June 9, 2011

proof vodka, 15 minutes of fame, Vol. 37


If you haven’t quite decided where to spend your weekend – think Luminato in Toronto (www.luminato.com) Luminato is an annual multi-disciplinary celebration of theatre, dance, music, literature, food, visual arts, fashion, film that runs from June 10th-19th. Festival-goers are invited to participate, explore, and celebrate their own creative spirit through free widely accessible events, and "accidental encounters with art”. We had our own encounter with art last weekend at the AGA. Here, we launched our full proof brand family. Today, we are featuring the proof vodka drink served at the event – Factory Girl. To learn more about our brand visit www.proofbrands.com. 
Become a friend on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Proof-Brands/181641835185326 and Twitter http://twitter.com/proofbrands to get last minute updates on tastings, parties & events.



factory girl 1 ½ oz proof vodka • 3 oz cranberry pomegranate juice • soda water • raspberries for garnish
In a shaker filled with ice add 1 1/2 oz proof vodka, 3 oz cranberry pome­granate juice. Shake & pour into a chilled glass. 
Top with soda water & garnish with raspberries.

 


The year old AGA is an 85,000 square foot innovative gallery. It is a premier presentation venue for international and Canadian art, education and scholarship. The gallery in itself is a work of art that complements and completes the cultural precinct surrounding Churchill Square.
The most distinctive feature, the sweeping stainless steel wave, is known as “Borealis”. It is meant to reflect the city’s unique geography – the river valley cutting through box-filled urban spaces. While it appears as one piece as you walk into the building, it is actually separate to ensure that cold outside temperatures stay outside.

Randall Stout, FAIA, the architect, is the President and Principal-in-Charge of Los Angeles-based Randall Stout Architects, Inc. A visionary whose evocative design aesthetic consistently challenges architectural conventions, Stout creates environments that capture the unique composition of their natural surroundings, while transforming light, shadow, form, and materials into dynamic architecture.
A passionate advocate for environmental responsibility, Stout is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited architect.




Warhol: Manufactured Exhibit at the AGA, was proof’s first appearance in the west. 


proof was serving three delicious cocktails all made with its proof vodka, proof rum and whisky. (www.youraga.ca)


The arts community came out in full gear. What a great party!


The AGA is also using the Warhol exhibit for charity. Bring a can of soup (or other non-perishable food item) on your next visit to the AGA to celebrate the exhibition ANDY WARHOL: Manufactured and help support Edmonton’s Food Bank. Shop AGA is selling giant cans of soup for $5. The net proceeds from these sales will also be donated to the Edmonton Food Bank. 

 
If you are in the Edmonton area, make sure to sample The Andy Dog. Visit Fat Franks on Sir Winston Churchill Square, Old Strathcona and at select summer festivals around Edmonton and try the limited-edition ”Andy Dog” hot dog! 

 


We had a great time at the Drinks Show on Sudbury. The show is a great place to people watch. 


We served the William Tell (www.williamcider.com)


No need to BYOB this Saturday at BYOB (11th). (972 Queen St. W http://byobto.com) 
We will be there from 1-5pm sampling whisky and cocktails.

 

Ancaster - June 10th from 4–8 pm – 737 Golf Links Road
Toronto - June 10th from 4–8 pm – 147 Laird Avenue
Toronto - June 10th from 4–8 pm – 415 King Street
London - June 11th from 1–5 pm – 71 York Street
Oakville - June 11th from 4–8 pm – 270 North Service Road West
Scarborough - June 11th from 1–5 pm – 1900 Eglinton Avenue East
Richmond Hill - June 11th from 4–8 pm – 10375 Yonge Street North
Guelph - June 11th from 4–8 pm – 378 Speedvale Avenue East
Pickering - June 11th from 4–8 pm – 705 Kingston Road, Unit 17
Toronto - June 11th from 11:30–3:30 pm – 2300 Yonge Street
Windsor - June 11th from 4–8 pm – 7201 Tecumseh Road E
Mississauga - June 11th from 11:30–3:30 pm – 9–5035 Hurontario Street
Toronto - June 11th from 4–8 pm – 55 Bloor Street West


Weekend Forecast:
Saturday: Isolated showers and a high of 20 degrees
Sunday: Isolated showers and a high of 23 degrees


June 2, 2011

proof whisky, art walk, Vol. 36


What could be more perfect than spending a balmy afternoon on a patio with friends? Spending a balmy afternoon sipping Mint Divines on a patio with friends, of course. Created by the Martini Club (www.martiniclub.com) in the Spring of 2005, the refreshing Mint Divine is hands-down still our favourite warm-weather cocktail. To learn more about our brand visit www.proofbrands.com. Become a friend on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Proof-Brands/181641835185326 and Twitter http://twitter.com/proofbrands to get last minute updates on tastings, parties & events.



