Maritime Museum of the Atlantic fish truck

Where: Chip truck by Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
When: Wednesday, July 10, 2013.
What: Two piece fish and chips, $8.50, taxes incl.

Today I was really good and brought my lunch from home. I even had a big salad that I was really looking forward to eat, but then when I got to work I realized I forgot the home made vinaigrette at home. Salad without salad dressing is just boring. I don't like vegetables that much, you know?

Since I'm working a new job down town I decided to check out a fish and chips truck near my work. This truck has been around for many years and is always parked outside the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, at least during warm weather.

It was cold and overcast today and there was no line-up when I arrived at the truck at a little bit past 1pm. I checked out the menu on the front of the truck, and decided on a two piece fish and chips, since I was very hungry.

A man opened the order window to take my order. He was very friendly and even  made a joke with me. I didn't have to wait very long for my order; maybe five minutes. The truck is fairly small, but there is a counter on the side, to the left of the ordering window, where you can pick up your food. Also on this counter are some condiments: ketchup, white and malt vinegar, and salt. While I was waiting the lady working there asked me if I wanted tartar sauce and if I needed my order to go or not. She also offered me packets up ketchup but I opted to just squirt some on my fries once she handed me my order.

I decided to eat back at my office since it wasn't very nice outside. I took a photo as soon as I sat down and that is what you see above. The fish looked very nice and there were a lot of fries! I didn't find the batter very crispy, but that may have been because I carried it back to my office in a styrofoam container. But I could tell that it light and not doughy like you sometimes fine. The fish inside was very fresh, with a nice flakiness to it and not over cooked.

I liked that you get a big pile of hand cut fries too. Again, I think the fries would have been better if I had eaten them there at the site, rather than bring them back to my desk. Styrofoam has a way of steaming the food inside, making it slightly mushy. I did eat both pieces of fish and almost all of the fries though. I don't particularly care for the Kraft tartar sauce, so I don't know why I even took some. I guess I forgot what it tastes like. Plenty of people like the Kraft tartar sauce though, and I wasn't expecting the home made kind anyway.

I would visit this truck again, perhaps on a sunny day to get the fish a second time or maybe try the poutine.

I give this fish truck 2.5 little fishies out of 5.

Your Father's Moustache

Where: Your Father's Moustache, 5686 Spring Garden Rd Halifax, NS.
When: Thursday, May 3, 2012.
What: Two piece fish and chips, $14.50+tax.

This is an old review from last year that I forgot to post.

I generally do like Your Father's Moustache, but I did not like these fish and chips. They have these fries that are coated with some kind of crispy stuff and I don't like them. I would prefer hand cut fries or just regular McCain's type frozen fries over those crispy ones.

I found the batter very greasy and the fish was mushy.The pieces of fish were quite large at least but there is not much to say about it really. I was disappointed.

You get packets of tartar sauce and white vinegar, pus some coleslaw on the side.

I give Your Father's Moustache 2 little fishies out of 5.

Andrew's Fish & Chips

Where: Andrew's Fish & Chips, in front of Spring Garden Road Library, Halifax, NS
When: Sunday, May 8, 2011
What: One piece fish and chips, $6.

I was wandering around downtown Halifax on Sunday and decided to get some fish and chips after my trip to the library. During the warmer months there is usually a chip truck in front of the Spring Garden Road Library. The highly coveted spot in front of the library is very popular among chip truck owners. I hadn't had truck fries in years and decided to treat myself.

Andrew's Fish & Chips sells more than just fries. They sell 1 and 2 piece fish and chips, poutines, and hotdogs, as well as cold drinks. There was no line up on this day, but since it was an overcast Sunday in May, that was not surprising. The truck was staffed by 2 people and my order came quickly. In front of the order window is a shelf with lots of condiments for your fries or hotdogs, including ketchup, mustard, relish, white vinegar and red wine vinegar, tartar sauce, salt and pepper, and sauerkraut. 

