Cocktail Corner – Moscow Mule

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The Sip Advisor loves food. I’m not a foodie, per se, as I don’t care to know the ins and out of my meals, but I do like eating. For various reasons, though, sometimes a place you visit just doesn’t live up to the hype. Here are my picks for the most overrated restaurants I’ve tried:

Chipotle

I prefer a chain such as Chronic Tacos over Chipotle, if I want to get a quick burrito or taco fix. And any true Mexican eatery is better than all the chain ones combined. My preferred menu choice at fast serve places – an Al Pastor Burrito – is completely bland at Chipotle. In particular, the sauces they offer aren’t very interesting, which combined with the other uninspired ingredients, leads to a very underwhelming experience. I’ve also found service to be particularly slow on the few occasions I’ve tried Chipotle. Perhaps I need to try an American location, before passing final judgment.

Chipotle

White Castle

I was so excited to finally eat at a White Castle location in 2013, while visiting New York City. This was years after Harold and Kumar introduced me to the chain with their wild misadventures. Boy, was I disappointed. I found the steamed burger experience to make buns soggy in quick order and a lack of any flavour substance to the experience. I’ve since tried the restaurant again, giving it another chance to wow me. Once again, I came away questioning why the company is so popular it was used for the movie franchise. Apparently Krispy Kreme was offered the role first, but declined. I do appreciate White Castle’s fascinating history of inventing many fast food concepts, but I’m not sure I’ll ever spend my time or money at one again.

In-N-Out

This burger chain is so popular that long lines course through their locations. And the wait just isn’t worth it. I expected to be blown away by the California-based icon, but found it to be nothing special. On our most recent trip to the Golden State, we contemplated visiting an In-N-Out, but with no chicken option on their menu, Boy Sip would have nothing to eat and so passed on the opportunity. I think part of my annoyance with In-N-Out is that I don’t know what exactly to order and their not-so-secret secret menu just complicates the issue for me even more.

In-N-Out

Cheesecake Factory

I’ve had some good meals at Cheesecake Factory and others that were disappointing for one reason or another, whether it be a long wait to be seated or my meal being lackluster. The restaurant’s menu is so massive, it takes a fair bit of time to narrow down your order and I personally never remember what I previously had and whether or not I enjoyed it. It’s one of those things where they do a lot of things in average fashion, rather than focusing on fewer items and doing them all well… or at least better. One thing can’t be denied, the cheesecake they offer is fantastic.

Little Caesar’s

When Little Caesar’s first came to my hometown as a young kid, it was the pizza to get for sports team gatherings. Crazy Bread was practically a revelation for my generation. Today, the Sipplings also love Crazy Bread (or Silly Bread as they call it), but let’s be honest here, the pizza at Little Caesar’s is not very good. Sure, I’ll grab a Hot-N-Ready offering when I’m at the store (because I’m a top notch dad, of course), but I’m typically disappointed with the pizza, even at the cheap price. For me, their pizza sauce just isn’t very good, lacking any flavour. And that lack of flavour continues throughout the rest of a slice. Drowning my ‘za with ranch dressing is really the only way to get through a Little Caesar’s pie.

Cocktail Corner: Moscow Mule

Moscow Mule

  • 2 oz Vodka
  • Top with Ginger Beer
  • Splash of Lime Juice
  • Garnish with a Lime Slice

Other places that seem to come up in lists of overrated restaurants, but I can’t comment on, as I’ve never sampled their wares, include Chick-fil-A and Whataburger. For a few others (Olive Garden, Panera, etc.), I’ve only visited once, so feel I haven’t given them a fair enough shake to comment. As for today’s drink, the Moscow Mule comes up on many lists of overrated beverages. While I’ve made a number of the drink’s variations for this site, I’ve never made the original, a cocktail I do enjoy.

Love & Hate – The Spudtini

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Potatoes are so versatile. They can be used in tons of different dishes, many of which the Sip Advisor enjoys and others… eh, not so much. Here are the potato creations I love:

Chips

I’ve made it very clear over the course of this project that the Sip Advisor is a Chippy Monster. Rarely a day goes by – for better or worse – that I’m not eating these amazing snacks. I even had a potato chip-themed party as part of my 40th birthday celebrations. To say the Sip Advisor is one with the chip would be an understatement. They are my spirit food!

Hash Browns

I like all things hash browns, whether they be diced, shredded, patties, etc. One of my favourite meals that Ma Sip often serves up is Breakfast for Dinner, featuring bacon and hash browns. This turns the Sip Advisor almost animalistic, as I try to shovel as much of the feast into my body until I’m bursting at the seams. Even the Sipplings, picky as they can be, rank this meal highly.

