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The Middle Spoon Desserterie & Bar
Categories: Food Desserts Nightlife Bars Champagne Bars Desserts, Champagne Bars [Edit]
1559 Barrington StHalifax, NS B3J 1Z7
(902) 407-4002
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 4 pm - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 4 pm - 1 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
31 reviews for The Middle Spoon Desserterie & Bar
Review Highlights
"The peanut butter pie and the New York cheesecake look..."
(in 6 reviews)
"...Chocolate Brownie Pie and the Chocolate Cake Bite Sundae."
(in 3 reviews)
"There is also a decent wine list and fantastic cocktails."
(in 10 reviews)
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Ben B.
I never thought of myself as a dessert person, mostly because I could never understand how any cake, brownie, cookie, or sundae could compete with a bag of chips or a grilled cheese sandwich. Still, I was really happy to hear that a new dessert bar would be opening in downtown Halifax. I've been in a handful of times since they opened their doors and have consistently enjoyed myself every time!
Their cocktails really are quite special. I remember Jenner, their bartender, from his days at The Drawing Room which means I've already had more of his expertly crafted drinks that I can even count. They're pricy, sure - but that's because they're not your standard appletini. The Lucky Spice, for example, is a concoction of whiskey, rum, vanilla and orange yet it manages to be completely delicious despite being almost entirely alcohol. Total win.
On the food front, I've tried bites of just about everything on the menu and found that anything chocolate or brownie-based is typically the way to go. There's just something more satisfying in the chocolate lava cake or cookie brownie sundae that you won't find as much in the pies. Being a peanut butter fan, that pains me to say considering the peanut butter pie couldn't compete with the other dishes on the table.
Service is good enough but could definitely smooth out some of the kinks. I've never been left alone for long, but interactions always felt pretty tentative - if that makes any sense -like they weren't entirely sure if they should approach the table or not. I'd say this will work itself out as The Middle Spoon gets more comfortable and confident in what they're doing over time. -
Review from Kimberley M.
Halifax, NS
2/7/2012
I had mixed feeling going into this experience, and I've come out the other side feeling no better off. Overall, the middle spoon feels like a soda shop that's reached drinking age. Frankly, I felt that more than $25 (incl tax and tip) for a dessert and one cocktail was a bit much. I did expect that the menu would involve more artisan options (vs. basic ice cream sundaes) and the drink menu has almost too much choice. For a desserterie, I'd expect more dessert options, less drink options, not the reverse which seems to be the case.
The highs:
- The lemon pavlova is both delicious and good for my gluten-free belly. Yay! There is also a GF chocolate torte, and it's nice to know I have a couple safe options in my back pocket, if I visit again.
- The servers love to match your tastes to a drink and when I asked for something not too sweet, the suggested "Ur Welcome" was a tasty blend of sake, whiskey, grapefruit juice, and basil spiced syrup. It's still pretty sweet though.
The mehs:
- For a non-busy monday night, the music was a strange blend of 70's and 80's pop/rock/dance and just seemed strange within this environment.
- The servers are nice, but sort of slow. I guess I wasn't looking for fast service, but the wait between placing a desert order and receiving it seemed much longer than normal.
Bottom line - It feels like it's supposed to be a chain, but I know it's a local business. I guess I wish it felt more genuine/original, especially given a great location! If I could I'd give 2.5 stars. -
Review from Bryn J.
Dartmouth, NS
12/28/2011
So, following our amazing dinner we had in early December, we decided we would venture to the Middle Spoon for some dessert. When we were walking to the Thai restaurant, we passed The Middle Spoon and were intrigued.
The restaurant had a very post modern feel, the decor was nice but very chic. I felt comfortable in what we were wearing, it had a mix of people dressed in varying degrees from casual to "dressed up" It is a very small space, and even though there were around 25 or so of us in the upstairs area---it was very loud. The server initially was very on the ball, however once she had our order her care factor seemed to drop significantly. The dessert selection, for a restaurant that calls itself a dessert bar...was pathetic. Also, the prices for some of the individual portions, I feel were way over priced.
My fiance and I, got a sharable cake ball sundae. The portion was a good size, the cake balls were moist: some might argue bordering on undercooked. It was good, but the execution was pretty basic, and there was really nothing that made it stand out. My fiance ordered a drink, as did I. He ordered the "S'more", for 9,25 per drink. Firstly, the price in ration to the portion is ridiculous, it came in a small glass one would use for a champagne toast. Secondly, it was horrible, the menu said it was to echo the taste of a camp fire s'more. It was too heavy on the cream, poorly balanced in flavours and just all around disgusting! I ordered the French mojito, which was delicious, and the same price--however it actually came in a glass matched to the price we were paying.
In the end, we were not overly impressed with this Desserterie, our total bill was a mere 20$ less, than where we had eaten supper--which was two courses and drinks.
I would not recommend this establishment to people, and to stay a the restaurant you are at for dessert. You will be happier! -
Review from Tarah F.
