August 9, 2012

proof rum, Ahoy! Vol. 97



If you are lucky enough to own a boat, you are probably already quite familiar with today’s locations. If, however, your only means of transportation is a set of wheels, you can still enjoy these lakeside hot spots. We are featuring a melon cocktail-flight and visiting the historical waterways of Simcoe/Muskoka in today’s post. For more information on proof brands, visit our website www.proofbrands.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get last minute updates on tastings, parties & events.



the melon trio 
the watermelon 1 oz proof rum • 5 oz fresh watermelon juice • 1 oz simple syrup • ½ oz fresh lime juice • watermelon slice
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake and pour into a glass. Garnish with fresh watermelon slice.

 

the cantaloupe 1 oz Midori • 1 oz proof rum • 1 oz orange juice • 1/16 fresh cantaloupe • 1 cup ice
Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend until thick and smooth. Spoon into a glass and garnish with a fresh cantaloupe slice.

 

the honeydew 1/2 oz Midori • 1 1/2 oz proof whisky • 1/3 oz fresh lime juice • ginger beer
Pour first three ingredients into an ice-filled shaker. Shake and pour into an ice-filled glass and top with ginger beer. Garnish with honeydew.



This week, we took a daytrip along the Georgian Bay waterfront. We started our journey in Port Severn and made our way back to the Penetanguishene Town Dock. Here’s what we discovered.

The Trent-Severn Waterway is made up of 386 km of interconnected lakes and rivers stretching through central Ontario, Canada. These waterways are interconnected with 44 locks and 36 swing bridges. The smallest of the locks (lock 45) is on the Trent-Severn is Port Severn.



If you want to treat yourself to a few nights in the area, any of these lake front resorts will do. 

The Delawana Inn is the ideal 'back to nature' Ontario vacation destination. Located in Honey Harbour on beautiful Georgian Bay in Muskoka, this historical resort features its own executive pitch and putt golf course, the Wanakita Wellness Spa and every possible waterfront activity you could imagine! (www.delawana.com)

Christie Mills is nestled on a spectacular Muskoka peninsula in the hamlet of Port Severn, Muskoka. Surrounded by fragrant pine on a crystal clear lakefront, you will be enveloped by serenity in this European style Inn... a sophisticated blend of old world charm and contemporary luxuries. Enjoy a variety of golf courses or one of the many local attractions, that are open seasonally. (www.christiesmill.com)

Rawley Resort Located in Port Severn, Rawley Resort and Marina defines luxury, relaxation and supreme comfort in an all suite boutique, muskoka resort located in a peaceful, beautifully landscaped setting on the waterfront overlooking the historical Trent-Severn River Waterway. (www.rawleyresort.com)

 

Victoria Harbour Quarterdeck Family owned and operated for over 25 years in the village of Victoria Harbour, Queen’s Cove Marina and The Quarterdeck Restaurant are nestled in the crook of the peninsula on the serene and picturesque Georgian Bay inlet known as Hog’s Bay. This location provides shelter from the wind and waves creating a safe and calm environment for docking and enjoying your boat and surroundings.



Keewatin “The Kee,” as many around the region affectionately know her, was once the crown jewel in the Canadian Pacific Railway’s mighty Great Lakes steamship fleet, a rail-to-water, deluxe travel system the corporation operated during the first half of the 20th century that saw guests and freight arrive by train from Toronto.
Built in Scotland, the Edwardian-era passenger steamship was launched on July 6, 1907, five years before the Titanic. It was retired in 1966 after spending almost 60 seasons transporting passengers.



Henry’s Fish restaurant has two locations – one on Frying Pan Island and on in Port McNicoll. (Henry’s South) The latter has a 200 seat patio overlooking a large Marina. (www.henrysfishrestaurant.com)


Henry’s fish store We discovered this fish market tucked behind a house in the country. Also owned by Henry Lepage, you can purchase fresh or smoked Georgian Bay trout, pickerel  and other fish. The smoked trout was amazing.

 


Midland Harbour – Here you can stop in for a drink at the Boathouse Eatery or hop on the Miss Midland. Runs 3 times daily. (705-527-0829)

Penetanguishene Town Dock – Located at the Town Dock in Penetanguishene, Ontario the World Famous Dock Lunch has been an area landmark since 1967. For eat-in or take-out, the Dock Lunch is everyone’s favourite eating place. The W.F.D.L. offers seating inside with a real “on the lake” cottage atmosphere as well as outdoor seating with a captivating view of Penetanguishene Bay and the town harbour.