Hash Browns

Fries/Tater Tots

I’m going to lump these two together because that’s how they’re listed on my phone grocery list note. If I have fries, I don’t need tots and vice versa. Both go great as side dishes to a variety of main courses. Burgers, sandwiches, chicken, fish, steak, I could go on and on. They can also both be used as focal points for meals such as casseroles, poutines and nacho-like spreads.

Narrowly missing the cut are Greek potatoes, potato salad, pierogies and fried potatoes. Not all that fries is gold, however. Here are the potato servings I hate:

Baked Potato

I just don’t get the appeal of baked potatoes. First, they take forever to make, needing 45-60 minutes to cook. Once made, they’re pretty bland, unless you load them up with excessive toppings. This isn’t so easy, given the shape of the dish, unless you do the work to pull all the guts out. It is much simpler – and tastier – to work with fries or tots to achieve far better results.

Baked Potato

Mashed Potatoes

In a similar vein to baked potatoes, I find mashed potatoes to be fairly boring, even spiced up with gravy or other enhancements. If sauces and other toppings are needed to make something even somewhat tolerable, why bother!? I will give credit to mashed potatoes as a gateway spud dish, as kids can enjoy playing with their food and they’re easy to eat for young ones.

Scalloped Potatoes

I’m not sure exactly why I dislike these cheesy, saucy taters, but if I see them served at a function, I almost have a gag reflex to them. Perhaps it dates back to my dislike of all things cheese-related as a youngster. Although my tastes have evolved as I’ve grown up, I still find this dish to be too slimy for my liking and don’t like that the potatoes are soggy and limp.

Love & Hate: The Spudtini

The Spudtini

  • Rim glass with Potato Chips
  • Muddle Cucumber Slices
  • 2 oz Potato Vodka
  • Splash of Lemon Juice
  • Dash of Simple Syrup
  • Pinch of Salt
  • Garnish with Cucumber and Lemon Slices

Regardless of how I feel about various potato dishes, one thing will always remain true: the crispier the better for the Sip Advisor… unless they come in liquid form, of course!

Cocktail Corner – The Corner Store

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Sometimes I’m caught reminiscing about the stores that have come and gone in my life. Places that provided me with various levels of joy, but no longer exist. Here are some of those businesses:

#5: HMV

A favourite store of a young Sip Advisor, HMV was the place to get the latest music, movie or even poster. I never knew until now, but HMV stood for His Master’s Voice, taken from a painting of a dog listening to a phonograph, which became the company’s logo. After all, the company first existed as a one of the earliest recording companies, founded in 1921. Some HMV locations can still be found in the U.K. Similar companies, such as Suncoast Motion Picture Company (only five locations left in the U.S. as of 2021) are also deserving of mention in this category.

HMV

#4: Playdium Arcade

When Burnaby’s Metrotown Mall added its Metropolis expansion, one of the feature tentants was Playdium Arcade, complete with arcade games, fun food, motion simulators, and the other typical arcade fare. Today, the space is occupied by a Winners store. How the mighty have fallen! Reasons for the mid-2000s closure vary from mismanagement to rent increases. Apparently, The Rec Room, which has opened a location nearby the Sip Advisor, is a spiritual successor of Playdium, so Mrs. Sip and I will have to check out the place sometime.

#3: Future Shop

It used to be that any time of friend or family member’s birthday approached, a simple trip to Future Shop provided ample opportunity to get a gift for whoever was being celebrated. It was also a one-stop destination for Christmas presents. Future Shop was acquired by Best Buy, once the chain moved north from the U.S. While the Best Buys still exist, I just don’t have any reason to go in them anymore, as I haven’t bought anything they offer in years. In a similar vein, I should include Circuit City, which was visited on countless trips to the States as a teen and young adult.

Future Shop

#2: KB Toys

Toys R’ Us (which many Americans would include on a list like this, but the store still exists in Canada) may have been the king of toy stores when I was growing up, but there was a certain charm to KB Toys stores, which were stocked as high as can be with toys of every type in small, narrow-aisled facilities. I have many memories of finding wrestling figures and other treasured items at the Bellis Fair location in Bellingham, Washington. I also remember once coming up to the cashier at another location and finding a $20 bill laying right in front of me. I got my toy and got some cash, so it was a big win on all accounts.

#1: Rogers Video/Blockbuster/Jumbo Video

The video rental store has gone the way of the dodo, which makes me sad in that I’ll never get to share that experience with the Sipplings. Before Blockbuster finally arrived in Canada, other options such as Rogers Video and Jumbo Video provided me and my friends with countless hours of enjoyment. It all started with the thrill of perusing the thousands of titles available and deciding on what you wished to view on any given night. Then, the actual watching of the movie, TV show or other form of media was almost secondary. Mrs. Sip and I often reminisce about this amazing part of our childhoods and early dating years.

