As a reminder...the branch is closed for regular service from January 2 through January 17th.
We will re-open for lunch on Tuesday, January 17th at 11:30 am.
authentic texas specialties, amazing live music, incredible selection of local, microbrewed draft beers and locally sourced and organic foods...
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Six Flags
Here's the working copy of tonight's menu...thought you might enjoy it!
New Year’s Eve 2011-12
Texas, my home state, like many other lands in the ‘Americas’ has spent much of its history under the flags of different sovereign nations; many of which still exist, some which do not. It began as a Spanish colony, then French, then Mexican; before becoming an independent nation in its own right; it then existed as a member of the United States, and then briefly as a member of the Confederate states before joining the United States once again. Each of these eras and peoples brought with it a culture and each culture its food. Tonight’s menu will present our take on traditional foods from each of these differing cultures in turn, all under the shadow of a seventh flag, the Maple Leaf, as we express each course using lots of Canada’s amazing local foods.
Spain:
Tapas; a mixed plate of small bites to be shared in the tradition of bar snacks served on the Spanish coastline, they are presented on small plates or tops (tapas) to keep the flies out of the wine…tonight’s selection includes dates stuffed with local goat’s cheese, white anchovies, smoked trout devilled quail eggs, spicy house-smoked chorizo sausage, prosciutto with pickled beets and beef pate in pastry.
France:
Soupe a L’oignon: (…naturally…) local leeks, yellow and red onions all sliced thin and caramelized in a rich wild mushroom broth, served with crouton, melted local Swiss cheese and a drop each of ice wine and white truffle oil.
The Confederate States:
Butter Poached Lobster ‘Shrimp and Grits’: This tribute to a favourite from the ‘low country’ cuisine of the American South actually contains neither shrimp nor grits…instead we are presenting an homage to that dish using a half of a Canadian lobster, poached in butter, and presented with a corn soufflé, an arugula salad and a green remoulade.
Mexico:
Sorbete Banderas: this palate cleansing intermezzo sorbet will be presented with not only classic Mexican flavours of avocados, cinnamon and hot peppers, the presentation itself will remind diners of the three colours of the Mexican ‘banderas’ or, in other words, flag.
The Republic of Texas:
Venison ‘Chicken Fried Steak’: This course is also a tribute, not the real thing; standing in for beef cube steak will be choice cuts of venison from Trillium Farm in a tempura style batter with a bourbon-peppercorn buerre blanc, a twice baked potato with bacon and blue cheese and an assortment of seasonal veggies.
or
Nicole’s Texas Chicken Casserole: A trio with a breast roulade stuffed with pecans, a white bean cassoulet with confit ‘dark meat’ and a bbq winglet.
The United States, aka: “‘Merica”:
Apple Pie and Cheese: (…what could be more American?) An individual pie made with McIntosh apples and a last chance to enjoy Richard and Sylvie’s famous and now retired Tomme de Gaston.
New Year’s Eve 2011-12
Texas, my home state, like many other lands in the ‘Americas’ has spent much of its history under the flags of different sovereign nations; many of which still exist, some which do not. It began as a Spanish colony, then French, then Mexican; before becoming an independent nation in its own right; it then existed as a member of the United States, and then briefly as a member of the Confederate states before joining the United States once again. Each of these eras and peoples brought with it a culture and each culture its food. Tonight’s menu will present our take on traditional foods from each of these differing cultures in turn, all under the shadow of a seventh flag, the Maple Leaf, as we express each course using lots of Canada’s amazing local foods.
Spain:
Tapas; a mixed plate of small bites to be shared in the tradition of bar snacks served on the Spanish coastline, they are presented on small plates or tops (tapas) to keep the flies out of the wine…tonight’s selection includes dates stuffed with local goat’s cheese, white anchovies, smoked trout devilled quail eggs, spicy house-smoked chorizo sausage, prosciutto with pickled beets and beef pate in pastry.
France:
Soupe a L’oignon: (…naturally…) local leeks, yellow and red onions all sliced thin and caramelized in a rich wild mushroom broth, served with crouton, melted local Swiss cheese and a drop each of ice wine and white truffle oil.
The Confederate States:
Butter Poached Lobster ‘Shrimp and Grits’: This tribute to a favourite from the ‘low country’ cuisine of the American South actually contains neither shrimp nor grits…instead we are presenting an homage to that dish using a half of a Canadian lobster, poached in butter, and presented with a corn soufflé, an arugula salad and a green remoulade.
