“All I ever wanted was to make music.”

“All I ever wanted was to make music.”

In 1994, a guy named Stuart Bastow walked into an Ottawa piano bar. The 20-something had never sung in any venue except perhaps a shower but, thanks to a pint or two of courage, the next thing he knew there was a microphone where his glass used to be. By the time he...
When in Venice

When in Venice

The Champagne Lady. That’s what they call Don Day’s Wife. For seldom a day goes by when she doesn’t tootle a flute of sparkling wine. It’s rarely real Champagne. Usually it’s a French Cremant. Occasionally, a Spanish Cava. And once-in-a-while, an Italian Prosecco. But...
The night Don Day thought he was 20 again.

The night Don Day thought he was 20 again.

OK. I’m not exactly their target audience. I have grandchildren who aren’t exactly their target audience. But it was one of those early December days when the sunset seduces you into the night and guilt makes it impossible to do another slovenly slouch on the couch....
Tostadas. Messy but marvellous.

Tostadas. Messy but marvellous.

It might just be Mexico’s greatest contribution to clumsy cuisine. A candidate for the top ten dishes you always end up wearing. I’m talking about the crumbly tostada, the dish that began life as a way to use up yesterday’s tortillas. A dish that, along with those...
Uncomplicating mezcal. And discovering El Dorado.

Uncomplicating mezcal. And discovering El Dorado.

Drinking mezcal in Mexico used to be so easy. You’d buy yourself a one week package to a bikini-laden beach that included airfare, hotel, all you could eat, and, most importantly, all you could drink. Then, you just followed the daily regime: Drinks with umbrellas in...
Why don’t ex-pats drink micheladas?

Why don’t ex-pats drink micheladas?

I think I know why. I think it has to do with that can’t teach old dogs new tricks adage. And that’s a barking shame. Because micheladas are one of Mexico’s significant contributions to the world of alcoholic beverages. Almost everyone is guilty or almost guilty of...