[SpongeG]

Sure, we love to make fun of Canada. It's easy, eh? To wit: Prime Minister Stephen Harper doesn't need to pose for Madame Tussaud's. He already is a wax figure.

But, deep down, Puget Sounders adore the place that makes international travel affordable, even if the exchange rate means a trip from Seattle to Vancouver isn't exactly a bargain anymore.

Why do we love going north of the 49th?

Let's start with Smarties.

Not those sweet-and-sour candies found in the U.S. Canadians call those Rockets.

We're talking Nestlé Smarties. Try 'em next time you're in Canada. If you like a crunchier candy coating on your milk chocolate, Smarties beat M&M's by a mouthful of colorful shards. If you're lucky, you may even get a Canadian pal to sing the jingle that pretty much every Canadian knows:

When you eat your Smarties, do you eat the red ones last?

Do you suck them very slowly, or crunch them very fast?

Eat that candy-coated chocolate, but tell me when I ask:

When you eat your Smarties, do you eat the red ones last?


What else do we love?

Well, they have Roots stores up there. Yeah, there are Roots stores in the U.S., too, but not in Seattle, probably because we're so close to Vancouver. We really like Roots stuff. So does the U.S. Olympic Team, which would rather have a Canadian company than one from the U.S. outfitting its fashion-challenged jocks.

Canada has better money, too. Loonies and toonies make so much sense. Why U.S. citizens can't wrap their heads around the concept remains a mystery. And the paper currency rocks. What's not to like about bright colors and big portraits?

What else?


Tea at the Empress. Scones with clotted cream taste better in Victoria. It's a trip to England without jet lag.


222s (aka A.C.&C.'s) over the counter. Get your aspirin with codeine and caffeine, no questions asked.


NHL hockey. It's an acquired taste for many of us in the colonies. But it's one of the few sports that plays better in person than on TV. Maybe it's the sound of blades cutting and gliding on the ice while the sticks click and clack. Or maybe it's getting to hear one of the better national anthems at no extra charge.


Booze. (Or so we've heard.) The legal drinking age in much of Canada is 19 (it's 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec). Last call in Vancouver goes well past 1:30 a.m.; heck, many clubs stay open till 3:30 or 4, and finding 24-hour lounges and restaurants is a breeze.


Strip clubs. (Or so we've heard.) Imagine this. You can get adult entertainment and an adult beverage in the same establishment -- at the same time! -- in Vancouver. We're told the clubs there are swankier, too. Hollywood types (Ben Affleck, Christian Slater) seem to like Brandi's Exotic Nightclub. If you're not in the mood for super fancy, there's always the Number Five Orange, where Courtney Love did some, uh, performing. The Five is also a celeb magnet. Over the years it has entertained Bill Murray, John Candy, Ted Danson, Judd Nelson, Aerosmith, Motley Crue, AC/DC, Charles Barkley, Dennis Rodman and Wayne Gretzky.


Absinthe. (Or so we've heard.) It's legal up there. Ditto Cuban cigars.


B.C. bud. (Or so we've heard.) It's not exactly legal but you'll still see people openly toking and joking in Vancouver.


Stanley Park. In their wildest reveries, Myrtle Edwards and Elliott Bay parks dream of being this gem.


Going metric. It's so European. And educational, too.


Shopping. Sure, at the end of the day it's all just your money for some stuff, but in Vancouver you can find affordable European brands, such as Zara and Morgan de Toi, that you won't find in Seattle. And sculptor Martha Sturdy's trendy stores. If you're a high roller, you can't beat Holt Renfrew and Leone. Stopping at Leone's cappuccino bar to ponder the stupid prices of the couture upstairs is always a kick.


Asian food. From Chinese to Indian, Vancouver is major league. Seattle is Triple-A.


Sunblock. The U.S. FDA finally approved Mexoryl, the super UVA-busting ingredient in Canadian and European sunblocks, but tubes of the good stuff are still hard to come by down here.


Whistler Blackcomb. The only ski resort in the Pacific Northwest to make the list of top 20 North American ski resorts in this year's readers poll by Condé Nast Traveler magazine.


Nanaimo bars. The ones around here always seem kinda lardy.


The Royal Canadian Mounted Police: True, a Mountie doesn't usually wear his dress uniform on the beat, but that doesn't make him any less special. Just knowing he (or she) can change into Dudley Do-Right at the drop of a maple leaf makes our hearts go pitter-pat.


Sandwiches at the Bread Garden. The first outlet opened in 1979, when "the Canucks only had one jersey and parking in Vancouver didn't require a meeting with your bank manager," according to its Web site. Things have changed in 27 years -- now there are a dozen locations -- but the sandwiches are still "all-around good," in the words of one devoted fan from Seattle.


Poutine. Yes, it's a heart attack in a bowl, but how can you not love a concoction of French fries, gravy and cheddar-cheese curds?


The "nice" factor. It's real. It's palpable.


