Since she began honing her acting chops at a young age in the Prince Edward Island arts and theatre industry, Halifax-based actor Celia Owen has developed a highly versatile skill set that has helped her attain a wide variety of roles along with a multitude of award nominations for choreography, step dancing, and fiddle playing.
In addition to garnering plenty of praise for her performances with Halifax’s Neptune Theatre–where she performed for notable public figures such as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Prince William, and Duchess Kate Middleton–Owen is also well known in Japan for her portrayal of Anne of Green Gables on NJK television.
More recently, Owen has landed leading roles in acclaimed plays like Lo and Dear Mr. Wells, as well as the East Coast feature film Pogey Beach, and last week, she made her first appearance on Canadian television as Eleanor Bennett in CBC's new one-hour comedy-drama Moonshine.
Given the amount of time Owen has spent performing on the East Coast, including filming Moonshine on the south shore of Nova Scotia, we decided to ask the multi-talented actor to share a few of her favourite food and drink spots in Halifax.
Breakfast
Pickford and Black is situated on the beautiful Halifax waterfront. In my opinion, they’ve got the best patio on the boardwalk. You can’t beat this brunch view in the city. Chocolate espresso pancakes, the most delicious eggs benny, tater tots, and the best Caesar flights. Need I say more?
Lunch
Real Fake Meats is Halifax’s plant-based butcher shop. As someone who hasn’t eaten meat or dairy in 10 years, the day I walked into this place I fell in love. They have a massive selection of delicious vegan cheeses, meats, desserts, sandwiches, and so much more.
They do incredible vegan spins on all your favourite dishes. I take my meat eating friends there all the time and they love it too. My personal favourite is ordering their charcuterie board and taking it to a picnic on the beach.
Dinner
Walking into Bar Kismet kind of feels like you’re walking into a friend's house. It’s so cozy and cute. The staff are so friendly and welcoming. I don’t even know how to describe how incredible the food and drinks at this place are.
Their menu is frequently rotating to accommodate what is in season, and when I tell you everything is amazing I mean it. I once had this tuna tartare there that was truly unforgettable. They have a beautiful wine and cocktail list as well, and their staff are very knowledgeable so they can help you choose exactly what you’re looking for. I promise anything you order will blow your mind.
Drinks
A Saturday night at the Barrington Steakhouse bar is my perfect evening. Usually there’s a musician playing the grand piano by the window (Adam Baldwin if you’re lucky!) and one of Halifax’s favourite bartender’s behind the bar (shout out Mehvy).
They have an extensive wine and cocktail list, friendly staff, and a romantic atmosphere. They make the best Espresso Martini in the city. No questions asked. They also carry Seedlip, a non alcoholic spirit for any sober or sober curious people out there.