12/14/2011
After having an excellent dinner at a Thai restaurant on a Friday night, myself and 6 others decided to try the Middle Spoon for dessert. Only one of us had been there before, so the rest of us were intrigued with the idea. However, it certainly did not live up to our expectations.
Upon entering, we felt slightly under dressed...the atmosphere is upscale and others in the restaurant looked quite well dressed. We sat down at a couch area near the bar and waiting a few minutes before the server came over with menus. She welcomed us and provided us each with a menu and left. For the atmosphere, the server seemed under dressed, in a plain black t shirt and black pants. When my boyfriend and I looked at the menu, we were shocked at the prices. Others in the group were a bit iffy to, so we were going to leave. We decided to stay though and give it a try, if the prices are so high the drinks and desserts must be amazing, right?
It took us a little while to decide and the waitress seemed impatient with our decision making time. I decided on the Pudding Brownie Pie with water, while others at the table ordered the Cake Ball Sundae, Carrot Cake, and drinks. My boyfriend wanted to order the cheesecake but could not justify spending $13 on a slice. He asked the server its size first and she demonstrated with her hands, it was not a size worth the cost. When the drinks came, it was shocking how tiny they were. When you spend $10+ on a drink you expect it to be a reasonable size. My cousin got the Cherry Blaster drink and her glass was small to begin with but it was not even full (half full). My brother got the smores drink and his hand was too big to even hold the glass comfortably, one gulp and it would be gone (but he did not like it anyways). My dessert was okay, but I could have made that home easily. My plate was littered with whip cream and chocolate pieces, to make up for how little of the plate the piece of pie actually took up. Those who had the Cake Ball Sundae enjoyed it, but once again it was something that could have been replicated at home or gone to DQ and ordered something much cheaper. The desserts seemed to be too simple and portion size is an issue for the price.
Don't get me wrong, I understand that the people who are more likely to come here have the money to spend...but you can get better desserts at restaurants throughout Halifax for half the price at least. If the taste/portion matched up with the price, I would have no issue paying. My recommendation is for them to hire a pastry chef or someone whose experience will show in their desserts. -
Review from Nicole C.
Halifax, NS
2/15/2012
I finally got to try The Middle Spoon over the weekend for my birthday. While the lighting was a little too dark for my liking, everything else was great. The dessert was delicious (I tried the chocolate lava cake) and the drinks were incredibly flavorable, something I've never experienced in Halifax yet. The Strawberry Shortcake was basically a dessert itself, the Silver Fox was full of flavors but Aphrodite's Weakness is on a completely different level than the rest. It's such a perfect drink and one that I will have to go back for again as soon as I can!
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Review from Navoda S.
11/12/2011
I wanted to love this place - really, I did, but it just was not in the cards this time. The Middle Spoon is a great concept and a really fantastic location, but the drinks were severely overpriced and the dessert options were uninspiring. If I'm going to spend the time and money in a dessert bar I want to be wowed. Just because all the desserts are made in house does not mean they do not need to be interesting and unique.
For a place known for their cocktails, I expected more of a selection and for the price I wanted it to be sensational. I ordered the Fall Kiss, and it good, but I've had better, for cheaper. I am more than willing to spend the money on a product and service that is great, but the Middle Spoon just fell short. -
Review from Irish D.
Lower Sackville, NS
2/11/2012
We spotted the Middle Spoon on our way to dinner... so we decided to try it out. I loved it. Nice trendy space, comfy chairs, and great service. I ordered the Chocolate Torte... which is a flourless chocolate cake with raspberry coulis. My husband got the Apple tart... like an apple pie sitting on a base of cheesecake. They were both really good, and we will definitely go back. They also have a crazy list of cocktails that all looked good. It was fun watching the bartender create the drinks, whiskey, flowers, jalapeno juice... amazing ingredients.
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Review from Lisa B.
Dartmouth, NS
11/14/2011
I was super excited to try out this place. I heard the drinks were amazing and the desserts were good. When I first walked in I was a bit underwhelmed with the atmosphere. It was dark and not very welcoming. My favourite things about the place were the hanging light fixtures.
My 2 girlfriends and I went for a drink before supper. Our drinks were made fresh, but were nothing out of the ordinary. For 2 drinks the cost was $21. This would have been a bit better if our drinks were spectacular, but they were just average.
As for dessert, I didn't try any, but nothing really caught my eye on the menu. There was not much selection for being a desserterie.
Overall, I will not be returning there. -
Review from Eleanor B.
Dartmouth, NS
10/9/2011
In Toronto I lived only three blocks from one of their resident dessert bars and my girlfriends and I would regularly hit it up late evening for a drink and to gobble down some treats. It was the perfect blend of classy/cheap, and so when I heard we had a dessert bar moving into town, I was unreasonably pumped.