That whole bilingual thing. We actually bought some Captain Crunch cereal simply because the French side of the box said "Capitaine Crounche."

Like many things Canadian, it just makes us smile.


CONNECTIONS

www.brandislounge.com
breadgarden.com
classaxe.com/smarties
holtrenfrew.com
leone.ca
marthasturdy.com
www.morgandetoi.com
nestle.com
roots.com
whistlerblackcomb.com
zara.com

P-I staffers Athima Chansanchai, Kristin Dizon, Regina Hackett, John Marshall, Curt Milton, D. Parvaz, Susan Phinney and Ruth Teichroeb contributed to this compilation.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/lifestyle/294405_canada02.html

[Rusty van Reddick]

This is nice- and it takes me back to how charmed I was about things Canadian before I actually emigrated. Now of course things like the metric speed limits and bilingual packaging are mundane to me, but reading this article still gives me a happy nostalgia.

[The Chemist]

They don't have Smarties in the US? :eek:

I agree with them - they're FAR better than M&Ms!

[Taller Better]

And who could forget Kit Kats and Shreddies? :)

[SpongeG]

they have kit kats down there - but they are packaged differently

[raggedy13]

Wow, it's nice to feel some love from our southern neighbours... neighbors. That article just makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I wish Canadians would say more nice things about the US like that instead of always bashing them. It would just make people happier all around and spread some good vibes, brotherly love and all that.

[LeftCoaster]

They don't have Smarties in the US? :eek:

I agree with them - they're FAR better than M&Ms!

NO WAY!! M&Ms all the way!!

All I want to know is wtf he was talking about regarding toonies and loonies... i HATE em! All that damn change jangling around in my pocket is so damn uncomfortable. give me the old one and two dollar bills in a second.

[mr.x]

In the US, Smarties are actually what we know as Rockets.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/Smarties_wrapped.jpg/800px-Smarties_wrapped.jpg

[skrish]

^ Yet if you look at the bottom of the pic they say made in Canada

[LeftCoaster]

haha hilarious

[IntotheWest]

I believe Coffee Crisp is missing as well, and a few others (but we're missing some too)...the American I was working with in Vancouver would stop at the Mac's in the airport every Thurs and pick-up a bunch of stuff for his daughter in SoCal - stuff they couldn't get.

[SpongeG]

there is a candle shop in the states - called illuminations and they have candles which are mostly made in canada yet we can't get them here

and years ago and still - you could get cherry coke down in the states but not in BC - and when you look at the info - it says MADE IN CANADA - yet we can't buy it here

[skrish]

They also don't have ketchup chips right?

[SpongeG]

no they don't

they also don't have white vinegar - when you ask for vinegar in a restaurant they give you MALT vinegar

and a lot of places have unsweetened iced tea - like at dennys i ordered it and it was unsweetened :(

[SpongeG]

I believe Coffee Crisp is missing as well, and a few others (but we're missing some too)...the American I was working with in Vancouver would stop at the Mac's in the airport every Thurs and pick-up a bunch of stuff for his daughter in SoCal - stuff they couldn't get.

down in the states you can still get Whatchmacallits - Canada had them for a while in the 80's

also their reese peanut butter cups come in 2 to a package unlike canada where you get 3 in a package

[Calgarian]

LOL this thread kicks ass! its kinda interesting to hear about the subtle differences between Canada and the US

BTW that ski hill list is bogus because Whistler is 4th and Norquay is somehow 16th? Whistler sounds better than Aspen from everyone I know that has been to both. And Somehow kicking horse, fernie, sunshine, panorama, big white, Marmot Basin... are all inferior to Norquay?

[Calgarian]

American Jif peanut butter is Waaayyy better than Canadian Jif.

[cornholio]

Like many things Canadian, it just makes us smile.

Am I the only one that finds this article a bit insulting, I mean its writen like its talking about that litle retarded kid next door that just makes you smile.

And metric is european?
Who the hell uses imperial measurments except USA and a couple Caribian countries(there might be a couple more but I cant think of any right now), hell even Britain uses metric now(mind you they still havent exactly replaced all their roads signs etc. yet, probably will still take another decade or so).

[LeftCoaster]

umm britain to name one....

One thing i noticed that was really weird, at least in NY, i dont know about the rest of teh country, but the ketchup and the McDonalds was NASTY. totally diffrerent taste, even different consistancy.

And as for the Conde Naste rankings, I think they are done by readers top pics, so it is only natural that American mountains have more notiraty than Canaidan ones, considering Conde Naste is an American company.

[mackeast]

Am I the only one that finds this article a bit insulting

Yup. I think its sweet how many little differences we have from the Americans. Many I didnt even know about! very cool. I remember you used to not be able to get PayDay in Canada, and my dad would always bring back tons of em when he travelled down to the states for business

[jeremy_haak]

Apparently you can get coffee crisp in the US now, but it's still quite rare. I think Nestle even has a website about it.

Another thing distinctly Canadian - all-dressed chips.

