Usually referred to as the 'dark side'. These words baffle me given I have lived in Dartmouth for the past 2 years and have yet to understand what is so 'dark' about it. I felt as though this post had to be written to shed some sort of light onto this area of the HRM-an area that is usually referred to in a negative way. To be blunt, I'm sick of hearing this. It's almost as if you are discouraged to either cross one of the two bridges or take the ferry over whenever you mention the dirty 'D' word (...Dartmouth) I thought I would dispel the negativity through coffee.
Coffee is great--It's essentially my blood type. I feel as though people my age (but not limited to) can relate to coffee (if you don't drink it, you probably have a friend that does). It has been critical to me since it has helped me pump out numerous papers, survive looong readings, and stay awake during 8:30AM classes after a night out. So for that next long, tedious exam period make a journey across the harbour (the Alderney/Dartmouth ferry is ultra-scenic--highly recommended) to somewhere new. Here are my personal top 4 recommendations (order is not specific--although I have a soft spot for Two if By Sea. We'll start there.)
- Two if By Sea
This was one of the first coffee shops in Dartmouth I adventured into. It was actually where my Belgian friend (who was visiting Halifax) suggested to me. I thought "why not?" since it was suggested by word of mouth.
The first thing I noticed--the cookies. They are big. If you have social anxiety you can hide behind these (a bit of a hyperbole, but you get the idea.) They're sitting in a jar, taunting you. The second thing I noticed was the layout of the place. It's a great place to study--plenty of tables and moderately spacious.
Ultimately, I ordered a plain dark roast with a cookie upon my most recent visit. The location is close to the ferry terminal.
http://twoifbyseacafe.ca/
- Ma Belle's
Yet another friend recommendation. This place is actually bigger on the inside than how it looks on the outside. It's not really designed as a 'traditional café' where you come in, order at the counter, and then sit down with your laptop. This place has more of a restaurant vibe going for it. It also has an extensive menu (soups, sandwiches, pop, etc.). It's probably better suited for a study break.
The last time I went I ordered a panini with (yet again) another dark roast (advertised as a 'Mexican roast'). Everything tasted spot-on.
The waitress took me and my friend out back to the London room (which is exactly what it sounds like--a room decked out in traditional symbols of London, England). You would never know it was there since it's off of the main dining area. This location is also not far from the ferry terminal.
- The Darkside
The name of this place irks me. I kind of laugh at it--but at the same time it just perpetuates negative connotations (maybe it's irony? I'm gonna say it's irony).
I ordered a chicken samosa with a cappuccino. My friend was with me (apparently I don't go to cafe's alone). She ordered a cookie and a London fog. The menu is extensive (not as extensive as the previously mentioned location), but it doesn't have the restaurant atmosphere that Ma Belle's had. It has window seats and allows for room if you decide to bring things to study with. It's also a bit smaller so finding a seat during peak hours may be difficult. None the less it's worth a try.
Oh yeah, you're going to have to work to get here (21 minute walk from the ferry terminal). Don't let this deter you though.
http://www.thedarksidecafe.ca/
- Just Us!
This is somewhat of a chain. There are locations in Halifax and beyond. Their coffee is by far my favourite (the rainforest blend) of any coffee offered in HRM. Fair trade and organic for the socially conscious reader out there.
This time I did go alone. I ordered another cappuccino (I betrayed my religious rainforest blend) with a cherry Danish. All things tasted great (as usual). Ideal spot for study--super large tables and couches. I am guilty of typing last minute assignments at this place. It is also right by the ocean, so the view is pretty great as well.
www.justuscoffee.com > Dartmouth
There are more cafes than what I've presented here. Hopefully someone reading this has had some sort of curiosity sparked within them to go out and explore these and other places in Dartmouth. Whether you're visiting Nova Scotia, a 1st year student in a 4 year degree, or a local, it is worth the trip across the harbour in my opinion.
It's not that dark on this side. Really.
They all sound delicious! Halifax has the best coffee shops of any city I've ever been to (RIP, Midpoint) and it sounds like Dartmouth is in no way behind.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely worth the visit in my opinion. I grew up in rural NS and I've lived in the HRM for the past 5 years. It's good to know that, despite me becoming sick of the place, Halifax has contestable coffee shops when compared to other cities.
DeleteThanks for the input Regina.
Once upon a time, I had heard a story that offered an explanation of why Dartmouth has 'The Darkside" nickname; it smells of urban legend but it isn't completely implausible - early in Halifax's history, ships entering the harbour would have to be guided by lights on the Halifax side. The adage to avoid running aground was 'stay away from the dark side', as Dartmouth did not light (as many) lights for navigation.
ReplyDeleteGrain of salt and all that, but it's a nice romanticism at the end of it all.
Once upon a time, I had heard a story that offered an explanation of why Dartmouth has 'The Darkside" nickname; it smells of urban legend but it isn't completely implausible - early in Halifax's history, ships entering the harbour would have to be guided by lights on the Halifax side. The adage to avoid running aground was 'stay away from the dark side', as Dartmouth did not light (as many) lights for navigation.
ReplyDeleteGrain of salt and all that, but it's a nice romanticism at the end of it all.
It leads me think how meaning changes over time. The English language is (as I'm sure you know) constantly under change and shift.
DeleteThis is definitely more positive (romanticised) than any context I've ever heard 'the darkside' used in.
Interesting none the less!
Thanks Gord
As someone born and raised in Dartmouth, I fully accept that Dartmouth is considered the dark side. It's also called the Dirty D from time to time and I accept that name too. I'm not embarrassed to come from Dartmouth but when you compare it to Halifax... it leaves much to be desired. But I do agree, TIBS is exquisite.
ReplyDeleteI feel as though this article can be applied to many cities/neighbourhoods that are close to each other (neighbourhoods in New York or LA for example could easily be contrasted). One city/neighbourhood/district is usually 'the crown jewel' when compared to the rest. Definitely food for thought of how/why perceptions of place are constructed.
DeleteI've heard good things about Two If By Sea and their cookies. I will definitely have to give it a try sometime.
ReplyDelete