Discovery Harbour is home port for two large replica historic ships and a fine collection of smaller vessels. Get on board, and feel what life was really like for the people at the Penetanguishene Naval Establishment in the early 1800s. Take in dinner and a play at Captain Roberts’ Table and the King’s Wharf Theatre. (www.discoveryharbour.on.ca)




Remember to check out where magazine for our summer contest & bi-weekly recipes. http://www.where.ca/central-canada/ontario/muskoka. where is now featuring one proof recipe every other week until September.



OOPS - Almost forgot - Don't miss Wakestock this coming weekend!! (www.wakestock.com)



Weekend Forecast
Saturday: Rain and a high of 23 degrees
Sunday: Variable cloudiness and a high of 25 degrees

August 2, 2012

proof rum, Simcoe Day Vol. 96



Sorry that we are late today. We are taking the long weekend off to enjoy some local festivities. What better place to celebrate Simcoe Day, than in Simcoe County. For more information on proof brands, visit our website www.proofbrands.com, like us on Facebook  to get last minute updates on tastings, parties & events.



the Simcoe smashup (single) 2 oz proof rum • 2 tbsp mixed berries, fresh or frozen • 1/4 oz simple syrup
1/8 lime wedge, peeled • soda water

In a cocktail shaker, add berries, simple syrup and lime wedge. Muddle or mash with a bar spoon. Fill shaker with ice and add proof rum. Shake sharply and strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with a mixed berry skewer. Top with soda water.

Simple syrup measure equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook 5 minutes, stirring to dissolve sugar. Let cool; refrigerate.

 

the Simcoe smashup (party size) 1 ½ bottles proof rum (750 mL) • 2 1/2 oz mixed berries • 2 1/2 oz simple syrup • 2 whole limes, peeled & chopped • soda water

In a large pitcher, add berries, simple syrup and chopped limes. Muddle or mash with a bar spoon or muddler; add proof rum. Stir well. Pour into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a mixed berry skewer & top with soda water.



We will be hitting the 42nd annual Kempenfest on Saturday (runs from August 3 to 6) along Barrie’s waterfront.
This year’s event features art and craft exhibits, antique dealers, a midway, live entertainment on two stages and more. 



The Huronia Festival of Arts and Crafts will attract 375 art and craft exhibitors, 80 of which are new to the festival this year. 
Kempenfest will also include the annual Salute to the Troops event Friday Aug. 3 on the main stage. 
The main stage weekend lineup includes The Caverners – Beatles Tribute and Hotel California – Eagles Tribute on Friday and Creedence Country, Glory Days – A Springsteen Experience, The Dock House Band, Crisis What Crisis – The Music of Supertramp and April Wine on Saturday.
Sunday features North of Nashville Star, KICX House Band, Marc Ekins Band, Bareback Riders, Crad Brownlee and Jason Blaine. Things wrap up on Monday with Billy and The Kid and The Martels.
Wristbands, which give access to both stages all weekend, are now on sale through www.ticketpro.ca. (www.kempenfest.com.)



If you would like to brush up on your Simcoe facts, visit the Simcoe County Museum, 10 minutes outside of Barrie, Ontario. The Simcoe County Museum was created in 1928 by Women's Institute members Mrs. C.P. Stocking and Mrs. R.A. Sutherland. The collection was first displayed at the Barrie Public Library, then the Barrie Registry Office.  In the 1950s, the County of Simcoe took responsibility for the collection, and the first wing of the Museum was opened on Highway 26 (at the current location) in 1962.  Over the years, the museum has grown significantly, and now is composed of a five gallery facility with sixteen outdoor heritage and display buildings. (http://museum.simcoe.ca)



For a great ‘Simcoe County foodie experience’ check out www.simcoecountyfarmfresh.ca. They even offer an online Simcoe Food Route.

Don’t miss the Fifth Annual Savour Simcoe – Celebrating our Heritage, Agriculture and Regional Cuisine. Mark your calendars for Savour Simcoe 2012 (Sunday August 26th 12pm-4pm) which will again take place on the beautiful outdoor grounds of the Simcoe County Museum surrounded by trees and the artifacts of our rich agricultural history. (In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors.)



Remember to check out where magazine for our summer contest & bi-weekly recipes. http://www.where.ca/central-canada/ontario/muskoka. where is now featuring one proof recipe every other week until September.


Weekend Forecast
Saturday: Isolated showers and a high of 33 degrees
Sunday: Thundershowers and a high of 27 degrees
Monday: Cloudy periods and a high of 27 degrees