As someone once said, “Food is the Ingredient that Binds us Together.” This quote not only applies to the three unique restaurants of the Town of Halifax but also the community in general. The dinner table has been a place to share stories, memories, and spend time with loved ones for centuries. Whether you’re looking for a meal to wow your date, a home style dinner for the whole family or lunch with co-workers, dining in Halifax can suit your needs. Today, we’ll be looking at the restaurants of Halifax and which quotes by famous cooks best represent them.
The Packhouse
“You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces, just good food from fresh ingredients.” – Julia Child
With a focus on healthy food from fresh ingredients, this quote represents the philosophy of The Packhouse. Labeling itself “Home Grown and Home Made,” the café certainly lives up to its claims. The Packhouse offers hearty, home-style breakfasts, and homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts for lunch. These dishes are created using fresh ingredients from local farms when possible. The Packhouse pays homage to the community’s history, with menu items named after tobacco and local landmarks. Diners note the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the café, as well as its speedy service. Don’t let Julia’s quote fool you, to suggest the meals created at the Packhouse aren’t fancy or complicated is a disservice to the Ginger Hamlett and her kitchen staff. However, they recognize the importance of quality, fresh ingredients, with all their additional efforts serving as icing on the cake (in this case their Hot Fudge Cake, a local favorite). For more information on The Packhouse, visit their Facebook page here.
Old 360 Diner
“A recipe has no soul. You as the cook must bring soul to the recipe.” -Thomas Keller
This quote rings true for Old 360 Diner, which serves country-style cooking. The menu offers a variety of tried and true southern dishes and comfort food. The diner has a reputation for its down home cooking and generous portions, with many diners comparing meals to Sunday dinner at their grandma’s. It’s easy to see why– everything from the gravy to the pies are homemade. The southern charm of the diner doesn’t stop there, the waitstaff are noted to be friendly and hospitable. If you’re looking to find the soul in soul food, be sure to stop by Old 360 Diner. For more information on the diner, check out their Facebook page here.
Molasses Grill
“Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colors, there are only so many flavors — it’s how you combine them that sets you apart.” – Wolfgang Puck
As a painter and celebrated chef, this quote perfectly summarizes Chef Steve Schopen and his culinary prowess at Molasses Grill. The award-winning restaurant specializes in southern-inspired cuisine, offering new spins on southern classics. The menu features a few staples, along with an ever-changing specials menu. These special dishes are crafted from fresh, locally sourced meats and produce, changing with seasonal availability. Better yet, everything from the sauces to the desserts are house-made from scratch. A keen eye on detail is not only found in the masterfully plated cuisine, but also within the attentive wait staff and the atmosphere of the restaurant. The walls are adorned with paintings by Schopen, another display of his creative spirit. For those looking for culinary or artistic inspiration, dinner at Molasses Grill is a must. For more information or to make reservations, please visit their website here.