So I preface this review with probably unreasonably high expectations. On the one hand, Middle Spoon totally lived up to them, in the form of their awesome awesome cocktails. Like truly AMAZING cocktails. Kudos to bartender guy who thought those bad boys up, the claret/sangria type thing IS AMAZING. The blackberry, slightly fizzy drink with mint and fresh berries... SO SO GOOD. Go there for drinks, it's pricey, but well worth it. Even after the bartender's rather too vigorous shaking of cocktail shaker. It was a bit surprising when you're sitting at the bar -- was he trying to shake himself into space? Seriously dude, calm down.
So, the not-so-awesome part for me is the actual food. Frankly, I'm just not blown away by chocolate over chocolate, layered with chocolate, topped with whipped cream. I think this place could do so much more with dessert -- really interesting flavours, unique combinations, innovative recipes. Like cardamom ice cream -- sounds weird, tastes AMAZING. They should be doing stuff like that, in my opinion.
It's not that the desserts are bad, they're just pedestrian. And zero options for someone who doesn't want whipped cream and chocolate. I'm not saying eliminate those safe choices, sure, have a couple -- but add in some really cool stuff and I'd be giving this place five stars for sure. As is, I'll go to drink, and save my calories for a dessert that's worth it.Listed in: 30 Days of Yelp
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Review from Bessy N.
Halifax, NS
10/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
So a place that positions itself as a desserterie should (IMHO) offer unique and interesting, or inspired dessert options.
I was saddened to see the dessert menu read like the glass case at my local Sobeys (ps LOVE Sobeys).. Boring brownies from the 80s. A can of whipped cream (A CAN OF WHIPPED CREAM) behind the counter. Really? I shudder..
Now, I didn't actually TRY the desserts so they very well could have tasted lovely. I just found the menu too boring to care.
On the drink side, I ordered whatever was the most 'sour' on the menu (I don't do sweet) and the drink came and was laden is sugar...
I do hope this place does turn around in some way. Great concept, love that they are located on Barrington and hope people support (it just won't be me).. the only reason they got 2 stars? 1 for decor, 2 for friendly staff... -
Review from Tiffany T.
Halifax, NS
10/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
What an awesome concept, something that Halifax really needed. However, The Middle Spoon Desserterie & Bar is not executing this brilliant idea well enough, nope not even close.
I really wanted to like this place, I was very enthused about trying it and I feel kinda bad about giving only 2 stars due to the other reviews. But, that's how she goes.
First off, I will be commenting about prices alot, this is not because I'm stingy. It's just that when I'm paying good money for a product or service I am expecting quality. If the quality is there I will glady pay for it. The quality was NOT here.
When we entered around 9pm there were not too many people inside, we found a nice corner table downstairs with big comfy chairs. It took a little while for the menu's to come, we had thought about going back upstairs thinking we might get the attention of someone, as we stood up our server came. At first glance at the menu's I gasped at the prices. Drinks and desserts started at $8, that was the cheapest. Now yes, at this point although flabbergasted at the prices, I decided I would not let it bother me, the dessert and drinks were bound to be fantastic and worth the pretty penny...NOPE.
I ordered the cocktail "S'more", although very tasty, 3 gulps and it was gone. I looked around at other drinks (as now the downstairs was pretty full) and all I could focus on were teeny, tiny glasses.. The look on peoples faces as they recieved their drinks was pure disgust. One guy said, "I shoulda got a beer", yeah, me too at least I would have had enough to quench my thurst. My dessert partner had a French Mojito, which was in a bigger glass but contained way too much ice. She explained how she can make better mojito's at home, and gave me a recipe :)
On to dessert: I had the Peanut Butter Pie, which in fairness was pretty tasty. It was nice and light with just enough PB flavor. It was accompanied by a little Reese PB Cup yum. It was $8.50 I believe. My dinner partner had the NY Cheesecake with Raspberries. The cheesecake was $12. When it came to the table we could tell right away it wasn't gonna be what we were expecting. It wasn't as large as it should have been for $12, and it just wasn't as pretty as expected. There were a number of large air bubbles as well, which really sat wrong with my partner. $12 cheesecake should not have air bubbles! It tasted just mediocre at best( yes I tasted it too), and was left unfinished.
Not at any time were we asked how our dessert and drinks tasted. We were not asked if we would like another drink (not that we would have anyway) and it took a very long time to receive our bills and only after waiving our server down.
The experience just was not good. I will not be returning.. Nope.
:( -
Review from Derek S.
Dartmouth, NS
10/24/2011
At a time when people are lamenting the decline of Barrington Street, it was nice to see a fresh and unique new establishment open its doors. I like the concept of a dessert bar, and based on the buzz so far, was looking forward to trying the Middle Spoon. My wife and I decided to head down after dinner on a weekday evening for drinks and dessert. Unfortunately, the experience left us feeling a bit underwhelmed.
First impressions were positive: the decor is chic, and with a spacious basement, there was more room than I expected. The service was attentive, although the staff weren't busy at the time. If anything, the bar was a little overstaffed, which meant some staff were standing around chatting, or texting on their phones. Staff (with the exception of the bartender) were also dressed just a little too casually, which overall left a slightly unprofessional impression.
