D'Anise Marie, a consummate professional

I must been doing something right if D'Anise Marie invites me to be a guest co-Host on her radio show.  Ecstatic to get the invitation to come on down recently and be part of a program that not only gives young boys and girls a platform to perform and express their raging imaginations for a chance at a big time agency deal but also one that allows for a casual, laid-back and very comforting environment to exchange some laughs and share some stories.

The program itself is called the D'Anise Show is hosted by, you guessed it, D'Anise herself.  A consummate professional, D'Anise welcomes everyone with her smile, sense of humour and very engaging and personable personality.  Very knowledgeable, she is a master of improvisation which makes her an absolute pleasure to speak and work with!  

Thanks D'Anise and I hope this little write up has garnered enough brownie points for you to allow me to come back on your show soon.

Macallan Scotch Tasting Event

One of my good buddies recently became a father. His brother-in-law recently moved back to Canada after spending some time abroad. That being said, I happened to get an invitation to a Scotch tasting event in Toronto and decided what better way to unite everyone, learn a little something about Scotch and get a buzz going at the same time.

In other words, me + 3 friends (my buddy Sam came too) + Macallan Scotch = supreme guys night out!

Last year this event took place at the Hazelton Hotel in Toronto's pricey Yorkville. This years' edition went down on the west side: trendy and local hipsterish West Queen West. More industrial and down to earth than pretentious Yorkville, it didn't seem like the kind of area where one would find a scotch tasting event, much less one hosted by the prestigious Macallan.

But as it turned out, it was a pretty good venue (a lounge converted from what I assume used to be an old factory facility). Although it was a little too crowded at times and tough to navigate around the throngs of people, the overall feel was magnetic!

Appetizers and a glass of the some of the best 10 year old, single malt scotch greeted us at the door. On a freezing Toronto night, it was just what we needed to warm up. And we did. After some small talk we got ushered into another room and introduced to the Macallan Brand Ambassador Marc Laverdiere. An excellent and engaging public speaker, Marc knows how to add classic French Canadian inspired humour with professionalism and exceptional knowledge of the product he represents.

The only disappointing part of the night was the end. This time around, there were no gift bags, goodies to take home. No mini-Scotch, no Macallan commemorative box, no Macallan scotch glasses. Last year we walked out with what easily could have been wrapped and given as a Christmas gift. This year, we had left over baguette slices, olives and cheese. Not bad but I would have loved the goodies! Probably a budget issue but I could have easily exchanged the apps for the take home Macallan goodies. Everyone could have and would have.

Hopefully I get another invite to this event next year.  Hopefully I get the invite and Macallan brings back the goods.  Hopefully I get the invite and Macallan hands out the goods...and my buddies and I take the goods back home and put the goods to very good use!