[samne]

Whistler Blackcomb. The only ski resort in the Pacific Northwest to make the list of top 20 North American ski resorts in this year's readers poll by Condé Nast Traveler magazine.

Wierd...I would think OR, WA or BC could at least add one more to the top 20 in NA. Then again this is Condé Nast.

[CorporateWhore]

This is nice- and it takes me back to how charmed I was about things Canadian before I actually emigrated. Now of course things like the metric speed limits and bilingual packaging are mundane to me, but reading this article still gives me a happy nostalgia.

where are you originally from?

[PhilippeMtl]

Do you still have Denn'ys and Panderosa in da west?

[sync]

i love bringing back teh chocolate bars from the US that i can't get here in canada.

i do it every time i go.

[PhilippeMtl]

It is a shame we dont have any Taco Bell here...

[Calgarian]

you don't have Taco Bell in Montreal? Most KFC are now half Taco bell out here.

[harls]

It is a shame we dont have any Taco Bell here...

no it isn't, unless you like liquid diarrhea?

[circle33]

Absinthe. (Or so we've heard.) It's legal up there.
I'm not sure that's correct.
I remember you used to not be able to get PayDay in Canada
Still hard (but not impossible) to find around here. They alone were almost reason enough to emigrate to the US.

[CorporateWhore]

i love bringing back teh chocolate bars from the US that i can't get here in canada.

i do it every time i go.

personally, I think U.S chocolate bars suck donkey balls. I miss my Mint Aero's and Coffee Crisps (even if the latter are supposed to be available in the U.S soon).

[samne]

I guess there are some chains or products exclusive to Canada. However, in return, the US easily has 10 X more selection of everything we do. Its really one of my guilty pleasures of the States.

[vanman]

no it isn't, unless you like liquid diarrhea?

:previous: Completely true! I never eat at Taco Bell, their cheese Is like melted plastic dyed orange.

[sync]

personally, I think U.S chocolate bars suck donkey balls. I miss my Mint Aero's and Coffee Crisps (even if the latter are supposed to be available in the U.S soon).

am i the only person who can't stand mint and chocolate together? :yuck:

[MolsonExport]

I do like buying Sugar Babies and Charleston Chew Bars whenever I am in the Excited States.

[big W]

Do you still have Denn'ys and Panderosa in da west?

I know I have sen Denny's in BC, AB and ON.

[Rusty van Reddick]

where are you originally from?

I as born and raised in Hammond, Indiana, just south of Chicago, so if anybody wants to read about my own US nostalgia, two words: White Castle. A few more: Chicago-style pizza from the original Giordano's or Gino's East, Vienna Red Hots, Italian beef sandwiches, Wisconsin fish fries, marathon bars, and calling candy bars "candy bars" (which I still do- cannot bring myself to call laffy taffy or eatmores [which do not exist in the states]) a "chocolate bar."

[CorporateWhore]

I as born and raised in Hammond, Indiana, just south of Chicago, so if anybody wants to read about my own US nostalgia, two words: White Castle. A few more: Chicago-style pizza from the original Giordano's or Gino's East, Vienna Red Hots, Italian beef sandwiches, Wisconsin fish fries, marathon bars, and calling candy bars "candy bars" (which I still do- cannot bring myself to call laffy taffy or eatmores [which do not exist in the states]) a "chocolate bar."

man, i can totally understand where you are coming from with White Castle. I had that stuff for the first time about 2 years ago, and man is it ever addictive. The quality is horrible, but for some reason, I crave that shit like nobody's business. Dammit, I want one now.

Btw, how do you find the deep dish pizza in Calgary (ie, from a place like Chicago Deep Dish) compares to the Chicago stuff? Personally, I think the deep dish in Calgary is quiet good...especially compared to the east coast (I still can't figure out why a place like NY can do an amazing thin slice, but totally butchers anything deep-dish).

[CorporateWhore]

am i the only person who can't stand mint and chocolate together? :yuck:

yes, yes you are. :banana:

[Rusty van Reddick]

Btw, how do you find the deep dish pizza in Calgary (ie, from a place like Chicago Deep Dish) compares to the Chicago stuff? Personally, I think the deep dish in Calgary is quiet good...especially compared to the east coast (I still can't figure out why a place like NY can do an amazing thin slice, but totally butchers anything deep-dish).

I like the thick pizza from places like Sophie's and Nick's- "Chicago Deep Dish" is nothing at all like real Chicago pizza, but Nick's almost approximates it, dimension-wise. Real Chicago is done in a sort of souffle pan, has a ton of cheese IN THE BOTTOM of the pan, toppings including a "sauce" that is mostly just pureed tomatoes go on top- if it's a STUFFED chicago (like you get at Edwardo's), than a layer of crust goes on top of the chesse/meat, and the sauce goes on top of that crust. Nowhere does this outside of Chicago. Also, in Chicago, "sausage" always means crumbled Italian sausage w/ fennel, not sliced sausage.