I took my plate of fish and chips and sat on a bench in front of the library. There were a lot of pigeons around which was kind of gross, but that is not the chip truck's fault. People need to stop feeding the pigeons! *ahem*

You maybe can't tell from the above photo, but there were a lot of fries. Way too many. I would rather have had 2 pieces of fish and less fries. Well except for the fact that the fish wasn't that great either. The batter was crispy but didn't have much taste to it, and it was really wet on the inside. The fish was also very mushy. I wonder if they pre-cooked the fish or just fried it too long. Hard to know for sure really. The fries were a bit tough, also like they were fried for too long. I wasn't overly impressed, but it was a chip truck after all, and only $6.

Maybe I should make it my goal to try all the chip trucks I can find in the city?

I give Andrew's Fish & Chips 2 little fishies out of 5.

The Battered Fish

Where: The Battered Fish, Scotia Square Food Court, 1999 Market Street, Halifax, NS
When: Friday, March 11, 2011
What: Two piece fish and chips, $8.49+tax

This review sort of has a long story behind it. Last September I bought two vouchers from the coupon website Steal The Deal to use at The Battered Fish, Bedford Highway location. The deal was for $10 worth of food for only $5, so kind of like a two for one. I bought two vouchers thinking I could use one for myself and give one to a friend. I didn't get to use them right away, but unfortunately by the time I did plan to use them the Bedford Highway location had shut down for the season.

I didn't know what to do and was annoyed with myself for waiting too long. I left a message on The Battered Fish Facebook group but figured I was probably out the $10 and didn't think I'd get to use my vouchers. Well apparently they did respond to my Facebook message but I didn't get any notification. In February I got a message from the owner who said he'd be happy to take my vouchers at their new location in Scotia Square. Super awesome!

This past Friday my friend Tina picked me up and we went to the Scotia Square food court to get our fish and chips. This new location opened in February and it wasn't busy when we arrived late afternoon. There was a bit of confusion at first when I handed over my vouchers, but they had no problem honouring them. We could each get $10 worth of any food we wanted, but we both ordered a two piece fish and chips.

While waiting I took a look at the various condiments they had on the counter. There were two mustard and ketchup dispensers which is great because I love getting my ketchup in those little paper cups. On the counter were four different types of vinegar, salt and pepper, plus sea salt. When our food was ready we were offered tartar sauce and another type of secret sauce. You could also get a variety of beverages from fountain pop to drinks in glass bottles, including Propeller soda.

Our fish and chips came in a box with red and white checked wax paper. At first I did like the presentation and it seemed like the boxes would be great for a meal on the go. I dug into my fries before trying out the fish. I had sprinkled sea salt on them but the salt didn't really stick like ordinary salt would. Maybe it would be better if they provided a smaller grind of sea salt (I know smaller sea salt exists because I've bought it). The fries were really good though; clearly hand cut in a shoe string style which I do like. They were hot, crispy and plenty of them.

The fish was another story. It looked good, but once I cut into it I saw otherwise. The batter was light and crispy in some parts, but it was very oily. This may have been because the box and wax paper didn't allow for absorption of the extra oil, so the fish was sitting in the oil. That is just my guess though. According to their website, the take out boxes are biodegradable. The inside of the fish was alright, without any of the doughy or gooey inside you sometimes get when there is too much batter. It was flaky and had a nice freshness to it, but overall I felt like the fish was just soggy.  My friend agreed with me that she found the fish soggy too.

I would be interested to hear if anyone else had the same problem with their fish being soggy. I had high hopes for The Battered Fish but was left with some disappointment. I would go back to try some of the other fried delights on the menu, but it will probably be a while before I try the fish and chips again.

If you would like to try The Battered Fish, keep an eye out this summer for their locations on the Halifax Waterfront (beside Beavertails), and at 766 Bedford Highway.

I give The Battered Fish 3 little fishies out of 5.