Mexico:
Sorbete Banderas: this palate cleansing intermezzo sorbet will be presented with not only classic Mexican flavours of avocados, cinnamon and hot peppers, the presentation itself will remind diners of the three colours of the Mexican ‘banderas’ or, in other words, flag.
The Republic of Texas:
Venison ‘Chicken Fried Steak’: This course is also a tribute, not the real thing; standing in for beef cube steak will be choice cuts of venison from Trillium Farm in a tempura style batter with a bourbon-peppercorn buerre blanc, a twice baked potato with bacon and blue cheese and an assortment of seasonal veggies.
or
Nicole’s Texas Chicken Casserole: A trio with a breast roulade stuffed with pecans, a white bean cassoulet with confit ‘dark meat’ and a bbq winglet.
The United States, aka: “‘Merica”:
Apple Pie and Cheese: (…what could be more American?) An individual pie made with McIntosh apples and a last chance to enjoy Richard and Sylvie’s famous and now retired Tomme de Gaston.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Just announced, Mark Beach this Friday for New Years Eve-eve!
Local boy made good, Mark Beach, is home for the holidays and to record a solo album--and we are more than thrilled to announce that he will be in for a 'welcome home' show this Friday at 7pm...Mark, as you may remember, was the front man for local 70s, 80s and 90s rock cover band favourites, The Creeeps, but Mark is also a talented songwriter in his own right with influences ranging from indie to classic rock to folk, pop and these days; what sounds like more than just a taste of what I can only describe as experimental electronic ambient guitar music, or as he puts it: "music [that] blends the organic and the electronic into a soothing but dramatic auditory soundscape"...I am excited to see which side of Mark we'll get to enjoy on Friday, but I am sure that folks who like local favourites like David Martel, Ben Mullin and/or Barn, Mark's brother or sister Simon and Laura Beach, or even more modern, larger names like Fleet Foxes or Bon Iver will most likely love Mark's style, taste and delivery...so that's this Friday at 7pm and it's free!!
David Celia Tonight! Also, New Years' Eve, Hair of the Dog...
Hi Folks, hope everyone had a merry happy! Don't forget our 'Buy One Get One Free' special is still on this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday...Just print this page, sign it, write your email address on it and hand it to your server; then buy one entree and receive a second one of equal or lesser value for free! This offer is not valid in combination with other specials and expires after Thursday.
Tuesday, December 27: David Celia, 8pm, $6. Tonight, we are pleased to host David Celia; he is '...as restorative as a cool fresh waterfall,', he displays 'excellent musicianship…elegant and melodic' (Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy) A recent German review calls Celia 'completely charmful…contemplative…wonderful atmosphere..you will like him immediately..like a warm embrace from a good friend' (rock e-zine, Berlin). 'David Celia is one of the best talents to hit Merseyside from North America' (Alex McKechnie, Cavern Club,Liverpool).
Roots-pop with hints of folk and perhaps some country vibes and a little rockin', David’s classicism manages to naturally and effortlessly, cross genres and ages. Toddlers, adults, lovers of folk music and fans of pop music are all equally charmed. Fellow ‘music heads’ are impressed by his musicianship and craftsmanship,as is evidenced by friends & guests appearing on 'This Isn’t Here' (his most recent album),including Dave Clark’s Neil Young inspired drumming (Rheostatics,Gord Downie Band), Don Kerr (Ron Sexsmith), Joan Besen (Prairie Oyster), Jenny Mitchell aka, Jenny Omnichord on banjo, (Barmitzvah Brothers) and Bob Wiseman (Bob Wiseman) on Casio keyboard, the inspiration behind a track or two.
You may catch wisps of such diverse influences as Wilco, Buddy Holly, Blue Rodeo, Bob Dylan, Todd Rundgren and George Harrison, but ultimately, 'This Isn’t Here' is 100 % David Celia: charming, whimsical, hopeful and optimistic. 'Look at this world; I can’t believe that it’s still happening…we must be doing something right'. This album speaks of what matters most, to most of us: love, hope, family, friends, 'staying on your path', recognizing your blessings and heck, plain old fun.
So there's David's story (mostly cribbed from his website, I'll admit) he's a fun guy, sweet and talented, and he'll be here singing for his supper tonight...I'll be here also...how about you? Check out this video:
Fun stuff, ain't it? See you tonight!
Saturday, December 31: New Years' Eve at the branch featuring the Frank and Birdie Trio and a menu with the theme 'Six Flags of Texas' ...This event is currently sold out, call only if you'd like to be added to the waiting list.
