Flynn’s Dairy Bar / Fun & Shakes (Deserterie, 1365 Hollis), visited July 29. HOLY COW! We’d heard their milkshakes were out of this world, but that was an understatement. A strawberry milkshake topped with an entire piece of cheesecake? A chocolate milkshake topped with a mountain of whipped cream and a huge ice cream Oreo? Stop reading and GO! Verdict: 5/5 (100%) chance of returning.
Ristorante a Mano (Italian, 1477 Lower Water), visited July 29. Always an enjoyable experience. They’ve done well to use their décor to mask the physical distancing restrictions, creating a more intimate vibe. The focaccia was a bit of a miss, but the arugula salad was phenomenal (mango, almonds, avocado and lime vinaigrette – YES PLEASE!), and the four-meat pizza hit the spot. Verdict: 4.5/5 (90%) chance of returning.
Finsbury Market (Deli, 6516 Chebucto), visited July 25. A nice re-imagination of the former European Pantry, with a good selection of groceries and delicacies from overseas. We tried a selection of their hand pies (Pulled Pork, Butter Chicken, Indian Curry Chicken, Cheesy Meatball), which were reasonably priced and all very tasty. Worth a visit! Verdict: 4/5 (80%) chance of returning.
The Oxford Taproom (Bar, 6418 Quinpool), visited July 24. It looks nice from the front, with a modest curbside patio, but walk through Garrison’s new taproom and you’ll find a cool backyard patio, kind of European in vibe. Even better, it looks at the side of the former Oxford Theatre adorned with a cool Audrey Hepburn mural, and an open doorway that peers into East Peak Climbing’s rock climbing gym. Verdict: 4.5/5 (90%) chance of returning.
Donnini’s Pizza (Pizza, 5576 North), visited July 10 & 24. Due to a scheduling snafu, this is a tale of two slices – it was kinda ok the first time we visited, but less so the next time. It’s akin to what you might find in a high school cafeteria – usually pretty hit or miss. The sauce is ok, but that’s probably the highlight. The crust was edible the first time, but cold, crunchy cardboard the second. Verdict: 2/5 (40%) chance of returning.
Kit Kat Pizza (Pizza, 2314 Gottingen), visited July 24. The slice itself was just ok (the flavour was average, reheated yet still kinda cool), but Kit Kat’s advantage is that its slices are really big, and super cheap – just $3, taxes in! A decent choice if you’re really hungry. Verdict: 3/5 (60%) chance of returning.
