Category: Uncategorized

General, Politics Aug 11, 2009 The Waffle No Comments Sometimes, when you are on tour, people are quite happy to see you or have you as guest. Not always. But it was the case in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. As I checked into my room at the Days Inn and Conference Centre, I was surprised to find a huge fruit basket waiting for me, along with a nice letter from the assistant manager. Here are some excerpts: “We are pleased to have you and Mr. Layton as our guests this evening. We have just celebrated our first year with this new franchise and are looking forward to experiencing continued growth for this business. We look forward to sharing our hospitality with you. We are especially looking forward to the changes that will be brought about by the New Democratic Party.” Next time I am in Bridgewater, guess where I am going…

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Politics Aug 10, 2009 The Waffle 1 Comment We boarded the Sea Mist II as the sun was starting to go down on Chester‘s Harbour. This was after some mainstreeting near the docks, talking to local folks about the issues they care about. NDP Leader Jack Layton along with NDP MLA Denise Peterson-Rafuse were joining a group of local supporters for a tour of the harbour and maybe some mackerel fishing. Apparently mackerel is a big thing in Chester. A big thing. So we set off, touring the harbour and admiring the scenery. Notably, Heisler’s Marina, constructed in 1924, the Swinehamer House, circa 1800, the Old Baptist Burial Grounds, with its oldest stone dated 1761. There Champlain Robertson House, overlooking the Back Harbour, was once owned by a descendant of Chief Powhaten, father of Pocahontas. Everything was quite striking, but we finally set out for the sea. The weather was perfect.  We were enjoying…

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Politics, Restaurant Aug 4, 2009 The Waffle No Comments Tonight was the NDP nomination meeting in Hochelaga, for the possible upcoming by-election following the announced resignation of long time Bloc MP Réal Ménard, who has decided to jump to the Municipal scene with Vision Montréal. Jean-Claude Rocheleau was acclaimed by the riding association.  President of Canada’s United Oil Workers from CEP local 121, Rocheleau is a very strong candidate for the NDP.  He ran a vigorous campaign last time around and firmly established the NDP as a viable option. In fact, the NDP has tripled its vote in the riding since Jack Layton became leader.   A fierce defender of his fellow workers and a strong proponent of energy security, Rocheleau recently took the lead in the fight to stop Shell from closing its refinery in the East-end of Montreal. Jack Layton gave a passionate speech about the state of the economy, a speech appreciated by the…

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Restaurant Jul 18, 2009 The Waffle 2 Comments One great thing about a night out and about is to recover the next day with brunch. Sadly, there is a lot of uneducated restaurant owners and managers who somehow believe that brunch is just a fancy breakfast. It isn’t. When people go for brunch, they are looking for breakfast and lunch at the same time. BReakfast.  lUNCH. BR + UNCH = BRUNCH. See? A restaurant that respects its clientèle should not advertise a brunch menu if said brunch menu offers only breakfast items and variations on the same theme.  A restaurant that respects its clientèle understands that a normally constituted person cannot sustain themself until dinner with an 11 am yogurt and granola. Fortunately for me, we ended up at a location that understands:  the Irish Embassy Pub and Grill. Set in a splendid old bank building built in the 1800s located in the heart of the Financial District,…

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Airplane Food Jul 10, 2009 The Waffle No Comments It is often said that airplane food is terrible.  It most often is. Unless you fly First or Business class, domestic flights are indeed feeding you badly, and most often you have to pay extra for it. But one airline does understand that a nice flight includes a nice meal – no matter where you sit. Air France. Here is what the tray looked like when it appeared in front of me: The menu was printed as follows: Meal Service Tabbouleh with tuna Choice of main courseCurried chicken accompanied by rice with raisins -or- Filet of barracuda with sorrel and mushrooms, dauphinoise potatoes au gratin Cheese Fruit salad Crème caramel Coffee and tea Beverages Apéritifs Upon request ChampagneJacquart Brut Mosaïque White Wine Vin de Pays d’Oc Chardonnay 2008 La BaumeRed WineVin de Pays d’Oc Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 La Baume BeerHeineken Mineral Water Soft DrinksSchweppes…

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