Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Valentines Day

V-Day is coming. Are you ready? In some minds, Valentine's (V-Day) should be everyday - time to express your love for someone should not be left up to one day out of the year, but celebrated at least for one moment of every day.
That being said, it is a nice little treat to pay attention to that special someone just a bit more than normal. One of the special treats lots of folks tend to flock to this time of the year is the Oyster.

Historically speaking, the Oyster has always been considered as an aphrodisiac - something eaten to increase the libido - wink,wink... Casanova was reputed to enjoy over 50 oysters a day to keep himself at the ready. There are many different reasons, why this might work as an aphrodisiac, but as with most love potions, if you believe it will work - shazam!

On the other hand, there are scientific reasons as to why "oysters work". The main reason is the Zinc. Oysters have the highest levels of naturally occurring zinc in any food source. Zinc, as you know, not only boosts the immunity in the human body, but also helps release testosterone in the system, and that my friends, drives the libido. Testosterone is present in both boys and girls, but in differing amounts, which is why the Oyster may "help" boys more than girls.

Not to be left out ladies, there is one other item in the oyster that may hold aphrodisiac qualities for yourselves. There is a report out that indicates the smell and taste of cucumber helps women get the heart racing. The Pacific Oyster has a flavour range of sale, sweet-cream, melon and cucumber - which means the west coast oysters may have a double whammy for yourselves!

Now however you want to take your aphrodisiacs this Valentines day, I can definitely make a couple of recommendations. Book your reservation early, book any day but Valentines day (I'll back you up on this one boys - very busy, and you want a little more romantic joint...), and enjoy your oysters while gazing into each others eyes. This may do the trick to spark a little romance, but no guarantees - I just shuck oysters, I'm not a miracle worker..

Shuckingly yours, Patrick

Sunday, February 7, 2010

The Dinky Rink at The Ceili Cottage



When the patio closes in the fall, what do you do with an area of 25'x30' in front of your pub? Just tarp over the tables and chairs, and hope for an early spring?

Heck no! Embrace the winter, and build an Ice Rink!

Well, that's what I thought anyways. I built a 2x6" wall around the patio, not taking into consideration the grade for allowable drainage. Added a tarp, to keep the water in the patio, and flooded as soon as the weather dipped below 0°C.

Who would have thought that I would have spent the next 35 days hoping for colder wether than what we were given. Don't get me wrong, this has been the best winter you can hope for as a human being, wandering around downtown toronto.

But if you are trying to make an ice rink, it was a little difficult at best. It was like i Lost the recipe for ice, as I kept filling the cement pond, it kept leaking away, drop by drop - like my salty tears...

Well, I found the recipe again, and the rink is finished...at last.

Folks are invites to use the rink as long as they wish. We open at 5 on the weekdays, and 12 noon on the weekends, but if you want to skate or play before that you are most welcome, we just ask that you keep your enthusiasm to a dull roar, in respect of the neighbours, and let the kids play through. Rules are posted


The added treat of the Rink, allows us to offer a small version of curling to be played whenever you wish. I have junior rocks, from the Royal Canadian Curling Club, and on Wednesday evenings, there will be a host from the Club to offer lessons on the fine art of "Hurry hard!!" See you soon, Paddy