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There was a time when the words Dartmouth and food didn’t have much in common.

I remember driving around in search of restaurants, and could count the number of ‘same-old same-old’ eating establishments on one hand. Mercifully, things changed. So I joined a group of colleagues last winter with a mission to check out the food scene.

We gathered at the Wooden Monkey (Alderney Landing) for a brief meeting. Before the meeting started, I had a hefty serving of fish and roasties (line caught haddock, Schoolhouse gluten free maple flax breading, cider slaw, and house-made tartar) listed as light fare.

I’m not sure what’s light about potatoes and battered fish (and the portion could have fed two people) but it was delicious, so I didn’t complain. And, although I don’t follow a gluten-free regime, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the coating of the fish didn’t taste like cardboard.

The most impressive treat, however, was when I moved into the adjoining reception area to meet my colleagues. Along with coffee, we were presented with a tray of chocolate tofu pie bits made with Acadiana soy non-GMO silken tofu and non-dairy chocolate, walnut and almond crust.

Samples of Chocolate Tofu Pie served at The Wooden Monkey at Alderney Gate was a crowd-pleaser for a group of travel writers. - Sandra Phinney

Normally, I wouldn’t link chocolate and tofu in the same sentence, let alone make a dessert combining the two, but that old melt in your mouth cliché popped into my head. Each mouthful was smooth chocolaty goodness.

After a brief meeting, off we toddled on our scouting mission.

Initial thoughts: I was struck by how many new-to-me restaurants and eateries existed in the downtown core, and how diverse they are.

First stop was Humble Pie on King Street. Imagine luscious, thick, juicy (but not runny) meat pies. There are usually a dozen varieties on offer including the traditional and highly popular Steak n Cheese Pie.

If you’re lucky—and the shop is not too busy—strike up a conversation with co-owner Mike Noakes.

Mike loves to talk about the whys and wherefores of setting up an eatery with meat pies similar to what he was accustomed to back in New Zealand. The story is as good as his pies, and you’ll quickly see why the company’s line it’s hard to be humble is apt.

Want to try a new take on pizza? Step into Stone Pizza on Alderney Drive where you can choose from a variety of fresh, locally sourced toppings. Once assembled, it’s placed on a pizza stone, passes through a hot oven, and four and a half minutes later — voila!

I had waterfront works which features liberal amounts of salami, pepperoni, bacon, mushrooms, green pepper and choice of cheese which seems to be the most popular. Certainly flavourful! While there, I bought a couple of containers of stingin’ hot honey made by the Halifax Honey Co. Whoa! (I’ve since returned for more pizza and more honey.)

Another place I fell in love with was The Dart Gallery & Picnic at Dart, on Portland Street. It's the funkiest combo: unusual art work and crafts on one side; intimate dining area on the other.

Unfortunately, the timing of our visit was outside of restaurant hours but I was so intrigued by the concept (mixing a small gallery and retail with eating) that I returned last fall with friends for a Sunday morning brunch.

Feeling adventuresome I ordered khachapuri — a bread boat filled with cheese topped by a just set egg. I found it hard to believe the quality and quantity for a mere eight and a half bucks.

Chef Allan “Al” McPherson concentrates while plating orders during a Sunday brunch at Picnic at Dart. - Sandra Phinney

Greg Bishop had fish cakes, made with a base of cod, shrimp, salmon and haddock.

The fish cakes were delicious,” Greg says. “Lovely texture as well as taste. The dipping sauces were original and added to the flavour.”

Chef Allan “Al” McPherson loves to experiment. He also loves to surprise everyone. Of course the bonus is that you can enjoy the art gallery and the company of its owner, Jane MacDougald, while you wait.

Another fun place is the Portland Street Crêperie.

On a recent visit to Dartmouth I invited my niece Kate Mallin, and daughter-in-law Lisa Pasolli to join me. We collectively agreed that the mushroom melt (sautéed local mushrooms, Brie and roasted garlic aioli) was beyond wonderful. Kate summed it up by saying “It was stuffed to the brim with mushrooms and the sauce paired nicely. The mushrooms were’t soupy so the crepe didn’t get soggy.”

One of the delicious crepes available at the Portland Street Crêperie in Dartmouth. Check out the menu on the back wall. - Sandra Phinney

Lisa added, “I loved the fact that we could have a savoury crepe for a nice filling dinner, and then share a sweet one for dessert. It was the best of both worlds.”

And that’s only half of what I’ve discovered about eating in Dartmouth. I’ll be on another taste tour this winter.