Liverpool Pizzeria

When we arrived in Liverpool on our first night, we arrived late, and all of the restaurants were closed. It wasn't until the next day that I got to pick a nice little local place for dinner. After driving around, the choice was pretty easy- the cute little pizza place, situated in a pretty little building on Liverpool's pretty little Main Street. The place was pretty quiet, and when we walked in the lady behind the counter gave us a friendly welcome. We chose on of a few specials on offer, which involved pizza and garlic sticks. The lady behind the counter was extremely, extremely friendly, letting us know that we could change the pizza included in the special to any of their pizzas, or just pick the toppings we wanted. She even let us do half and half with entirely different ingredients on the same pizza without charging extra (with the exception of a three dollar charge for a premium ingredient). This was one of those places where, between the architecture of the old building, and the exceptionally friendly service, I was impressed before even getting our food. We took the pizzas back to our hotel, along with the garlic sticks and donair sauce, and chowed down. And boy, was I ever impressed. The ingredients on the pizza were exceptionally tasty- all of them tasted fresh and were present in generous quantities, explaining and excusing the high charge for an extra premium topping. The garlic cheese sticks, with bacon on top, were also super delicious, again with generous portions. Although I can't recall the price, it was comparable to what we'd paid in other parts of NS for similar combos, around thirty dollars (although I could be mistaken, it certainly wasn't pricey). The only caveat I have is the donair sauce- it was whipped rather than creamy, something I've never seen before, and wasn't really used to. Even this, though, was far more about personal preference than about quality. Overall, excellent, excellent pizza; I highly recommend it.

Dan's Ice Cream

Sometimes while you're traveling, you get sick of eating hamburgers and french fries, and just want something that looks like it may have some nutritional value to it. Although you'd seldom think to look for that nutritional something at an old-fashioned ice cream bar by the highway, passing Dan's, in Barrington NS by would be your loss, without a doubt. I understand any skepticism. When I saw the place, I really just wanted to try the ice cream, but we were looking for lunch, so I had to get something substantial in my stomach first. Image, then, my surprise when the menu had no hamburgers, but instead wraps, salads, quesadillas, rice bowls, and a variety of subs and sandwiches. I chose the quesadilla and salad, while my coworker grabbed just a salad; both of us were given a menu of various fruits and vegetable toppings, including such things as grapes and spinach, and a list of home made dressings for the salads. The meals were both incredible- great tasting, under 8 dollars, and, most importantly, they left you feeling ready for the day, not full of grease. After lunch,I tried a banana split- although not the old fashioned hard ice cream version my parents rave about, it was generously topped with delicious flavours of my choosing. I was so impressed that I returned on a later trip for a cookie ice cream sandwich- delicious fresh tasting cookies and a generous amount of ice cream, and just shy of two dollars. Easily one of the best places to grab a treat in the province! I also need to saw a word about the staff, and the atmosphere. The staff were so friendly; after spending a few minutes trying to pick what I wanted, I stood in line. Another cashier opened and a man came in the door and went right up to her. She clearly didn't notice I was there first, but when she did, politely told the man that I was and asked if he would mind if I ordered first. This very much impressed me- it was the perfect way to deal with the situation, and not something you see very often (I've had many cashiers serve people who've cut in front of me before). All of the staff were friendly and helpful. The vibe was also really great- retro style, with a very fun mix of current and classic hits. I can't say enough good things about this place. I would highly, highly recommend it!