You forget what you have sometimes. At a new bistro slash pub we decided to hit tonight, they had Fin Du Monde on tap and seeing as they had it, well, I had it. NYK-S was the place, just a few blocks from our hotel on Sherbrooke. We called ahead to see if they were able to take a family with kids and, with a rough two language discussion over the noise on the other end, established that they were welcome if they were not jerks. When we got there, we found a small very busy 40 to 50 seat bar brimming with of the sounds of The Smiths and clacking plates. It is excellent being in the era of one's own youth's nostalgia. Comforting. Gonna hate when The Smashing Pumpkins come around again in a few years.

The first round was calamari with a spiced mayo. Good. I had a chunk of cod over salad as the others took on fresh made burgers, lamb sausage and also a mushroom pasta. Best of all, we were placed in the one booth at the back of the bar where you got a good view of the action without the six year old's challenges becoming someone else's. Good pub food with an appreciation that good service can assist making sure things go smooth. Recommended all along with one of the best values in triples going.

Also recommended were the ice ciders opened before and after the meal. I dropped into the SAQ's flagship store over on on Rue St. Catherines and found two bottles from the 2009, each with a somewhat minimalist name. Neige. Pinnacle. These were the recommended selections in the regular product area. I also picked up an oaked take on iced cider that I may leave in the stash for a few years. What do you get with this drink? An intense sweet apple flavour with a sharp acidity along side hints of the wood, autumn and the best pie you have ever imagined. Recommended with fine cheese and fois gras, I am taking them in with the third period of the Bruins and Penguins game. Entirely appropriate.

We just got home before the anarchists came by to say hello. Well timed all around. Hope all goes well for the capitalist glass further on downtown. We'll see tomorrow.