Specials: Enjoy our $9.99 BBQ On a Bun Plate as well as our Family Fajitas For Four For $44.44; (say it, I don't know, four times fast? I dare you!) both specials are available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night, but just for a limited time, so come on down!
You can also enjoy our other seasonal specials like our sweet corn fritters with maple-bacon vinaigrette, our warm autumn salad with roasted Brussels sprouts, smoked portobello mushrooms and blue cheese or our chicken fettucine with housemade noodles, seasonal veggies, exotic local mushrooms and parmesan cream... There will, of course, be lots more fun choices by the weekend, so don't miss out!
Thursday, November 3: Keith Glass, 9pm, $8 ...When you live up the road a piece from a Canadian treasure like Keith Glass; guitarist and songwriter from the popular band Prairie Oyster (6, count 'em, SIX Junos!) And when that fella stops in often enough to become a friend of the venue; sometimes on his own, sometimes as a sideman for some of our favourite performers, you know, like Lynn Miles or Trevor Alguire...Well, you have to wonder 'Shouldn't we be doing something more?' Well after Keith's last show, I proposed that we do exactly that! So starting with, I guess, his show last month, and continuing this Thursday, we are turning over the first Thursday of every month to a man who knows what to do with a stage; a seasoned pro, a talented singer, an exceptional guitarist, an award winning songwriter (did I mention SIX Junos?) Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the branch's all new First Thursday Showcase with, that's right, Keith Glass! (First Thursday of every month except January, or as his schedule allows...9pm, $8)
Friday, November 4: The Frank and Birdie Show, 7pm, free! If you have yet to witness the awesome power of a Frank Western and Birdie Whyte performance prepare to have your black socks blown right off by harmony that transcends description, slide guitar and banjo picking that conflate the confines of your imagination, humour that defies categorization, and some really nice songs, also; really, really nice. Best part? It's every Friday night, it's at the branch and it's free! (Some charges may occur if you want to, you know, eat or drink or something...)
Saturday, November 5: Amanda Bon, 9pm, $10. What can I say? This soft-spoken singer-songwriter approached me several weeks ago about a gig at the branch (this kind of thing happens fairly often, believe it or not...) sent me a link to some her songs, her website; I gave it a listen, it was good, very good, really...Then she stopped by, turns out she's as sweet in person as she is on her recordings...then she tells me that in addition to a few other interesting musicians, Gilles LeClerc is playing with her, and what can I say? Gilles is one of the Ottawa Valley's most talented folks, whether he is speaking in his native tongue (Bluegrass) or working alongside any of a number of our favourite players (Lynne Hanson, Trevor Alguire, or as a member of one of the branch's most incredible live acts, the sadly now defunct Leaving Train) I've gotten to know Gilles well enough to know that, well, how shall I put this? He, umm, he doesn't slum it. OK, so now I'm convinced, and as of about a month ago, I book the gig...turns out, Gilles and I are not alone in being convinced about her talent...that's right, Amanda's show is already darn near sold out! Makes me wonder how I missed out on her up to now...some of you folks are keeping secrets from me, aren't you?! So anyway, if you want in for this one, you'll have to move pretty quick...so here's those details one more time, Amanda Bon and her band are playing this Saturday, November 5, the show starts at 9pm, with a $10 cover.
Sunday, November 6: Gram Parsons Birthday Tribute, 3-6pm, pay by donation for the band... I'll let your host, Ray Harris, tell it: "GRAM PARSONS 65th BIRTHDAY BASH presented by Ray Harris, The Branch & Gram InterNational
Our favourite old dead guy would have been 65 on Nov.5!!!
Please join myself and a cast of area songwriters and pickers to celebrate the music of Gram Parsons and everything he inspired...
We did this last year and the year before and had a blast, so let's do it again!
Here's who's in the lineup for performers SO FAR...
John Allaire
Pat Moore
Greg Kelly
Greg Lahey
Stephen Michael O'Grady
Bruce Enloe
Ray Harris
+ backing by a stellar cast including...
Chris Breitner
Vince Halfhide
Steve Donnelly
Jamie Guitar
Ryan Barwin
Anastasios Basiliadis
Lisa Poushinsky
Yours Truly
We still need more performers! Anyone interested in playing or singing a coupla Gram or Gram-related songs, feel free to contact me either via FB or at raymond1361@rogers.com"
There, that spells it out rather nicely doesn't it? How does that sound for a Sunday afternoon at the branch? Only thing I should add...Yes, the buffet will feature Red Hot (Flying) Burritos...
authentic texas specialties, amazing live music, incredible selection of local, microbrewed draft beers and locally sourced and organic foods...
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Happy Birthday to us...
We opened our doors for the first time on November 1st, 2006...Today we are celebrating our five year anniversary with a free Rubber Boots Buffet, and an open stage/ jam session with my band of pals which is loosely referred to as the Burning Sensations. We opened on November 1st because it was two weeks after we got the keys, and that was how much time it took to paint, clean, set up and cook. We've kept it running by keeping running for the better part of five years, and I am proud to say that it is still, by far, the best job I have ever had. I am not saying it is the easiest, or even always the most fun, that would be disingenuous. It is hard work, but it is good work, when I look out at the community we have joined/helped to build, I am always filled with a sense of pride combined with an even bigger sense of responsibility. When we opened the branch, I promised to do my best, to serve local and organic food to a mass audience, to support our community and to try to build something that mattered. To make a job that was more than a job, a business that was also a vision, a culture. Some days, I think that may be exactly what we have accomplished here, at the branch; most days, however, I know that we still have a long way to go...cultures do not happen in five years, they happen in lifetimes, and that is exactly what I am hoping to give. Thank you for five years to all of our friends, family, customers, community...and thank you for the lifetime yet to come!
Monday, October 24, 2011
The Branch turns Five! Brock Zeman, Frank and Birdie, the Return of the Weeknight Specials!
Come get your Texas on...a bun! As you may have noticed, the branch has become Kemptville's premiere destination for Texas specialties, thanks in part to my Texas heritage, and thanks, in an even larger part to the overwhelming response to our Texas-themed specials on the branch menu from day one. In honour of this, we'd like to invite everyone out to celebrate the return of our weeknight specials! Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, come try our 'Austin City Limits on a bun,' for $9.99! This filling meal includes our famous, 100% hardwood house-smoked local beef brisket; a bun made with local flour from our neighbours at Grahame's Bakery, (Canada's second oldest continuously operating wood-fired bakery!); our bbq sauce (now a choice of spicy Texas or Canadian Maple), slaw, pickles, onions and a side of black beans. Are you in the mood for pork? Try our housesmoked spicy Texas sausage on a bun for the same low weeknight price!
And, just because we can; every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night we're also bringing back the family special of Fajitas for Four for just $44.44 (honestly? It's probably even enough for five, if they're small enough honourary Texans) which includes 1 and 1/3 pounds of juicy char-grilled and sliced O'Brien farms skirt steak, grilled peppers, onions and house-smoked portabello mushrooms (all on a sizzling cast iron skillet!), guacamole, cheddar cheese, housemade salsa, sour cream, tortillas and even some lettuce and pickled jalapenos for good measure...dine in, or even call in and take it home, usually in just under 20 minutes!