***Please note, there will be no lunch service this Saturday!***
Sunday, January 1: 'Hair of the Dog' Open Stage hosted by John and Terry Brewer, 2-6pm, free. John and Terry, the inspiration behind and the originators of our Sunday Open Stage are back to host their annual New Years Day Open Stage from 2-6pm. These two started hosting open stages at our location a decade ago, when this place was still Amanda's Slip, the restaurant that preceded us. This is the fifth annual 'Hair of the Dog' version, held every New Years Day, even some that have required more than a shovelful of effort to get to, these 'must attend' yearly events are the perfect way to nurse that New Years Eve hangover with a bit more of the same, and are also one last chance to enjoy branch food, specifically our famous Rubber Boots Buffet before we close up shop for our annual 2 week hibernation. The music will be on from 2-6pm ('or so', as usual...)and the buffet will be served from 2-8pm; the revelry, fun and the wild, happy, official start to the New Year will be served up all day long!
the branch will be closed from January 2 until January 16 for rest, repairs and recuperation, See you on the 17th!
Tuesday, December 27: David Celia, 8pm, $6. Tonight, we are pleased to host David Celia; he is '...as restorative as a cool fresh waterfall,', he displays 'excellent musicianship…elegant and melodic' (Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy) A recent German review calls Celia 'completely charmful…contemplative…wonderful atmosphere..you will like him immediately..like a warm embrace from a good friend' (rock e-zine, Berlin). 'David Celia is one of the best talents to hit Merseyside from North America' (Alex McKechnie, Cavern Club,Liverpool).
Roots-pop with hints of folk and perhaps some country vibes and a little rockin', David’s classicism manages to naturally and effortlessly, cross genres and ages. Toddlers, adults, lovers of folk music and fans of pop music are all equally charmed. Fellow ‘music heads’ are impressed by his musicianship and craftsmanship,as is evidenced by friends & guests appearing on 'This Isn’t Here' (his most recent album),including Dave Clark’s Neil Young inspired drumming (Rheostatics,Gord Downie Band), Don Kerr (Ron Sexsmith), Joan Besen (Prairie Oyster), Jenny Mitchell aka, Jenny Omnichord on banjo, (Barmitzvah Brothers) and Bob Wiseman (Bob Wiseman) on Casio keyboard, the inspiration behind a track or two.
You may catch wisps of such diverse influences as Wilco, Buddy Holly, Blue Rodeo, Bob Dylan, Todd Rundgren and George Harrison, but ultimately, 'This Isn’t Here' is 100 % David Celia: charming, whimsical, hopeful and optimistic. 'Look at this world; I can’t believe that it’s still happening…we must be doing something right'. This album speaks of what matters most, to most of us: love, hope, family, friends, 'staying on your path', recognizing your blessings and heck, plain old fun.
So there's David's story (mostly cribbed from his website, I'll admit) he's a fun guy, sweet and talented, and he'll be here singing for his supper tonight...I'll be here also...how about you? Check out this video:
Fun stuff, ain't it? See you tonight!
Saturday, December 31: New Years' Eve at the branch featuring the Frank and Birdie Trio and a menu with the theme 'Six Flags of Texas' ...This event is currently sold out, call only if you'd like to be added to the waiting list.
***Please note, there will be no lunch service this Saturday!***
Sunday, January 1: 'Hair of the Dog' Open Stage hosted by John and Terry Brewer, 2-6pm, free. John and Terry, the inspiration behind and the originators of our Sunday Open Stage are back to host their annual New Years Day Open Stage from 2-6pm. These two started hosting open stages at our location a decade ago, when this place was still Amanda's Slip, the restaurant that preceded us. This is the fifth annual 'Hair of the Dog' version, held every New Years Day, even some that have required more than a shovelful of effort to get to, these 'must attend' yearly events are the perfect way to nurse that New Years Eve hangover with a bit more of the same, and are also one last chance to enjoy branch food, specifically our famous Rubber Boots Buffet before we close up shop for our annual 2 week hibernation. The music will be on from 2-6pm ('or so', as usual...)and the buffet will be served from 2-8pm; the revelry, fun and the wild, happy, official start to the New Year will be served up all day long!
the branch will be closed from January 2 until January 16 for rest, repairs and recuperation, See you on the 17th!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Merry Christmas-ness
All of us at the branch would like to wish you and your families, clubs, crews, gangs or whatever a happy holiday of your choosing under the seasonal banner of Christmas and/or Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Amaterasu, Beiwe, Maidyarem, Hogmanay, Montol, Saturnalia, or whatever solstice celebration your faith, creed, culture, ethnicity or choice may have bequeathed and/or require of you. Have a season! Greetings! Merry! Holiday! I have included a link to my own Christmas tune here for your listening pleasure--it is a song I wrote about three years ago and finally got around to recording last Friday with my pals Ben Mullin and Steve Pelehos, aka 'The Belarus Racing Team'. Enjoy!
