Riviera is sticking out

Riviera is sticking out on Sparks street, figuratively speaking. The restaurant, opened six months ago by Matthew Carmichael and Jordan Holley (of El Camino and Datsun fame), has a very discreet neon blue sign and you can’t really see what’s going on inside from the pedestrian mall. If you don’t know about it, you could walk right by it without noticing. Located between Metcalfe and Elgin, the spot actually sticks out because it is a fancy-schmancy restaurant on a stretch better known for its pub fare, cheap breakfasts and quick lunches. It is also quite stylish. Built in 1869, the building was a bank for most of its lifespan. It features fantastic high ceilings, more natural light then you would think, an open, humming kitchen and a very long bar, spanning almost the length of the entire restaurant, with plenty of space to sit, drink and eat comfortably. I’m a sucker…

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Le Savoy’s special lunch

The Savoy opened about two years ago The Savoy opened about two years ago and has been a popular destination in Westboro. It is the brasserie-soeur of The Metropolitain. Owned by the same group, along with the Empire Grill and The Grand Pizzeria and Bar, it is located where the Westboro iconic, Moe’s World Famous Newport Restaurant (and Ottawa’s Elvis Sighting Society) was established for 25 years. With big windows, high ceilings and ceramic floors, the spot has undergone significant renovations to become a French Brasserie. It also now showcases a mile-long zinc-topped bar. Large mirrors around the room make the space look even more spacious. It was quiet during lunch time which made for a great, personalized and efficient service. The menu is quite similar to The Met, but somewhat less expensive. Of course, The Savoy’s executive chef is Mike Poliquin – same as its brasserie-soeur, so the logic…

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Chives’ talkin’

For our first dinner during our Halifax getaway weekend, we decided to go to Chives, which was on a shortlist of recommendations from the Waffler nation. I had also heard good things about Chives Canadian Bistro, although had been warned that it could be a bit pricey.The restaurant was quite busy, which is normal for a Saturday night – thankfully, we were able to make online reservations for a late dinner date. The restaurant was quite busy, which is normal for a Saturday night – thankfully, we were able to make online reservations for a late dinner date. Chives opened in December 2001 and since then it has gained an excellent reputation, winning numerous awards notably in The Coast. The restaurant is in downtown Halifax, on Barrington Street,which runs adjacent from the famous Halifax harbour. The outside features a weird doll display, representing something. I don’t know. The 2nd storey…

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