Cocktails with a Book
Issue 1 Volume 2
Reading Around Fredericton
by Chuck Bowie
I’m a writer (who likes words), and the other day I was pondering the difference between these relatively new expressions: ‘twitch’, and ‘deep dive’. A twitch, in gaming terms, is a sudden movement based on a stimulus. It’s sometimes measured in fractions of a second. A deep dive, however, involves a thorough investigation and analysis.
So I decided to apply these terms—informally—to books
.I’ve read all my life: anything from a bathroom magazine to Tolstoy’s War and Peace. And I’ve written several essays, short stories, and novels. As I said, I love books. If I find myself in an enclosed space; actually, it doesn’t have to be an enclosed space, I’ll read the plaques on the side of mountains, for example. But if I do find myself in a place with documents containing words, I’ll read ‘em. Doesn’t matter what the subject is, I’ll give it a try.
So, back to the matter at hand. It occurred to me that if I’m in a bookstore, I kick into ‘twitch’ mode, and start scanning dust covers. (We authors despise writing our dust covers. Most feel that it’s harder than writing the darned book itself.) A bit of exaggeration, but you get my point. And I ask myself, may I judge a book by its cover? Y’know, sometimes you can. Oh, but if I find myself in a library, I perform the infamous deep dive. What does the back cover blurb say about the plot tease? Ooh! Here’s a paragraph about the author! I wonder if they credit their grade ten teacher as inspiration! I did for one of my novels, by the way. Maybe I’ll just sit down and read the first chapter, you know; just to get a feel for their writing.
Deep dive, or twitch, it is a wonderful diversion. And that, Gentle Reader, is why I cannot be trusted to perform a short errand involving a bookstore or a library. And speaking of which, here are some of my favourite places to hang out in the Freddie area, and why:
Oromocto’s Dog-Eared Books is a used bookstore, but it is so much more than that. Emily offers Magic stuff, crystals, self-healing support, and a great offering of New Brunswick author books. And the shop itself has this cozy feel.
Did you know that the Fredericton Co-op in Lincoln also carries books by local authors?
Westminster BookMark is the largest and best known in the area. Noreen and the gang are so supportive of readers and authors, through book launches and receptions, as well as month-end readings. And pick up a mug designed for readers.
Karen at BookEnds on Main St on the Northside continues the sale of used books, and maintains the exquisite reputation Gus Funnell had over the years.
The Minto Public Library is great. They learn who you are, learn what you want, and help you out any way they can. I love the workshops and readings they offer!
The Oromocto Public Library (Fay Tidd Library) is brilliant, with everything from children’s activities to Christmas cookie celebrations. But Books are their jam.
The York Regional Library is a jewel in the region’s library system. Want to sign out a musical instrument, CDs? DVDs? Want to conduct research, and sit in a quiet place to collect your thoughts? Want to perform a deep dive (there is that term, again) on Mysteries? This is the place.
Reading is the absolutely least expensive way to see the world…and other worlds as well. Stay in Freddy, see the worlds. Thank you, Bookstores and Libraries. And Archives; let’s not forget the Archives.
Chuck’s books can be found in all of the above locations.
Are you interested in writing for The Fredericton Word? Email and let us know what you have in mind, always looking for new voices from across the community.
Mr. Poopsalot!
A local dog lover and coach has written a childrens’s book:
MEET MR. POOPSALOT, a heartfelt story of a dog who finds his new family.
Mr. Poopsalot tells the story from the perspective of a dog, Mr. Poopsalot. Mr. Poopsalot lived a great life with his first person, then finds he needs to fend for himself in the wild, until hunger drives him to town, where he is placed in a shelter until he finds his new family.
The book is intended to teach children and their parents or guardians what a dog needs to live their best life. It focuses on a dog's emotional wellbeing and the behaviors a dog may show, and how to read and understand body language.
The book is illustrated by Richard Duijnstee. Richard is a professional illustrator based in Fredericton, who was born with a pencil in his hand and graduated to a fountain pen after graduating from Art School. Richard has a unique style and his drawings are fun and expressive.
Noortje Kunnen wrote the story, based on her experiences as a dog coach. Noortje owns and operates Wag Wise Dog Coaching and Education in the Fredericton area. Noortje is passionate about her work with dogs and people and hopes to give as many dogs as possible the best life possible. Her work focuses on the dog’s emotional well-being. It is important to understand what a dog needs to be happy, healthy and safe. Humans are not the best at reading a dog’s body language and understanding what normal dog behaviour is. Bringing a dog home from a shelter to a new environment can be very challenging for a dog. New environments with new noises, smells, people, habits, and routines can be hard for a dog to get used to. Meet Mr. Poopsalot helps families understand what a dog needs to feel happy and safe and how people and dogs can live their best lives together.
Meet Mr. Poopsalot is available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0TRVud2
FOMO: The Queen of Streets
Is Queen Street in downtown Fredericton the province’s best street? (Yes!)
Unique shops, entertainment venues (smash rooms, game cafes, clay cafes, escape rooms, pool hall, live music) plus amazing restaurants pubs and cafes. Now Queen Street will be even better with three big openings coming in the next few weeks. We will focus on these locations in the next issues of The Fredericton Word.