Calgary has some damn good pizza, there is a huge discussion of it at chowhound.com.

[CorporateWhore]

^^ ok, that put me over the top, im going out and getting some pizza now.

[ExcaliburKid]

Regarding the Absinthe, it's definitely legal in AB. I worked at a liquor store for a summer job this year, and not only did we carry it, but some brands came with the special spoon too.

[drew]

^ I am not sure that it is the actual mind altering absinthe that can be found in Europe. I have heard that the stuff we get here is absent of that particular hullucinagent...

[raggedy13]

^Ya, I was going to say Absinthe is legal in Canada but I've heard the "real" stuff is only legal in certain provinces. Some provinces put a limit on the amount of wormwood (the "active" ingredient that makes you chop your ear off). So everywhere (I think) you can get cheaper, crappier Absinthe with less wormwood, and then in some provinces, including BC, you can get really expensive real stuff from Europe. In first year, a guy on my floor (who happened to be from Regina) got some Absinthe when some buddy came out to visit him. I believe he said the real stuff wasn't legal in Saskatchewan. Anyways, it apparently cost him like $100 for a 2-6 sized bottle which was from somewhere in Eastern Europe I believe. He said it messed them up pretty bad.

I do like buying Sugar Babies and Charleston Chew Bars whenever I am in the Excited States.

That is strange that you can't get Charleston Chews in Quebec. We've had them here for at least 5 years.

[Taller Better]

^ I am not sure that it is the actual mind altering absinthe that can be found in Europe. I have heard that the stuff we get here is absent of that particular hullucinagent...


Absinthe comes from Europe, mostly the Czech Republic. The stuff that is made today has infinitely less wormwood than it did back in the days of Toulouse Lautrec. It has been on the shelves of LCBO for about 7
years. Tastes like Pernod. Uggh. It was brought out of obscurity by a couple of guys in London, England. They discovered, through research, that the widely accepted 'truism' that absinthe was illegal in the UK was in fact just a myth. No law had ever been passed. So, they imported it from CR and Bingo,
instant trend.

Taco Bells are completely different in the States, at least in New England, and have more authentic stuff than the ones here. I didn't realize there are no Taco Bells in Quebec.

White Castle is the lowest of the low and has so much grease in it that I cannot eat the horrid little burgers.


I could also think of a few things I would contribute to a thread if there were one called "Things I like about visiting the USA"! There are things down there that we don't have and it is fun to sample.

[Kilgore Trout]

I'm not sure that's correct.

absinthe (with hallucinogenic wormword) is definitely legal in quebec. it depends on the province.

[Kilgore Trout]

am i the only person who can't stand mint and chocolate together?

unfortunately, i think you're alone.

mint and chocolate is one of those flavour combinations that just work... like chocolate and banana.

[Taller Better]

I actually doubt if it is illegal anywhere in Canada. Every province has a government agent that buys all the booze in the first place, and probably some of those don't bother to import it. I first tasted it about 15 years ago when my friend brought a bottle back from Poland.

"
unfortunately, i think you're alone.
mint and chocolate is one of those flavour combinations that just work... like chocolate and banana"

Agreed. I love chocolate and mint, and will even eat the cheapo Girl Guide cookies in that flavour. If I bought
a box of the hideous maple ones to be polite, I would just pitch them in the garbage!

[ungodlycrosscheck]

no it isn't, unless you like liquid diarrhea?

Harls, I probably shouldn't ask but... does "it" come in any form other than liquid?

[LeftCoaster]

ONe thing they have in the US, and at home, but not here in ontario that drives me nuts is IHOP. That shit is amazing

I couldnt beleive there werent any in Ontario, i just figured that it was a canadian thing too. A roadtrip just isnt a roadtrip without a morning stop at IHOP for me.

And for you 'candy bar' lovers, if you are ever in Kingston tehre is a candy shop called madalines that imports any kind of candy you can imagine from the US, from Clark bars to Payday, its all there. They even have those delicious starburst-like things from Japan. And to make things extra convenient it is a big time drug front, so if you want some bud to go with all that candy, all you have to do is ask!

[SpongeG]

Do you still have Denn'ys and Panderosa in da west?

we have lots of Dennys in Vancouver and BC but i think the last ponderosa closed down in the early 90's

[IntotheWest]

Apparently you can get coffee crisp in the US now, but it's still quite rare. I think Nestle even has a website about it.

Another thing distinctly Canadian - all-dressed chips.


Possibly...I know there was a load of stuff he would pick up just before we'd go and check-in at the airport. Ketchup Lays chips (mentioned above) was another.

I wish we had Boo Berry and Franken Berry cereals up here. Oh, and Mitsubishi EVOs (sorry, car fanatic) ;-)

[SpongeG]

i think they are rbinging the EVO to Canada for 2008

i was reading a thing about cars in the metro newspaper

[PhilippeMtl]

absinthe (with hallucinogenic wormword) is definitely legal in quebec. it depends on the province.