Fredie's Fantastic Fish House

Where: Fredie's Fantastic Fish House, 8 Oland Crescent, Halifax, NS
When: Monday, September 6, 2010
What: Two piece fish and chips, $8.65+tax

On Labour Day, just shortly after Hurricane Earl rolled through, I got together with my friend Tina for a trip out to Bayers Lake to eat some fish and chips at Fredie's Fantastic Fish House. This is another place people have recommended to me, and we were thankful it was open on the Labour Day holiday.



I think maybe we were the only customers in there so it was not a long wait to order. I can imagine during the weekday it's a busy spot with the lunch crowd. The staff were really relaxed and friendly. Since it was a really nice day out, we sat outside and our server would bring out order out. The view in Bayers Lake Industrial Park is not pretty, but at least we got to enjoy the fresh air, sun, and the quiet of a holiday. We each ordered a two piece fish and chips, and my friend got her fries as a poutine.

While waiting for our food outside, we could smell the earthy scent of fresh potatoes. Is that not the best sign that the fries were going to be awesome or what? At our table we had a caddy with malt and white vinegar, plus ketchup. We were also given packets of Kraft tartar sauce (which I'm not really a fan of).





Holy cow was this ever good! I loved the thick, hand cut fries. The batter on the fish was perfect. Light and crisp without any of that gooey inside you sometimes get, plus the fillets were fresh and flaky. I didn't try any of my friend's poutine but she says that Fredie's is her favourite fish and chips place in the city now.

For service, friendliness, good food and price, you would be hard pressed to find a better deal than Fredie's Fantastic Fish House. If you work or shop in Bayers Lake or just want some good fish and chips, it's definitely worth the trip out.

I give Fredie's Fantastic Fish House 5 little fishies out of 5.

A special thanks to my friend Tina for the great photos.

Take Out Fish & Chips

I got some fish and chips delivered from Freeman's Little New York back in December. They're pretty good for delivery. I have reviewed them before here. I really like the fries and the tartar sauce.

Ardmore Tea Room

Where: Ardmore Tea Room, 6499 Quinpool Road, Halifax, NS.
When: Monday, October 19, 2009.
What: Fish and chips, $8.49+tax.

The Ardmore Tea Room is another one of those local favourites, popular with the young and old. Ardmore serves all day breakfast, and good, homemade style comfort food. Plus it's cheap! The Ardmore has also won many awards in The Coast's Best Of Food, including Best Fish Cakes in 2009.

My friend ordered a veggie burger platter and I got the fish and chips (you can read her veggie burger review here).

As you can see from the picture below, the portions are huge! It comes with handcut fries, two pieces of haddock in a dark, crispy batter, and a side of cole slaw. Our food came quickly and was nice and hot. I was a little bit shocked at the dark colour of the bater on the fish. It looks like they either cooked it too long or maybe the oil hadn't been changed in a while. The fish was good though, with lots of flavour. I liked the cole slaw too. Of course the fries, as always were great!

It was a lot of food though and I didn't eat all the fries. Next time I will just get a half order.

I give Adrmore Tea Room 3.8 little fishies out of 5.

Willman's Fish and Chips

Where: Willman's Seafood, 5644 Kane Street, Halifax, NS.
When: Monday, June  15th, 2009.
What: Willman's Fish & Poutine Special, $8.95+tax

I had the day off and my friend Erica wanted to go out to eat. I had promissed  her one day we'd go have fish and chips someplace in town, so we stopped by Willman's Seafood in the Hydrostone area of Halifax's north end.

The fish and chips are just as great as they were last time I ate at Willman's. The staff there are so very friendly.

We admired their new sign while we ate!

And stuffed our faces with fish, chips, and poutine! It was delicious. Handcut fries, lightly battered fresh haddock, and read cheese curds. We did have a choice between mozeralla and curds, and we made the right choice.

It's a lot of food, so if you are not super hungry you might want to share with a friend. I will definitely have this again next time I go to Willman's.

I give Willman's 5 little fishies out of 5.

Johnny's Snack Bar

Where: Johnny's Snack Bar, 6204 Almon St, Halifax.

When: Friday, May 22nd, 2009.
What: Two piece fish and chips, I totally don't remember how much, but it was cheap.