the mint divine  1 ½ oz proof whisky • 6 torn mint leaves • 5 oz lemonade* • garnish of 1 tbsp blueberries and a mint sprig
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1 ½ oz proof whisky, 6 torn mint leaves and 5 oz lemonade*. Shake well and strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Garnish with 1 tbsp fresh blueberries and a mint sprig.


the mint divine pitcher  1 - 500ml bottle of proof whisky • 1/2 cup torn up mint leaves* • 60 oz of lemonade (1 can frozen lemonade - when making use 1 can less water than instructed) Fill the pitcher with ice (as it melts it will make up for the 1 can of water) Add all ingredients and stir. * Use frozen lemonade

 

Pitchers and dispensers  A great way to serve the Divine is from one of these vintage-looking lemonade dispensers. Not only do they look stylish – your friends can help themselves – allowing you time to schmooze with your other guests.


We are in LOVE with our acrylic beverage dispenser. We found it at iQ living on the Danforth, and it holds up to 1.5 gallons of liquid – how divine! 


iQ has one of the best pitcher, dispenser and carafe offerings that we have seen for summer. (542 Danforth Avenue  www.iqliving.com)

These retail chains also each carry their version of dispenser: www.crateandbarrel.com, www.potterybarn.com, www.canadiantire.com, www.kitchenstuffplus.com



This weekend we will be visiting the Riverdale Art Walk (http://artistsnetwork.ca)
The 13th Annual Riverdale Art Walk is a two day (june 4 & 5 • 11am-6pm), juried fine art exhibition open to all. 


They showcase established and emerging artists in retail spaces, artists’ studios and in Jimmie Simpson Park. You can check out the participating artists on their website or in the RAW Guide, featured in this week’s issue of NOW Magazine. The walk starts at the DVP and travels east to Leslie Street.


You can also chill to some great blues & Jazz at the Streetcar Development Patio (http://streetcar.ca Davies & Queen East) or enjoy one of the other ‘Sounds like the Riverside’” musical events.

 

If you get thirsty during or after your walk, drop into one of these great drinking establishments. They’ll take good care of you.


“Prohibition: Stylish, democratic, affordable, young at heart, and utterly cool"


The Art Walk’s Artists’ launch party was held here last week. It’s a great place to share a casual plate of Chicken Lollipops, Sweet Frites and some drinks. 


Prohibition Gastrohouse – 696 Queen Street East (www.myprohibition.com)

 


Blue Moon Pub - 725 Queen St. E (416) 463-8868 (www.bluemoonpub.ca)
The Opera House – 735 Queen Street East (www.theoperahousetoronto.com)
Pic Nic Wine Bar – 747 Queen Street East (www.picnicwinebar.com)


The Avro - 750b Queen St. E. (www.theavro.com)
The Comrade – 758 Queen Street East
Rasputin Vodka Bar – 780 Queen Street East (www.rasputinvodkabar.com)
Oasis Pub - 780 Queen Street
The Roy Public House - 894 Queen Street East (www.theroy.ca)
Neighbourhood Pub - 896 Queen Street East
WAYLA - 996 Queen St. E. (www.whatareyoulookingatbar.com)
Stratengers- 1130 Queen Street East
Teddy Sports Bar & Grill – 1168 Queen Street East
The Curzon – 1192 Queen Street East (www.thecurzon.com)
Tomi-Kro - 1214 Queen St. E.
Duke of York – 1225 Queen Street East


The Ceili Cottage – 1301 Queen Street East (www.ceilicottage.com)

 


Speaking of art, If you live in Alberta, don’t forget to purchase your tickets to the Late Night Art Party - Saturday, June 4, 9 pm-2 am. Not only is it a party celebrating the Warhol: Manufactured Exhibit at the AGA, it is proof’s first appearance in the west. proof will be serving three delicious cocktails all made with its proof vodka, proof rum and whisky. (www.youraga.ca)

 

It’s your last chance to pre-order your Drinks Show tickets for this coming weekend (june 4 & 5 at 99 - Sudbury). If you don’t purchase them online, you can still get them at the door. proof will be there with William Cider, serving the William Tell. (www.williamcider.com). Get your tickets online today. (www.drinksshow.ca)


Mississauga – Friday from 4-8 pm – 6975 Meadowvale Town Centre
Waterloo – Saturday from 11:30–3:30 pm – 115 King Street South
Guelph – Saturday from 4–8 pm – 378 Speedvale Avenue East
Toronto – Saturday from 11:30–3:30 pm – 2300 Yonge Street
Toronto – Saturday from 4–8 pm – 2300 Yonge Street
Burlington – Saturday from 11:30–3:30 pm – 1235 Fairview Street
Brampton – Saturday from 1–5 pm – 100 Clementin E Drive
Milton – Saturday from 1–5 pm – 830 Main Street East
Woodbridge – Saturday from 11:30–3:30 pm – 8260 Hwy #27


Weekend Forecast:
Saturday: Isolated showers and a high of 24 degrees
Sunday: Mainly sunny and a high of 24 degrees