Whet Café at Fred
2606 Agricola Street
Halifax 455-9438
Rating: ****
Signature Dessert: Cupcakes
Signature Drink: Coffee
Dinner and Drinks for two: $45
Having lived near Whet, I was an instant fan when it opened a few years ago — excellent food and coffee in a gorgeous space that doubles as an art gallery, and shares this former bank space with a hair salon.
The staff is good-natured and attentive.
On this day I choose the Curried Lentil Samosa ($11) a cumin-coriander spiced pastry — not greasy like most samosas — stuffed with a delicious mix of curried lentils, carrot, onion and celery and served with a sweet chili sauce. My fresh green salad, with potato and parmesan, is dressed with Dijon vinaigrette.
My foodie friend chooses a Panini ($15 with soup) with egg, smoked bacon, oven-roasted tomatoes, arugula, marble cheddar and a housemade aioli. She declares it among the “top five” sandwiches ever. Her sundried tomato-basil bisque with croutons is hearty.
We sip our fancy coffees while extolling the merits of our cute little cupcakes ($2.50 each). They are divine — one with vanilla pomegranate butter cream and the other a rich chocolate and cracked pepper.
More please.
Dining out
CURRYING FAVOUR IN DARTMOUTH
Dartmouth’s first Indian restaurant, India Palace, has opened at 972 Cole Harbour Road with lunch ($11.99) and dinner ($13.99) buffets. Closed Mondays. Take-out and catering available. Call 444-8252.
NEW CAFÉ IN DARTMOUTH
Ma Belle’s Café, 44 Ochterloney Street, featuring Ma’s famous cinnamon rolls (with coffee, $3.99). Open Mon., Wed., Thurs. – Fri., Sat (varying hours). Visit www.opataverna.com