The drinks menu was a bit on the short side for a bar, but my cocktail was very good: a creative drink and well poured.
The dessert menu was a bit of a disappointment however. They have definitely opted for simple and easy to make desserts: allot of brownies, ice cream, cookies and pies. It's comfort food, but I can order a sundae at McDonald's, or make one myself at home. I expected something a bit more sophisticated from a place that specializes in dessert (and that charges top dollar for them). And they seem to have chosen quantity over quality: you could practically make a meal out of the shareable size desserts, but I'd be happy to cut down the portion sizes, and have some higher quality ingredients. Again, for a dessert place, I'd like to see something more flavorful than store-bought ice cream, especially when you are paying $10-15 for a dessert.
It's too bad, because I think this idea and location has tremendous potential. The drinks may make it worth a visit, but the desserts fell far short of expectations. -
Review from Andrew F.
Halifax, NS
8/30/2011 ROTD 1/23/2012
After two visits, I am officially convinced that Halifax wouldn't be the same without The Middle Spoon. Scrumptious desserts (that are all made fresh in-house) and spectacular drinks!
My first visit, I only dabbled in desserts. I brought two friends along, and we decided to head to the Spoon to give in to our inner devil and satisfy our sweet tooth after only eating dinner 20 minutes earlier.
I got the Peanut Butter Pie. It was different from what I was expecting, but still managed to be interesting in its own unique way. It was light and just sweet enough to reel me in. Both of my friends ordered the Cookie Brownie Sundae (which I managed to grab a few bites of) and it was DELICIOUS. The perfect remedy for a hot, sticky and muggy day...or any day, really.
Last night, I decided to bring another group of friends to give it another try. The second time was even better than the first. After a tasty Thai meal, we went to the Spoon looking for delightful drinks and divine desserts.
I started with the Black Current Press. It tickled my tastebuds in ways they have never been tickled before. My friend and I shared the Chocolate Lava Cake. I'm trying really hard to come up with something sophisticated to say, but I can't find the words. The Lava Cake was heavenly.. that's the best I can come up with. I suppose my drooling says enough about my feeling toward the lava cake, so fancy words aren't really necessary. It was moist, melted in my mouth and the center was gooey, fudgy and warm - just as it should have been. I realize my description may sound a tad dirty, but how else am I supposed to describe a lava cake?
Ahem, back to the review...
Our servers were friendly and welcoming, and kept us giggling throughout the evening.
Honestly, the atmosphere, decor, food and drinks are all fantastic. My only issue with the Middle Spoon is that the prices are a little steep, but it is more of a high class Desserterie/Bar and I'm sure they will start expanding their menu and offering more specials as business continues to pick up.
AS A SIDE NOTE: Our server told us to come in on a Tuesday night for their experimental martini night, where their fabulously talented bartender would whip up something on the fly that included all of our favorite flavour combinations. Sounds good to me! -
Review from Erin S.
11/2/2011
I loved this place!! Perhaps I'm giving it more credit than it's due because I love the idea of this place and WISH I had a place like this near me. If I ever win a million dollars, and get the urge to plunge it all into the abyss of opening a restaurant, this is the type of place I will open.
The drink I got was AMAZING, whiskey with black pepper and simple syrup! Mmmm, I can taste it now and I will endeavor to recreate it at home.
The desserts, I must admit, were a little sub-par for a "desserterie." The menu was a bit small in my opinion and the brownie I had was a bit dry.
The decor in this place also won me over. It's part 1950's diner with dim, romantic lighting, and big, comfy chairs. I loved the dark red colors and the glamour shots of desserts framed up on the walls.
The desserts fell short, but everything else in this place completely won me over. -
Review from Jill M.
The Middle Spoon, it's like y'all read my mind!
Look, I'm not really into pubs or clubs, or any social outing where there's a chance someone might step on me. I'm much more content to hit up a cute, well-decorated spot for cocktails. I also love cake. So you can see why The Middle Spoon is basically heaven for me.
The dessert menu is diverse and exciting - there are so many things that I want to go back and try. I settled on the brownie pie (brownies AND pie, two of my favorite things in life, you guys!) and it was absolutely divine. I didn't indulge in a drink, but the cocktail menu looked fun.
The prices are a teensy bit high, but the portions are generous. I'd recommend either sharing with a friend or - get ready, this is crazy - having dessert as your meal. OK, not so crazy. We all do it. Right? Right.Listed in: It's Always Cocktail Hour, Barrington Bliss
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Review from Joel K.
9/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not going to complain about the lack of vegan options (I knew what I was getting myself into there, obviously). But what disappointed me was how shockingly slow drink service was both times I was in here. It takes a long time for anyone to notice your glass is empty, and even longer for a new one to arrive.
