We were invited to come down to Stayner’s Wharf Pub & Grill early Sunday evening to listen to live jazz and have a bite. It sounded like the perfect night out to me!
We have kind of had the week from hell so to get out of the house and go to downtown Halifax on a beautiful late afternoon was just what we needed.
Stayner’s is located at 5075 George Street and is right along the waterfront, directly next to the ferry terminal. What a perfect location!
It has a bar at the front for those who want to just sip and listen to the music or you can go along the side of the building with windows and sit in one of the booths.
At first we sat at the very back corner because all the booths were taken. We did not have a very good view of the stage so I kept my eyes open for when those booths emptied.
Once one became available our waitress indulged us and helped us move to the better location while carrying our drinks. I think she might have been the sweetest and nicest waitress I have ever encountered. Seriously, what a doll.
What a week it has been. Did we ever need a break. It was such a relief to get out of our normal limbo-ridden lives and get out for food and music.
And yes, some fun! I had a migraine earlier in the day so I was on pain meds which meant I could indulge in a little caffeine so bring on the iced tea! Yes I know, we are such party animals.
I do not think we have gotten out to see live jazz since the night before we moved to Nova Scotia. We went to the Bengal Lounge at the Empress in Victoria with our friends Mike and Jen for specialty coffees before moving to the east coast.
To listen to a live jazz performance again was such a treat! Not just because of the music but I also got to meet Chris, Reg’s guitar teacher!
As the band performed we ate our dinner. Reg ordered the Almond Crusted Chicken Deluxe. As soon as I saw it on the menu, I knew he would love it. His favourite meal: chicken, starch and veggies. But this was so much more! It was a little sweet for my palette but wow, that had to have been the moistest chicken in the world. Reg was in heaven.
I know, I seem to always order the same thing when I go out but I can not help it, this is my ultimate comfort food: Lobster Linguini! Normally I ration the seafood with the pasta and still end up with little at the end. This time, I had a plate of chunks of lobsters waiting for me to savour. I could hug the chef for not holding back on the lobster! The fresh tomatoes were a perfect way to slightly lighten this traditionally heavy dish.
My dinner was still rich enough that I questioned whether or not to indulge in dessert but when I saw the raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake Reg ordered, it was hard not to attack.
As you can see, Reg’s favourite things in the whole world: cheesecake and raspberries. The raspberry flavour was throughout! It was such a creamy dessert that went so well with the pow of raspberries and yet was also mellowed by the sweet white chocolate. I think this might have been the best cheesecake I have ever had. Having a raspberry layer along with a raspberry sauce? If you love raspberries…. order this for dessert!
The music was amazing and kept us company as we stuffed ourselves on beautiful food and looked out the long line of windows at the people strolling by the waterfront. Stayner’s is in a perfect location, its size makes it feel intimate yet can accommodate a lot of people and the food was far better than most pub food. In fact it was the best dinner we have had out since we went to out for anniversary. Our server was an absolute sweetheart, made us feel well taken care of and at home.
I give this restaurant five out of five wooden spoons. I can not think of one thing that I did not love about our evening out!
Glad you had such a good night out! And hey, love those glam Hollywood celebrity sunglasses!
The big smiles say it all! What more could you ask for, lovely company, music and an amazing dinner, what a perfect evening.
Sounds like a fun evening.