Another local favourite in Halifax is Johnny's Snack Bar, located across the Forum on Almon Street. I've been there a few times before but hadn't had a chance to try the fish and chips. It's a cosy little spot near the post office, in an old house. You can enjoy your meal at a booth, or sit at the counter.

There is one menu per table, with the day's specials on a handwritten note attached to the menu. I was meeting a friend for lunch, and ordered a milkshake while I waited (it was really hot out that day). The milkshake was delicious!

I ordered a two piece fish and chips, and unfortunately I can't remember how much it was. It was cheap though. Probably around $6.

The fries appear to be of the frozen variety. Maybe it's just me, but I often find frozen fries dry and flavourless (I guess that's what ketchup is for). The fish as bland as well. Too thick batter and kind of soggy. We weren't given any ketchup or vinegar on the table, just a handful of ketchup packets.

I give Johnny's Snack Bar 2 little fishies out of 5.

Spartan Restaurant

Where: Spartan Restaurant, 6403 Quinpool Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

When: Saturday, April 4th, 2009.
What: Three piece fish and chips, $6.95+tax.

Spartan Restaurant is a family owned diner located on Quinpool Road. It's a favourite spot for weekend breakfasts for the hungover crowd and hungry a like.

I went to the Spartan with my friend Leah one drizzly day back in April. The restaurant is not very big, but for seating it does feature booths and tables, or you can seat yourself at the counter.

For $6.95 you get a generous helping of fries and three pieces of fish. The fries are your standard frozen ones, and I found them really dry. The fish did have a nice flavour, but I also found it try, and the batter a bit too doughy in parts.

The Spartan is a quaint place to eat though. The staff are very friendly, and the food is cheap. I would suggest something else off the menu instead of the fish and chips though (I had a pan fried fish dish there once that was delicious).

I give Spartan Restaurant 2 little fishies out of 5.


Extra Notes:

• Cash only.

McKelvie's

Where: McKelvie's, 1680 Lower Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
When: Friday, February 27, 2009.
What: Tall Ships Fish 'n Chips, $13.95+tax.

Myself and a couple of friends wanted to try out some new fish and chips one Friday night. The first place we chose was too packed to move, so we went across the street to McKelvie's, a seafood restaurant in downtown Halifax. The restaurant opened in 1980, but was originally the home of the Halifax Fire Department. Their focus is on fresh Atlantic seafood, but the menu also includes pasta, meat and chicken dishes.

We arrived during the prime Friday after work time, and were seated right away. The restaurant was not packed like the pub across the street, which we didn't mind at all. Our server was very friendly, explained the daily specials, and started us off with drinks. We also received a basket of fresh raisin bread and nice, creamy butter. That was unexpected and a nice change from what you get at most restaurants.

Garrison Tall Ships


Raisin bread with butter

I was the only one at our table to order the fish and chips. The four, not three, pieces of fish arrived with fresh cut fries, homemade coleslaw on a bed of lettuce, a slice of lemon, fresh tartar sauce, and ketchup.

Tall Ships Fish n' Chips.

I liked the light batter on the fish, and also enjoyed having four small pieces instead of three as described in the menu. Sometimes when you only get one or two large pieces, the fish gets a little overcooked. I did like the fish, nice fresh flavour and the batter was not doughy. The fries were hand cut, but not very plentiful, nor were they shoestring as the menu said. For the price I would normally expect more fries. The tartar sauce could have used more dill, and the coleslaw was almost tasteless, but I did like the presentation of the dish.

I decided to have a coffee for dessert. One of my favourite treats after a nice meal.

Overall I think this was a great experience. McKelvie's is a nice, family style restaurant, but with a local feel. A lot quieter than a crowded pub for sure, with fast and friendly service. It may be a little pricey as your favourite seafood restaurant, but a nice place to take out-of-towners you might want to impress! I did find the decor a little odd. Lots of brightly painted wooden decorations with a Canadian or ocean theme, with classy and comfortable table settings.