The atmosphere is fun, the servers are very, very nice, and I'm sure the desserts are amazing (they looked good!), but I really don't like long waits for simple martini, you know?
Still recommend this place, just know what to expect. -
Review from Kim B.
Halifax, NS
7/26/2011
We've been waiting for The Middle Spoon to open and finally had a chance to visit last night. It exceeded all of our expectations and was a fabulous experience.
It truly is a one-of-a kind spot in Halifax. To avoid any and all 'sweet' clichés I will just say, it was delicious, unique and left us wanting more.
Upon walking in, your eyes are pulled in all directions from the unique lighting, to the interesting wall treatment and beautiful bar to the giant silver spoon that hangs contently on the wall.
Needless to say, the first impression was a good one. The dark leather furniture invited me to relax and stay a while. The comfortable cool atmosphere was exactly what we hoped for and the dessert and wine pairing was exactly what we wanted.
The drink and dessert menus were small but extensive in flavour and variety.
We opted for the Chocolate Brownie Pie and the Chocolate Cake Bite Sundae. They were both amazing (I literally typed and deleted other adjectives to explain the amazingness of these desserts and none of them seemed to be perfect enough so I sadly settled for 'amazing'. I invite you to be more creative in your own review).
I still can't get over the fact that I never thought about cake rolled into balls, rolled in icing, dipped in chocolate, served with ice cream and whipped cream and hot fudge and cherries....
I digress...
The Spoon is a great spot for friends to get together over delicious cocktails and amazing sweets or for a flirty evening with your special someone. The charm mixed with modern elements and, of course, chocolate will leave you satisfied.
PS they also have fabulous gluten-free options...just sayin.
Next time I visit I'm putting the bartender to work. From what I hear he is a genius with the freshest ingredients, creative energy and fantastic skills. I'm excited! -
Review from Krista P.
Halifax, NS
10/14/2011
Dear Middle Spoon,
I want to love you, I really do. I think the concept you're going for is fantastic. A classy yet casual atmosphere perfect for groups (or smaller numbers as well) devoted to creative and tasty cocktails and desserts? Sign me up!
I'll admit I had a decent time the first evening we spent together, when some girlfriends and I dropped by during my bachelorette party. Not spectacular, as I was hoping, but okay. Your cocktails, or what I tried of them (a few mimosas and an aphrodite's weakness), were mixed very well and quite enjoyable. Our waitress was also very friendly, but service was quite slow, even though there were not very many other people there at that time.
Your desserts, sadly, left me wanting more. Not more of them, but more of something better. I had been expecting, as I had seen advertised, unique homemade creations, and instead my brownie pie fell rather flat. The brownies and pudding tasted like they were made from a mix, and the whip cream did not seem homemade either.
I enjoy baking myself, and like to think I'm pretty good at it, and I may not be the next Martha Stewart or Rachel Ray but know I could have done a much better job of concocting a dessert like the one I had. There was no love there. And for the price I paid, I was looking for a little love.
I still like you Middle Spoon. However, while I can see myself returning, at least to partake in your yummy drinks while lounging on your comfy seating and sharing some laughs with a few friends, I don't think I'm ready to make you my "go-to" bar, as I had wondered about doing before we met (dependent of course on how things went between us). I love what you're trying to do, but it's just not enough for me. I'm looking for more. Unfortunately, I think I'm going to have to continue to see other bars.
Sincerely,
KristaListed in: 30 Days of Yelp!, Down the Aisle...
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Review from Jillian B.
Dartmouth, NS
My business partner John and I have been waiting for this one-of-a kind Halifax hot spot to open its doors. To us, fixing a sweet tooth by going to Dairy Queen or ColdStone just isn't so glamorous... no offense, we still love you DQ and CS! xoxo
Upon walking in, our first impression of the interior was contemporary yet modern-chic with a nostalgic twist. While the red, black and chrome accents reminded us of an old diner, the low-hanging lights and background music provided a big city vibe.
The drink and dessert menus were small but offered a wide array of flavors and choices; we're certain that the small size of the menus is due to the fact that they are ever-changing and that the items are homemade and fresh daily.
Although there were two of us, we ordered three desserts and three drinks - we simply could not choose just one each!
For drinks we chose The Lucky Spice, Aphrodite's Weakness and The Full Blossom. The Lucky Spice had black pepper in it and was a refreshing twist on a traditional whiskey-based "man's drink", while The Full Blossom boasted an orange liqueur and coconut rum mix - if you sit at the bar while they make it, you'll have the chance to see the bartender light the drink on fire!! (not joking...)
Lastly, we had our FAVORITE drink we have EVER had ANYWHERE in the entire world (including New York, Las Vegas, Miami, Toronto, Montreal, London, Scotland and Sweden) ... this drink was none other than Aphrodite's Weakness. This refreshing beverage danced with fresh flavors of coconut, amaretto, lemon, vanilla, raspberries and rose water. Believe us when we say that it was so fresh and flavorful, that you'd swear they had coconut trees and raspberry bushes in their kitchen downstairs.
