St. Patrick’s day in Halifax – the
most iconic Canadian celebration, craft beer and shenanigans from dawn
until way past dusk. In years past, my day would begin at 7am and as my sister pulls into work she receives
the first of many drunken texts from me. This year was
dramatically different. I would
have loved to be one of the lucky ones who got into Split Crow, but
seeing as
how they were at capacity at 8:30 am and I had to work until 5:30 pm it
simply
was not meant to be.
After a bit of
exploration, we found a bar that was not at capacity
(not an easy feat) and had an awesome time! The Loose Cannon was
almost full and very lively which, in my
opinion, is the perfect mix. Too crowded and the bar can be stressful
and too
empty it simply does not have the right vibe. The waitress was very
attentive.
I saw her way more frequently than I needed her! This is a feat for most
waitresses on a regular night, but was really amazing on a night as busy
as St.
P’s. Apparently, she had been working for over 12 hours that day!
We ordered potato
skins which were amazing – hot and delicious. And as
an added bonus, I learned that my husband hates potatoes in all forms,
even ones
dipped in cheese! The skins did take a little long to emerge from the
kitchen
but they were really hot so our waitress did not drop the ball on that
one! The
local, craft beer on draught could have been larger but we did enjoy
Garrison
Brown and Propeller Blueberry which were both pretty amazing.
And that’s pretty
much all I remember about the Loose Cannon on Saturday night but
thankfully due to my late work
schedule we were up and about Sunday morning quite early. Actually, it
appears
we were downtown before everyone had finished their festivities the
night
before and consequently there was nothing open for breakfast. I was
excited
when we crossed paths with the open Loose
Cannon and with a stellar brunch deal!
There were a
couple of versions of eggs benedict on the menu. Mine had
dill, asparagus and bacon (which I omitted). My partner
had scrambled eggs and sausages. I
also had Propeller Blueberry Ale for breakfast. The portions were on the
small
side, but the food was delicious and the price was right! On a
non-hangover
morning the size would have been perfect as I am not a big breakfast
eater but
for the day after St. P’s order two! The hollandaise sauce was creamy
and full
of dill flavor and the home fries were lightly salted and made the ideal
accompaniment
to the eggs. On the way out, I got a glimpse of some awesome smelling
curry and
will recommend that on smell alone! Also, I tried to make my partner
order the
Haggis but he was not having any of it! (I am a vegetarian so I could
not order
it).
The place was
pretty empty when we arrived and we got a chance to make
inane chit chat with the bar staff as we always sit at the bar when
available.
The bartender claims to pour a good Guinness but we did not risk it as
he said
he attempts to put the shamrock in the head (which in my books is a sign
of a
true amateur). We got to have a good look around (in the cold light of
day) and
they have this awesome thing called a ‘Buddy Board’ in which one regular
patron
can buy a drink for another even when they are not there. So the board
has
things like ‘Kev bought Train a blue balls martini’. Also, they have a
ton of
whiskey and scotches behind the bar and a whiskey tasting night each
week. My
pocketbook is glad that I do not live in Halifax because I want so badly
to be
a regular at this bar and drink scotch with Kev and Train!
The Loose
Cannon
1556 Argyle
Street
Halifax
Sarah E. Hoffman is a pamphleteer, blogger, academic and gastronomist. She enjoys picnics, the smell of freshly baked bread, and bobo tea. When stressed she bakes until the flour runs out. Sarah is married to a very understanding non-foodie, whom she is in the process of converting. Find out more at: www.sarahhoffman99.blogspot.
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