You might want to try this new restaurant, even though my first impression was not spectacular. On Friday night I went to Mix Kitchen. This is a new restaurant by Chef Ray Bear. I was excited to try a new restaurant, but I was a bit sceptical about it because of my previous experience trying to make a reservation about three weeks before.
I met my dinner club friends at about 6:30 on Friday night. When I arrived a hostess did greet me and showed me to the table. The restaurant is located on the corner of Salter and Granville Streets. There have been other restaurants in this location, but they have not done well. I was surprised to learn this, since I have been back in Halifax for four years now and never been to this location. In fact, I had to Google map the location to know where I was going.
When you take your seat, you are surrounded by windows. So while you are enjoying your dinner you are able to experience the wonderful view of downtown and the harbour. The decor was modern and made you feel relaxed. Going out for dinner is not just eating. One’s enjoyment is dependent on the whole atmosphere and I think Mix does a good job of allowing you to relax and enjoy your experience.
Once our dinner club was seated I glanced at the menu, which was printed on white copy paper and stapled together. A little unusual, but Mix had just opened. I began to read the menu and began to sip a glass of Pino Grigo. As a group we decided to order to plates of chicken mango nachos, which we would share among all us. For a main course I decided on chicken curry penne with garden vegetables.
A high mound of nachos arrived, which included slices of mango, chicken, olives, jalapenos, onions, green and red peppers. I would have preferred more cheese with the nachos and the mango pieces to be bigger. However, over all the nachos were tasty and a good choice for an appetizer. I was also impressed that the nachos came with a good helping of sour cream, guacamole and salsa.
The pasta I had ordered came hot and with a piece of focaccia bread toasted. The penne was cooked al dente and the curry sauce was creamy, light and not too spicy. Garden vegetables were shredded and incorporated into the sauce. Overall the dish was very tasty. My only negative comment was that I would have liked a little more time in between my appetizer and my main course. This is a personal preference. However, I enjoy having some time in between course, to enjoy my wine and conversation.
My dining experience at Mix does warrant another visit. The food was tasty and reasonably priced. I was impressed that Chef Bear did come to our table to visit with us and staff checked conscientiously during our dinner we to see if everything had meet our expectations.
I think in a few more weeks, this restaurant will have its kinks worked out and with improved service it will do well in future.