Next came dessert. The dessert menu was broken up into three delicious categories: chocolate, sundaes and spoon classics. Naturally, we had to try one of each. Our choices included Fresh Chocolate Brownie Pie, Chocolate Cake Bite Sundae and Raspberry Smothered New York Cheesecake.
The Chocolate Brownie Pie was a HUGE winner for John. I even found it incredible and I don't even like chocolate pudding! Fresh from the oven, this unique pie treat included mouthful after mouthful of decedent and moist explosions of chocolate. Without being too rich and heavy, this dessert was the perfect chocolaty choice for anyone with a craving who doesn't want to over indulge too, too much.
Second came my favorite, the Cake Bite Sundae, which consists of mounds of creamy vanilla ice cream, chocolate cake rolled into balls and then dipped in chocolate with cherries on top. A-MAZING!!! There's simply no more we can say than move over Dairy Queen, ColdStone, Marble Slab, Sobey's, Superstore, Dickie Dee, and every other place in this city that sells Ice Cream, because this deliciousness just won my heart!
Lastly we had the New York Cheesecake, which truly impressed us most. For years, we've been searching high and low for a great slice of New York Cheesecake in Halifax. Finally, we've found a little slice of heaven that would even make the world-famous Carnegie Deli jealous. The light, moist and creamy cheesecake was topped with an extremely flavorful dressing of fresh raspberry sauce. At first, we thought that maybe... just maybe... the raspberry dressing overpowered the actual cheesecake, but after two bites, the strong sensation of cheesecake and raspberries mixing together tangoed in our mouths... seriously... it was magical.
The sweet little spot is the perfect place to go hang out with your favorite girlfriends or with a date. What better way to continue on a fabulous dinner date with friends or a lover than by switching up the atmosphere by heading down to this charming little spot? We will be back here time and time again. And while our waistlines might not approve, we're positive that Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda would.
xoxo Jill and John from Marqedia PR -
Review from Mel H.
7/28/2011
Hit up this place with some folks apres a carb heavy meal. The desserts looked delicious, but alas I settled with a liquid dessert instead. Upon the reco of a previous review I went for the Aphrodite's Weakness. It was decent! Very sweet, but then again I do tend to be more of a wine, beer or G&T kind of girl.
I think the city is in need of a joint like this- as we were discussing over dessert- since La Cave shut down awhile ago, there really aren't a whole lot of options in Halifax for a late night dessert fix. The Middle Spoon is definitely tapping into that void.
I will be back to check out the dessert, especially the banana split! -
Review from Sam D.
Dartmouth, NS
8/25/2011
Was really looking forward to the Spoon - I like cake, I like cocktails - but have to agree with the other two-stars here: nice enough, shame about the price.
Anyone who fancies paying $12 for a slice of cheesecake will be right at home. We settled for the budget option of a $10 brownie sundae. It was acceptable, but would not warrant a special trip.
Decor/atmosphere wise, it's nice and modern, if a bit cold. I did have a fairly good cocktail, but like the rest of the place, I'm not sure if it warrants the dollars. -
Review from Bailey W.
Halifax, NS
7/29/2011
Desert is practically my middle name, so I was more than excited to try the Middle Spoon Wednesday night. A couple of my friends had a chance to check out this delicious addition to Barrington earlier on in the week and gave excellent reviews...and I concur.
The spot itself is cozy, warm and inviting. The service was fantastic. Our server was as excited about the menu as we were about trying the dishes.
The menu has three sections - Chocolate, Sundaes and Spoon Specials. There is also a decent wine list and fantastic cocktails. We decided each to try the Aphrodite's Weakness martini - delicious.
We also each had a selection from the Spoon Specials. My friend had the peanut butter pie, which was a light, creamy delight. I had the carrot cake, which was super moist (tasted a hint of pumpkin aka love) and the cream cheese icing was whipped to perfection.
Those were just the appetizers.
As a self-proclaimed ice cream addict I couldn't pass up the Sundae section, so we decided to indulge in the 'sharable' size of the brownie, cookie sundae. I have no words. But it took us a good 15 minutes to awaken from our sugar coma and crawl out of the restaurant.
Great service + food + atmosphere = you should go. -
Review from Tracy R.
Halifax, NS
9/17/2011
Hard to believe I've waited this long (two months after opening) to check out the Middle Spoon, especially since my two favourite treats are deserts and cocktails. So let's just say that my anticipation and expectations were pretty high. I wasn't disappointed, but not blown away either.
I must say the cocktails were delish. I liked the use of fresh ingredients, i.e. muddled fruits and herbs. I'm a sucker for a Tom Collins or anything citrus-y and sparkling so I tried their Ginger Lemonade Highball. It was VERY good. I don't normally do mojitos (can't do rum) but I tried the French Mojito, a vodka based raspberry and lime version and while I found the mint to be a bit overpowering, I rather liked this one as well. But the best by far was the Aphrodite's Weakness martini my friend ordered (4 of!). Now THAT was yummy.