The branch will be closed this Saturday, Sunday and Monday December 24th, 25th and 26th for the holiday and will re-open next Tuesday, December 27th and resume our regular hours all next week.
This week: don't forget our Buy, One Get One Free Entree (of equal or lesser value) special for our online friends on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights for this week and next...just quickly print out this page and jot down your name and email address on it somewhere and hand it to your server. Remember, it is not available with any other offer or special and it expires at the end of the month.
Thursday, December 22: Steve Parisien, Jazz Guitar, 8pm, no cover. Steve is a local talent like few others, here is a note from Steve, describing what he does:
Steve always puts on a good show, and I hope you'll come spend some time with him this Thursday!
Friday, December 23: Frank Western and Birdie Whyte, 7pm, no cover. It's Friday again, and this Friday is even Christmas eve-eve...to me that sounds like a good excuse to hear Kemptville's, nèe, Canada's(!) favourite playing, singing, slide guitar and banjo couple/musical duo. That live in Kemptville. I would challenge anyone to disprove that...but you would lose, and I? I would laugh at your loss, haHA! haHA! haHA! (Because that's how I laugh when other people lose...) But I wouldn't laugh too hard or too long because that would be silly. So come out on Friday, would you? It will be the best Christmas eve-eve you've ever had at a Frank and Birdie show at the branch. Unquestionably.
While we're here, don't forget about this:
Tuesday, December 27: David Celia, 8pm, $6. David Celia is '...as restorative as a cool fresh waterfall,', he displays 'excellent musicianship…elegant and melodic' (Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy) A recent German review calls Celia 'completely charmful…contemplative…wonderful atmosphere..you will like him immediately..like a warm embrace from a good friend' (rock e-zine, Berlin). 'David Celia is one of the best talents to hit Merseyside from North America' (Alex McKechnie, Cavern Club,Liverpool).
Roots-pop with hints of folk and perhaps some country vibes and a little rockin', David’s classicism manages to naturally and effortlessly, cross genres and ages. Toddlers, adults, lovers of folk music and fans of pop music are all equally charmed.
Fellow ‘music heads’ are impressed by his musiciansip and craftsmanship,as is evidenced by friends & guests appearing on 'This Isn’t Here' (his most recent album),including Dave Clark’s Neil Young inspired drumming (Rheostatics,Gord Downie Band), Don Kerr (Ron Sexsmith), Joan Besen (Prairie Oyster), Jenny Mitchellaka, Jenny Omnichord on banjo, (Barmitzvah Brothers) and Bob Wiseman (Bob Wiseman) on Casio keyboard, the inspiration behind a track or two.
You may catch wisps of such diverse influences as Wilco, Buddy Holly, Blue Rodeo, Bob Dylan, Todd Rundgren and George Harrison, but ultimately, 'This Isn’t Here' is 100 % David Celia: charming, whimsical, hopeful and optimistic. 'Look at this world; I can’t believe that it’s still happening…we must be doing something right'. This album speaks of what matters most, to most of us: love, hope, family, friends, 'staying on your path', recognizing your blessings and heck, plain old fun.
So there's David's story (mostly cribbed from his website, I'll admit) he's a fun guy, sweet and talented, and he'll be here singing for his supper next Tuesday...I'll be there also...how about you?
The branch will be closed this Saturday, Sunday and Monday December 24th, 25th and 26th for the holiday and will re-open next Tuesday, December 27th and resume our regular hours all next week.
This week: don't forget our Buy, One Get One Free Entree (of equal or lesser value) special for our online friends on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights for this week and next...just quickly print out this page and jot down your name and email address on it somewhere and hand it to your server. Remember, it is not available with any other offer or special and it expires at the end of the month.
Thursday, December 22: Steve Parisien, Jazz Guitar, 8pm, no cover. Steve is a local talent like few others, here is a note from Steve, describing what he does:
Thank you for joining me and experiencing some of my musical ideas. Let me tell you a little about myself. I started in music by learning the piano at the age of five. My father had a music business, so I had the fortunate opportunity to learn other instruments along the way. Of those, the guitar was the instrument I enjoyed the most. After taking some formal lessons on classical guitar I pursued my love of jazz and for a short time played locally in the Ottawa area. Other pursuits in my father's business and later my own business in the music field kept me away from playing for a number of years. However, about five years ago my interest in playing was rekindled and recently after being pushed by fellow musicians, I came out with my first album 'Bright Start'. It's a collection of musical ideas that I hope you enjoy.
