What do you want to drink?<

It seems to be the dreaded question for me when someone is ordering at the bar. Am not really a fan of beer and don't always feel like a shandy as they can be very bloat inducing, don't like white wine, nor cheap red wine as it tastes awful and at bars good red wine is rare or expensive. So that leaves mixed drinks some of which can be boring, rum and coke, vodka/gin tonic and my memory passes me when I want to order something different...sometimes it is easier to just order a Coke. This past weekend, this time of indecision led me to miss the opportunity to pick something and instead let the drink buyer pick something. I like this as it takes the pressure off and I usually enjoy something new.

All were happy with the choice - Prosecco. I haven't had it in ages and really like it.

Prosecco is a variety of white grape grown in the Veneto region of Italy, and also gives its name to the sparkling wine made from the grape like true Champagne.

The grape is grown in the wine-growing regions north of Venice. Its late ripening has led to its use in dry sparkling wines. Apparently Bellinis, made properly should be made with Prosecco. The name "Prosecco" is now protected under European law and can be used only for the wine made from the Prosecco grape in the Conegliano/Valdobbiadene region.

It was just lovely - refreshing, sparkling and nice and light. A few of us enjoyed the Prosecco at one of our locals, The Metropolitan. The pic is of Ben and his red trousers (which were the hit of the party) and sunglasses which are not 3D-they are part of the t-shirt! He is a man of fine taste and always knows how to have a good time! Thx Ben for ordering, I could've been a while...

The Brits & their beer


They love it and only need this one thing at the pub to have a good time. It is a highly social ritual where everyone goes down to the pub after work for a 'swifty' or a quick pint before heading home. Theo (in pic) even started the swifty club at work a special email for a select few to be invited to these random meetings at the pub after a long day at work. In some cases it turns into 2, 3 4 or 9+ pints but it is all in good fun and no one seems to get out of control - just happy.

The Feathers Pub (where we were on Fri) doesn't serve much food, just some crisps and some meals for those who have not trained their stomachs to survive on the protein and energy from beer alone. Since I am not a Brit I have to sometimes munch on the crisps and get a sneaky sandwich from the deli before the pub. The Guinness drinkers are the ones that claim to be the healthiest from drinking beer, Jed said to me on Friday that he gets all his vitamins and nutrients from his Guinness.

In England men and women alike drink pints, some girly drinkers like Princess K and I drink other drinks or shandys but it is not taboo for a woman to hold a large pint of beer. In Canada, Julia, Mil and I were the odd ones out drinking pints as it is doesn't seem to be as accepted - but men do comment, 'wow you drink beer?' umm..'yes it's actually a shandy!' which is not a common nor do many bars in TO know how to make a proper shandy. I have converted a few friends to drinking shandy so perhaps this summer the shandy team will grow.

Nat's leaving do was a great affair at the pub and it was a great gathering of old work colleagues. Lots of beer was consumed and all had a good time!