The maximum allowed tuyhone rate in Quebec is 10mg per 100 liters of liquid...

[The Chemist]

unfortunately, i think you're alone.

He's not quite alone. My parents (especially my mom) hate mint chocolate chip ice cream, and so i'd assume any other mint-chocolate combination too. Dunno why people would hate the combination, when, as you say, it works so well together.

[Riise]

i think they are rbinging the EVO to Canada for 2008

i was reading a thing about cars in the metro newspaper

That would be sweet!

[Rob D]

I know I have sen Denny's in BC, AB and ON.

They are also in Saskatchewan.


am i the only person who can't stand mint and chocolate together? :yuck:

I love mint & chocolate combinations (Afer Eight, Ovation, etc)

[Greco Roman]

After Eights; the best thing to happen to Christmas treats ! :tup:

[habsfan]

Harls, I probably shouldn't ask but... does "it" come in any form other than liquid?

Dude! Could you be any more disgusting!?!

I agree with harleyboy! We have no Taco Bells in Québec, and i am glad about that. tried it a few time in NYC and Boston, and hated the stuff.

North american society in general is fat enough as it is, we don't need another junkfood chain up here.

[Greco Roman]

They are also in Saskatchewan.


And Manitoba.

[SpongeG]

oh if you like mint and chocolate you have to try peppermint crisps - they are from south africa - so goood

[Greco Roman]

oh if you like mint and chocolate you have to try peppermint crisps - they are from south africa - so goood

Can you get them in Canada - Edmonton or Winnipeg specifically?

[SpongeG]

you can probably order them from online - but i know the south african shops here in vancouver usually carry them

if not there are a number of SA grocery places online - i ordered some stuff from one based out of toronto a few years ago... i forget which one but here are some i know of

http://www.southafricanfoodproducts.com/
http://www.southafrican.ca/
http://www.serengetionline.com/

http://www.sweetstall.com/acatalog/peppermint-crisp.jpg

they have an interesting crystal like interior - its got a crunch that gets really chewy like toffee

[Greco Roman]

you can probably order them from online - but i know the south african shops here in vancouver usually carry them

if not there are a number of SA grocery places online - i ordered some stuff from one based out of toronto a few years ago... i forget which one but here are some i know of

http://www.southafricanfoodproducts.com/
http://www.southafrican.ca/
http://www.serengetionline.com/

http://www.sweetstall.com/acatalog/peppermint-crisp.jpg

they have an interesting crystal like interior - its got a crunch that gets really chewy like toffee


Cool. Thank you :cheers:

[harls]

Harls, I probably shouldn't ask but... does "it" come in any form other than liquid?

You're right, a little redundant.. but sometimes you get different consitencies, blends..

ok, I'm through being gross... for this afternoon, anyway :D

[twoNeurons]

MALT Vinegar Rocks over white vinegar.

[Taller Better]

MALT Vinegar Rocks over white vinegar.

I hate the smell of any type of vinegar, but malt truly pushes me over the
edge. I don't know why but I have always hated that smell, but it is the real thing for Fish n' Chips.



Another thing distinctly Canadian - all-dressed chips.


I'm not sure I agree with that. I am pretty sure it was an American expression picked up and used in Quebec.
It is new to the rest of Canada, within the past decade, but it did come here via Quebec, especially on Lay's
Potato Chips.

[waterloowarrior]

on redflagdeals someone posted that there is a taco bell coming to MTL..

"the first restaurant that I know of is opening in two weeks time on Des Soruces in the West Island, anyone know of any others?"

wikipedia also makes reference to one coming soon

[Rusty van Reddick]

I'm not sure I agree with that. I am pretty sure it was an American expression picked up and used in Quebec. It is new to the rest of Canada, within the past decade, but it did come here via Quebec, especially on Lay's Potato Chips.

No, spent the first 35 years of my life in the US and ate many a chip, and never saw the term "all dressed" until I moved to Canada.

To me, all dressed chips taste a bit like "ranch."

[IntotheWest]

^ I'm not a big potato chip fan, but I came across Kettle Brand's Cheddar Beer...mmmm...I believe they're from the U.S.

Oh...and Taco Bell sucks. If I have to eat a fast food taco, I'd rather go to Taco Time (Alberta and MB).

[drew]

MALT Vinegar Rocks over white vinegar.

depends on the application. I think that white vinegar goes far better with your deep fried fare such as fries and chips...

I still remember when I was travelling with my family somewhere in the US, and I asked for some vinegar for my fries at a little highway diner. I guess the funny look the waitress gave me should have tipped me off - and when that strange dark malt vinegar came to the table, I took one wiff and lost my appetite.

[cornholio]

umm britain to name one....

One thing i noticed that was really weird, at least in NY, i dont know about the rest of teh country, but the ketchup and the McDonalds was NASTY. totally diffrerent taste, even different consistancy.

And as for the Conde Naste rankings, I think they are done by readers top pics, so it is only natural that American mountains have more notiraty than Canaidan ones, considering Conde Naste is an American company.