So there, now you've got your weeknights planned, so what about the weekend? How about:
Friday, October 28: The Frank and Birdie Show...every Friday (or darn near...) Frank Western and his side-kicking partner, the fabulous Miss Birdie Whyte grace the branch stage with their wit, charm, charisma and at least her good looks...But he plays the slide guitar like an angel, and his mother loves him, so.....why don't you come on down and see what the fuss is all about yourselves. This is quickly becoming the best way to spend your Kemptville Friday night, and the best part? Absolutely free! Although we do recommend a dinner reservation...maybe a beverage or two...and they do accept tips...and have cds for sale...well, either way, its a heck of a bargain...Friday, at 7pm! Do it!
Saturday, October 29: Brock Zeman! October 29, we are happy to welcome back Ottawa’s finest alt-country ‘Texas Red Dirt’ singer songwriter, Brock Zeman. Somehow, almost every song he writes is better than the last, a fact that is made almost even more amazing by the fact that he has put out something north of 7 albums in under a decade… Brock is a craftsman, a master tunesmith and one of the best story tellers that you’ll ever hear. That’s Saturday, October 29 at 9pm, $5
Sunday, October 30…The Branch's Fifth Anniversary Party! Well, we are turning five. In restaurant years, that’s like 40--If we’ve made it that far, we may not be old, but we’re definitely not kids anymore. We couldn’t be more excited than to spend this amazing milestone with all of you, our friends, our family…So come on out, the buffet is on us, we’ll have a cash bar, I’ll be hosting the open stage with my full band, The Burning Sensations, along with anyone else who wants to join in—Everyone is invited, Hey! It’s a party! October 30, 2-8pm…or whatever…
And, just because we can; every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night we're also bringing back the family special of Fajitas for Four for just $44.44 (honestly? It's probably even enough for five, if they're small enough honourary Texans) which includes 1 and 1/3 pounds of juicy char-grilled and sliced O'Brien farms skirt steak, grilled peppers, onions and house-smoked portabello mushrooms (all on a sizzling cast iron skillet!), guacamole, cheddar cheese, housemade salsa, sour cream, tortillas and even some lettuce and pickled jalapenos for good measure...dine in, or even call in and take it home, usually in just under 20 minutes!
So there, now you've got your weeknights planned, so what about the weekend? How about:
Friday, October 28: The Frank and Birdie Show...every Friday (or darn near...) Frank Western and his side-kicking partner, the fabulous Miss Birdie Whyte grace the branch stage with their wit, charm, charisma and at least her good looks...But he plays the slide guitar like an angel, and his mother loves him, so.....why don't you come on down and see what the fuss is all about yourselves. This is quickly becoming the best way to spend your Kemptville Friday night, and the best part? Absolutely free! Although we do recommend a dinner reservation...maybe a beverage or two...and they do accept tips...and have cds for sale...well, either way, its a heck of a bargain...Friday, at 7pm! Do it!
Saturday, October 29: Brock Zeman! October 29, we are happy to welcome back Ottawa’s finest alt-country ‘Texas Red Dirt’ singer songwriter, Brock Zeman. Somehow, almost every song he writes is better than the last, a fact that is made almost even more amazing by the fact that he has put out something north of 7 albums in under a decade… Brock is a craftsman, a master tunesmith and one of the best story tellers that you’ll ever hear. That’s Saturday, October 29 at 9pm, $5
Sunday, October 30…The Branch's Fifth Anniversary Party! Well, we are turning five. In restaurant years, that’s like 40--If we’ve made it that far, we may not be old, but we’re definitely not kids anymore. We couldn’t be more excited than to spend this amazing milestone with all of you, our friends, our family…So come on out, the buffet is on us, we’ll have a cash bar, I’ll be hosting the open stage with my full band, The Burning Sensations, along with anyone else who wants to join in—Everyone is invited, Hey! It’s a party! October 30, 2-8pm…or whatever…
Monday, October 17, 2011
Dave Martel! Graven, Green Your Home...this week at the branch...
Monday: Our second Monday event became a third Monday this month as last Monday was apparently some kind of holiday or something---Gee, thanks a lot. No, really, thanks! (wink...) Anyway, second Mondays (or thirds, if you must,) are a chance for the folks from Sustainable North Grenville and you to get together and talk, eat, have a beer or a coffee, maybe watch a film, maybe just hang out...and, most importantly, to put our heads together about ideas related to local sustainability. Last month we discussed preserving the harvest; the month before, we talked about clean water and watched 'Blue Gold', an interesting documentary on the subject that featured, among its interviewees, local boy Ryan Hreljac of 'Ryan's Well' fame, who also was in attendance! This week (tonight...) the subject is information about greening your home featuring Jonathan Ham from 'Green Home Inspections': Here's the lowdown:
Sustainable North Grenville presents:
The ecoENERGY Retrofit for Homes program is back, but only until 31 March 2012. Learn about the program that gives up to $5,000 in grants to homeowners who make home improvements that reduce environmental impact, and save participants an average of 20% on their energy costs.
Please join us at the branch restaurant on Monday, October 17th to learn about the ecoENERGY program and home energy efficiency. Starting at 7PM, expert Jonathan Ham of Green Home Inspections will describe the program as well as the benefits of energy efficiency, targets to aim for and where to prioritize. The presentation will be followed by a question period.
Jonathan is a true professional in the field of home energy audits, having been conducting them since 1993. His technical knowledge and education spans carpentry, indoor air quality, heating and cooling; he instructs in many of these areas at Algonquin College. Jonathan founded Green Home Inspections in 1998 and has since conducted 3,800 ecoENERGY audits, over 5,000 blower door tests and numerous infrared heat loss studies. His experience includes work on houses both new and century old. Ask him about your own energy situation or about the interesting projects that he has undertaken, such as an audit of The Wilson House near Meech Lake.
A light buffet, coffee and sweets by donation, as well as a cash bar are available beginning at 6:45PM. Admission is free.
For more information about the ecoENERGY for Homes program please visit:
http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/retrofithomes-renovationmaisons-eng.cfm
For more information about Green Home Inspections please visit:
http://www.greenhi.com/
Sustainable North Grenville www.sustainablenorthgrenville.com
Thursday: Matty McKechnie is back on Thursday, October 20—he’s been here twice before under the moniker of ‘Graven’ as an electric trio and an acoustic duo—Now he’s just Matty, and really, what else do you need? Matt is a songwriter’s songwriter—he has a knack for catching that turn of phrase right before it gets away—finding the moment that counts, reeling it in and making it stick. This will be show to listen to, to soak in and to enjoy—he’s got the Chef Bruce seal of approval. October 20, 9pm, $5
Friday: If you like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain, then you will probably like Frank and Birdie; come to think of it, you will probably like them even if you don't like watery, fruity cocktails. They are just plain likeable...Friday, October 21st, 7pm, no cover...
Saturday: Special Thanks and a bit of excitement goes out this month to our pal, Montreal by way of Vankleek Hill’s Dave Martel, who has stepped up to fill in an unexpected, last minute vacancy in October’s calendar…And what a fill-in it is! Dave is an indie-folk god, just check out any of his videos online, or, better yet, buy one of his cds, they will get under your skin, snuggle in and stay there for years. His last couple of branch shows have been described as, ‘Phenomenal, I can’t believe I just saw that’ and ‘It’s like a full body buzz’! He is an incomparable talent and always a pleasure to bring back for our lucky, lucky ears. Thanks, Dave. October 22, 9pm, $10...On a special side note, Saturday's show will also feature an opening set with local gal and popular visitor to our open stages and Birthday Tribute Shows, Katherine Amanda Giles...
