Tapping the Korean alcoholic market
Danielle Latour has opened a tap room for Mak 902 at the production site at 3600 Kempt Rd. in the North End of Halifax.
Mak 902 specializes in Korean alcoholic rice beverages.
Makgeolli is traditional Korean alcohol. It's a kind of sparkling rice wine that is cloudy in appearance, fizzy with a sweet, sour, tangy, creamy, bitter, fruity, floral taste. Sometimes it goes by Makkeoli or Farmer’s Drink.
“Rice-based beer, wine and spirits (soju) is gluten-free and really soft on the stomach," said Latour. "I started making makgeolli in a very traditional way and over time, I learned how to balance flavours using NS flowers, spices and fruits. It's all natural.
“I lived in South Korea for eight years and felt at home instantly as our food and cultures are similar. I love makgeolli and decided to try and brew some at home in Nova Scotia. And it just took on a life of its own, as I continued to get better. I started selling at markets and through Bishop’s Cellar and the NSLC.
“Right now, I am experimenting with developing a unique Nova Scotia taste by making our own nuruk. Nuruk is like the grape of mak wine. Our own nuruk will create Nova Scotia as a region of rice wine production. I really hope for people to consider Nova Scotia as a great rice wine region. “Totally, local.“
As for the location, Latour said: “Kempt Road is a great, because it's central and is easily accessible. The rent is good as well.“
You can order the goods or buy retail at the tap room. She is also hoping to have more food in the future.
“At the moment we are serving a snack tray with dried fish and sweet chips.”
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
Here are some retail and food service happenings:
■ Tenders went out this week to build the No Frills at 375 Pleasant St. in Woodside, beside Value Village. It is expected to open in the first quarter of 2025.
■ American mall staple Hot Topic has opened its store in the Halifax Shopping Centre.
■ Tribeca and en Vie have closed their doors.
■ Sushi Wave is now open at 6253 Quinpool Rd., replacing Chinese spot Shanxi Paoma.
■ Aquarium shop Maritime Fins is opening mid-may at 978 Cole Harbour (plaza beside 2 Boys).
■ Bar Burrito opened its latest location by Sobeys in Tantallon.
■ Pizza Fiamma is open on Albemarle St., beside Scotiabank Centre.
■ Beirut Way Convenience & Lebanese Market is open at
Quinponoldrd.
6261
■ Sneaker shop East Coast Kicks has moved from Bedford Place to its new home in Burnside at 125 Joseph Zatzman.
■ Beauty and wellness shop Sage and Sweetgrass is staying at its Caldwell Rd. home, but also opening a second location at Bishop’s Landing on Lower Water St.
■ Bc-based pizza chain Freshslice is opening a location on Spring Garden Road below the Lord Nelson.
■ A Pria Cafe and Deli is opening at 2444 Agricola St. The same folks own Original Italy Catering.
■ Taiwanese bubble tea chain Gong Cha is now open at 1459 Brenton St.
■ NHA CAFE “specialty coffee and cafe” (Vietnamese) is opening in the new building on Bedford Highway facing Flamingo Dr.
■ Mr Gonzalez Mexican Cuisine is coming to 1466 Main Rd in Eastern Passage by the Post Office. Yes, the same restaurant that has been in Yarmouth for about five years.
■ Wonder World, an indoor play space, is coming to Hammonds Plains in the new plaza at Voyageur Lakes.