Britain uses metric although they still are in a transitional stage. For example by law all products have to be sold using metric(and can use imperial mesurments on the side if they want, etc.) The only countries that oficialy use imperial mesurments are USA, Myamar and Siera Leone(turing the tabels around I can say how Siera Leon or Myamarian that is) But yes Britain uses metric (officialy their a metric country), even they realized how idiotic imperial mesurments are(though its been a slow proces for the change over).

[cornholio]

^Ya, I was going to say Absinthe is legal in Canada but I've heard the "real" stuff is only legal in certain provinces. Some provinces put a limit on the amount of wormwood (the "active" ingredient that makes you chop your ear off). So everywhere (I think) you can get cheaper, crappier Absinthe with less wormwood, and then in some provinces, including BC, you can get really expensive real stuff from Europe. In first year, a guy on my floor (who happened to be from Regina) got some Absinthe when some buddy came out to visit him. I believe he said the real stuff wasn't legal in Saskatchewan. Anyways, it apparently cost him like $100 for a 2-6 sized bottle which was from somewhere in Eastern Europe I believe. He said it messed them up pretty bad.



That is strange that you can't get Charleston Chews in Quebec. We've had them here for at least 5 years.

Absinthe is legal in Canada but wormwood is either illegal or only a small amount is alowed(depending on province) so the Absinthe that is imported is made to meet those standards. Every time I go back to Czech Republic, which is often I bring atleast a bottle of Absinthe back. Although even there the absinthe doesnt have the high amounts of worm wood like it sometimes had back in day but it isnt cheaped out like here. Not to mention that its dirt cheap so I can get a 1l botle at a super market there for around $10.

[LeftCoaster]

Britain uses metric although they still are in a transitional stage. For example by law all products have to be sold using metric(and can use imperial mesurments on the side if they want, etc.) The only countries that oficialy use imperial mesurments are USA, Myamar and Siera Leone(turing the tabels around I can say how Siera Leon or Myamarian that is) But yes Britain uses metric (officialy their a metric country), even they realized how idiotic imperial mesurments are(though its been a slow proces for the change over).

While you are almost right, in that it is Liberia (not Sierra Leone) in addition to Myanmar and The US that are the only countries that are still officially imperial, it is merely a technicality. While Britain is technically a metric nation, as of 1973, it was only made into law in order to gain membership into the european union, and there has been almost no change within the country. As you will notice speed signs still display miles per hour, wight is categorized by stone etc. The government has done absolutely nothing to make the change from imperial to metric... probably out of some deep seated resentment that it was a French invention.

One of the only noticable areas where metric has been adopted is the use of celcuis measurements, and that is most likely just due to the tendency for weather shows to discuss all of Europe.

[LeftCoaster]

Absinthe is legal in Canada but wormwood is either illegal or only a small amount is alowed(depending on province) so the Absinthe that is imported is made to meet those standards. Every time I go back to Czech Republic, which is often I bring atleast a bottle of Absinthe back. Although even there the absinthe doesnt have the high amounts of worm wood like it sometimes had back in day but it isnt cheaped out like here. Not to mention that its dirt cheap so I can get a 1l botle at a super market there for around $10.

This is what wikipedia had to say about it, it prettymuch coroborates what you had to say:

In Canada, liquor laws are the domain of the provincial governments. British Columbia has no limits on thujone content; Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia allow 10 mg/kg thujone,Québec allows 3 mg per kg (according to the SAQ) and all other provinces do not allow the sale of absinthe containing thujone (although, in Saskatchewan, one can purchase any liquor available in the world upon the purchase of a minimum of one case, usually 12 bottles x 750ml or 8 x 1L). The individual liquor boards must approve each product before it may be sold on shelves, and currently, only Hill's Absinth, Elie-Arnaud Denoix, Pernod, Absente, Versinthe and, in limited release, La Fée Absinthe are approved. Other brands may appear in the future.

"British Columbia has no limits on thujone content" WooHoo looks like i know what I'll be doing when im home for Christmas break!:banana:

[Taller Better]

No, spent the first 35 years of my life in the US and ate many a chip, and never saw the term "all dressed" until I moved to Canada.

To me, all dressed chips taste a bit like "ranch."

The term "all-dressed" originally referred to toppings on burgers and hot dogs (what we would call "the works"). I am thinking that it is one of those regional American things that transferred to Quebec, as I am sure I heard it used somewhere in the States. I remember thinking, "Oh, that's where it came from". Personally I think it sounds ridiculous, and would never ask for something all dressed. I believe Lays made the transition to potato chips. It is just a combo of all the flavours, and the sour cream flavour gives it the ranch taste.


[QUOTE=LeftCoaster;2494739]

"British Columbia has no limits on thujone content" QUOTE]

It is because thujone is useful in combatting depression! ;)


Did Quiznos ever open in Quebec? They wanted to, but they said that their price point was too high
so they were waiting. I love Quiznos.