Cocktail Corner: The Corner Store

The Corner Store

  • 2 oz Whiskey
  • 0.25 oz Absinthe
  • Top with Club Soda
  • Splash of Cherry Syrup
  • Splash of Lemon Juice
  • Dash of Yuzu Juice
  • Dash of Ginger Beer
  • Garnish with Maraschino Cherries

An honourable mention goes to Payless Shoes, which provided me the opportunity to get my shoe shopping done quickly for minimal cost. That’s all I’ve ever asked from my shopping experiences!

Cocktail Corner – She’s Paying

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Let’s be honest, nobody really likes paying for anything, but it’s a necessary evil of our society. Here are some things in particular the Sip Advisor hates having to pay for:

Sauces at Eateries

You ever complete a food order and ask for some packets of ketchup or something, and the place tells you that will cost extra? I also hate when you’re at a place and they give you the tiniest little sauce container and upon asking for more, you get dinged some silly charge. The Sip Advisor is a sauce guy, through and through, so if I ever ran a joint, I’d offer up as much of the good stuff as a customer needed to complete their meal.

Unnecessary Tips

First and foremost, I believe in all workers making a living wage and appreciate places like Australia, where servers and others don’t need to rely on tips. I’m tired of places like fast food restaurants and other stores having a tip option pop up when I’m paying. Well, I haven’t been served in any way, and in fact, I’ve done all the work for you. Sure, it’s easy to skip past leaving any tip, but you feel kind of bad doing so. At a fast food place, does that mean they’ll do something to your food or not prepare it to the highest of quality because you didn’t leave a little something extra?

Tipping

Parking

I loathe all types of pay parking, even going extra distances to not pay. Some lots, where you’re forced to pay is just insulting, adding salt to the wound. This includes hospitals and schools, among other establishments. I also can’t stand going into a pay parking lot and all the spots are reserved, even though they remain empty.

Service and Processing Fees

All the behind-the-scene costs that can occur with a transaction are ridiculous. They can best be seen with airline and event tickets, which puts companies such as Air Canada and Ticketmaster near the top of my dislike list. It’s not just that fees are charged, it’s that the fees are so unbelievably exorbitant and absurd.

Luggage

Speaking of airlines, I can’t believe the rates they charge for you to check a bag or sometimes to even carry one aboard the plane yourself. Sure, if you’re packing a few suitcases and other items, you should have to pay up, but we often travel with one or two bags for the entire four-person Sip Family. They should be paying us for being so considerate of others.

Luggage Fees

Medical/Dental/Vision Procedures and Items

Why some things, such as contacts and glasses, certain therapies, etc. are not fully covered – or sometimes even included – in medical plans is beyond my comprehension. As Mrs. Sip argues, these treatments can decrease more expensive costs in the future, but I guess medical plan providers hope you age out of their system by the time you really need coverage.

Toilets

Frankly, I think this act should be illegal. It’s exploitation and if you’re in a rush to use the facilities, say for yourself or with a young child, who has time to fumble around for payment. In a similar vein, but at least you can access a washroom in an emergency, is situations where a bathroom attendant waits near an exit to collect money after you’ve used a facility. And you have to wonder what exactly this attendant does, because every bathroom I’ve encountered with this set up is typically amongst the filthiest I’ve ever seen.

Bags at Stores and Restaurants

At some grocery stores and fast food restaurants in my neck of the woods, you can be charged for a paper bag for groceries and take out orders. I refuse to pay 25 cents for a bag I’m going to immediately recycle, so I’ve often carried my items out, which can look odd. Ah, the price I’ll pay to not pay!

Cocktail Corner: She’s Paying

She's Paying

  • 1 oz Vodka
  • 1 oz Coffee Liqueur
  • 0.5 oz Orange Liqueur
  • 0.25 oz Amaretto
  • Garnish with Money!

One last item I hate paying for is sex. Fellas, whether we like it or not, we’re all paying for sex in one way or another, even if you’re not going the hired companion route!

Sip Trips #232: Escondido Escape

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The bulk of March was spent travelling to and staying in Escondido, California. Here’s what we got up to on our road trip to the Golden State, as well as the lead up to the Spring Break getaway:

Early in the month, following one of Girl Sip’s ringette games, the Sip Family had dinner at White Spot. I had the Legendary Burger with Caesar Salad, paired with the beverage version of a Caesar, which is typically a Sunday special in these parts.

A couple days later, my work treated us to lunch at Catch 122 in North Vancouver. I ordered the Bulgogi Steak N Egg, which was a fantastic dish. Unfortunately, given it was a work function, only water was consumed during the meal.

