Leaving Arizona was indeed as sad as expected. The weather, the people, the wildlife and the wilderness will all be dearly missed, but the adventure must continue. So on to Canada and Nova Scotia's self styled 'Ocean Playground'. Not really sure about that name as there doesn't seem to be much playing going on, it is mostly just Lobster catching right now. Perhaps that is the most fun that can be had
around here. Perhaps that is the most fun to be had anywhere and I am the fool missing out. I will let you know.
We arrived in Antigonish just in time for lobster season, and we were determined to sample the local produce. Whitney found a little local restaurant called "Lobster Treat" and although the name and decor did not excite me in the least, I am happy to report that the service and the local beer all more than made up for it. The food was of a mixed quality, with the lobster being superb and the over-boiled vegetables bordering on incompetence. The local beer here is called Propeller and it is quite wonderful. We tried the Pale Ale at the restaurant which has a full rounded flavour, crisp with an oaky finish. The Hefeweizen and IPA are also very nice. The Hefeweizen, a wheat beer with strong hints of ripe banana, clove and black pepper was particularly memorable. I am looking forward to trying the Pumpkin Ale out later this month.
Driving through the town is a very pleasant experience, the brightly coloured wooden fronted shops and old world vibe force a smile on your face, even at six in the morning. Something that had me rubbing my tired eyes though, was a big sign above the local McDonalds reading 'McLobster'. Once I had confirmed that I was not seeing things, I firmly decided that I was having that. Not the sign. The McLobster sandwich. Not now. Later obviously. What kind of sicko would eat a
We arrived in Antigonish just in time for lobster season, and we were determined to sample the local produce. Whitney found a little local restaurant called "Lobster Treat" and although the name and decor did not excite me in the least, I am happy to report that the service and the local beer all more than made up for it. The food was of a mixed quality, with the lobster being superb and the over-boiled vegetables bordering on incompetence. The local beer here is called Propeller and it is quite wonderful. We tried the Pale Ale at the restaurant which has a full rounded flavour, crisp with an oaky finish. The Hefeweizen and IPA are also very nice. The Hefeweizen, a wheat beer with strong hints of ripe banana, clove and black pepper was particularly memorable. I am looking forward to trying the Pumpkin Ale out later this month.
Driving through the town is a very pleasant experience, the brightly coloured wooden fronted shops and old world vibe force a smile on your face, even at six in the morning. Something that had me rubbing my tired eyes though, was a big sign above the local McDonalds reading 'McLobster'. Once I had confirmed that I was not seeing things, I firmly decided that I was having that. Not the sign. The McLobster sandwich. Not now. Later obviously. What kind of sicko would eat a
McLobster at 6am?
At 6.15am I was heading out of the drive through with a brown bag containing a wondrously greasy sausage 'n egg McMuffin and a McLobster. Oh, and a baked apple pie that had been thrown in for free because it was one minute out of date. Seriously, that isn't one of my exaggerations. It was one minute out of date. The minute before, Ronald McDonald had deemed it satisfactory to sell, the next he had turned his rosy red nose up at it. It even had the time stamp with the exact minute it was to be sold by. What could possibly have happened in that minute to make it uneatable? Surely even bacteria can't grow that quickly. Had Ronald tested the exact shelf life, to the minute? Was I going to die? These kinds of questions are usually best left unanswered, especially when there is a new McDonalds product in the bag waiting to take its maiden voyage through my intestine.
To be honest (and as you know, I always try to be) the McLobster wasn't that good. I know, I know, You are as surprised as I was, but really it wasn't a winner. Ronald needs to work on it, or perhaps scrap it altogether. I suggest the celery goes. Slap in a cheese slice, some pickles, ketchup and uncannily small pieces of onion, maybe lose the mayo and swap the lobster for a beef patty. A definite winner.
To be honest (and as you know, I always try to be) the McLobster wasn't that good. I know, I know, You are as surprised as I was, but really it wasn't a winner. Ronald needs to work on it, or perhaps scrap it altogether. I suggest the celery goes. Slap in a cheese slice, some pickles, ketchup and uncannily small pieces of onion, maybe lose the mayo and swap the lobster for a beef patty. A definite winner.
Sorry, I went off on a McTangent. Look at my pictures. They have nothing to do with fast food or beer, but they do show some of the great maritime adventures I have been having.
