Actor Richard Kind Describes His Day In ‘Beautiful Halifax’
HALIFAX–Richard Kind only got to spend a few days in Halifax and Cape Breton. But the city, the region, and the amenities made a deep impression on the comedic actor from New York.
“Everything was sort of cliche,” said Kind in an interview with Huddle. “The people were lovely, the golf was great; everybody was so kind.”
Sightings of actors are not unusual in Halifax since Nova Scotia has become a popular filming location for U.S. productions. But Kind wasn’t in the province for work. He is a lover of golf and was with a group of friends heading to Cabot Links in Cape Breton.
“I wish I could say I was (filming up there), but I got to play two great golf courses. The golf courses are gorgeous, gorgeous, oh my God, just spectacular!” Exclaimed Kind.
“It’s a destination point, it is WELL worth it,” said Kind.
The actor, who is currently filming a new show for CBS called East New York, also got to experience something uniquely Canadian.
“While we were waiting for the people from Chicago, who were due at 10 at night, we saw beautiful Halifax. And we stopped at the (food) truck and had great poutine, which I never had before,” recalled Kind.
“And I had one from the oldest food truck in Halifax.”
On June 4, Kind’s Halifax presence went viral after the owners of the city’s most famous chip truck, BUD The SPUD, posted a picture of Kind on Instagram eating that same poutine.
Kyle Conrod, who owns BUD with Kathleen Porter, recalls explaining to the American actor and comedian what ingredients were in poutine. He also gave Kind some colourful tips on when Maritimers prefer to eat the classic Canadian dish.
“He was looking at the menu and was puzzled and said, ‘what’s a poutine?’ So right away I knew this guy has never been around here. He probably hasn’t been in Canada very often if he doesn’t know what a poutine is,” said Conrod.
“I told him: ‘It’s a great late-night snack when you’re drinking or hungover but it’s also great in the middle of the day, like right now.”
Either that tip or the ingredients seemed to do the trick.
“He said, ‘you know what, let’s get a large poutine with four forks, were all going to try it out,” said Conrod.
Kathleen Porter told Kind he looked recognizable. After learning his name, Conrod knew one of the shows Kind performs in.
“I immediately said ‘one of my best friends is a fan of Curb Your Enthusiasm.’”
(The author of this article is also a huge fan of Curb Your Enthusiasm).
But BUD The SPUD wasn’t the only local eatery Kind and his crew hit up that day. Being in Nova Scotia, they wanted to have a proper seafood dinner. The actor was blown away by what they got to eat at The Bicycle Thief.
“What a meal! Oh my gosh!” He exclaimed.
“We wanted a seafood meal, and it was special. Their Cioppino was fantastic, the mussels were great. And the Calamari was so perfectly done.”
Even though Kind hails from a city famous for its restaurant scene, he was in disbelief over the number of options Halifax had to offer.
“We were astounded, there can’t be as many people as there are restaurants to eat at. It’s astounding!”
Kind and his friends got to see some of Downtown Halifax’s scenery, including a stroll through the public gardens. There happened to be a high school graduation ceremony taking place at the time. Coincidentally, Kind’s own son graduated last week, which cut his golf trip short after three days.
Kind even had great things to say about the Alt Hotel, which is connected to the Halifax Airport. Although he does have one piece of advice for the place.
“At the airport, the Alt Hotel is beautiful, lovely! But get a restaurant in that hotel. Don’t just serve a roll and coffee!”
Kind summarized his Nova Scotia experience, by calling us “the nicest people in the world.”
“I don’t want to say anything about American right now. But I know the Canadian passport right now is a very desirable thing.”
Derek Montague is a Huddle reporter in Halifax. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].