Work

That weekend, with our vehicle in for servicing, Mrs. Sip and I had lunch at Milestones in Langley. I tried the Steak Sandwich with Cajun Fries, combined with a pint of Blue Moon. I loved the flavours going on with the sandwich, but the steak was really chewy. The fries were also quite good.

That night, Mrs. Sip and I had a Canucks game to attend and discovered that you can get cheaper drinks in the SportsBar Live! portion of the arena and even ask for them to be put in to-go cups. We plan to utilize this more often in the future.

Next up, we hit the road for my first ever long distance driving trip (ie. multiple stops to get to our destination) behind the wheel. We left early in the morning and got a really good start, finally making our first stop of the journey in Salem, Oregon, at For Tomorrow We Die Brewing. There, I had the Hootenanny Herb & Spice Beer, while Mrs. Sip ordered the Kiss the Girl Amber Ale. To share, we had the BBQ Pork Sliders and Samosas, which made for a good feast.

Road Trip

Another hour of driving and we were at stay one of the trek in Springfield, Oregon. For dinner, we met up with Ma and Pa Sip – who were also driving to Escondido – at Hop Valley Brewing. Mrs. Sip and I shared again, going with the BLTA with Tater Tots as our side. The sandwich was absolutely loaded with bacon, which I appreciated. To drink, I enjoyed the Stash Panda IPA.

Our next stay was in Dickson, California, so we could visit the nearby Jelly Belly Tour and Museum the next morning. The experience was very good, especially for the Sipplings. My only complaint was I wish their café offered beers and other beverages, which would have been nice to enjoy as Pa Sip and I got the kids set up with lunch, while Mrs. Sip and Ma Sip did Wine and Chocolate Tasting offered.

Stay three was spent in Kettleman City, California. We had dinner at Wild Jack’s Tex Mex BBQ, which allowed the kids to run around and play as we ate, drank and all enjoyed time outside the vehicle. Our meal included the Brisket Sandwich, Beer Battered Cheese Curds and some other sides ordered by Ma and Pa Sip. My beverage of choice was a bottle of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.

Driving

On our final day of driving, I made a point of visiting the Rainforest Café in Ontario, California, so the Sipplings could experience the restaurant. My Modelo Especiale came in a souvenir glass, which I didn’t really need, but there didn’t seem to be any glassware option. Mrs. Sip got the Mongoose Mai Tai, also in a souvenir glass. To eat, we split the Tuki’s Turkey Club.

Finally, we arrived in Escondido and it was time to kick back a little… after a thorough supply shopping excursion, of course. For drinks, I picked up the White Claw Variety 24 Pack, which I greatly enjoyed, given it had a fantastic variety of flavours (Watermelon, Blackberry, Black Cherry, Mango, Peach, Tangerine). I also snagged the Lagunitas VarietI-PAck (IPA, Hazy Wonder IPA, A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Wheat IPA, Island Beats Tropical IPA) and a bottle of Trader Joe’s Rum of the God’s Amber.

The next day was Boy Sip’s fourth birthday, so we spent the occasion at Legoland. For lunch, we dropped into the Knights Smokehouse BBQ, where I had the Tarantula Hill Cali Day IPA. The Sip Family shared the delicious Smoked Haven Platter (Brisket, Pulled Pork, Ribs), along with sides of Fries, Potato Salad and Cornbread. We also got some Chicken Strips for the table, which were so good I went back for them on our next visit (the Sip Family bought year passes, given they had a buy three, get one free deal going on). Best of all, a side of Chicken Strips were only $5. The eatery’s Smoky BBQ Sauce was also tremendous.

Lego

After a few days off to enjoy the Welk Resort we were staying at, we visited the nearby Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum. There, as most of our group enjoyed some of the vineyard’s wares, I sat down to a can of Mother Earth Cali Creamin’ Vanilla Cream Ale, reminding me how good this beer is.

Looking to restock some of our supplies, Cousin Sip and I did some more shopping at a Vons grocery store. There, I picked up a 1.75-litre bottle of Sailor Jerry’s Spiced Rum (for only $20!!!), along with the Mother Earth Cali Combo Mixed 12-Pack (Peaches & Cream, Vanilla Cream Ale, Orange Creamsicle) and Ashland Hard Seltzer case (Raspberry Lemonade, Watermelon, Mango Strawberry, Tropical Cherry).

On the last day for some of our group, we travelled to Temecula to hit up some of the breweries there. Boy Sip and I played a number of games at Black Market Brewing, as I enjoyed an Enemy Within Dragonfruit IPA. We also stopped at 8-Bit Brewing, where I had The Oregon Pale Hazy Pale Ale. We had tried to go to Garage Brewing, but minors weren’t allowed because they don’t have a food menu. This was too bad, as we had a couple good trips to their previous location in 2018, when they offered a great pizza menu.