Sustainable North Grenville presents:
The ecoENERGY Retrofit for Homes program is back, but only until 31 March 2012. Learn about the program that gives up to $5,000 in grants to homeowners who make home improvements that reduce environmental impact, and save participants an average of 20% on their energy costs.
Please join us at the branch restaurant on Monday, October 17th to learn about the ecoENERGY program and home energy efficiency. Starting at 7PM, expert Jonathan Ham of Green Home Inspections will describe the program as well as the benefits of energy efficiency, targets to aim for and where to prioritize. The presentation will be followed by a question period.
Jonathan is a true professional in the field of home energy audits, having been conducting them since 1993. His technical knowledge and education spans carpentry, indoor air quality, heating and cooling; he instructs in many of these areas at Algonquin College. Jonathan founded Green Home Inspections in 1998 and has since conducted 3,800 ecoENERGY audits, over 5,000 blower door tests and numerous infrared heat loss studies. His experience includes work on houses both new and century old. Ask him about your own energy situation or about the interesting projects that he has undertaken, such as an audit of The Wilson House near Meech Lake.
A light buffet, coffee and sweets by donation, as well as a cash bar are available beginning at 6:45PM. Admission is free.
For more information about the ecoENERGY for Homes program please visit:
http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/retrofithomes-renovationmaisons-eng.cfm
For more information about Green Home Inspections please visit:
http://www.greenhi.com/
Sustainable North Grenville www.sustainablenorthgrenville.com
Thursday: Matty McKechnie is back on Thursday, October 20—he’s been here twice before under the moniker of ‘Graven’ as an electric trio and an acoustic duo—Now he’s just Matty, and really, what else do you need? Matt is a songwriter’s songwriter—he has a knack for catching that turn of phrase right before it gets away—finding the moment that counts, reeling it in and making it stick. This will be show to listen to, to soak in and to enjoy—he’s got the Chef Bruce seal of approval. October 20, 9pm, $5
Friday: If you like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain, then you will probably like Frank and Birdie; come to think of it, you will probably like them even if you don't like watery, fruity cocktails. They are just plain likeable...Friday, October 21st, 7pm, no cover...
Saturday: Special Thanks and a bit of excitement goes out this month to our pal, Montreal by way of Vankleek Hill’s Dave Martel, who has stepped up to fill in an unexpected, last minute vacancy in October’s calendar…And what a fill-in it is! Dave is an indie-folk god, just check out any of his videos online, or, better yet, buy one of his cds, they will get under your skin, snuggle in and stay there for years. His last couple of branch shows have been described as, ‘Phenomenal, I can’t believe I just saw that’ and ‘It’s like a full body buzz’! He is an incomparable talent and always a pleasure to bring back for our lucky, lucky ears. Thanks, Dave. October 22, 9pm, $10...On a special side note, Saturday's show will also feature an opening set with local gal and popular visitor to our open stages and Birthday Tribute Shows, Katherine Amanda Giles...
Monday, October 10, 2011
Smokin' Banana Peels, Paul Simon, Ryan Cook...
A couple of months ago, I drove the branch's trusty big, black smoker up to the Beau's brewery for a day to drink, um, er, I mean, 'help' Kevin James smoke some malts for his contribution to the Oktoberfest line-up of Beau's beers...The result? 'Smoking Banana Peels', a Hefeweizen with hints of banana, maple, and, thanks to our contribution, bacon...So, essentially, it's like eating banana pancakes for breakfast. But in a beer. Pretty sweet, ain't it? And my payment for helping? One (the last in in existence!) 20 litre keg of said beer. It goes on tap tomorrow, bring your friends and help us drink it, it's a small keg so you'll have to move quick--'while supplies last'...
Thursday: Paul Simon Birthday Tribute. Paul Simon was born on October 13, 1941, which makes Thursday his 70th birthday! At the branch we will, as is the custom, celebrate with a musical tribute! Over the last five years we have started and built a fan-based tribute show format that has taken everyone from all four Beatles, to Leonard Cohen and even Jerry Garcia. This is our first night to fete Mr. Simon and we are pleased to invite anyone and everyone to attend!
Here's his story, as told by the interweb's good old senior librarian, the inimitable Dr. Wick E. Pedia:
"Paul Frederic Simon (born October 13, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist.
Simon is best known for his success, beginning in 1965, as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, with musical partner Art Garfunkel. Simon wrote most of the pair's songs, including three that reached number one on the US singles charts, "The Sound of Silence", "Mrs. Robinson", and "Bridge Over Troubled Water". In 1970, at the height of their popularity, the duo split, and Simon began a successful solo career, recording three highly-acclaimed albums over the next five years. In 1986, he released Graceland, an album inspired by South African township music that helped fuel the anti-apartheid movement. Besides music, Simon wrote and starred in the film One-Trick Pony in 1980 and co-wrote the Broadway musical The Capeman in 1998.
Through his solo and collaborative work, Simon has earned 13 Grammys, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2001, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in 2006 was selected as one of the "100 People Who Shaped the World" by Time magazine. Among many other honors, Simon was named the first recipient of the Library of Congress's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2007."
Thursday's event will be a 'walk up' open mike for anyone with a Simon tune or story to share, listen to, sing along with or enjoy. The fun starts at 8pm, and the price? That's right, free!
Friday: best to start massaging your cheek muscles now to prepare them for the dangers of 'Permasmile', a condition known to be a potential side effect of attending one of our famous weekly 'Frank Western and Birdie Whyte' Friday showcases. 7pm, free!
Saturday: Ryan Cook! I’m not exaggerating when I say that this timeless country crooner is a young, vibrant talent on the scale of Willie Nelson or Glen Campbell; he is instantly accessible, seasoned, and someone you’ll want to come back for again and again. I’d highly recommend reserving for this show; he’ll be outgrowing our little room pretty soon, so if I were you, I’d catch him here while you still can! Oct. 15, 9pm, $10
Thursday: Paul Simon Birthday Tribute. Paul Simon was born on October 13, 1941, which makes Thursday his 70th birthday! At the branch we will, as is the custom, celebrate with a musical tribute! Over the last five years we have started and built a fan-based tribute show format that has taken everyone from all four Beatles, to Leonard Cohen and even Jerry Garcia. This is our first night to fete Mr. Simon and we are pleased to invite anyone and everyone to attend!
Here's his story, as told by the interweb's good old senior librarian, the inimitable Dr. Wick E. Pedia:
"Paul Frederic Simon (born October 13, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist.
Simon is best known for his success, beginning in 1965, as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, with musical partner Art Garfunkel. Simon wrote most of the pair's songs, including three that reached number one on the US singles charts, "The Sound of Silence", "Mrs. Robinson", and "Bridge Over Troubled Water". In 1970, at the height of their popularity, the duo split, and Simon began a successful solo career, recording three highly-acclaimed albums over the next five years. In 1986, he released Graceland, an album inspired by South African township music that helped fuel the anti-apartheid movement. Besides music, Simon wrote and starred in the film One-Trick Pony in 1980 and co-wrote the Broadway musical The Capeman in 1998.
