So Mark covered Friday’s extravaganza, but left the beer talk to me. Presumably this is because he enjoys pretending I’m the drunk and he’s the “good” one. I’ll bite. We did each get two bottles of the new Fuller’s Vintage 2006, one of which I’ll drink near Christmas, the other I’ll cellar for five years or so. I might even pick up a couple more, but at $7 they’re not cheap. Back home we cracked our Chimay gift packs, washed our new Chimay glasses, and hit the trio of Chimay Red, White, and Blue. The first two were similar, both offering peppery plums with coriander and orange peel, although the white delivered significantly more hops and alcohol in a lighter colour. The blue was by far the best, and once allowed to warm, just amazing. Lots of the peppery plums with sweet malts, some woodsy characters, and lots of yeast. The aftertaste was like caramel. So good, I can see why they’re so revered. Those of you unfamiliar with Chimay need click here for some info on the Belgian Trappist monks who have brewed this since 1850, dedicating their lives to God and to “gladdening the heart of man.”
Sunday the entire family headed down to Toronto with Kim, my Dad, and I catching the Maple Leafs “Skills” Competition. Thank God for Chad Kilger! You know you’re in bad when Wade Belak is one of the two defencemen you’ve picked for the 3-on-1 challenge. Afterwards we met up with Mom and Jeff to try out the new Mill Street Brewpub in the Distillery District. I’d never been to that district before and I can tell you I’ll be back. It’s such an interesting little place with its Victorian architecture and cobblestone roads, I’m sure it’s a great walk in the summer months. Mill Street opened their new Brewpub in October after they outgrew their brewery and moved it, placing the restaurant in the old brewery. The food is somewhat high-end pub, and the atmosphere is great inside. Our service, headed by waiter Dima, was tremendous. Best of all for Mill Street fans is that they’ve gone beyond their four traditional offerings (the excellent Tankhouse Ale and Coffee Porter; the subpar Organic Lager and Stock Ale) to offer special draught selections. Between the five of us we sampled the Cobblestone Stout, India Pale Ale, ESB, Oktoberfest Marzen, Pilsner, and Belgian Wit. All received varying levels of approval, along with the food. Three of us – myself included – had the Steak and Stilton Pie with the others having the Fish & Chips and the entertainingly named Sausage Grinder. The Grinder was the only failing grade, but the Pie was great. I’ll definitely be back!
Christmas is sneaking up! I have nothing purchased, no tree, no decorations, and no cards sent out. Man…
Today’s Random Links
Chrysler made some fake “Folgers” style ads: 1 and 2
Insane virtual city map site! (Thanks, Rob)