Drinks

One other brewery stop we made was to Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, which is a massive facility. This was Boy Sip’s 100th brewery, so celebrations were in order as I loved my Wagyu Luxe Burger, paired with a Space Bar Friends Altbier. The bistro has an interesting online ordering system, which practically eliminates the need for a server.

A few days later, we returned to Temecula, this time to the Old Town area, so we could enjoy some Mexican fare. Mrs. Sip selected Landeros Mexican Grill + Cantina for our lunch, where I had the Tacos de Queso Birria and a pint of Pizza Port Chronic Ale.

Sadly, it was time to pack up and make the haul back home, starting on Easter Sunday. Along our way home, we had dinner at Pea Soup Andersen’s in Santa Nella, California (also our stopping point for the night), where I ate the “Rich Boy” Triple Decker Club with Potato Salad. This is another place I would have loved to enjoy an adult beverage, but that wasn’t an option in the dining area.

Returning Home

Our last stay was spent in Eugene, Oregon, where we went for a meal at Red Lobster so Mrs. Sip could partake in Lobsterfest. I really enjoyed what’s become my usual order at the chain, the Sesame-Soy Salmon Bowl, along with a pint of Blue Moon.

That wraps a pretty epic March. April doesn’t have nearly the same content on the calendar, but I’m sure we’ll find a way to have fun, as we always do!

Cocktail Corner – Titanic

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While I’m far from a cinefile, I’ve seen my fair shares of flicks. I haven’t managed to see everything out there, though, particularly some very popular films and franchises. Here’s a collection of movies the Sip Advisor has never seen:

The Godfather Part II

I really enjoyed The Godfather, but have not viewed the follow up, despite it being universally called the greatest sequel ever. Of all the films mentioned here, The Godfather Part II is the one I wish most to cross off my watch list. I guess I’ll be sitting down to a serving of mafia madness soon. That said, I’m not sure if Part III will be part of my viewing, given its mixed reviews.

Fast & Furious Franchise

Despite countless movies, I have never viewed a single scene of this high-octane series. While I enjoy some chase scenes, I’ve never been a ‘car guy’ and I suppose that’s part of what keeps me from sitting down to these films. I also can’t make sense of who’s good and bad within the franchise, with characters perhaps changing roles over the course of the long-running story.

Fast & Furious

Schindler’s List

You have to be in the right frame of mind to watch this heavy film, one I believe everyone should view for the lessons it shares. Mrs. Sip and I even bought a special edition DVD release of the movie years ago, but have never even opened it. I suppose I’m more likely to lean into comedies and such, rather than dramas this serious.

Gone with the Wind

Frankly, my dear, I DO give a damn… but that doesn’t mean I’m falling over myself to dedicate 3.5 hours to this historical classic. I imagine the film moves fairly slowly, as was the style back then, so that 3.5 hours could feel a lot longer. The movie may provide an opportunity to drink some southern cocktails and other classics, so perhaps I can work up my excitement level.

Titanic

My heart will NOT go on for this tragic romance tale. I find the real life Titanic story to be fascinating, but try as Mrs. Sip might, I have firmly put my foot down that I will never, EVER watch this movie. I don’t care about its Oscar success. I don’t care that it stars Growing Pains alum Leo DiCaprio (that’s where we all know him from, right!?). Hell, I don’t even care about the nude Kate Winslet scene… after all, I can find that anywhere on the internet, if I so choose.

Titanic

Citizen Kane

What many call the greatest movie ever made, is one that these eyes have not viewed in full. I tried watching the film a couple years back, but fell asleep early into the drama and never gave it another go. At this stage, if I try to view it again, I’ll have to start from the beginning, meaning I previously wasted some precious minutes.

Rocky Horror Picture Show

The cult classic has been on my and Mrs. Sip’s Halloween watch list for some time, but each spooky season passes without us seeing the musical. Part of the delay is Mrs. Sip wants to go to one of the theatre showings of the film, where folks really get into it, while I’d be happy sitting on my own couch for our viewing party. I’m even willing to wear one of the characters odd outfits to complete the experience!

Cocktail Corner: Titanic

Titanic

  • 1.5 oz Vodka
  • 0.5 oz Dry Vermouth
  • 0.5 oz Galliano
  • 0.5 oz Blue Curacao
  • Garnish with a Lemon Slice

Which movies have you not gotten around to viewing? There’s just so much content out there and new stuff coming down the pipe every day, it’s hard to go back and get some of the classics checked off.

