Statement furniture gallery at 2698 Agricola marks two years in business on November 26. To celebrate, the store is holding an invitation-only fashion show at Fred, 2606 Agricola, in conjunction with Heroine Clothing on Granville. Statement is also launching a new line of furniture called Diva, by Quebec company Dinec. The new line is “multipurpose, multi-functional and very contemporary,” according to Statement’s design consultant Stuart Swing, and consists of “case goods,” including tables, chairs, cabinets and bed frames. Swing credits Statement’s success with “a high level of personalized service, an intimate environment and down-to-earth and friendly staff. And we’re happy to be in the north end,” says Swing. “There’s always lots of parking.”
Two paws up
The Halifax Veterinary Hospital is now open in its new home at 6485 Quinpool next to Great Ocean. Manager Peter Ainsley says the hospital had outgrown its old space at 6293 Quinpool, where it had been for the past 66 years. Ainsley has been involved with the hospital since his first job at age 13, after his father took over the practice in 1953, and he now manages all three locations: Halifax, Fairview and Spryfield. The Halifax Veterinary Hospital’s new space boasts nearly 1,000 more square feet, allowing for a large waiting area, more exams rooms for both cats and dogs, a spacious surgery and room for recovering animals. In Ainsley’s father’s day the hospital treated a lot of horses, but cats and dogs have long since become Ainsley’s most valued customers. The hospital also occasionally treats more exotic animals, including a number of pregnant pythons. The Halifax Veterinary Hospital recently hired a new veterinary surgeon from the UK, and can now offer orthopaedic surgery as well as soft tissue surgery. “We’ll be able to do a lot of things on site here that we would normally have to refer over to the island,” says Ainsley. “It’s another added service to our clients.”
Sinfully delicious
The Cavern Bistro and Wine Bar is closed, and chef Ron Muise will open a new restaurant at 5244 Blowers called Syn on December 1. Muise has been back in Halifax for a year, having spent the past eight years working across Europe. Syn’s menu will reflect Muise’s European experience, with food best classified as “contemporary provincial French.” Items will include starters like pancetta-wrapped Monkfish on organic spring mix with citrus vinaigrette, mains like turkey breast en croute with cranberry and orange stuffing, and an extensive dessert list with six flavours of cheesecake, bitter chocolate torte and eggnog creme brule. “Everything we make is completely and utterly from scratch… and we’re going to try to be as local and as organic as we possibly can,” says Muise. “Every time you come to this restaurant, you’re in for some excitement.” Muise plans to change the menu on a weekly basis starting in the new year, and the wine list (prepared by Bishop’s Cellar) will change to complement the menu. Syn will be open until 4am on weekends, catering to the club crowd “who want to go for something to eat besides pizza.” Like a chargrilled steak sandwich on ciabatta with caramelized shallot chutney.
A la mode
Cucina Moderna is now open in the City Centre Atlantic building on Dresden Row for all your modern cooking needs. “It’s been going great,” says manager Gavin Petticrew. “A lot of people coming from Pete’s and from Cora’s stop in and it’s been awesome so far.” Cucina Moderna specializes in kitchenwares, and also offers a range of barware and dinnerware. “Anything from pots and pans, to knives, salt and pepper mills, and toasters,” says Petticrew. “Basically anything that you could use in a kitchen or a dining room we sell, except for the table.” The store carries a number of different designers like Leonardo Crystal, Wedgewood dinnerware, Kasumi knives, the sil-pat cookie sheets favoured by Martha Stewart, and a plastic line by the German company Koziol, which makes figurative juicers and ‘party animal’ toothpick holders. Petticrew believes location will be key to the store’s success, and Cucina Moderna will be open Sundays to serve the constant flow of grocery shoppers bustling in and out of Pete’s Frootique.
Reward
The Therapeutic Approach Health Centre at 6156 Quinpool had a break-in last Sunday, and Naturopathic doctor Sandra Murphy’s laptop was stolen. The centre has only been open for six weeks and Murphy doesn’t expect she’ll be able to replace her laptop until spring. Murphy is offering a reward for the safe return of her laptop, a silver hp Compac with a black top.
Happy trails
The Trail Shop, 6210 Quinpool, celebrates 37 years in business this month. In other news, the Trail Shop has launched a new partnership with Wally Berg and his company Berg Adventures International. Berg has reached the top of Mount Everest four times, and has summited the highest peak on each of the seven continents. The Trail Shop will act as Berg’s local travel agent, booking adventures available through Berg Adventures International.
Trip the light fantastic: [email protected].
