Last posted February 8, 2005
C'est What celebrates the seventeenth anniversary of opening it's doors to the public on Sunday February 13. Back in 1988 who would have thought that we would be able to find thirty-five distinctive craft brewed beers to offer on tap? Could anyone have imagined a restaurant with an all Ontario wine list at that time? A pub serving falafel and chicken satay instead of burgers and wings? In fact, who would have guessed that we would survive past our first year given the choices we made about our "true local flavour"? Through a little good fortune and a lot of hard work, we are now in the enviable position to reflect back on seventeen years as this City's pre-eminant Toronto style pub restaurant. Visit us on our birthday and you will walk away not only sated but with a special "loot bag" full of pleasant surprises. No need to bring gifts, your company is enough. The following letter was written to the Ontario Minister Of Health (who is also our M.P.P.), George Smitherman regarding proposed Bill 164 the Smoke-Free Ontario Act which does not allow for Designated Smoking Rooms such as ours: Cest What is a restaurant that would like to retain the use of our Designated Smoking Room (DSR). We spent $95,000 to build the DSR and have signed a lease committing us to pay a further $150,000 in rent. This investment was made in full compliance with the current laws. We are asking for a use that is already considered in your proposed legislation. Bill 164 allows a DSR for a Residential Care Facility (RCF). Our DSR and a RCF DSR are exactly the same in all aspects of controlling second-hand smoke: Designated as a controlled smoking area; In all regards to public safety both types of DSR provide complete protection to non-smokers and employees. If you are willing to allow one, it is reasonable to allow both. There is no public health benefit to closing our DSR. Cest What is running a DSR in your riding. We invite you and the Minister to visit to see how a DSR operates and to see how our customers, both smokers and non-smokers, appreciate its benefits. We understand that this is a complex issue, but it is one that has profound consequences for our business. If we can help you in any way, please let us know. We look forward to hearing back from you soon on this urgent matter. On Wednesday January 19th we had our intrepid tasters consider single malt whiskies from each of the six Scotch producing islands: Orkney, Islay, Mull, Skye, Arran, and Jura alongside a special all malt blend using whiskies from each of the isles. Bowmore Mariner 15 yr. (Islay) was the most admired finishing with an impressive median score of 25 (out of 30). Runners up were Highland Park 12 yr. (Orkney) and Talisker 10 yr. (Skye) each of which were rated at 22. At just under $50, the Highland Park would definitely be the best value of the tasting. The full table of results is available here. Our next tasting will be a St. Patrick's Day warm-up on Wednesday March 16 featuring premium Irish whiskies including a number of single malts. Tickets go on sale, on-line, February 14. Check here to see if our Homegrown Hemp Ale is available at a LCBO outlet near you. If your local store doesn't carry it, please point out the benefits of carrying green products to the store manager. What's Next on Internet Radio Not only is our music program back and running again in house, we have extended its range worldwide. What's Next Radio broadcasts over the Internet 24/7 featuring an eclectic mix of local performers' recorded material as well as every show live from our stage. Last posted February 8, 2005 21 Day Music Calendar | Music Index
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Archives Those with day jobs may be reluctant to check out a show during the week. Not to fear, here at C'est What shows start within fifteen minutes of their advertised time, and most weekday shows wrap up by 11:30. Enjoy! A gifted musician with a stunning voice, Toronto-based singer-songwriter Rob Szabo has been touring for over a decade. ; He has released 6 CDs, fronting various bands, including Plasticine & The Groove Daddys. ; Rob has toured Canada numerous times, playing clubs, festivals and even busking on occasion. Robs debut solo CD a battery of tests was released in 2003. ; His current release on Hamilton, ON based indie label Basement Bar Records is Late Bloomer/Sore Loser. Rob Szabo plays the club on Saturday February 12 with Mike Alviano and MEA. Show time 10:30, Admission $6. Critically acclaimed roots-pop songwriter and former front man with The Stickpeople, Gregory Hoskins has something to say. With writing that weaves a dark and moody sensibility into his musical collage, Hoskins has an eye for the absurdities of the human plight and an ear for putting it all to music. The result? Stylistically diverse poetic pop, deeply personal and brutally honest. He is joined live by heavies George Koller on bass and Gary Craig on drums. Gregory Hoskins plays What's Next on Thursday February 17. Show time 9:30, Admission $10.

Fairly Dix-Sept
Smoking Out The Truth
No employee shall be required to enter the DSR;
Smoking in the DSR is limited to residents/patrons;
The room is enclosed and separately ventilated;
Is identified by prescribed signs.
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