[big T]

The term "all-dressed" originally referred to toppings on burgers and hot dogs (what we would call "the works"). I am thinking that it is one of those regional American things that transferred to Quebec, as I am sure I heard it used somewhere in the States. I remember thinking, "Oh, that's where it came from". Personally I think it sounds ridiculous, and would never ask for something all dressed. I believe Lays made the transition to potato chips. It is just a combo of all the flavours, and the sour cream flavour gives it the ranch taste.


[QUOTE=LeftCoaster;2494739]

"British Columbia has no limits on thujone content" QUOTE]

It is because thujone is useful in combatting depression! ;)


Did Quiznos ever open in Quebec? They wanted to, but they said that their price point was too high
so they were waiting. I love Quiznos.
They certainly did, actually I ate one yesterday! we have a couple of them in the large indoor malls downtown (Eaton and Cours Mont Royal I believe), possibly others I don't know of. I agree, Quizno's does rule.

[MolsonExport]

Quiznos automatically rules simply because--unlike Subway--they dont have that Fat tub Lovitz screaming at you from your TV every 6 seconds telling you to "EAT FRESH!!!" or "EAT STEAK!!!!"

Eat Shit, Lovitz.

[circle33]

Eat Shit, Lovitz.

Amen.

[Taller Better]

I hate "Mr Sub" the most. Even Subway is better than Mr. Sub. But Quiznos blows them all away. The only thing I don't understand about their marketing and interior design is, why do they give it this faux Italian reference? Is a submarine sandwich an Italian idea? I think of it being an American idea. Every country has big sandwiches, and I've eaten plenty of veal sandwiches in my time, but to me they look like this:

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/3961/nov2006californiasandwiey7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[LeftCoaster]

well its supposed to be an italian company I gather... with a name like Quizzno... sounds like some mobster who got whacked on teh Sopranos.

Quizznos is by far the best sub place, but it is deceptively unhealthy, i was looking into their nutritional information, and surprise surprise they dont post it on their website, but an example i found was a 12' Italian with dressing has 92grams of fat. Thats like 3 times a quarterpounder from McDics

[Jay in Cowtown]

i love bringing back teh chocolate bars from the US that i can't get here in canada.

i do it every time i go.

I love bringing back Directv receivers!

Speaking of U.S. food chains opening up here... Carls Jr. and TGI Fridays are supposed to be opening in W. Canada in '07... YEAH!!!

[bc2mb]

there's already a TGI Fridays at Metrotown in Burnaby... it's nasty

[jeremy_haak]

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/3961/nov2006californiasandwiey7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I love Brio! The only place I've been able to find it recently is a Pizza Pizza near my old place, and you have to ask for it specifically as they keep it hidden in the back.:shrug:

[IntotheWest]

I love bringing back Directv receivers!

Speaking of U.S. food chains opening up here... Carls Jr. and TGI Fridays are supposed to be opening in W. Canada in '07... YEAH!!!

FatBurger is in Calgary (Deerfoot Meadows) and Vancouver - one of the top three California burger places. Johnny Rockets used to be in WEM (not sure why they left...it was usually busy) - and is now only in Vaughan Mills.

But the best will never come here....In-n-Out.

[Taller Better]

I love Brio! The only place I've been able to find it recently is a Pizza Pizza near my old place, and you have to ask for it specifically as they keep it hidden in the back.:shrug:



They sell it everywhere here, but usually in the cans, not this cool bottle. This place I've shown is my fave place for veal sandwiches and spicy olives.
I sincerely doubt that Quiznos is Italian. It is as American as apple pie.

[cornholio]

While you are almost right, in that it is Liberia (not Sierra Leone) in addition to Myanmar and The US that are the only countries that are still officially imperial, it is merely a technicality. While Britain is technically a metric nation, as of 1973, it was only made into law in order to gain membership into the european union, and there has been almost no change within the country. As you will notice speed signs still display miles per hour, wight is categorized by stone etc. The government has done absolutely nothing to make the change from imperial to metric... probably out of some deep seated resentment that it was a French invention.

One of the only noticable areas where metric has been adopted is the use of celcuis measurements, and that is most likely just due to the tendency for weather shows to discuss all of Europe.

There have been limited changes but by law all cars have to have kilometers as the more visible numbers on spedometers, by law weight have to be in metric and imperial mesurments canot be more visibel then metric, and there are more changes coming as it will become ilegal to sell products with any kind of imperial mesurments in the EU come 2009(this will have a big effect on America since curently all products have to have imperial mesurments and metric is optional). And Britain started to (try and) convert to metric since 1868(around there), way before any EU existed. But yes they have not done enough, thats true...compare that to say Ireland which is completly metric as of 2005. By the way most people dont know(especialy americans) but officialy(which is meaningles) America is metric when it comes to weights and lengths.

The only reason i bring all this up is because it realy bugs me when i read articles that are totaly off, before someone writes a article they should do atleast a bit of research to get their facts right, instead of spreading missinformation.