I give McKelvie's 4 little fishies out of 5.

Extra Notes:
Pay by cash, debit, or credit.
Gift certificates available.
Wheelchair accessible.
Wifi zone.
Open seven days a week.

Jack Astor's Bar & Grill

Where: Jack Astors Bar & Grill, 184 Chain Lake Drive, Halifax.
When: Tuesday, September 9, 2008.
What: Two piece fish and chips, $12.77 + tax.

I normally would not go to a place like Jack Astor's for fish and chips, but my friend invited me out to a movie one Tuesday night, and I needed to eat supper (we saw the Dark Knight on Imax).

I actually enjoy Jack Astor's, for the food anyway. It's not bad for a big box restaurant. Plus the staff is usually friendly, and you get to draw on the table.

What's not to like?



I apologize for the cellphone picture, but it wasn't a planned visit and so I didn't have my camera with me. You get an idea of the portion size anyway. The fries were ok, a bit too salty. I found pieces of fish small and overcooked. The batter was doughy and they fish lacking in flavour.

I wouldn't get the fish and chips there again, though I do like some other items on the menu.

I give Jack Astor's 2 little fishies out of 5.

Maxwell's Plum

Where: The Maxwell's Plum, 1600 Grafton Street, Halifax.
When: Saturday, August 16th, 2008.
What: Two piece fish & chips, $12.95 + tax.

My friend Jill was in town for a visit and we went looking for a place to have lunch one rainy Saturday afternoon. We settled on Maxwell's Plum to try their fish and chips.

I ordered their plum ale to drink while waiting for our food to arrive. It was very tasty, nice and light.



I liked the presentation of the fish and chips. Two large pieces on a basket of fries. There was no homemade tartar sauce, unfortunately.



I didn't really like the fries. I thougth they were a bit soft and not hot enough. The fish was ok too. A little bit doughy. I would probably go again, just to give them another chance.

I give Maxwell's Plum 3 little fishies out of 5.

Split Crow

Where: Split Crow, 1855 Granville Street, Halifax, NS
When: Friday, June 13th, 2008
What: Two piece fish and chips, $9.49 + tax

On Friday the 13th (spooky!) I headed downtown to the Split Crow for my friend Simon's birthday. I ordered right away the two piece fish and chips. I remembered having this some years ago and was anticipating it to be as good as it was back then.

To go with my meal, I ordered John Shippey's Amber Red (they didn't have Clancy's). It was alright, but not something I'd order again.

John Shippey's Amber Red

The fish and chips came next. They looked good enough, but didn't live up to my memory. Everything was nice and hot, but dripping with grease. Since I wasn't given cutlery or a napkin, I had to "borrow" one from a friend. I really liked the fries. They were hand cut and crispy. I really liked the tartar sauce as well. The fish though, the fish really was not great. Mushy, soggy, and really not very tasty.

It was also cold as heck out on the balcony, so we finished our second beers and left for a warmer hangout spot.

I give the Split Crow 2 little fishies out of 5.

Willman's Fish and Chips

Where: Willman's Fish and Chips, 5644 Kane Street, Halifax, NS

When: Sunday, April 20, 2008.

What: Two piece fish & chips.

Willman's Fish and Chips (also known as Willman's Fried Food) is a very popular restaurant in the Hydrostone area of North End Halifax. I say it's popular, but is also unknown by almost everyone I know, probably due to it's tucked away location. In my mind it is a place for everyone who loves fish and chips to check out.

The staff are very friendly. You could almost say flirty! There is a small dining area in the restaurant, where another woman was sitting. She said it was her first time too. We each ordered the two piece fish and chips, though there are plenty of other items on the menu.

Arriving back at my apartment and I cracked open a couple of Corona's for myself and my friend. We ate our food while watching "Everything's Gone Green".

I really enjoyed the fish. The batter was flavourful and the fish was moist and fresh tasting. The fries were handcut, as you can see in the below picture. Of course by the time we got home the fries weren't hot so they didn't maintain their crispiness, but I can only assume they would be crispy if you ate in the restaurant. Neither the fish or fries were greasy or mushy anyway.