Through his solo and collaborative work, Simon has earned 13 Grammys, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2001, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in 2006 was selected as one of the "100 People Who Shaped the World" by Time magazine. Among many other honors, Simon was named the first recipient of the Library of Congress's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2007."
Thursday's event will be a 'walk up' open mike for anyone with a Simon tune or story to share, listen to, sing along with or enjoy. The fun starts at 8pm, and the price? That's right, free!
Friday: best to start massaging your cheek muscles now to prepare them for the dangers of 'Permasmile', a condition known to be a potential side effect of attending one of our famous weekly 'Frank Western and Birdie Whyte' Friday showcases. 7pm, free!
Saturday: Ryan Cook! I’m not exaggerating when I say that this timeless country crooner is a young, vibrant talent on the scale of Willie Nelson or Glen Campbell; he is instantly accessible, seasoned, and someone you’ll want to come back for again and again. I’d highly recommend reserving for this show; he’ll be outgrowing our little room pretty soon, so if I were you, I’d catch him here while you still can! Oct. 15, 9pm, $10
Thursday, October 6, 2011
A Trip Back Home, Part one
I have mentioned in the past that my first serious cooking jobs were in the world of Italian cuisine — in retrospect, they were my second, really. My first serious cooking jobs were in the family kitchen: peeling onions, measuring out cumin or browning meat for the chili, basting granddaddy’s brisket with his rich, tomato-y bbq sauce, heating up tortillas or cubing avocadoes for the fajitas... Italy may have been my first professional home, but I’ll always come back to Texas. I learned Italian cooking, American-ized Italian cooking, anyway - at a couple of different places: Ferrari’s, a ‘meh’ place that was long past its prime, and Cenare, a great place, busy and exciting, that I’ve written about in the past... But I went on to learn a great deal more in subsequent years—at one point, sitting with Sante Losio, an Italian wine merchant who had helped to organize Millennium’s first (only?) White Truffle Dinner, I was told ‘Bruce, You must go to Italy, it is your home’.
I did, too. I visited for a month or so in 2003, and he was right... and wrong. He was right because Italian cuisine is very natural for me; my love of local, fresh and handpicked foods, care, attention to detail with traditional preparations, knowing the farmer, knowing the field... the hedonism, the sincerity... the wild mushrooms, the local cheese; even the chaos of the markets (which made it clear that my wife Nicole would probably never call Italy home) was something that was daunting at first, but then, quickly became second nature, even a kind of giddy fun... He was right, it felt very natural to me, wine with lunch and afternoon naps are just so civilized--but he was wrong too. Italians drink espresso in the morning. Espresso is fine, but seriously, don’t you just want a cup of good ol’ North American drip every once in a while? And don’t say ‘Americano,’ that watery concoction just doesn’t pack enough punch. I’m not arguing in favour of or against pasta; lord knows I love pasta, but doesn’t a potato deserve a place at the table on occasion? And how about a bowl of chili? It’s not that I don’t love Italian cuisine—I do, I really, really do—it’s just that, well, I’m Texan. I like grits more than polenta (trick question, they are pretty much the same thing)...I like okra more than eggplant (but I do love eggplant, I just like okra more...bad example...) I like tamales more than ravioli (there we go!), I like brisket more than osso bucco... It was how I was programmed, from even before I was programmed, and it is how I will always be.
Years ago, in Austin, I worked for a brief stretch in a mediocre Italian restaurant... I came there right after moving to Austin and was hired as a lead cook, essentially a ‘chef de cuisine’, right out of the gate. The sauces were boring to me, I was coming from a fast paced ‘a la minute’ kitchen; but at this place, everything was canned, pre-made, cheap, underwhelming. The owner, I’ll call him Adham, was hardworking and honest, doing his best, and (this will become relevant)... Lebanese. I tried to understand what he was doing; there were dozens and dozens of mediocre Italian restaurants in Austin, but few, if any, Lebanese ones, either mediocre or amazing. While his Italian food was just OK (if not worse), he would prepare schwarma and falafel at home and bring it in for us to snack on and it was amazing; the flavours of his home-cooking were wild, exciting, outlandish. But the sauces we were instructed to serve the customers? Tomato. Cream. Alfredo. The one exception was his diavolo—a typically spicy sauce from southern Italy; in his version, it was amped up with an almost...how can I describe it? Lebanese? Yeah, that’s it...flair. I kept asking him, ‘Why Italian? Why not serve Lebanese?’ He never really answered, but I know he was afraid; no one else served Lebanese, he was just trying to play it safe.
I didn’t last long at this place (come to think of it, neither did he...). There weren’t very many customers, and there were even less happy ones, but while I was there, in a nearby neighbourhood, a Lebanese restaurant did open—one that is still there today, some 20 or so years later. As the first of its kind in that area, it was immediately lauded, folks came from all over the city to enjoy it, and to this day I can’t help but wonder, what if Adham had just had the guts to do something that seems so simple in hindsight; to quit trying to be something that he wasn’t and, instead, to cook what he knew? Would that success have been his?
When I wrote the first branch menu, I brought all of my experience to the table. Sure, I knew fajitas and steak, but I also knew stir-fries and spaghetti. I wrote the menu from my years of line-cooking and cheffing experience, from my travels, from my reading... I wrote it with the intention to provoke, to share the food experiences that had shaped me... I carefully considered the best meals of my life and sought out how to interpret them with local ingredients. In short, I set out to cook what I knew. But over these last five years, something else has happened: it seems that the menu, with the help of my local friends, customers, and family, has taken on a life of its own.
I, as you may have noticed when I am outside of the kitchen, aspire to, at times, well...write. As such, I have often found myself seeking and reading words, advice, and wisdom from other writers. There is an anecdote I have heard from more than one novelist describing the act of writing a novel as something along the lines of ‘creating the characters and then letting them act, setting the stage, and then waiting to see what happens...’ This menu, once designed to appeal to a global palate, has obviously, over time, become its own actor. At first, by year two or three, about half of the menu had escaped my original design of its own accord and gone down to Texas. By the time of this writing? As much as three quarters has found its way south to my mesquite and bluebonnet covered home. Sometimes, much like the authors I am quoting, I don’t even feel like the author anymore, just another character on the stage that I helped to set. It is both exhilarating and terrifying...
The real thing we are talking about here, of course, is courage. Adham, my Lebanese friend, feared the rejection of his home-cooked specialties and went with what he deemed to be a ‘safe’ alternative. I have also faced those fears, even as I created a menu that I knew was provocative and hardly seemed safe at all, in the end, I realize now, I have been playing safe by sticking to meals that I knew, from my experience, would sell pretty well, would make people happy, would be easy for me to make, and would be, by those criteria, safe... Not to say that I have not ever ventured out of my comfort zone...But I have rejected any push to ‘pigeonhole’ myself, to get ‘locked into’ one type of food...but unlike my Lebanese friend, not out of fear, but out of, well, hubris.
My weakness, it seems, is not fear, but rather vanity.
