A few weeks ago we published our post on the #6 Quinpool bus route. In this post, we discussed how it’s nearly impossible to cover everything on this fantastic Halifax street, so, we’ve visited one of the places we missed.
Garden of Eat’n, formerly 308 South, formerly Rock Island Bistro, and formerly Rock Island Cafe has obviously changed hands many times, so we considered it one of the cursed spots in the Halifax restaurant scene (similar to La Trinidade/Mix/Crown Diner). Because of this, it could be easy to dismiss the place and figure it’s not worth visiting because it won’t be around long anyway. However, the new establishment included two words on their sandwich board that appeals to the very core of all Nova Scotians, “Patio open.” We found this impossible to resist.
We could not be more pleased that we allowed our instincts to lead us inside. We headed straight to the patio, which is pretty unique in Halifax. It’s not a huge, open-air sunscreen-a-must patio like the Argyle. Instead, it is a very effective use of an alley that’s been filled with a row of 4-person booths and flowerpots that will transport you to New York City or Europe. We loved it.
The menu continued to peak our interest. We’re not sure what inspired them to do an Acadien – Mediterranean fusion selection, but we approve. I lived in Clare for a long time and developed a taste for both rapure and frico, but have never seen them on a Halifax menu before. These were complemented by seafood au gratin and Solomon Gundy options. Seafood lovers should take note.
For this visit, we decided to go Med, and split the dip quartet (which actually has 5 dips including hummus, roasted red pepper, olive tepenade, a tzatziki/hummus blend and a kind of relish dip). For our entrée, we split the Tarek’s Half & Half, which, as the name implies, is half chicken, half shredded beef on a bed of rice with Greek salad. We were both full and our taste buds were satisfied.
The menu clearly indicates vegetarian and gluten-free options (there are many). There is an emphasis on local beer and wine. The only draught options are Propeller Pilsner (one of my favourite summer beers) and Garrison Irish Red and they feature local wine options for white and red, Blomidon l’Acadie Blanc and Gaspereau Marechal Foch (both have graced our home wine rack). Prices are pretty standard with apps coming in sub-$10 and entrées around the $15 mark.
Our server told us that the menu is going to get even more eclectic as Persian dishes get added. Plus, they’re going to have shisha pipes. We plan on returning with friends soon!
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