Love & Hate – Toy Story

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Through my experiences with Girl and Boy Sip (aka the Sipplings), I’ve come to love and hate a variety of toys that have come into my life, as a result of being a parent. Let’s start with the toys I enjoy seeing my kids enjoying:

Marble Works

Growing up, a young Sip Advisor was such a fan of Marble Works sets that Ma Sip remembers me tracing the paths of the toy in catalogues. Boy Sip is particularly fond of playing with tracks his dear ol’ dad builds. My only issue with these sets is all the marbles I have to dig out from under the couch.

Lego

Another toy that the Sip Advisor was quite into in my own youth. I love seeing the Sipplings creating and imagining with Lego. It’s fascinating to see how the brand has evolved since my days of enjoying the bricks. Now, there seems to be a line of sets for every property in entertainment and I’m here for many of them.

Lego

Outdoor Equipment

One of my more recent favourite pastimes, is hanging out at Ma and Pa Sip’s place, drink in hand, while the Sipplings ride bikes, trikes, scooters and other vehicles around their cul de sac. Sometimes, we bring out Boy Sip’s remote control car, and I chase the Sipplings with it, as they fly around the neighbourhood.

Let’s give an honourable mention to tablets because sometimes you just need your kids the shut up and leave you alone for a bit! On the flip side, here are some items the Sip Advisor dreads seeing the kids get their hands on:

Play-Doh

I understand that Play-Doh and similar products are practically a right of passage for kids, but man do I hate this stuff. I hate the way it feels, smells, crumbles, hardens, etc. Every time the Sipplings sit down with Play-Doh, it means I will have a messy cleanup on my hands and will likely threaten to ban the junk from use in the home.

Playdoh

Slime

In a similar vein to Play-Doh, I greatly dislike slimes and goop products, which have become popular in recent times, thanks to all the bozo online influencers out there. These substances always seem to get into kids’ hair and clothes, as well as on household furniture and is not easy to remove.

Chalk

What a vile substance. I once had a kid come up to me at a playground, wipe their chalky hands on my pants and giggle the whole time they did it. Worse yet, I’d never met this child in my life, so giving them hell or walloping them was certainly not an option. Even schools realized that chalk sucks and boards have disappeared since.

Also worth mentioning is any toy without an off button, particularly ones that make noise and have no volume adjustment or way of shutting down. Throw musical instruments into this category, although Boy Sip asking for and receiving a mini trumpet for Christmas was quite entertaining.

Love & Hate: Toy Story

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  • 2 oz Peach Schnapps
  • Top with Club Soda
  • Splash of Lime Juice
  • Garnish with a Lime Wedge

Which weapons of destruction – they can all be classified this when in the hands of a child – do you love or hate? Time to go throw out all the Playdoh, slime and chalk I can find around the house!

Sip Trips #231: Staying Local

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February was a very rare month for the Sip Family, where we didn’t travel anywhere. We remained local for the duration, but still got up to some shenanigans. Here’s how the month transpired:

With Girl Sip on a solo sleepover with Ma and Pa Sip and Mrs. Sip out for a girl’s night, Boy Sip and I spent some time together. After going to the Museum of Surrey and checking out their cool Lego exhibit, Boy Sip got to choose where we enjoyed dinner and he picked White Spot. While there, I had the Legendary Burger with Caesar Salad and a Spot Size Nat’s Pale Ale at happy hour. Boy Sip was happy to have his Pirate Pak Dippin’ Chicken, complete with vanilla milkshake and ice cream for dessert.

Ice Cream

Later on in February, Mrs. Sip and I began our early Valentine’s Day celebrations by attending the Township 7 Vineyards Love is Blind Wine Tasting for the third time in four years. I got one out of four right this year and the server said she saw where I was coming from with another of my answers, as it was a blended wine they offered. Ticket prices were $36 each and included some nibbles, both savoury and sweet, to go along with the wines.

The next night, we dropped into a Chocolate & Beer Pairing, hosted by Steel & Oak Brewing with Origins Chocolates Bar. Tickets were $30 each (total for two tickets, with taxes, came to $69, which I hope was entirely intentional!) and included four beer and chocolate combos. The set was comprised of Weekend Plans Passionfruit Lime Ale with Mission Chocolate (Dark Chocolate with Lime), First Press Cold Brew Coffee Stout with Tanzania Latte Chocolate, Anvil Imperial Stout with Peruvian Dark Milk Chocolate and Smoked Honey Doppelbock with Mirzam Papa New Guinea Dark Chocolate. We had fun at the event, with Mrs. Sip picking up a couple chocolate bars for the road.

In between our Valentine’s events, we had a dinner at Stefanos Greek Restaurant for friends who are moving away. Mrs. Sip and I shared a pitcher of Red Sangria as our beverage and I ate the Chicken Souvlaki platter. The food and company was good here, but our server disappeared at the end of the meal, despite an empty restaurant. This was annoying for Mrs. Sip and I, as we wanted to pay the bill and get home to bail out Ma and Pa Sip, who were with the Sipplings.

