scotia Cider Association! Get your tickets online or call 800-561-8090 or 902-542-5751 for more details.