My Hood - The Bike Repair Shop

Sitting On The Job

I'm back to Shanghai now. In the mornings, I sometimes see these guys posted up at this intersection. Down that street is the wet market, where you can get your fresh vegetables, meat, and seafood. They're both wearing the same shirt with a badge on the arm, so I'm guessing they are some kind of wet market vice - not sure what exactly they're looking out for though - a food fight?

Ok, Maybe More Is Not Always Better

Chill with the houndstooth, lady!

More Is Better

I miss shopping at Zellers (Canada's version of Target). Look at all the rows and rows of crap!

Up Your Alley

Beer Testing - Round 19 (European 1/2 Liter Challenge)

Last time it was European cans. This time it's bottles.

Defending Champ

Name: Asahi "The Master" Pilsner

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5.5%

Price: USD2.55/can USD0.73/100mL

Scoring 8.95/10, this beer is going for a record 5 wins in a row.

Challenger 1

Name: Hacker-Pschorr Munchener Gold

Origin: Germany

Alcohol: 5.5%

Price: USD2.29/bottle USD0.46/100mL

This was a good, smooth, light beer. Nothing outstanding, nothing unique, but solid. Final score 6.65/10.

Challenger 2

Name: Baron Bohemian Tmavy Lezak

Origin: Czech Republic

Alcohol: 4.7%

Price: USD2.33/bottle USD0.47/100mL

Heavy malt flavour. A smooth dark beer. Final score 7/10.

Challenger 3

Name: Kulmbacher Export

Origin: Germany

Alcohol: 5.4%

Price: USD3.05/bottle USD0.61/100mL

Starts with a sweet floral scent, but is deceiving, because there is a strong rubbing alcohol finish. Final score 3.5/10.

Challenger 4

Name: Krusovice Imperial

Origin: Czech Republic

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD2.55/bottle USD0.51/100mL

Smells a bit like urine. Fizzy with no taste. Final score 4.9/10.

Challenger 5

Name: Tyskie

Origin: Poland

Alcohol: 5.5%

Price: USD2.80/bottle USD0.56/100mL

No particular aroma. Taste is bland and lacks character. But kind of has a refreshing finish! Final score 6.15/10.

Challenger 6

Name: Zywiec

Origin: Poland

Alcohol: 5.5%

Price: USD2.75/bottle USD0.55/100mL

I like the label design. Claims to be Poland's "#1 Premium Beer". Doesn't smell that good though. Taste is watery and slightly bitter. Final score 5.45/10.

Asahi "The Master" Pilsner takes win #5!

Beer Testing - Round 18 (The Indian Challenge)

Up next, 3 beers from India.

Defending Champ

Name: Asahi "The Master" Pilsner

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5.5%

Price: USD2.55/can USD0.73/100mL

Going for its 4th win, with a score of 8.95/10.

Challenger 1

Name: Kingfisher Premium Lager

Origin: India

Alcohol: 4.8%

Price: USD2.55/bottle USD0.77/100mL

A skunky smell, even worse than Heineken. Aromas of corned beef?? Watery. Final score 5.05/10.

Challenger 2

Name: Cobra

Origin: India

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD2.03/can USD0.62/100mL

Minimal smell, minimal taste, minimal comments. Basically like expensive carbonated water. Final score 5.5/10.

Challenger 3

Name: Raj

Origin: India

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD2.39/can USD0.72/100mL

A light floral scent with a slight chocolately taste? The best out of the three challengers, but still not great. Final score 5.65/10.

I suppose these light lagers are good for the hot Indian weather, and I imagine they would go well with a curry. But apart from these two scenarios, I can't picture myself ordering a Raj next time I'm out at the bar on a Friday night. Another easy victory for Asahi "The Master" Pilsner.

Beer Testing - Round 17 (European Tall Boys)

We put up a European onslaught to see if any of them could take down the champ.

Defending Champ

Name: Asahi "The Master" Pilsner

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5.5%

Price: USD2.55/can USD0.73/100mL

Looking strong with a score of 8.95/10, this beer is up for its 3rd title defense.

Challenger 1:

Name: Warsteiner Premium Dunkel

Origin: Germany

Alcohol: 4.8%

Price: USD2.03/can USD0.41/100mL

Dunkel is a dark beer. Smooth and malty, but one-dimensional. Final score 6.5/10.

Challenger 2:

Name: Ozujsko Pivo

Origin: Croatia

Alcohol: 5.2%

Price: USD2.50/can USD0.50/100mL

Dating all the way back to 1893, it claims to be the "most favourite Croation beer." It has a clean start, but sharp, unexpected aftertaste that kind of slaps you in the face. Final score a stinging 6/10.

Challenger 3:

Name: Estrella Damm

Origin: Barcelona, Spain

Alcohol: 4.6%

Price: USD2.03/can USD0.41/100mL

Nice looking can, but that's about all it has going for it. Weak foam on the pour. Smells watery, tastes watery, and is overly carbonated. Final score 5.5/10.

Challenger 4:

Name: Stiegl Bier

Origin: Salzburg, Austria

Alcohol: 4.9%

Price: USD2.51/can USD0.50/100mL

I really dig the can graphic, but that's about it. Lacks flavour, and has a bitter finish. Final score 5.95/10.

Challenger 5:

Name: Bass Pale Ale

Origin: Luton, England

Alcohol: 5.1%

Price:

A nice amber colour, with a caramel aroma. Smooth and malty. A solid score of 7/10.

Challenger 6:

Name: Radeberger Pilsner

Origin: Germany

Alcohol: 4.8%

Price: USD2.19/can USD0.44/100mL

A sweet candy floral scent, with a light honey taste. Final score 6.3/10.

Challenger 7:

Name: Pilsner Urquell

Origin: Pilsen, Czech Republic

Alcohol: 4.4%

Price: USD2.64/can USD0.53/100mL

Smells like a mild Heineken. Has a toasted taste, like Veuve Clicquot champagne. Caramel on the tip of the tongue. Final score 6.1/10.

Challenger 8:

Name: Faxe Royal Strong

Origin: Denmark

Alcohol: 8%

Price: USD2.35/can USD0.47/100mL

Not much to say about this one. Light, watery, and fizzy, with a strong alcohol taste. Final score 5.3/10.

With no real strong competition, Asahi "The Master" Pilsner wins again.

Native

Westcoast Native art is amazing. This is under the Granville St. bridge.

Girls, Girls, Girls

A dying breed - I kinda forgot we still have one or two of these in Vancouver down on Granville St. - the old arcade/girlie movie combo. Never actually been in one, but that signage is dope! And someone actually still plays pinball!?!