In the end, Adham and I face the same demon, rejection. I fear rejection, not from my customers who by sales numbers alone have made their preferences clear, but from another more inscrutable audience; critics, compatriots...my cheffing peers...I fear rejection not for the food itself but for leaving the world of constant provocation, for letting go of that part of myself that co-authored the cookbook, that part of myself that knows that my hand can prepare a perfect hollandaise, that my mind can invent a new combination of flavours that will excite and incite, that, given the capital and the opportunity, I could foam, gel, sous-vide and flash freeze my way into any critic’s heart. Adham feared the much more tangible rejection of a business failing. I fear failure only if it is not on my own terms...
Adham’s business failed. His fear held him back and he had courage, but he had the wrong kind of courage and it killed his business. I, too, have shown a kind of courage in my convictions, a willingness to take chances, to experiment, to explore; but now, after these last few months, I have realized that it is high time for me to muster up another kind of courage. The kind of courage, and here things are going to get a little heavy, but bear with me, the kind of courage that it takes for a baseball player to hang up his glove... The courage that it takes for a player to do the right thing for his team, to stand back, to stop trying to be the star and to become the coach. I have a great crew; they are talented, capable, and nothing makes me more proud than the fact that I have helped to shape them. What they need is not to be on the same team as a star, but a job that will support them and their families; they need a restaurant that is not the success of a man, but the success of a team; a team that will go on and win championships with me as a coach, and, later, a team that will win when they become the coaches themselves.
Now that is an awful lot of sports metaphors coming from someone who may, every couple of years, catch the Superbowl, but rarely much else...(one of my ‘teams’, the crew at ASTI, used to tease me for my lack of sports knowledge by telling me stories about how a player had spiked the javelin in the end-zone, slam-dunked the field-goal and gotten a home-run...) I am getting used to the idea, that of all the meals I have prepared, the most successful moments of my cooking career were not the yuba and white truffle bresaole at Millennium’s White Truffle Dinner...or even the Tongue& Cheek entrée at last New Year’s Eve dinner at the branch...they weren’t even publishing a cookbook, cooking dinner for Alice Waters, being reviewed by Anne DesBrisay or Michael Bauer, being quoted in national magazines or even appearing, briefly, on the Food Network or any of a number of local TV morning shows...my finest moments were when Libby Goldstein called me to ask whether or not she should take the job at Chez Panisse, when CJ made it through his first full shift at ASTI without a screw-up, when Heather ran out of ketchup last weekend and knew how to make it on the fly...When Wesley ‘killed it’ on Sunday’s buffet...My biggest successes have not been what I have done, they have been what I have been able to teach other people to do...What I have helped them discover within themselves...
Courage is not writing the perfect menu, it is writing a good menu and then letting it become what it needs to be. A restaurant does not need a chef with a stack of gold medals and accolades; it needs hungry customers who are willing to buy what it sells. Success in business, I have come to realize, is not measured by how much I help myself; it is measured by how many others I am able to help.
When I wrote the first menu for the branch, I wrote the menu that I wanted to cook. I came from Texas and went far and wide, learning as I went. But I started in Texas, my first meals were there, and what I learned from cooking Texas food informed and informs everything else I have done. But when I wrote that first menu, I wrote it for me...Italian has always been prominent, of course, as has Thai food, Jamaican, Californian, French, modern, vegetarian, even ‘nose-to-tail’. I wrote a menu that was designed to challenge others but that was mainly, if I’m honest, designed to keep myself entertained. That’s a great way to get attention, but it’s not a great or an easy way to succeed...But as I have written it, and even more importantly, as it has evolved and started to write itself, it has taught me something profound... It has taught me that I need to go back to the start...
To Be Continued...
October Newsletter 2011
Howdy!
Well, the seasons are definitely changing at this parallel… Leaves have turned; there is a brisk new edge to the wind… I’m even starting to think about where I put my ice-scraper and shovel last spring! At the restaurant, my walk-in refrigerator is completely full of veggies to pickle, freeze, prepare and preserve… let’s face it, the Autumn is upon us! I will start this newsletter, appropriately enough, given the week, with yet another round of thanks for everyone’s support these last two months. We are moving forward, we are seeing progress, change and growth every week and we are well aware that it is all because of folks like all of you. So, thanks.
This week (what’s left of it), is a doozie, so, if you don’t mind, I’ll just jump right in!
"Hi Bruce – Keith here. Got any spots I might fill? I just wanna get out and play, do some covers, some originals, make a noise, beat on a guitar. Any time is good. Weeknights, weekends, whatever. Lemme know what comes to mind. Thanks, Keith"
Needless to say, when 6 time Juno award winner Keith Glass of Prairie Oyster fame sends you this email, the answer is "Yes. When?" Turns out, the answer to that is today! Thursday, October 6; ...for just $8, you can be a part of an evening with one of Canada's most celebrated songwriters...having fun, hearing some "covers, originals, mak(ing) a noise, beat(ing) on a guitar..." In short? This. Will. Rule. OK, see you there?
Friday: Frank Western and Birdie Whyte and the irregular regular Friday showcase is back as if it never left...live the dream, be a part of the greatest story ever told in Kemptville! 7pm, no cover
Saturday: Fourth Annual John Lennon Birthday Tribute: Chef Bruce and Roxzilla are teaming up along with local and Ottawa area musicians to celebrate the life and music of John Lennon--'The Smart One'--Come hear Lennon's songs, both solo and Beatle as performed by Brian Simms, Christo Graham, The Heroic Mad Peasants, Katherine Amanda Giles, Lisa Poushinsky, David Wisjman, Graham Beverly, Josef and Joel Mieto and Bill Dagg...as well as Chef Bruce and Roxzilla, of course!! 3 sets, starts at 8:30pm, no cover (but buying beer for the performers is certainly encouraged!)
Sunday, October 9: Our fourth annual Thanksgiving Sally Ann Fundraiser is upon us...already, the food donations are starting to trickle in, 3 turkeys so far, some chocolate...hmmm...are you interested in volunteering? In singing some gospel tunes? Do you just want to come in and enjoy the bounty? The event, as always is free, aka 'pay what you can, pay with a can' We will be accepting donations of nonperishable items for the Salvation Army Food Pantry as well as feeding any and all comers...The meal will include turkey and all the trimmings and will be served from 11 am to 4 pm--volunteers can sign up ahead at the Salvation Army or at the branch, food can be donated for the meal by contacting Chef Bruce at the branch: 613-258-3737, everyone is welcome, so, well, come!
October Art:
Hanna Maria MacNaughtan is a self-taught artist who is always exploring. Her love for people and nature is evident in all she does. Her work as a Registered Nurse has an immense influence on her creativity. “I am thankful and feel very privileged to do the work I do as a nurse. The patients and families I meet continually humble and inspire me with their strength and courage as they face life’s challenges.” A drive for children’s portraiture painting was her initial fervor. Hanna quickly learned how to bring out her subjects emotions and personalities. She has been commissioned to paint dozens of portraits in the few years that she has been painting and it continues to be a passion for her. Recently her art has evolved beyond realistic portraiture to a discovery into veiled emotions. With this, new impressionistic and abstract creations in oil, acrylic and mixed media have emerged. As well, a new interest in carving sculptures has awakened yet another form of artistic expression. Working with soapstone and hand tools she files away the rock’s rough outer surface to reveal the hidden spirits which are bursting with colour and life. The unearthing of the secret treasure concealed inside each stone is pure delight. Hanna is a member of several art groups in the Ottawa area where her work has been accepted into numerous juried shows. She has her art for sale at various exhibits with these groups as well as at the Homestead Gallery in Kemptville and the Grotto Artworks in Merrickville. You may drop by her home gallery which is open to the public during the annual Merrickville Artists Guild Studio Tour each fall or visit anytime by appointment. For more information please call 613 258-7297, email: hmacnaughtan@cogeco.ca or visit her website at www.HannaMacNaughtan.ca
October Recipe:
Pumpkin Soup with Goat’s Cheese and Cranberry Coulis:
Try this with one of the many pumpkins or winter squash’s available darn near everywhere these days! It’s a fun addition to your Thanksgiving table or even in mugs as a warming tonic for an Autumn picnic…
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 tablespoon sunflower seed oil
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
¼ cup minced fresh sage leaves (less if dried)
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice: cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice, ginger, etc.
