The Canteen, Dartmouth, 6/14/24

exterior – 22 Portland St, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1G9, Canada

The Canteen was in downtown Dartmouth in a cheery light space.  Chef/owner Renee Lavallee brings in lots of local items with a little European influence.  It was a large space with a second smaller room and a patio.  Windows to the street added extra light and the full bar had backed seats for additional diners.  Closed on Sun and Mon, the other days they serve brunch, lunch and dinner.  The walls hold lots of decorations and plants.  Some of the wall seating is on benches with the bare wood tables.  Some dividers make the space more cozy and approachable.  No music was in the background just a lot of happy people’s conversations, dampened by sound panels on the ceiling.  They offered one special and the soup changes daily.  Service was efficient and friendly.  We came to try one of their signature dishes, the Crobster Roll and I’d easily go again.  I really wanted to order the carrot cake dessert.  You could smell it baking when we came in but I knew a big dinner was coming so passed but still got a photo of the dessert options for you.

Continue reading

Oxalis Restaurant, Dartmouth, 6/13/24

building – 22 Wentworth St, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2S6, Canada

Oxalis Restaurant was opened in Nov. 2021 by Sophia Gruber and her husband Chef Andy Preuss in a 2-story building that was a residential home.  The interior can only accommodate 37 people so in June 2023 they opened an outdoor dining area that added 45 more seats when weather allows.  It’s a farm-to-table concept trying to highlight local products.  They offer an a la carte menu as well as a Chef’s tasting, with wine pairings available.   The menu and food reflect his roots in Germany and hers from Austria.  They met working at a resort in Austria but had an opportunity to move to Nova Scotia and work at Trout Point Lodge which afforded them more time to travel.   We sat on the first floor which had only 4 tables that are across from the large window to the kitchen.  Bench seating was on the long wall opposite the kitchen and and lights were lowered.  The walls had some well placed mirrors but otherwise there were few decorations but music was in the background.  Most seemed to want to sit outside but we wanted to be able to see all the dishes coming out of the kitchen.  Service was good and it was overall a fine meal.  The kitchen has creativity and is worth a visit if you are in the area. Continue reading