Sunday Night Supper Club at morris east

morris east Sunday Supper Club Menu

Last night was so much fun that I just have to share the experience with you. I was invited to the first (of many, I hope) Sunday Night Supper Club dinner at morris east in downtown Halifax.
But first a little background on this charming restaurant. If you live in here, you probably know about it and the dynamite gourmet thin crust pizzas they make in their wood-burning oven, brought over from Italy and burns premium fruit wood sourced from the Annapolis Valley. The menu is small and ever changing to reflect seasonal local food. If you live here (or are planning a visit) and haven't tried it out yet...Go!!! Jennie Dobbs is the owner. She's blond and perky and passionate about making your dining experience perfect. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The ambiance... relaxed and the food is great.

Jennie and her team came up with the idea of hosting a monthly Sunday Night Supper Club dinner, largely inspired by Chez Panisse ’s creative use of their wood-fired oven, along with their philosophy of using the oven to cook local, seasonal foods. So holding her breath and using the fabulous wood burning oven for something other than pizza, she invited some guests to test the waters with a three course meal showcasing local Nova Scotia products.

Last night was the big debut and it was fantastic and so I naturally had to share it with you...menu is at the top of the page.

The Winter Squash Soup had a perfect balance of mellow with a little kick. It was served with a very interesting caramelized shallot, crispy pancetta and fennel slaw. The photo hardly does it justice. One person at our table apparently is not a squash fan and his partner is always trying to find one dish that would please him....this one won him over, hands down! Macon Villages, France 2006 accompanied this course - lovely.

And to cleanse our palates (so civilized) we enjoyed blood orange ice intermezzo beautifully presented and dusted with black pepper.

For me, the best course of all...red wine brined beef roasted in the wood-burning oven (unbelievably juicy and tender), served with mashed potatoes & parsnips with aromatic fresh herbs and a side of maple stewed carrots. Wine for this course...Corbieres France 2002 - a perfect pairing.

Unfortunately I didn't get a photo of the dessert, a pistachio praline surprise - vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two wafers and drizzled with chocolate sauce and pistachio praline.

This truly was a fabulous way to pass a Sunday evening.

The Sunday Supper Club menu includes three courses (plus a palate cleanser and coffee) and will cost $40 - tax and tip included. It is reservation only. To find out more, call them at morris east 902-444-7663. And by the way...their wine list, selected by sommelier, Jamie Urguhart is great any day of the week.

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