...Steve
Steve always puts on a good show, and I hope you'll come spend some time with him this Thursday!
Friday, December 23: Frank Western and Birdie Whyte, 7pm, no cover. It's Friday again, and this Friday is even Christmas eve-eve...to me that sounds like a good excuse to hear Kemptville's, nèe, Canada's(!) favourite playing, singing, slide guitar and banjo couple/musical duo. That live in Kemptville. I would challenge anyone to disprove that...but you would lose, and I? I would laugh at your loss, haHA! haHA! haHA! (Because that's how I laugh when other people lose...) But I wouldn't laugh too hard or too long because that would be silly. So come out on Friday, would you? It will be the best Christmas eve-eve you've ever had at a Frank and Birdie show at the branch. Unquestionably.
While we're here, don't forget about this:
Tuesday, December 27: David Celia, 8pm, $6. David Celia is '...as restorative as a cool fresh waterfall,', he displays 'excellent musicianship…elegant and melodic' (Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy) A recent German review calls Celia 'completely charmful…contemplative…wonderful atmosphere..you will like him immediately..like a warm embrace from a good friend' (rock e-zine, Berlin). 'David Celia is one of the best talents to hit Merseyside from North America' (Alex McKechnie, Cavern Club,Liverpool).
Roots-pop with hints of folk and perhaps some country vibes and a little rockin', David’s classicism manages to naturally and effortlessly, cross genres and ages. Toddlers, adults, lovers of folk music and fans of pop music are all equally charmed.
Fellow ‘music heads’ are impressed by his musiciansip and craftsmanship,as is evidenced by friends & guests appearing on 'This Isn’t Here' (his most recent album),including Dave Clark’s Neil Young inspired drumming (Rheostatics,Gord Downie Band), Don Kerr (Ron Sexsmith), Joan Besen (Prairie Oyster), Jenny Mitchellaka, Jenny Omnichord on banjo, (Barmitzvah Brothers) and Bob Wiseman (Bob Wiseman) on Casio keyboard, the inspiration behind a track or two.
You may catch wisps of such diverse influences as Wilco, Buddy Holly, Blue Rodeo, Bob Dylan, Todd Rundgren and George Harrison, but ultimately, 'This Isn’t Here' is 100 % David Celia: charming, whimsical, hopeful and optimistic. 'Look at this world; I can’t believe that it’s still happening…we must be doing something right'. This album speaks of what matters most, to most of us: love, hope, family, friends, 'staying on your path', recognizing your blessings and heck, plain old fun.
So there's David's story (mostly cribbed from his website, I'll admit) he's a fun guy, sweet and talented, and he'll be here singing for his supper next Tuesday...I'll be there also...how about you?
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Not 'Yikes', anymore...now it's 'Hooray!' Christo Graham Show this Saturday Night!
As we mentioned earlier, a last minute cancellation for Saturday (December 17th) means that we are now, in fact, open for business! A private party that was planned for this Saturday just had to change plans on short notice--leaving us with a dining room to fill at the last minute... lots of spots for all you folks we've been saying no to for the last couple of weeks--Call now! Let's make it happen!
Music will be provided by branch favorite Christopher Graham who has gracefully stepped in on short notice to bring his wonderful eclectic original style to our stage for the first time as the headline act since he left for university earlier this year! Christopher is a natural talent, he's recorded and released 3 complete albums before his 20 th birthday, as well as a recent ep of Disney cover songs...he is an inspired multi-instrumentalist and singer that seems born with that rare ability to enrapture a room one minute with heartfelt emotion, before sending it off in to fits of laughter the next. Let's help him fill the room for this last minute 'week before Christmas' appearance!
The show starts at 9pm, and is just $5.
Music will be provided by branch favorite Christopher Graham who has gracefully stepped in on short notice to bring his wonderful eclectic original style to our stage for the first time as the headline act since he left for university earlier this year! Christopher is a natural talent, he's recorded and released 3 complete albums before his 20 th birthday, as well as a recent ep of Disney cover songs...he is an inspired multi-instrumentalist and singer that seems born with that rare ability to enrapture a room one minute with heartfelt emotion, before sending it off in to fits of laughter the next. Let's help him fill the room for this last minute 'week before Christmas' appearance!
The show starts at 9pm, and is just $5.
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