With nostalgic shows like Mad Men causing folks who were there to remember the old days of advertising agency greatness, and a new crop of would-be advertisers to consider the field, it is interesting to note just how much advertising has truly changed. Jingles, peppy slogans, and the right imagery associated with a product made guys like Don Draper legendary. These days, this is still occasionally the case – but for the most part, ad agencies have had to adjust. They have had to decide what business they are in and fundamentally do more. Peter Van Allen’s article about how ad agencies are coping with the recession touched on one some crucial advice senior executives are offering to their clients – which at the same applies... [Read more]

So this weekend I ventured over to Exhibition place for some cocktail sampling and good fun at The Drinks Show. I’ll admit, I favor a good glass of wine over a cocktail any day. But at the same time, I can certainly appreciate when a tasty mixed drink is passed my way. The highlights included… Perfect sample sizes. Granted, it took my friend and I a few times to realize that just because they are about the same size of shot glasses, doesn’t mean they should be kicked back in one gulp that way. High quality recipes: Everything I tasted was good. Now, I happened to be traveling with a few other cocktail connoisseurs who had some additional legwork testing out far more varieties than I could manage. But every single drink I tried... [Read more]

This is shaping up to be a busy weekend of beverage-centric activities! If cocktails aren’t your thing (or maybe they are, but you want to try different things on different days), check out Summerfest. Sleeman Breweries is sponsoring what effectively will convert the entire Distillery Distract into one gigantic patio. Three outdoor stages will also be showcasing Canadian talent with musical acts that include Jennifer Ashbee, D. Rowland and Organic Funk. Come on now…this is what summer is really all about. The details: Friday, July 18 (that’s tonight!) and Saturday July 19: 7pm to 11pm Sunday, July 20: Noon to 7pm On Saturday I’ll be at The Drinks Show, but I’ll be checking things out at Summerfest on Sunday –... [Read more]

Every industry has different categories of connaisseur. Loosely grouped into general consumers, hobbyists, and experts, each are vital for the other to thrive – when you ignore the consumers and hobbyists, companies can have a hard time subsisting. However, if one neglects to care for and love the experts (both self proclaimed and accredited), value gets diluted, products are cheapened, and the experts carefully step back and bandy together to support those who do appreciate them. The language around wine is fascinating. I’d hardly consider myself an expert on the subject and you may have noticed my reviews are short, simple and to the point. Occasionally I might throw around words like ‘oak-y’ or ‘tannins’…but... [Read more]

Are you in the Toronto area and love a good cocktail? Next weekend (July 18-19) is The Drinks Show, held in the Queen Elizabeth Building at Toronto’s Exhibition Place. Running from 5-11pm on both days, you can expect some amazing recipes, delicious food and a fantastic time if the website and event theme (retro airline inspired) is any indication. Some of the sponsors: Event Partners Include: LCBO Spirits Canada Tetley Iced Tea Ocean Spray 99.9 Mix FM Some Brands Attending: Absolute Bacardi Baileys Crown Royale Hennessy Smirnoff Plan on going? Let me know! [Read more]