Notes From The City: An Abundant Life

There is a song by Juan Carlos Calderon titled "Touch The Wind" that I first heard when my brother recorded it on acoustic guitar more than ten years ago. The way that my brother plays it, with layer upon layer of rhythms moving in and out of the lovely and simple melody, it is one of the most beautiful songs in the way that it makes you feel - it is open and expansive and uplifting, and listening to it makes it seem like anything wonderful is possible. My brother loved playing guitar. I think that the way music sounds must have something to do with the emotion of the musician playing it, and that it must have given my brother great joy to play this song. He titled it "Touch The Sky" on his recording, and through the interweaving of melodies it brings a sense of a breath of fresh open air opening out into a limitless horizon.

Whenever I walk into the restaurant Halifax, I have a feeling like the feeling of that music. Although it is part of the W Hotel and has the protection and comfort of the solid building around it, it seems like a space that is open to the harbor and the sky, and from the first moment when I had the opportunity to meet the Manager Carlos Arteaga and try the expertly mixed Cuban Redhead, a craft cocktail that he and the Mixologist Roxann De Armas had created with Misunderstood Whiskey, I knew I'd found a place where it would be possible to take some time and reflect and find a moment to enjoy. I asked if I could write about the restaurant, and Carlos arranged a meeting with the Executive Chef Seadon Shouse. A native of Novia Scotia with a vast experience in the finest restaurants all along the Eastern Seaboard, he brings his love of the land, the sea and the sky into the kitchen and the dining room of Halifax.

From my first look at the menu I was delighted. As beautiful and luscious cocktails were served by the lovely mixologist Tatiana De La Rosa and dish after dish of colorful, creative and delicious food was presented by Chef Shouse and the expert staff, I found myself thinking that I could eat at Halifax every day and always find something new and wonderful to enjoy. From local vegetables and meats to in-house smoked fish and house made bacon, sea salt made from Montauk water and the authentically created vermouth that is one of Chef Shouse's specialties, every item was so carefully and excellently prepared that they were like gifts being presented on platters. Pastry Chef Stuart Marx served two of the wonderful desserts, each one with a whimsy that felt like childhood wrapped up in something any adult could enjoy. Cassoulet is one of my favorite things, and the one that Chef Shouse created with locally produced sausage is spectacular. From the mouthwatering and tender sea scallops to the fresh local squash served over fall grains, the choices Chef Seadon Shouse makes create beauty and evoke memories that brought me to that place of lovely tranquility that I find when I go to the sea. Sitting in that beautiful room overlooking the Hudson, it felt almost spa-like - a vacation in a home away from home.

With gorgeous design featuring the colors of the ocean and living wall murals, Halifax is a place to dream and relax, a place for warm conversations and leisurely afternoons that stretch into luxurious and lovely nights. With a champagne brunch service that showcases some of the finest cuisine, craft cocktails, light bites and a full dinner menu, every choice is sure to please. In whatever the weather and whatever your mood, spending a moment or an hour or many, at Halifax you can find your way to touch the sky.

Halifax

At The W Hotel

225 River Street

Hoboken, New Jersey

http://www.halifaxhoboken.com/

Chef Seadon Shouse
Brings His Love Of The Sea
And Expertise In The Finest Of Foods
To Grace The Space