Another first for me (I was rebellious last night) - I didn't order anything chocolate! And there were at least 4 decadent-sounding chocoholic options. Instead I opted for the NY Cheesecake with raspberry topping. It was just alright. Maybe I should have gone chocolate.
The Middle Spoon is a nice venue for a girls' night out or a date. Typical urban cocktail lounge atmosphere - a bit chi chi yet still casual, that ubiquitous ambient background music (sorry but can we mix it up a little? That's getting a bit old), dark woods mixed with white fixtures and modern chandies. Plenty of seating upstairs and downstairs, including comfy leather chairs. It was packed last night (Friday). Clearly, a trendy spot, for now.
I do think Halifax needs something like this, a welcome departure from all the pubs. But I'm afraid I don't see a long future here. The niche concept of just desserts and cocktails makes for a special treat now, but may not be sustainable in the long term. Plus, it's pricey, a bit too much for the typical Halifax crowd. I'll go back, but only as an occasional indulgence. -
Review from Haitham G.
Halifax, NS
11/15/2011 1 photo
Asked the Bartender for an After Eight Martini but they did not have the creme de mint... Not a problem!.. they took the time to make the creme de mint part from scratch , grind fresh mint.. Now that is customer loyalty and great bar tending skills. Thank you Middle Spoon , will def come back again. Maybe events or bar tending if available. ! [Great cx service, decor and lights easy on the eye, ambient music: perfect for a good buzz and a nice conversation]
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Review from Sarah H.
My friend (i.e., Jenn B) started salivating at the mouth when she first witnessed the sign for The Middle Spoon going up a month or so ago. I decided I would be her companion for this adventure
First: I am not a dessert person. Never have been. Sugar can make my stomach feel ill. Therefore, I am often one to skip the dessert and have an extra potato during dinner (or a nibble on a slice of cheese). This general dislike is meaningless when it comes to brownies.
Fortunately, when I read the menu for The Middle Spoon they had brownies! Not only brownies, but a brownie sundae. The one dessert that I would catch a grenade for (*or insert all descriptors from that Bruno Mars song*). To top it off they incorporated cookies into the mix. At first I was a little concerned that the cookies would ruin the ecstasy of my brownie sundae. Middle Spoon knows their cookies. It was the best cookie of my life, and here is why : I enjoy cookie dough, and think the chocolate chips are okay. This cookie gave you the taste of the chocolate, but still allowed you to taste the delicious dough (and isn't that the point of a cookie?). I want to eat a plate of their cookies with a giant Alice in Wonderland sized cup of tea. Mmm...cooookieeees.
Downfall: no decaf tea. -
Review from Jessica G.
Dartmouth, NS
8/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Since The Middle Spoon opened I've fond it hard to resist the dessert temptation so I decided to try it out this weekend with a few friends. I was extremely excited about this place, because it focuses on desserts and is another great local business addition.
As the other reviewers have stated the menu is split into two parts, desserts and cocktails. We opted for only desserts (designated driving and all). There were three categories of desserts, the pies/cakes, sundaes, and chocolate things. Although the menu selection is small, it's the perfect size for a dessert place. Heck, I had a hard time choosing between all the deliciousness.
I opted for the shareable size chocolate chip cookie and brownie sundae to split with my fiancé. The portion was perfect for two people. I loved how the vanilla ice cream complimented the rich chocolate brownies and cookies. It really helps the dish from being too rich. My friends who ordered the cake ball sundae and the Lava cake also found this to be true. The brownie/cookie sundae was fantastic but there was much left to be desired. The brownies were incredibly dry, along with parts of the cookies. I can't be too harsh as it's only their first week. But I think the dessert could have been improved by using moist hot brownies and cookies. Cold brownies and cookies made it difficult to eat. I'm hoping to make it back again soon and try some of the other desserts. The peanut butter pie and the New York cheesecake look amazing. I'd also like to delve into some of those fancy cocktails.
As I sat gorging myself on sundae I kept thinking of how The Middle Spoon would be a great place to take a date. The atmosphere is relaxed and although there are cocktails and such it's quiet enough for good conversation. The only drawback is that the prices are quite high for only dessert ($8 - $12). We ended up spending $18 for one dessert plus tip.
I will definitely return in the near future to sample more of their delicious morsels. I'm also curious about the lone "soup and sandwich of the day" combo that sits at the bottom. Apparently it exists to satisfy liquor license regulations. One of the best things about The Middle Spoon is that it's different. It's a nice alternative to other local eateries when you just want to satisfy a sweet tooth and have a sugar high. -
Review from Jennifer B.
Dartmouth, NS
7/26/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I have been looking forward to his place since I first saw them pasting the Coming Soon sign in the window. Let me tell you, it was worth the wait.