Valentine's Day

For Valentine’s Day treats for Mrs. Sip and myself, I bought bottles of Empress Elderflower Rose Gin and Smirnoff Tamarind Vodka, as they were on sale at BC Liquor Stores this month. I have since tried a couple recipes for the gin from the Empress website and used the vodka in a Caesar, with all drinks being good.

Our big event of the month was Girl Sip’s first ringette tournament out in Port Coquitlam. She played three games over the Family Day long weekend and we managed to visit Boardwalk Brewing during one of the breaks. There, I tried the Curious Creatures Parade of the Western Winds West Coast IPA. I also took home tall can four-packs of Boardwalk’s Mojo Mojito NEIPA and Belgian Waffle Belgian Strong from Odin Brewing.

Following the final game of the tournament, we returned home and went for dinner at Cockney Kings. Our group split an appetizer portion of Calamari, as well as the Haddock Family Pack, which includes five pieces of fish, two plates of fries and a large coleslaw. To pair with my meal, I had a pint of Okanagan Springs Pale Ale.

Fish and Chips

The following weekend, the Sip Advisor enjoyed a guy’s night out. The day began with drinks at Original Joe’s in Vancouver. I had two $5 happy hour glasses of OJ’s Red Ale, along with some Spicy Chicken Bites, which were good, but the serving of BBQ Ranch dip was waaaaaaaayyyyyy too small. Prior to heading to our Vancouver Canucks game, our crew also had a Pickleback Shot.

Over the course of the hockey game, I had a large Container Manifest Hazy Pale Ale and four Spiced Rum & Cokes. The team delivered a massive come from behind win in overtime to maintain first overall in the NHL, so all Canucks fans left happy.

Following the contest, a buddy and I had a nightcap at Browns Socialhouse, where I had a pint of Social IPA, to go along with my Sesame Ginger Gyoza. All in all, the day was a ton of fun and much needed for the ol’ Sip Advisor.

Hockey Drinking

Mrs. Sip and I were back at Rogers Arena just a few days later and despite trying to go to another restaurant, found ourselves back at Original Joe’s. This time, I ordered the daily special of Teriyaki Chicken Wings. My drink this time around ended up being the OJ’s Blonde Lager (tank size), as both the OJ’s Red Ale and a Winter Ale I was offered were out. The Lager ended up being served to me on the house, so I can’t complain.

We ended the month, on a rare Leap Day, by having dinner at Browns Socialhouse. Mrs. Sip was given a $10 gift card the original owner wasn’t going to use by its expiry date, so took the Sipplings with us to the eatery. I had the Szechuan Beef Noodle Bowl, with a pint of Social IPA. So… yeah, we basically had a $100 meal to spend someone else’s $10 rebate.

That wraps an eventful homebase February. March will be very different, as the Sip Advisor does his first long haul road trip. Over Spring Break, the whole crew will be heading to Escondido, California, for a couple weeks of fun in the sun!

Cocktail Corner – Peanut Butter & Jealous

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Thankfully, the only thing the Sip Advisor is allergic to is bee stings, and I believe that’s a mild allergy, if anything. It would really suck to have a serious allergy, one that forced you to avoid some of the best things life has to offer. Here are the worst allergies a person could possibly have, as far as this liquor pusher is concerned:

#5: Dairy

Given I don’t like cheese (unless it’s melted on pizza or nachos, etc.) and don’t drink milk as much as I did as a youngster, I think I’d be relatively okay with this allergy. That said, replacements for dairy, such as soy, are absolutely terrible. Plus, while I don’t consume it regularly, not being able to enjoy the odd serving of ice cream would be downright tragic.

complain-allergies

#4: Seafood

Had I remained the picky eater I was as a child, this one probably wouldn’t bother me that much. Now that I’ve acquired a taste for lobster, crab and all things shellfish, I selfishly wouldn’t want to lose the ability to eat these creatures. Living right on the Pacific Ocean, it would be heart-breaking to miss out on some of the freshest fish available.

#3: Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the five basic food groups, as far as the Sip Advisor is concerned. A day doesn’t go by where I don’t have at least a nibble of the sweet stuff. My German blood simply won’t allow it. I can’t imagine a world where having some chocolate would put me at risk of breaking out in hives or worse. What’s the point of living through that?

allergic-to-all

#2: Gluten

While some debate how serious gluten allergies are, all I know is there’s gluten in beer and that’s enough to make me fearful of any allergy to the stuff. Sure, there are some gluten-free brews out there (along with a growing list of products designed for those sensitive to the substance), but the market is fairly small and I can’t put my faith into them.