1 medium pumpkin or winter squash, about 1.5 pounds, peeled, seeded and cubed
2 litres vegetable stock or water
2 cups Hall’s or Barkley’s apple cider
Goat’s chevre from Clarmell Farms or Fifth Town Artisan Cheesemakers, enough to garnish
Cranberry Coulis:
½ cup Upper Canada cranberries
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ cup sugar
½ cup water
Pinch salt
For the Soup:
In a large soup pot, sweat the onions with the oil and salt until transparent; add the garlic and spices and sauté for one minute. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the squash is soft enough to pierce easily with a fork or paring knife (about 20-30 minutes). Blend soup with an immersion blender or in a blender or food processor until smooth, adding more water or stock if necessary. Garnish with a dollop of goat’s cheese and the cranberry coulis (recipe follows). Enjoy!
Cranberry coulis:
Combine ingredients in a small sauce pan and bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for five minutes, blend and serve. For an interesting garnish, cool and pour into a small squirt bottle and use the squirt bottle to make designs on the soup!
October Music:
Don’t forget to come out for Keith Glass tonight, this show was fairly last minute, so we haven’t been able to promote it as well as it deserves, any help you might be able to offer is awesome! In other words: Tell your friends! Right Now! (It is tonight after all…) Most folks know him as the lead guitarist and primary songwriter from the successful and critically acclaimed band, Prairie Oyster; around here we know him for the astounding performance he gave with Lynn Miles earlier this year and for playing occasional sideman to branch favourites Trevor Alguire and Brock Zeman at other shows in years past. He is a wicked guitarist and a sweet songwriter, so come on out and enjoy this rare opportunity to hang out with a real Canadian legend… Tonight, Thursday October 6, 9pm, $8
Fridays this month, as always are hosted by our favourite eclectic electric duo of banjo and steel: Mr. Frank Western and Ms. Birdie Whyte! The George and Gracie of Kemptville music, the Gram and Emmylou, the John and Yoko, the Captain and Tennille, the…the…you get the idea, it’s a chemistry thing, OK? They got it, you want it, so come on down! 7pm, free!
This Saturday’s Fourth Annual John Lennon Tribute is nearly sold out so move quick if you’d like to reserve. 8:30pm, no cover
Next Thursday, October 13, I’ll be hosting our first annual Paul Simon Birthday Tribute—Call me or write me if you want to perform…Rhymin’ Simon is the man of the hour, but Garfunkeling is also considered acceptable. 8pm, no cover.
Saturday, October 15: Yes, you read that right, it’s Ryan Cook! I’m not exaggerating when I say that this timeless country crooner is a young, vibrant talent on the scale of Willie Nelson or Glen Campbell; he is instantly accessible, seasoned, and someone you’ll want to come back for again and again. I’d highly recommend reserving for this show; he’ll be outgrowing our little room pretty soon, so if I were you, I’d catch him here while you still can! Oct. 15, 9pm, $10
Matty McKechnie is back on Thursday, October 20—he’s been here twice before under the moniker of ‘Graven’ as an electric trio and an acoustic duo—Now he’s just Matty, and really, what else do you need? Matt is a songwriter’s songwriter—he has a knack for catching that turn of phrase right before it gets away—finding the moment that counts, reeling it in and making it stick. This will be show to listen to, to soak in and to enjoy—he’s got the Chef Bruce seal of approval. October 20, 9pm, $5
Special Thanks and a bit of excitement goes out this month to our pal, Montreal by way of Vankleek Hill’s Dave Martel, who has stepped up to fill in an unexpected, last minute vacancy in October’s calendar…And what a fill-in it is! Dave is an indie-folk god, just check out any of his videos online, or, better yet, buy one of his cds, they will get under your skin, snuggle in and stay there for years. His last couple of branch shows have been described as, ‘Phenomenal, I can’t believe I just saw that’ and ‘It’s like a full body buzz’! He is an incomparable talent and always a pleasure to bring back for our lucky, lucky ears. Thanks, Dave. October 22, 9pm, $10
Saturday, October 29, we are happy to welcome back Ottawa’s finest alt-country ‘Texas Red Dirt’ singer songwriter, Brock Zeman. Somehow, almost every song he writes is better than the last, a fact that is made almost even more amazing by the fact that he has put out something north of 7 albums in under a decade… Brock is a craftsman, a master tunesmith and one of the best story tellers that you’ll ever hear. That’s Saturday, October 29 at 9pm, $5
Sunday, October 30…Well, we turn five. In restaurant years, that’s like 40. If we’ve made it that far, we may not be old, but we’re definitely not kids anymore. We couldn’t be more excited than to spend this amazing milestone with all of you, our friends, our family…So come on out, the buffet is on us, we’ll have a cash bar, I’ll be hosting the open stage with my full band, The Burning Sensations, along with anyone else who wants to join in—Everyone is invited, Hey! It’s a party! October 30, 2-8pm…or whatever…
Thursday 6 ~ Keith Glass (Prairie Oyster, Lynne Miles) …9pm, $8
Friday 7 ~ Frank Western and Birdie Whyte...7pm, free!
Saturday 8 ~4th annual John Lennon Birthday Tribute, Roxzilla as the house band! 8:30 pm, no cover
Sunday 9 ~ Thanksgiving Fundraiser for the Salvation Army, turkey and trimmings, ‘pay what you can, pay with a can’ sing along gospel-themed jam session, everyone welcome!…11am-4pm
Thursday 13 ~ Paul Simon Birthday Tribute …8pm, free!
Friday 14 ~ Frank Western and Birdie Whyte...7pm, free!
Saturday 15 ~ Ryan Cook…9pm, $10
Thursday 20 ~ Matty McKechnie, (Graven) …9pm, $5
Friday 21 ~ Frank Western and Birdie Whyte...7pm, free!
Saturday 22 ~ Dave Martel, 9pm, $10
Friday 28 ~ Frank Western and Birdie Whyte...7pm, free!
Saturday 29 ~ Brock Zeman…9pm, $5
Sunday 30 ~ Our fifth birthday party (!), free buffet, cash bar; come jam with Chef Bruce and The Burning Sensations!
Well, the seasons are definitely changing at this parallel… Leaves have turned; there is a brisk new edge to the wind… I’m even starting to think about where I put my ice-scraper and shovel last spring! At the restaurant, my walk-in refrigerator is completely full of veggies to pickle, freeze, prepare and preserve… let’s face it, the Autumn is upon us! I will start this newsletter, appropriately enough, given the week, with yet another round of thanks for everyone’s support these last two months. We are moving forward, we are seeing progress, change and growth every week and we are well aware that it is all because of folks like all of you. So, thanks.
