So how did everyone spend their weekend? I noticed during my travels that the news of impending Christmas appears to have hit everyone as driving was a chore, and going near a store that sells any sort of product whatsoever was death. I’m being teased by friends and family as I’m well known as a fan of Christmas, and someone who gets his shopping done very early. Typically most of my gifts are bought at the crack of November. Sadly, this year I’ve bought two things total. Not good.
Saturday brought the third opportunity to meet up with Kip and Shaz for the last time. We tried out Rebekha Sushi here in Bolton, the aforementioned site of Mark’s $10 wasabi bet last week. I do get a good feeling about this place, if they’re able to weather the storm that is the Bolton valley. It seems that businesses that can get out of their first year down there can succeed long term, but that first year can be killer. Quality was good, freshness adequate. We all tried some different things, including three orders of Dynamite Rolls amongst five people, and Kip even secured some of the private stash of kimchee from the back. Again, great to see them, and I have a feeling (and hope) that the next time our paths cross it will be in Milwaukee.
Yesterday afternoon into the night was my first Decemberfest, an annual meeting of the Toronto beer-reviewing elite at Doug Shoemaker’s house. It’s been a fun ride getting to know these guys and learning the craft of defining a palate and tasting great beer. This event in particular is great because these folks bring some of their best stuff for others to try, giving me the opportunity to sample some really hard-to-find and rare treats. As a newbie I was hard-pressed to track down something worthwhile, but I did provide two bottles of the 2006 Neustadt Springs Big Dog Beaujolais Porter and the reformulated Neustadt Springs 10w30, both of which were well received. Some time over the next week you’ll be able to check out what I tried on RateBeer page. 33 samples in total, 31 new ratings. That’s definitely a lot of beer, as you can see from our picture of the day.
Jason Lee (yes, that Jason Lee) and I share a new addiction, aside from great classic rock. We’re both hooked on Midlake and their album The Trials of Van Occupanther. Check out some samples on their MySpace if you’re up for it, or watch all nine of their videos on YouTube. Good stuff.
Today’s Random Links
Excellent, inspiring human interest story, courtesy of Paul.
The 50 Greatest Commercials of the