#1: Peanut

Without peanuts, say goodbye to the best chocolate bars on store shelves. You’d also have to be cautious around non-peanut products that could potentially be produced in a factory where contamination might occur. What scares me about peanut allergies (and allergies in general), is how they can develop later in life and how severe the consequences can be.

Cocktail Corner: Peanut Butter & Jealous

Peanut Butter & Jealous

  • 1.5 oz Screwball Peanut Butter Whiskey
  • 0.75 oz Raspberry Liqueur
  • Top with Half and Half
  • Garnish with Peanut Butter Cups

A bonus entry would have to be pet dander. While Mrs. Sip and I don’t own any pets, not being able to ever get cuddly with kitties and puppies would make me very sad.

Cocktail Corner – Cold Comfort

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We all have memorable stories of being sick. They become part of our own folklore. The tales can be sad, inspiring, funny or combos of many feelings. Here are some of the Sip Advisor’s most unforgettable illness anecdotes:

The Bad Kind of Shot

To get immunized against Hepatitis B, students in my neck of the woods received a series of shots in grade six and again in grade nine. Following each of the shots delivered in grade six, I became very ill. We’re talking delirious dreams, high fever, chills, the whole gamut. The family theory is that my undiagnosed kidney issue was to blame for times when my body was also working through the immunizations. After having my failing kidney removed in grade seven, I never experienced any issues during the grade nine treatments.

Double Hatty

On another occasion, I was feeling sick enough to not go to school, but missing sport commitments was another thing. That season, I was chasing the league lead for goals and points in roller hockey and nothing could stop me from suiting up that night. In the end, I managed to score six goals, pushing through all the symptoms that were affecting me. Following our game, it was back to bed rest, completely spent.

Hat Trick

Travel Troubles

One of the worst times to get sick is while travelling. When Mrs. Sip and I were in Egypt in 2008, I fell ill on the day before our week-long tour was set to leave. I spent the rest of that day downing water and sleeping, trying to flush whatever ailed me out of my system. It mostly worked, but I spent the rest of that trip being apprehensive about what was safe to eat and always cognizant of where the nearest bathroom was located.

What Happens in Vegas…

In a similar vein, when Mrs. Sip and I spent New Year’s Eve 2009 in Vegas, I caught a case of food poisoning that hit when I arrived home. Somehow, I survived the plane ride back, but knew something was up. Both ends were affected by this bug, which was made all the more funny/embarrassing when I discovered late at night, while trying to switch bathrooms, that I wasn’t alone in my parent’s home, as I had originally believed, my brother and his girlfriend also at the abode.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

In 2010, Mrs. Sip and I were celebrating our first Christmas while living together. It was going to be that much more special, as I had planned to ask her to marry me on Christmas morning. One problem: we both felt terribly sick with colds on Christmas Eve. We retired to our bedroom early that night, taking doses of various medications. This was during the brief time we had a TV in our room and decided to watch Babes in Toyland. You want to talk delirious dreams!? I considered bumping my proposal, but everything was already set in place, so I soldiered ahead. By the end of the day, which included telling both our families of our big news, Mrs. Sip had completely lost her voice and we were both running on fumes.

Christmas Engaged

More Than All-Inclusive

Sadly, I’ve become ill on a few of our all-inclusive getaways and not from over-indulging. In Cabo (2013), the Dominican Republic (2014) and Mayan Riviera (2023), something did not agree with my system and I was forced to spend a day or more recovering. A true highlight of these occasions, was when I arranged for a special romantic multi-course dinner to celebrate Mrs. Sip’s 30th birthday, but was unable to eat any of the amazing food offered to us. When I raced to the railing of our gazebo setting to be sick, our server thought I was simply suffering from heat stroke and dumped a pitcher of cold water over my head. It was hilarious and humiliating all at the same time!

Covid-iot

2020 saw a great change to everyone’s lives, as the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world. The Sip Advisor was finally afflicted by the disease in July 2021 and man did it knock me on my ass. Mrs. Sip and I were to attend an adult waterpark event the first day I felt ill and in an attempt to get my body right, I cracked open a vodka soda after my work day finished. Well, not even that could cure what ails me, so Mrs. Sip suggested I take a Covid test. Sure enough, it was evident very quickly that I was positive. I missed four days of work, completely glued to the couch. Even when I returned to work, I needed midday naps to get me through the shift.

Cocktail Corner: Cold Comfort

Cold Comfort

  • 1.5 oz White Rum
  • Splash of Lime Juice
  • Dash of Honey Syrup
  • Garnish with a Lime Wedge

Thankfully, I’ve never suffered from any serious illnesses, kidney removal aside. Hopefully this trend continues for your friendly neighbourhood Sip Advisor!