This week (what’s left of it), is a doozie, so, if you don’t mind, I’ll just jump right in!
"Hi Bruce – Keith here. Got any spots I might fill? I just wanna get out and play, do some covers, some originals, make a noise, beat on a guitar. Any time is good. Weeknights, weekends, whatever. Lemme know what comes to mind. Thanks, Keith"
Needless to say, when 6 time Juno award winner Keith Glass of Prairie Oyster fame sends you this email, the answer is "Yes. When?" Turns out, the answer to that is today! Thursday, October 6; ...for just $8, you can be a part of an evening with one of Canada's most celebrated songwriters...having fun, hearing some "covers, originals, mak(ing) a noise, beat(ing) on a guitar..." In short? This. Will. Rule. OK, see you there?
Friday: Frank Western and Birdie Whyte and the irregular regular Friday showcase is back as if it never left...live the dream, be a part of the greatest story ever told in Kemptville! 7pm, no cover
Saturday: Fourth Annual John Lennon Birthday Tribute: Chef Bruce and Roxzilla are teaming up along with local and Ottawa area musicians to celebrate the life and music of John Lennon--'The Smart One'--Come hear Lennon's songs, both solo and Beatle as performed by Brian Simms, Christo Graham, The Heroic Mad Peasants, Katherine Amanda Giles, Lisa Poushinsky, David Wisjman, Graham Beverly, Josef and Joel Mieto and Bill Dagg...as well as Chef Bruce and Roxzilla, of course!! 3 sets, starts at 8:30pm, no cover (but buying beer for the performers is certainly encouraged!)
Sunday, October 9: Our fourth annual Thanksgiving Sally Ann Fundraiser is upon us...already, the food donations are starting to trickle in, 3 turkeys so far, some chocolate...hmmm...are you interested in volunteering? In singing some gospel tunes? Do you just want to come in and enjoy the bounty? The event, as always is free, aka 'pay what you can, pay with a can' We will be accepting donations of nonperishable items for the Salvation Army Food Pantry as well as feeding any and all comers...The meal will include turkey and all the trimmings and will be served from 11 am to 4 pm--volunteers can sign up ahead at the Salvation Army or at the branch, food can be donated for the meal by contacting Chef Bruce at the branch: 613-258-3737, everyone is welcome, so, well, come!
October Art:
Hanna Maria MacNaughtan is a self-taught artist who is always exploring. Her love for people and nature is evident in all she does. Her work as a Registered Nurse has an immense influence on her creativity. “I am thankful and feel very privileged to do the work I do as a nurse. The patients and families I meet continually humble and inspire me with their strength and courage as they face life’s challenges.” A drive for children’s portraiture painting was her initial fervor. Hanna quickly learned how to bring out her subjects emotions and personalities. She has been commissioned to paint dozens of portraits in the few years that she has been painting and it continues to be a passion for her. Recently her art has evolved beyond realistic portraiture to a discovery into veiled emotions. With this, new impressionistic and abstract creations in oil, acrylic and mixed media have emerged. As well, a new interest in carving sculptures has awakened yet another form of artistic expression. Working with soapstone and hand tools she files away the rock’s rough outer surface to reveal the hidden spirits which are bursting with colour and life. The unearthing of the secret treasure concealed inside each stone is pure delight. Hanna is a member of several art groups in the Ottawa area where her work has been accepted into numerous juried shows. She has her art for sale at various exhibits with these groups as well as at the Homestead Gallery in Kemptville and the Grotto Artworks in Merrickville. You may drop by her home gallery which is open to the public during the annual Merrickville Artists Guild Studio Tour each fall or visit anytime by appointment. For more information please call 613 258-7297, email: hmacnaughtan@cogeco.ca or visit her website at www.HannaMacNaughtan.ca
October Recipe:
Pumpkin Soup with Goat’s Cheese and Cranberry Coulis:
Try this with one of the many pumpkins or winter squash’s available darn near everywhere these days! It’s a fun addition to your Thanksgiving table or even in mugs as a warming tonic for an Autumn picnic…
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 tablespoon sunflower seed oil
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
¼ cup minced fresh sage leaves (less if dried)
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice: cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice, ginger, etc.
1 medium pumpkin or winter squash, about 1.5 pounds, peeled, seeded and cubed
2 litres vegetable stock or water
2 cups Hall’s or Barkley’s apple cider
Goat’s chevre from Clarmell Farms or Fifth Town Artisan Cheesemakers, enough to garnish
Cranberry Coulis:
½ cup Upper Canada cranberries
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ cup sugar
½ cup water
Pinch salt
For the Soup:
In a large soup pot, sweat the onions with the oil and salt until transparent; add the garlic and spices and sauté for one minute. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the squash is soft enough to pierce easily with a fork or paring knife (about 20-30 minutes). Blend soup with an immersion blender or in a blender or food processor until smooth, adding more water or stock if necessary. Garnish with a dollop of goat’s cheese and the cranberry coulis (recipe follows). Enjoy!
Cranberry coulis:
Combine ingredients in a small sauce pan and bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for five minutes, blend and serve. For an interesting garnish, cool and pour into a small squirt bottle and use the squirt bottle to make designs on the soup!
October Music:
Don’t forget to come out for Keith Glass tonight, this show was fairly last minute, so we haven’t been able to promote it as well as it deserves, any help you might be able to offer is awesome! In other words: Tell your friends! Right Now! (It is tonight after all…) Most folks know him as the lead guitarist and primary songwriter from the successful and critically acclaimed band, Prairie Oyster; around here we know him for the astounding performance he gave with Lynn Miles earlier this year and for playing occasional sideman to branch favourites Trevor Alguire and Brock Zeman at other shows in years past. He is a wicked guitarist and a sweet songwriter, so come on out and enjoy this rare opportunity to hang out with a real Canadian legend… Tonight, Thursday October 6, 9pm, $8
Fridays this month, as always are hosted by our favourite eclectic electric duo of banjo and steel: Mr. Frank Western and Ms. Birdie Whyte! The George and Gracie of Kemptville music, the Gram and Emmylou, the John and Yoko, the Captain and Tennille, the…the…you get the idea, it’s a chemistry thing, OK? They got it, you want it, so come on down! 7pm, free!
This Saturday’s Fourth Annual John Lennon Tribute is nearly sold out so move quick if you’d like to reserve. 8:30pm, no cover
Next Thursday, October 13, I’ll be hosting our first annual Paul Simon Birthday Tribute—Call me or write me if you want to perform…Rhymin’ Simon is the man of the hour, but Garfunkeling is also considered acceptable. 8pm, no cover.
