UAG Dines Out

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...

THE LEBANESE FLOWER 14 Dorchester Street, Sydney The front entrance For those of you who used to drive down to Whitney Pier for take-out meals from the Lebanese Flower, there is good news! They have moved to the centre of the city and better yet, they have expanded. Take-out orders are placed at the main counter and judging by the traffic while we were there, this is one popular spot.  This is one of two interesting round windows in the Lebanese Flower, which allows patrons to view Dorchester Street as they are dining. A great deal of thought has gone into the layout and decor of this little restaurant, making it a very relaxing and casual dining experience. There is booth seating along the wall that you cannot see in this photo and I can tell you it is so comfortable. How comfortable were we?  We spent 2 1/2 hours listening to wonderful background music, talking and eating, chatting with the servers, and enjoying our meals. Comfort...

SALT SPRAY DINING ROOM Holiday Inn 300 Esplanade, Sydney Well, dear readers, our dining experience did not start off well.  The problem is that when the Holiday Inn took over the Delta Sydney, they renovated and holy smoke, did they ever renovate. The first thing they forgot to do was to direct patrons to the new restaurant.  Yes, there is this lovely sign, but it is tucked away in the corner that is not even close to where the restaurant is located. As a result, the over-worked Front Desk Receptionist, looking out over a line of tired but hopeful people with bookings and suitcases and small children, has to stop for a moment to direct restaurant patrons. "Over by the elevators" she hollered.  Not much help, but I followed the tilt of her head and eventually found it after several wrong turns. On my way, I had to pass this: Whoever designed this new Holiday Inn has a thing for the 1960s.  I've been there, as they say, and I don't want to...