The Cardinal Room Cocktail Bar
We caught up with the owner/bartender of The Cardinal Room Jon Linkletter to get the scoop on his new bar located at 422 Queen Street which will open late February.
Jon you are taking on this adventure of opening an upscale cocktail bar in downtown Fredericton, what is your connection to Fredericton, what is your background as a bartender in the service industry that has brought you to this point?
I first came to Fredericton in 2017 on what I thought was just a visit, but I quickly fell in love with the city. Specifically the vibrant downtown and thriving arts scene. In that first year I began working in local bars and restaurants, and developed a fascination with cocktail culture. My time spent working for Jenny and Peter at 11th Mile, alongside Kanye at the Provincial, and leading the bar program at 540 Kitchen and Bar have enabled me to explore a broad array of cocktail styles, and really tap into Fredericton’s unique brand of hospitality.
Fredericton has been slow on the uptake in cocktail culture. The 11th Mile and The Provincial have the most robust cocktail programs. What have you learned from them that will help you establish The Cardinal Room? How will you be different?
I might actually disagree with you here. What I’ve observed from behind the bar these past 8 years is that there is a big interest in cocktails and spirits, and quite a few very passionate and talented home bartenders. The limiting factor, and perhaps what might make it appear that there has been a slow uptake, is simply the lack of any real resources. Up until recently, in order to access unique and interesting ingredients you had to travel to other provinces like Nova Scotia or Quebec. Thankfully this is changing now, as ANBL is beginning to bring in a more diverse variety of spirits, and stores such as the Urban Almanac downtown have begun carrying high quality ingredients and tools.
What I’ve learned from the restaurants you mentioned is how to be creative with what is available locally. At the Cardinal Room we are excited to continue this tradition of creativity and celebrating local tastes and products while expanding that vision to highlight drinking culture from around the world, and reintroducing historical cocktails and drinking rituals.
Let’s talk about location, how did you choose your Queen Street location? what are the perks of being downtown?
I’ve long dreamed of opening a bar or restaurant, and so I’ve always kept my eye out for the right spot. I was walking down Queen Street with my wife and kids during the Harvest Music Festival when I saw the “For Rent” sign in the window of the old Picaroons Brewtique. I had always loved that location and I jumped at the opportunity right away.
The space is perfect due to its easy accessibility via bus or taxi, and with overnight parking nearby, so customers don’t have to worry about getting home after a night out. Being downtown also enables us to participate in Fredericton’s vibrant and growing nightlife.
What will your space be like for your clientele? Can you paint a picture of the client experience as they sip on one of your cocktails?
I have been largely working on this project solo, with the support of my wife. However, one area where I really wanted to be sure we hit the mark was vibes. So I enlisted the help of a family friend and incredibly talented designer Jessika Daley to transform the space into a stylish and relaxing retreat.
The venue will seat up to 50 people, with a variety of seating types available. Guests can sit and chat in lounge chairs or traditional dinette-style tables, stand or sit at cocktail tables, or hang out at the bar. I want to enable my guests to curate their own experience, and so we have designed the space to enable both walk-up bar service, as well as table service.
Without giving away any trade secrets what will your cocktail menu look like? Are you focussing on any specific spirits or type of cocktail?
A: I’ve never been one to keep a secret. If anyone ever asks for my recipes or techniques, I’ll gladly share. Our menu will focus mainly on traditional cocktails from around the world and throughout history. I’ve been influenced greatly by the tropical, or Polynesian-inspired cocktail trends that emerged during the escapism of the 1930’s in America, as well as pre-prohibition French drinking culture. This will certainly have a heavy influence on our cocktail menu while leaving space for experimentation in our selection of signature drinks and non-alcoholic offerings. I am also excited to be able to provide a super interesting wine list through close collaboration with local brand ambassadors, and some local favourites from the craft brewing scene.
Menu development is still underway, but two drinks that I’m really excited for are our take on a Bahama Mamma with is unique blend of rums, rich coffee, and tropical fruit, as well as our homage to the Japanese Cold Noodle, an incredible drink from one of the worlds best bars in NYC, Double Chicken Please.
Thanks for your time Jon, and congratulations on your impending opening!
Thank you again Steven. I’m super excited to begin welcoming customers next week I’ve been working hard assembling a fantastic team that will help bring this vision to life. We can’t wait to welcome you and your readers very soon!
MOMO Ramen and Izakaya
Fredericton’s first Izakaya! Opening soon at the corner of Queen and Regent Street. Owner and manager Josh will give us all the details next issue.
Art Corner
Local artist and cartoonist Dawn Mockler has been providing her cartoons to a few of the newsletters so thought I would create a space to share reader’s artwork or photography. If you have something to share I will feature one or two items per issue.
Upcoming issues:
Coastline new resto sneak peek, Moma, Northside strong side, New Maryland news
merci - je vais aller à la découverte de cet auteur Chuck Bowie et il faudra bien aller voir la biblio de Minto maintenant.