I can't wait to go back on a sunny day this summer and try the poutine, which I hear is huge but delicious.

I give Willman's Fish & Chips 4.5 little fishies out of 5.

Freeman's Little New York

Where: Freeman's Little New York, 6092 Quinpool Road, Halifax
When: Friday, January 11th, 2008
What: Two piece fish & chips, $8.99+tax

I have to apologize for the delay in getting this up. Also, I'm sorry I haven't had many reviews these past few months. I guess I'm just not eating out as much anymore.

Unfortunately I lost my notes from this meal, so this will be short. I've never had the fish and chips at Freeman's in the restaurant before, but I have gotten them delivered about three times now. I like the seasoning on the fries. The fish is flavourful and crispy.

I'm sure it would be better to have it in the restaurant, but for delivery it's really not bad. You can always crisp it up in the oven or toaster oven if you like. The fries also make a good breakfast the next day.

I give Freeman's Little New York 3.5 little fishies out of 4.

Fries & Co.

Where: Fries & Co., 2603 Connolly Street, Halifax
When: Friday, September 28th 2007
What: Two piece fish & chips (medium), $8.10+tax


Fries & Co. in west end Halifax is known to be one of the best, if not the best, fish and chips place in town. They have won The Coasts Best of Food category for best fish and chips six years in a row. The fries have also been runner up in many years. Fries & Co. has been in business for 28 years and the most often recommended place when people tell me what to check out next. After living in Halifax for 6 years, I finally had the opportunity as Fries & Co. is conveniently located just around the corner from my new apartment.

All wrapped up.

I have to say, I wan't overly impressed with the fish or the chips. The pieces of fish were small and mooshy on the bottom. I also prefer my fries in long pieces, not all cut up in small bits.

For the price you pay and the amount of food you get, it's not really that great. I'm sure they have a lot of great items on their menu and it might be a better experience to eat in, but I'm not sure I'd get their fish and chips for take out again unless I was really hungry, lazy, and specifically wanted fish and chips.

Fish and chips inspector.


Eat in or take out.

The service was fast and friendly though, and I probably will return since it's in the neighbourhood. I guess I have certain things I look for in a good fish and chips place, and Fries & Co. just doesn't have it.

I give Fries &6 Co. 3.5 little fishies out of 5.

Rogue's Roost

Where: Rogue's Roost, 5435 Spring Garden Road, Halifax
When: Saturday, July 28th 2007
What: Two piece fish and chips, $8.50+tax

On a hot and steamy Saturday afternoon, a friend and I sought out beer and food before heading off to the midway (which was over by the time we arrived). We found ourselves at Rogue's Roost, a popular local bar and restaurant on Spring Garden Road. We sat ourselves at a table near the big windows over looking the street to enjoy our meal and some people watching.

We started off by trying to order a drink. We both got a bit confused at what was available on tap, but in the end choose bottled beer (Red Stripe for me, Sleemans Honey Brown for my friend). We each ordered the two piece fish and chips and settled in to people watch, except the street was almost dead. Where did every body go?

Red ale batter fish and chips.

The fish and chips arrived promptly, nicely arranged on a big plate. One thing I like about Rogue's Roost is the big plates. I also like that the fish is not piled on top of the fries. I don't know why this bugs me, but it does. I think I'm worried the grease from the fish will make the chips soggy.

I like the fries here, even though they are not hand cut. I guess I just have a thing for big fries, plus they sprinkle special seasoning on them which is a nice touch. The tartar sauce was sub par, probably not fresh. I didn't really like it at all but if you're used to bottled tartar sause, you might like it. The garnish provided, which I guess is an alternative to cole slaw, was a little salad. I wish there had been a bit more of it since I actually like vegetables now. Missing was vinegar and I didn't think to ask for some, but it's a standard at most pubs that have fish and chips.

