It’s Finally Time To Eat Inside Restaurants Again
The Saturday Huddle is a weekly column that features opinion, analysis and reflections on Huddle stories, podcasts and business news in the region. Derek Montague is a Halifax-based reporter for Huddle.
Oh, how we keep taking the good things for granted. No matter how many times we say we won’t do it again, it’s right up there with death and taxes.
Once we are spoiled with a good thing it’s like we get numb to its euphoric sensation. And much like Joni Mitchell, it’s only when it’s gone that we realize its awesomeness.
In Halifax, we’ve been spoiled with an amazing restaurant scene for years. We don’t rely on chain restaurants or have to keep going to the same spot repeatedly. The quantity and quality of locally owned, independent eateries are a sight to behold for someone like me.
I grew up in an isolated, rural Labrador. The restaurant scene is dire there both in terms of quality and quantity. And you often get subpar customer service.
When I was 15, I had no choice but to take a girl on a date to Pizza Delight because it was the fanciest in-dining experience I could find. Slim pickings. This was one of many reasons I eventually decided to leave.
When I gather with a group of friends, one of my favourite activities is going out to a nice restaurant. Conversation just seems to flow smoother over a good meal, good seating, and good soda (I’m not much of a drinker in my old age).
I only moved to the wonderful city of Halifax in 2018 but I visited many summers before for vacation. On one such vacation, in 2015, more than half a dozen friends and I went to a Vietnamese restaurant called Gingergrass.
The food was so delicious, and the décor so welcoming, it put us all in a great mood. One of my friends easily observed how happy I seemed in Halifax compared to how miserable my life in Labrador sounded. She said I needed to make the easy decision and move out here.
It took three years, but I eventually took her advice.
Of course, the way we socialized and dined changed dramatically in 2020. No longer could we go out in large groups anywhere. And as for eating in at a nice restaurant? Not happening.
Suddenly, apps like Skip The Dishes and Uber were taking off; busier than ever and taking as high as a 30 percent cut. Some restaurants reported making no profit from sales on these apps; they were basically doing it to keep a cash flow and retain customers.
If you had a pizza place or greasy food joint that was accustomed to delivery, you may have done okay during the height of the pandemic. But many independent places that invested so much of their money on in-dining ambiance were barely surviving. Government supports and CEBA loans were needed.
On Monday, Nova Scotia will be mostly restriction free. That means there’s no excuse not to enjoy Halifax’s fine establishments again. But we are humans. As much as we like to pretend we have free will, we are behavioural beings. Ordering out has become a fierce habit over two years that may be hard to break.
Related: Nova Scotia’s State of Emergency Ending After Two Years
But let me regale you with a recent experience of mine that I hope convinces you to break that habit.
Last weekend, a dear friend of mine (whom I haven’t seen in over two years) paid a surprise visit from Saint John. Of course, this called for a restaurant outing. I honestly can’t remember the last time I organized one of those.
My Saint John friend is a vegetarian but I was surprised by how many options were available for her. We chose the Wooden Monkey at Alderney Landing.
Ironically, I had interviewed the owner of this restaurant in the early pandemic days (remember those innocent times?) but had not yet eaten at this popular Dartmouth joint.
My first impression was the place was beautiful. I was so used to eating restaurant food in my non-decorated room that I forgot how enjoyable it is to dine somewhere with an actual atmosphere.
The server did us a big solid by giving us a window seat. The sight of the harbour is breathtaking from an elevated view. Such a simple gesture added so much value to our dining experience.
The service all afternoon was exemplary. The servers were bright and cheerful, chatting with us while laughing and joking.
I ordered the table a round of dips with pita bread and chips. Without us needing to ask, she offered to give us more when it ran out. Another simple gesture that makes you feel welcome at an establishment.
The service crew went above and beyond when one of my friends wanted a tequila sunrise that wasn’t on the menu. The bar staff made one for him anyway with the ingredients they had on hand.
To top it all off, the food was fantastic. I never knew vegetables could taste so good. I even told my server to send compliments to the chef, which I do rarely.
At the end of the day, including taxes and tips, I paid $70 for that meal. Now, when I order delivery or takeout, I think I’m overpaying if it’s more than $20. Yet, I didn’t think twice about paying a bill that was $50 more.
The weekend before my Wooden Monkey excursion, a couple of friends and I dropped into The Middle Spoon in Bedford. This may be my favourite restaurant in terms of sheer ambiance. It’s a dessert and cocktail joint, the type of place that is meant for late evening enjoyment.
So, it’s fitting the place is dimly lit. I’ve always felt most comfortable in these dark settings. Come nighttime, the last thing I want is a bright bulb lighting up the room.
To top off the terrific mood, the service and food were top-notch. At first, I was hesitant about spending $10 on a slice of chocolate pie. But it was so rich and filling, I couldn’t have a second slice even if I was offered one for free.
It’s much different than our mindset when we get food delivered, where it’s often quantity over quality to fill our stomachs.
This spring, and going into summer, we have the choice of continuing our old Covid habits, or spending a little bit more on fulfilling, sociable, experiences again.
I know which one I prefer.