UAG Dines Out

THE CASINO 525 George Street, Sydney Across from where the liquor store used to be Not exactly as shown What a fun evening! Six of us met at the dining room of the Casino for an evening of good food, laughter, and just a bit of gambling. The Casino was decorated for the holidays, so it was a lovely way to end out the year of UAG gatherings.  Being a gambling establishment, however, there are some things you should know: 1.  the Security Guards are not allowed to have a sense of humour. My joking about checking my ID did not solicit a kind response and my request to take a photo of the Christmas tree in the entrance was dismissed with a lecture about the legalities of cameras inside the main doors.  No smiles, no chuckles, no Christmas spirit there, I'm afraid. 2.  Friday nights during hockey season are extremely busy times in the dining room. It appears that all of the fans eat here first, disappear shortly before the game starts and then c...

THE OLD TRIANGLE 424 Charlotte Street Sydney, NS The Old Triangle on a crisp fall evening This evening's outing reminded me of how much the city of Sydney has changed since I was a young woman working downtown, popping into the Tweed & Hickory, grabbing a sandwich at Ike's, and Christmas shopping along Charlotte Street, long before the Mayflower Mall opened.  Charlotte Street has seen so many changes, yet it manages to still draw people downtown. The owners of The Old Triangle recognized the value of this location and opted to bring the franchise to Sydney.  So what did we think of the transformation of Smooth Herman's to The Old Triangle?        For those of you who remember dining at Smooth Herman's (oh, remember their Caesar Salad?), you will find that everything is where it was.  The renovations have simply opened the front area, spruced up the restrooms and refreshed the main dining areas. Most importantly, however, this is...

THE CEDAR HOUSE Restaurant and Bakery 899 Hwy.105, Boularderie Wall of home-made goodies The Cedar House. Even the name of the restaurant brings a smile.  For me, the Cedar House is the place that I stop on my way to Halifax to pick up a bag of large home-made cookies to have with my travel mug of hot tea.  Or it's the spot where we stop on our way home because we are just too tired to cook a meal or perhaps to pick up a dessert for later or a loaf of fresh bread for the morning.  But tonight, eight friends were making the Cedar House our destination. And what do friends talk about on their half-hour drive to a restaurant? Well, not what you would expect - we talked about what it's like for women to work out west in the oil fields (it's great) and gravy. Yes, before we even left work, we were told about the gravy.  The Cedar House is well-known it seems for its gravy, and in fact, regulars know that their Hot Turkey Sandwich is the best of a...

The Lobster Pound and Moore Smokehouse and Grill 161 Queen Street, North Sydney Happy Seagull Now before we enter this restaurant, I want you to relax, clear your mind, breath in the soft harbour breezes. Ready to sail away Dream a little, let your worries go. The Why Didn't I Think of That Beach Glass Window Now, we'll go in. As you step in the first door, take a moment and enjoy the beautiful Beach Glass Window on your right. It's just perfect, isn't it? Okay, let's go right in. The first thing you notice is that this is definitely not the Lobster Pound that you remember from years ago with the plastic on the tables and the teapots over the cash. Uh uh. Notice the warm woods and tones and the wall details - you're about to have  a whole new dining experience. Before I show you what we chose for dinner, I have to stop to tell you that we were smiling and laughing within minutes of arrival....

Jane's Restaurant and Pizza Little Bras d'Or, Cape Breton July's Outing was only attended by three of us, as most of the UAG was busy with Family From Away, and of the three, only one person had been there before. One of the mysteries of Jane's Restaurant was always where is it?  I can tell you now - turn right at the Lick-a-Chick, then take the next right at the stop sign and then look for the little white house on the left hand side that has cars parked hell wise and crooked in the front, to the side, and across the street. Yes, unfortunate are the neighbours of Jane's. In fact, while we were waiting for our dinner, one of the patrons was asked to move his car out of the neighbour's driveway. You can see Jane's in the photo above, so let me tell you what I think happened to Jane. Someone said to Jane, Jane you make a good pizza. I think you would be darn smart to move the piano and couch to Mah's house, set up a few tables (7 will do), add a...