graham sayers « Build A New Life in Prince Edward County

Cider & Brandy

As told by Graham Sayers of SuperCider Me and Chesterfields Homegrown Cafè

When the traditional brandy with soda is unavailable due to a self-imposed year-long cider diet, I find comfort in the fact I can still drink cider with Brandy. Brandy Gale, that is. When it came time to pick which of the cider posse to blog about this week, I just went with the shiniest apple of the bunch. People often ask why we chose Prince Edward County as the place to start our family and open our restaurant, and the truth is there are many reasons. I think of unique people like Brandy Gale – painter, photographer, philanthropist and heart of our creative rural economy. Living in the company of fascinating people who have made the County their home as well is a big part of why we sliced out our segment here. That being said, the proximity of Picton to The County Cider Co. was also a factor.

Like many of my cider friends, I first met Brandy Gale through social media. I knew her as the artist of the bright and vibrant plein air paintings I had seen in galleries and homes all around Prince Edward County. As soon as I saw her profile pic (a photo of her reading the paper while sitting on a makeshift toilet in Algonquin Park) I knew I needed to hit friend request. Her painting style is as original and recognizable as her spirit. So you can imagine my intoxication when the first person to respond to my online call for County artist to do a mural on the wall of Chesterfields Homegrown Cafè was Miss Brandy Gale herself! Over the next three weeks our bond was formed on a strong foundation of cider, red wine and paint. Watching her creative process made my head spin; I staggered at the depth and simplicity of her art and nearly passed out in a euphoric haze.

You can see Brandy and her work at Single Malt Cove, her studio in Rednersville, or the Arts on Main Gallery in Picton, but my favourite place to see Brandy is every morning at Chesterfields.

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Tags: Chesterfields Homegrown Cafè, Creative Rural Economy, graham sayers, Prince Edward County, Single Malt Cove, The County Cider Company Estate Winery
Comments (1) | Posted over two years ago by Graham Sayers

‘Tis The Season To Be Jolly – A Guide to Shopping And Drinking Locally

As told by Graham Sayers of SuperCider Me and Chesterfields Homegrown Cafè

When I first put serious, sober thought into what sacrifices I would have to make by going on a one year cider-only diet, I knew the hardest part would be foregoing Christmas. I can remember so many great spirits of Christmas past, but this year there can be only one. This year my lowly bar will be simple, stocked with only 3 wise bottles of The County Cider Company Peach- Feral- and Original cider.

Not allowing myself to drink any of the great Prince Edward County wines this holiday season is my own cross to bear. I figure if I can’t stock them in my bar, I will instead give them as gifts. The Black Prince Winery has recently introduced the first Prince Edward County VQA Vidal Icewine. This Saturday, Karlo Estates winery is celebrating Wassail with a special film screening, and a meet-and-greet with artists Brandy Gale, Vanessa Pandos and Small Pond Arts. A perfect chance to grab some of their Van Alstine port, another first in this wine region that’s getting rave reviews, and to see and buy the works of some great local artists. A gift of art says that your relationship with the recipient is unique and special. Kind of like a certain reindeer. You know, the one whose nose went red after drinking too much cider. Speaking of cider, I’m planning on picking up some of The County Cider Co.’s limited-run Bubbling Fool Rose - perfectly festive. Their delicious iced cider is a thoughtful gift that I don’t have to put a lot of thought into.

I know I can’t buy art and alcohol for everone on my list, so for the minors in my life, The Galloping Goat and Kelly’s Store are a couple of reliable sources for funky toys and styling kids clothes. My wife’s favourite is this weekend’s Busy Hands Craft Fair, organized by Vicki’s Veggies and Honey Pie Hives and Herbals. This fabulous fair has just about anything you could imagine that’s been hand-made by talented Prince Edward County residents, and I bet you can find something for nearly everyone on your list. And if you can’t, a gift certificate for Chesterfields Homegrown Cafè or a pound of our signature black is a great option too. I can’t help but wonder that if Jesus had turned water into cider instead of wine he may have been a little more popular, you know, living in the desert and all.

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Tags: Black Prince Winery, Chesterfields Homegrown Cafè, graham sayers, Karlo Estates, Prince Edward County, Super Cider Me, The County Cider Company Estate Winery
Comments (2) | Posted over two years ago by Graham Sayers

Consigliere Of Cider

As told by Graham Sayers of SuperCider Me and Chesterfields Homegrown Cafè

Very soon after committing to drinking County Cider Co. Cider every day, I knew at some point my ability to make rational decisions would come into question. I needed a consigliere, an adviser to my master cider drinking. The cider consigliere is a close, trusted friend and confidant: the number three person in the County’s cider-drinking family. (My wife is the underboss). And if I ever need any guidance, who’s a better consigliere than my father? Pat Larkin!

My choice of Pat did not come easily. I was looking for someone with knowledge of the food and beverage business – Pat used to run the Milford Coffee Gallery, now the Milford Bistro. I knew I needed someone outgoing who understood party planning – Pat was a founder of the County’s jazz fest, has chaired the Prince Edward County Arts Council, and starred in a number of shows with the Marysburgh Mummers. Most importantly, when the evil apple on my shoulder tells me I need to put a horse’s head into someone’s bed to make a point, Pat Larkin has a certain glint in his eye that tells me he is the man to call.

When Pat’s not making 6.5% of my decisions for me, he is the mastermind behind Lo-Fi Consulting, PEC’s hottest new computer company. Lo-Fi Consulting is quickly gaining a reputation for providing creative solutions for the County’s home and business IT needs. Their goal is to become the one stop shop for everything computer-oriented. Always looking for new and creative ways to expand the business, Pat recently started TechBench LIVE, an easy and convenient way for people to take advantage of his expertise in a drop-in setting. Hence, on Friday afternoons, Lo-Fi Consulting, in co-operation with Chesterfields Homegrown Cafe, offers the unique experience of having your computer serviced while you eat, shop, or just while away the hours. Lo-Fi Consulting is dedicated to bridging the digital divide between rural and urban experiences, and providing excellent service, one machine at a time.

Someday, and that day has already come for Supercider Me, you will call upon Lo-Fi to do a service for you. Pat will make you an offer you can’t refuse.

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Tags: Chesterfields Homegrown Cafè, graham sayers, Lo-Fi Consulting, Super Cider Me, The County Cider Company Estate Winery
Comments (3) | Posted over two years ago by Graham Sayers