The fish was good, but I found one of my pieces a little overcooked. The batter was tough and chewy in a few spots. Overall though it was nice. The fish was tender and moist and filled with flavour. I liked the redish colour of the batter.

At $8.25+tax, Rogue's Roost has a great fish and chips platter at a decent price. Their staff is fast and friendly. Multiple servers checked on us throughout the meal. They have an extensive imported and domestic beer list, plus you can get a variety of their own microbrews when available. It's a stylish bar with a cozy feel where you can sit and watch the (normally) busy Spring Garden road below. I will definitely be returning to Rogue's Roost for fish and chips or to try something else on the menu. As my friend Tina exclaimed "Those fries were wicked!" I agree!

I give Rogue's Roost 4 little fishies out of 5.

Henry House Pub & Restaurant

Where: Henry House Pub & Restaurant, 1222 Barrington Street, Halifax
When: Thursday, May 3rd 2007
What: Two piece fish & chips, $10+tax

Henry House Pub & Restaurant is located in downtown Halifax on Barrington Street. Henry House was built in 1834 and has three levels, two of which are available for dining, and the other can be booked for private functions. Since I live in the area, Henry House is becoming one of my favourite places to hang out. The staff are always friendly and fast, the menu is interesting, and they have a lot of great brews on tap (I highly recommend the ale sampler).

I have had the fish and chips at Henry House before, but this was my first official review. Sadly I felt like I was eating something out of a box. The beer battered fish had a weird rectangular shape to it which reminded me of something you might see in a school cafeteria. Not that the shape of the fish should matter, but it was just an odd sight to see. I didn't feel like the fish really stood out either. It was bland and not very crispy. The pieces were a good size though, so I will give them that. The handcut fries were not very crispy either, so that was another disappointment. I know from past experience that the Henry House fish and chips can be better, and I certainly don't need an excuse to go back and try it again.

Normally you get more fries, but I asked to get only a half order because I found last time I couldn't finish them all.

I'm not usually a fan of coleslaw or tartar sauce, as you know from reading this blog, but I did try both anyway. The tartar sauce was quite good. I liked the dill flavour even though I don't like dill a whole lot. You could tell it was fresh and homemade. My friend liked the coleslaw but I didn't care much for it. I found it bland and not very crisp. There wasn't much zing to it. Maybe I should start making my own coleslaw to bring whenever I eat out. Haha.

For dessert I had a piece of blueberry cheesecake, which also was not very memorable. The blueberries were a nice touch, but the cake was bland and not very rich.

Overall I was disappointed with my meal that night. I know I will be back again though, so maybe in a few months I'll do another review and see how they compare. It was a good evening with a friend though, and great beer!

I give Henry House 3 little fishies out of 5.

Phil's Seafood

Where: Phil’s Seafood, 6285 Quinpool Road, Halifax NS
When: Wednesday, March 7th, 2007
What: Two piece fish & chips, $7.95+tax

I stopped by Phil’s Seafood with my good friend Rhia this past Wednesday. It was freezing out, I had a bad headache and was all drugged up on pain killers, so I'm not sure how accurate my recollections of the food are. In any event, here is my first official fish & chips review.

We each ordered the two piece fish and chips which came garnished with coleslaw and a lemon wedge. The fish pieces were generous and the fries handcut. The fish batter was very crispy as they use breadcrumbs which I liked, the fish was fresh and moist. I didn’t find the batter very flavourful though, but the fish was good and hot. Disappointing were the fries. They weren't very crispy and not as plentiful as I've seen elsewhere. On the other hand, there's nothing worse than having so many fries on the plate that you can't eat them all!

Extras on table were ketchup, white vinegar, salt, pepper, and homemade tartar sauce. I don't actually like tartar sauce or coleslaw so I can't comment on those. Overall it was pretty good, but if I go back I'll probably have something else on their menu.

I give Phil's Seafood four little fishies out of five.

Tonight I'm going out to Cole Harbour to stay over at a friend's house. Lets see if I can convince her to go out for fish & chips. I'll let you know how it turns out.