Canadian Adventure - Weekend in Halifax

Although Thai Chin and the Taj Mahal are separate restaurants (one Thai, the other Indian--I think you can figure out which is which!), they share an owner, who very kindly agreed to let our party order off of two menus, which must have been a nightmare to coordinate. Unlike the UK, where we are used to seeing an Indian restaurant on every corner, ethnic dining establishments in Canada are very few and far between, and high-quality places more so.

My meal at Thai Chin was one of the best I have experienced here in Canada so far. The service was excellent, but it was the food that won it for me. A party of fivewomen, instead of each ordering separately, we selected a few dishes for the table and dug in! Here's a selection of what we ate. Thai food is in green, Indian food in red.

Appetizers

Shish Kebab-marinated chicken and herbs cooked in the tandoor and served sizzling over roasted onions and green peppers. -marinated chicken and herbs cooked in the tandoor and served sizzling over roasted onions and green peppers. hot and crispy stir-fried mixed vegetable in a pancake roll. Served with a sweet chili dipping sauce

Thai spring roll spicy hot, with crisp veg and sauteed rice noodles. Served with a chilli/sesame oil

Entrees Thai red Curry - An aromatic curry cooked with chili, lemongrass, and Kaffir lime leaves

Jasmine rice

Pad Thai - Noodles cooked with spices and coconut milk

Chicken in Mango and Cashew nuts

Mixed thai salad

Chicken Bhuna

Lazeez Kashmiri Biryani - Basmati rice cooked with fresh vegetables, cashews, raisins, Kashmiri spices, or meats.

Lazeez Kashmiri Biryani - Basmati rice cooked with fresh vegetables, cashews, raisins, Kashmiri spices, or meats.

Pogue Fado is one of the busiest and most popular bars in Atlantic Canada, and it's easy to see why. It was started in 2002 by a group of friends who had always dreamed of running a pub. Their philosophy is to keep things simple, offering good food, good beer, and great live music. It really works for them as well. The bar staff are friendly and helpful and always ready to provide service with a smile. The clientle is wide and varied, with folks from all ages and all walks of life

On the night that we were there, a local band, Tenmile House, was playing. Mostly a covers band, Tenmile are regulars at Pogue, playing at least once a month to a packed house. A rock/pop covers band, they were right up my street, although some of their music may be a little obscure (White Zombie, Rage against the Machine, Pearl Jam), they did stray into the main stream with tunes by Green Day and Nirvana.

Pogue Fado offers live music at least three times a week. From Celtic/Irish to heavy rock, there is always something for everyone. On the nights when no bands are on, there is an excellent jukebox and a lively atmosphere. Food is served all day every day, and a wide variety is offered. Below is a selection from the "From the Emerald Isle" section of their menu.

Irish Stew $9.95 The most famous of Irish dishes, made with fresh lamb and root veggies in a thick broth, no need to say more.

Ring Of Kerry Cottage Pie $7.95 Ground beef and veggies in thick rich gravy, topped with lots of champ (mashed potatoes, milk, butter, chives, and a hint of garlic), served with your choice of salad.

Tipperary Chicken Caudle $9.95 Tender chicken and root veggies in a thick rich broth, caudled in a bed of Champ (mashed potatoes, milk, butter, chives, and a hint of garlic).

Guinness Steak Pie $9.95 Tender bits of steak and root veggies in a thick, rich broth all in a pot pie, served with a fresh mesclun mix.

Irish Style Fish & Chips $7.95 Two pieces of fresh haddock covered in an Irish beer batter (Smithwicks) fried golden brown. Served with fries, coleslaw, and tartar sauce. Add an extra piece of haddock for $1.50

Curry Chicken & Chips $6.95 Tender chicken with traditional curry gravy with onion, carrot, and peas served over fries, mashed or rice.