21st Annual Fall Festival Of Craft Breweries

Forty-six brews, thirty-three breweries, hundreds of people

We were jam packed with beer enthusiasts at C'est What on Friday October 2, 2009 for the 21st annual Festival Of Craft Breweries. As usual, the only thing attendees were able to agree on was that it was a good time. As far as consensus in the matter of taste there was less unanimity. There were many perfect tens awarded and as many "I'd rather drink out of the Don River" zeros. Most scores fell happily in between with twenty-five of the beers reaching the plateau where most festival-goers would seek them out for purchase.

Six finished with median scores of 8 Mike Duggan's IPA #9 (cask), McAuslan Pumpkin Ale, Durham Black Katt, McAuslan Vintage Ale, Wellington Imperial Russian Stout, and Waupoos Peach Cider. The most sampled beers was the hop filtered Flying Monkeys Hoppopotamonkey. The beer that provoked the most disagreement in scoring was Black Creek Porter which was brewed over an open fire with no electricity and served warm 19th Century style. For every complimentary score it received a brickbat like "No wonder the pioneers are extinct."

For those of you that are statistically inclined, it was our busiest festival ever: we sold 5829 samples in four hours and fifteen minutes when we had to stop sample sales due to a shortage of eco-cups, up 20% from last year. That amounts to about one sample served every three seconds. About one-third of the samples were rated with the second version of our simplified festival rating system. Those that took the time rated an average of fifteen samples. There was some discussion about the merits of the new score sheets with "early adopters" and traditionalists in equal numbers.

The table of results can be found here.

Glenmorangie Tasting

Coming soon...

The entire Glenmorangie line will be tasted and compared at our next whisky tasting. The details will be posted on our website by early next week.

New Section

Have you ever walked into C'est What and wished that there was just a little bit more space for you and your friends? Well, Tim and George were busy this summer renovating the far end of the restaurant to get you a little more elbow room.They've turned this area into the ultimate rec room with a pool table, HDTV, and plenty of seating.

As a result you may notice that the TVs have disappeared in the dining areas and we have a spiffy new wine cabinet. Change can be good.

Get Real, Get It Live

the ory no'man too

the ory no'man too is a Folk'in Rock duo out of Toronto that consitsts of ory noíman on vocals, guitar, and harmonica, and Jason Skindziel on upright bass. Their sound sit's somewhere between folk and rockabilly with pseudo-psychedelic undertones (at least ory thinks so). Intensely rhythmic acoustic guitar is coupled with psychedelic harmonica interludes while cryptically witty lyrics are belted out drenched in passion and sincerity. The high energy folk rock duo has been steadily gaining fans and momentum through their engaging and entertaining live shows. Believing in the grass roots approach to success in the industry, the duo follows a relentless performing and touring schedule; having successfully completed 2 cross Canada tours and played over 200 performances from Victoria BC to Toronto, ON. The duo was also featured at Torontoís City Roots Citywide festival, played on two live to air radio sessions on CIUT 89.5, and was invited to play at the after party of the Western Canadian Music Awards. The duo is now planning to record their debut release with acclaimed producer John Switzer (Jane Siberry, The Waltons, and Nathan) and attempting to play absolutely everywhere there is to play in Toronto

Appearing with Janine Stoll and Faye Blais on Wednesday October 14, Doors 9:00 p.m., Show time 9:30 p.m., Advance tickets are available for $5.00

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Darrelle London

"The final song is the one Iím loving the most. Darrelle Londonís Bad. I bought it on iTunes, I listen to it looped on her website, Iíve suggested it to the music and program directors here at Virgin Radio to add to the playlist. Itís so cute, and perfect." - Buzz Bishop, Virgin Radio Vancouver

Edible Word Parade gets our highest recommendation, as a Wildy's World Certified Desert Island Disc. Put this one on the top of your get list. Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)" - Wildy, Wildy's World

"A sweet voice with a lot of attitude!" - Miranda Voth, Women's Post

"Darrelle not only has a way with a lyric phrase, but also has a strong pop melody sensibility that makes her songs memorable and hummable." I will definitely be listening to this beyond the reviewing process." - Robert Barry Francos, Jersey Beat

"Final verdict: AWESOME. Support this wonderful new local talent" - Graham Robertson, The Singing Lamb

"... Her songs are light, poppy, and fun." -Joe Zabukovec, BlogTO

"Great artist; definitely worth checking out if you're into Regina Spektor or just cutesy, piano driven melodies." -Melody Lau, The Singing Lamb

Meet Darrelle London. Classically trained in voice and piano, Darrelle earned her chops playing as a teenager in restaurants around Southern Ontario. She has since made her mark on the Canadian singer-songwriter circuit with her whimsical piano-pop and is ready for the upcoming release of her debut full-length album Edible Word Parade! Darrelle's story is one of following your heart over your head. With the smarts to get accepted to law school, she chose to instead take a chance on her music. So far, so good. In a short while, Darrelle packed venues in her hometown of Toronto and has toured eastern Canada with stops in Montreal, Ottawa, and Halifax. She has showcased at many festivals, including NXNE, WinterFolk, International Pop Overthrow and IndieWeek Canada. Her music has been aired on several radio stations across Canada and on numerous CBC shows, including the legendary Vinyl Cafe. With rave reviews and a rapidly growing fan base, Darrelle is now ready to take the next steps in her burgeoning career with the anticipated release of Edible Word Parade, produced by Brian Allen and Marc Koecher. Darrelle isn't some naive songbird, longing for true love everlasting. It's the twenty-first century and Darrelle is an artist for these modern times. Edible Word Parade is a collection of nine catchy, piano-driven tunes, delivered with surprising strength and confidence, her smarts injected into her witty lyrics. Sure, you broke her heart but she'll put you in your place with a wink and a smile. Edible Word Parade is the product of a girl who was raised on a farm but now lives in Toronto and loves Canadian arts and culture, from the east-coast folk of Joel Plaskett to the Toronto-based Degrassi television series. It's smart pop music, bold in its hopefulness and lovely with a touch of melancholy. There's more under the surface than just fluff. Have a listen and youíll see what I mean.

Appearing with Dave Celia on Thursday October 29, Doors 9:00 p.m., Show time 9:30 p.m., Advance tickets are available for $6.00

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