The Middle Spoon bucks the norm. In a city loaded with restaurants, you won't find many that are designed with only dessert in mind, so it's a breath of fresh air, and fits right in with the rejuvenation of Barrington street.
You walk inside and are greeted with a sleek and chic space, with every table made to look as inviting as possible. Stuffed leather chairs or comfy banquettes hug shiny tables or warm wooden booths. The cool colour scheme is accented with great lighting fixtures that are beautiful as well as functional. The walls are lined with seductive pictures of luscious sweets and sexy treats.
A nice list of wines complements the fun drink menu. While I did not imbibe on my first visit, I was pleased that they categorized their mixed drinks by flavor notes (sweet, sour, etc...) to help you decide which drink will suit your palate.
The dessert menu is small, with about ten desserts, but it's about quality, not quantity. It has three chocolate options that will please any chocaholic. While tempted to gorge on the chocolate torte, I tried their cake bite sundae. Cake truffles, which are balls of chocolate cake encased in a milk chocolate shell, flank a generous portion of creamy vanilla ice cream. The whole delectable treat is topped with light whipped cream, drizzled in hot fudge, and garnished with the classic red cherries. It was divine. My cohort ordered the brownie chocolate chip cookie sundae, which is exactly what it sounds like, and also looked delicious.
The upstairs features the dessert area, while the downstairs is the main bar. You cans still order drinks from the small upstairs bar, but the upstairs is more suited for losing yourself in a bowl of sweet deliciousness.
I cannot wait to go back and try some drinks next time. I am sure that this will be the next hot spot for dates and those afflicted with a sweet tooth.Listed in: Date Night or Friendly Fun…
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Review from Laura M.
Halifax, NS
8/2/2011
Like many of the other reviewers so far, I've been anticipating the opening of this place for a while. My Dad and I both have a huge sweet tooth, so we decided to head down there tonight for what we thought would be a satisfying and delicious treat on a stormy night. Instead, it was what we described as "an expensive experiment."
The atmosphere is charming, yes. I noticed the lighting, variety of high and low seating, and assorted cushions right away. One of my biggest disappointments with the layout is that there's not a dessert case for drooling over. For me, best case scenario would have been a rotating dessert menu, with the available choices on display. The second best option would be to have a permanent menu, as it appears they do, but still be able to SEE some of my options before choosing one, if I wish.
Instead, the bar is the main focus, which makes me wonder whether I should be coming for drinks over desserts. It's a pretty, girlie kind of spot, which I'm neutral about. Yes, women gathering over cocktails and cakes sounds like a good idea, but if I'm going to down 2,000 calories in one sitting, I don't want to regret it. In other words, the dessert better kick ass. And tonight, it didn't quite do that.
I ordered a hot chocolate, which was fine. Not the best ever, despite the tower of whipped cream, but good enough. Dad ordered a coffee, which he said was so-so. Definitely not great. For dessert, I chose the Peanut Butter Pie, Dad the Molten Lava Cake.
I'm a peanut butter fiend, so any PB-inspired dessert has a good chance of knocking my socks off. Instead, the homemade pudding filling was worse than store bought - not creamy enough, smooth enough or flavourful enough - and while the texture was light, it still could have been more decadent. The PB "crumbs" appeared to be bits of PB rolled in flour, which was rather odd, and the moisture on the crust made me wonder how long the pie had been in the fridge.
The lava cake was just as mediocre. The cake itself was too heavy on the cocoa, but the biggest disappointment was the "lava," or lack thereof. When you break into a molten lava cake with your spoon, it should be soft, moist, warm, and the chocolate lava should ooze out easily. Not the case here. The lava visible on top of the cake was about all there was, leaving the rest of the cake not all that enjoyable to eat, since it wasn't tasty enough on its own.
Granted, we didn't have the cocktails - which according to other reviewers are to die for - nor did we have an ice cream dish or the cheesecake, which also seem to be going over well. The five-star reviews here may warrant a second visit from me, but I won't be in a real hurry to get there.
Sorry Middle Spoon, I was excited, but for now, am a little deflated. -
Review from Michelle G.
Fall River, NS
8/2/2011
Went with two friends last Thursday night.
I got the Cake Bite Brownie Sundae - SO GOOD ! Anything dipped in chocolate will spark my interest but this was unreal !
Great job, I think this place is going to be a hit :) -
Review from Cadence M.
Halifax, NS
8/23/2011
I've only been once for a network meeting so I didnt really get a chance to check out the extended menu just the treats they were serving for the meeting. I love this concept and as a non bar person this is a much more appealing option for me and my girl friends to go to on the weekend as opposed to a crowded meat market. Yes, I will be back and yes I will probably try everything on the dessert menu. Tip of my hat to these guys for a great idea down town!
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Review from Meghan W.
8/7/2011
Excellent service on both my visits this week, lovely cocktails at fair prices. The carrot cake was my favourite and cheesecake was good but pricey. When asked the server mentioned the ice cream is not made in house, this could be improved as many of their competitors make gelatos etc.