[Riise]

Speaking of U.S. food chains opening up here... Carls Jr. and TGI Fridays are supposed to be opening in W. Canada in '07... YEAH!!!

Carls Jr.!?!? No freaking way!!! That's my favorite fast food joint, it has Mc Donalds' fries with a cross of Burger King and Wendy's style burgers.

[tkoe]

There is already enough fast food in Canada. I don't think that we should really be so happy that more American chains are on the way...

[murman]

Another thing distinctly Canadian - all-dressed chips.

woof...

"Hey! What are we gonna do with all the chips that fell out of the chip-making machines onto the floor?"

"Why not sweep it up into a big bag and sell it to Canadians who have LOST ALL SENSE OF TASTE from drinking Tim Hortons coffee?"

:yuck:

[Jay in Cowtown]

/\ Speak for yourself, I want Sonic, Whataburger and Jack in the Box as well as Carls, immediately...

mmmmmmm greasy!!!!

[The_Bachelor]

I would like to point out that Corn Pops the cereal is markedly different. In Canada they are round sphere's that a quite a bit sweeter than their non-round oddly shaped and bland tasting American counter parts. When I was a kid I loved them and went to the States a couple times and would refuse to eat the imposter's of the same name.

[Only The Lonely..]

Carls Jr.!?!? No freaking way!!! That's my favorite fast food joint, it has Mc Donalds' fries with a cross of Burger King and Wendy's style burgers.

Amen.

Once you eat at C.J's you'll never go back to that tired soy patty and wilted lettuce that McDicks throws together.

[shappy]

Burger King or Harvey's is always enough to satisfy my fastfood cravings. I've never even heard of most of the stuff you guys are going on about. Honestly, how much better can it be...

[Riise]

Honestly, how much better can it be...

Saying fast food is fast food is like saying sex is sex, totally incorrect! Although some guys are content with just getting some, banging Jessica Alba (eatting Carl's Jr.) is a billion times better than having intercourse with Rita Mac Niel (eatting Harvey's)!

[West_aust]

Saying fast food is fast food is like saying sex is sex, totally incorrect! Although some guys are content with just getting some, banging Jessica Alba (eatting Carl's Jr.) is a billion times better than having intercourse with Rita Mac Niel (eatting Harvey's)!

I can't believe you manage to make an analogy between banging Jessica Alba and fast food burgers...
Can't compare a burger (even a really good one) with banging one of the hottest chick this planet

As for my fav burger joint, which we will never get here, look at my avatar, In-n-out burgers, a nice double double yummy

[Jay in Cowtown]

I can't believe you manage to make an analogy between banging Jessica Alba and fast food burgers...
Can't compare a burger (even a really good one) with banging one of the hottest chick this planet

As for my fav burger joint, which we will never get here, look at my avatar, In-n-out burgers, a nice double double yummy

I wouldn't count on In-N-Out not expanding north of the border... they're opening one as close as Utah this year.

As far as Carls Jr. coming here... it's supposed to have restaurants opened by the end of 2007. I'm assuming it'll be western Canada because they haven't even expanded into eastern U.S. yet. (California based)

I went to a Fuddruckers in Houston this September after a Texans game... Wow!!! was it good... I can't beleive the only one to survive in Canada is in Saskatoon!!! and what ever happened to Red Robbins... there's none left here in Calgary?

[The_Bachelor]

Saying fast food is fast food is like saying sex is sex, totally incorrect! Although some guys are content with just getting some, banging Jessica Alba (eatting Carl's Jr.) is a billion times better than having intercourse with Rita Mac Niel (eatting Harvey's)!

Did you just put intercourse and rita macniel in the same sentence? Thanks for making me vomit in my own mouth! I'm going to go curl up at the bottom of a shower clawing towards the ceiling shouting noooooooo!

[SHOFEAR]

I wouldn't count on In-N-Out not expanding north of the border... they're opening one as close as Utah this year.

As far as Carls Jr. coming here... it's supposed to have restaurants opened by the end of 2007. I'm assuming it'll be western Canada because they haven't even expanded into eastern U.S. yet. (California based)

I went to a Fuddruckers in Houston this September after a Texans game... Wow!!! was it good... I can't beleive the only one to survive in Canada is in Saskatoon!!! and what ever happened to Red Robbins... they are still alot in the U.S., but none left here in Calgary?

What! No red Robbins!! There are at least four of them in Edmonton. Their hot sauce they use for their wings is in a league of its own.

[The_Bachelor]

I went to a Fuddruckers in Houston this September after a Texans game... Wow!!! was it good... I can't beleive the only one to survive in Canada is in Saskatoon!!!

That reminds me, I'll have to go there on xmas holidays for a banging 1/3 pounder with those bitchin wedges.

[Jay in Cowtown]

That reminds me, I'll have to go there on xmas holidays for a banging 1/3 pounder with those bitchin wedges.

No shit, I have relatives in Saskatoon... guess I'll have to visit them more!!!