Saturday, October 15: Yes, you read that right, it’s Ryan Cook! I’m not exaggerating when I say that this timeless country crooner is a young, vibrant talent on the scale of Willie Nelson or Glen Campbell; he is instantly accessible, seasoned, and someone you’ll want to come back for again and again. I’d highly recommend reserving for this show; he’ll be outgrowing our little room pretty soon, so if I were you, I’d catch him here while you still can! Oct. 15, 9pm, $10
Matty McKechnie is back on Thursday, October 20—he’s been here twice before under the moniker of ‘Graven’ as an electric trio and an acoustic duo—Now he’s just Matty, and really, what else do you need? Matt is a songwriter’s songwriter—he has a knack for catching that turn of phrase right before it gets away—finding the moment that counts, reeling it in and making it stick. This will be show to listen to, to soak in and to enjoy—he’s got the Chef Bruce seal of approval. October 20, 9pm, $5
Special Thanks and a bit of excitement goes out this month to our pal, Montreal by way of Vankleek Hill’s Dave Martel, who has stepped up to fill in an unexpected, last minute vacancy in October’s calendar…And what a fill-in it is! Dave is an indie-folk god, just check out any of his videos online, or, better yet, buy one of his cds, they will get under your skin, snuggle in and stay there for years. His last couple of branch shows have been described as, ‘Phenomenal, I can’t believe I just saw that’ and ‘It’s like a full body buzz’! He is an incomparable talent and always a pleasure to bring back for our lucky, lucky ears. Thanks, Dave. October 22, 9pm, $10
Saturday, October 29, we are happy to welcome back Ottawa’s finest alt-country ‘Texas Red Dirt’ singer songwriter, Brock Zeman. Somehow, almost every song he writes is better than the last, a fact that is made almost even more amazing by the fact that he has put out something north of 7 albums in under a decade… Brock is a craftsman, a master tunesmith and one of the best story tellers that you’ll ever hear. That’s Saturday, October 29 at 9pm, $5
Sunday, October 30…Well, we turn five. In restaurant years, that’s like 40. If we’ve made it that far, we may not be old, but we’re definitely not kids anymore. We couldn’t be more excited than to spend this amazing milestone with all of you, our friends, our family…So come on out, the buffet is on us, we’ll have a cash bar, I’ll be hosting the open stage with my full band, The Burning Sensations, along with anyone else who wants to join in—Everyone is invited, Hey! It’s a party! October 30, 2-8pm…or whatever…
Thursday 6 ~ Keith Glass (Prairie Oyster, Lynne Miles) …9pm, $8
Friday 7 ~ Frank Western and Birdie Whyte...7pm, free!
Saturday 8 ~4th annual John Lennon Birthday Tribute, Roxzilla as the house band! 8:30 pm, no cover
Sunday 9 ~ Thanksgiving Fundraiser for the Salvation Army, turkey and trimmings, ‘pay what you can, pay with a can’ sing along gospel-themed jam session, everyone welcome!…11am-4pm
Thursday 13 ~ Paul Simon Birthday Tribute …8pm, free!
Friday 14 ~ Frank Western and Birdie Whyte...7pm, free!
Saturday 15 ~ Ryan Cook…9pm, $10
Thursday 20 ~ Matty McKechnie, (Graven) …9pm, $5
Friday 21 ~ Frank Western and Birdie Whyte...7pm, free!
Saturday 22 ~ Dave Martel, 9pm, $10
Friday 28 ~ Frank Western and Birdie Whyte...7pm, free!
Saturday 29 ~ Brock Zeman…9pm, $5
Sunday 30 ~ Our fifth birthday party (!), free buffet, cash bar; come jam with Chef Bruce and The Burning Sensations!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Keith Glass, Thursday Night! Also: Lennon Tribute, Thanksgiving Fundraiser
"Hi Bruce – Keith here. Got any spots I might fill? I just wanna get out and play, do some covers, some originals, make a noise, beat on a guitar. Any time is good. Weeknights, weekends, whatever. Lemme know what comes to mind. Thanks, Keith"
Needless to say, when 6 time Juno award winner Keith Glass of Prairie Oyster fame sends you this email, the answer is "Yes. When?" Turns out, the answer to that is this Thursday, October 6; ...for just $8, you can be a part of an evening with one of Canada's most celebrated songwriters...having fun, hearing some "covers, originals, mak(ing) a noise, beat(ing) on a guitar..." In short? This. Will. Rule. OK, see you there?
Friday: Frank and Birdie and the irregular regular Friday showcase is back as if it never left...live the dream, be a part of the greatest story ever told in Kemptville! 7pm, no cover
Saturday: Chef Bruce and Roxzilla are teaming up along with local and Ottawa area musicians to celebrate the life and music of John Lennon--'The Smart One'--Come hear Lennon's songs, both solo and Beatle as performed by Brian Simms, Christo Graham, The Heroic Mad Peasants, Katherine Amanda Giles, Lisa Poushinsky, David Wisjman, Graham Beverly, Josef and Joel Mieto and Bill Dagg...as well as Chef Bruce and Roxzilla, of course!! 3 sets, starts at 8:30pm, no cover (but buying beer for the performers is certainly encouraged!)
Sunday, October 9: Our fourth annual Thanksgiving Sally Ann Fundraiser is upon us...already, the food donations are starting to trickle in, 2 turkeys so far, some chocolate...hmmm...are you interested in volunteering? In singing some gospel tunes? Do you just want to come in and enjoy the bounty? The event, as always is free, aka 'pay what you can, pay with a can' We will be accepting donations of nonperishable items for the Salvation Army Food Pantry as well as feeding any and all comers...The meal will include turkey and all the trimmings and will be served from 11 am to 4 pm--volunteers can sign up ahead at the Salvation Army or at the branch, food can be donated for the meal by contacting Chef Bruce at the branch 613-258-3737, everyone is welcome, so, well, come!
Needless to say, when 6 time Juno award winner Keith Glass of Prairie Oyster fame sends you this email, the answer is "Yes. When?" Turns out, the answer to that is this Thursday, October 6; ...for just $8, you can be a part of an evening with one of Canada's most celebrated songwriters...having fun, hearing some "covers, originals, mak(ing) a noise, beat(ing) on a guitar..." In short? This. Will. Rule. OK, see you there?
Friday: Frank and Birdie and the irregular regular Friday showcase is back as if it never left...live the dream, be a part of the greatest story ever told in Kemptville! 7pm, no cover
Saturday: Chef Bruce and Roxzilla are teaming up along with local and Ottawa area musicians to celebrate the life and music of John Lennon--'The Smart One'--Come hear Lennon's songs, both solo and Beatle as performed by Brian Simms, Christo Graham, The Heroic Mad Peasants, Katherine Amanda Giles, Lisa Poushinsky, David Wisjman, Graham Beverly, Josef and Joel Mieto and Bill Dagg...as well as Chef Bruce and Roxzilla, of course!! 3 sets, starts at 8:30pm, no cover (but buying beer for the performers is certainly encouraged!)
Sunday, October 9: Our fourth annual Thanksgiving Sally Ann Fundraiser is upon us...already, the food donations are starting to trickle in, 2 turkeys so far, some chocolate...hmmm...are you interested in volunteering? In singing some gospel tunes? Do you just want to come in and enjoy the bounty? The event, as always is free, aka 'pay what you can, pay with a can' We will be accepting donations of nonperishable items for the Salvation Army Food Pantry as well as feeding any and all comers...The meal will include turkey and all the trimmings and will be served from 11 am to 4 pm--volunteers can sign up ahead at the Salvation Army or at the branch, food can be donated for the meal by contacting Chef Bruce at the branch 613-258-3737, everyone is welcome, so, well, come!
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