Wait, so parmesan isn't that powdered stuff that you shake out of a can? Or that stuff that looks like little stringy things that comes of out some weird grinding device?
This hard cheese is crumbly and salty (this had little salt crystals in it too). Maybe a little bit too salty? I guess I would just have to eat small pieces of it. In terms of taste, I don't know...salty and cheesy?
I'm no help, but this might be.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Comte Reservation 18 mois
The market in the summertime is so lovely. I was happily filling up my panier and thought to get some more cheese, because, why not? I tried a different cheese shop this time, La fromagerie Hamel. It's got more than just cheese, in fact, I'd say it's got everything that you could want to go along with your cheese. From breads, to jams, charcuterie, nuts...you know, all the accoutrements. I enjoyed the store. We'll see if I become loyal to one over the other.
Anyway, as per usual, I picked up two cheeses. Usually, I go for a hard cheese and a soft cheese, but this time I went with two hard cheeses.
The Comte Reservation is a cow-milk's cheese from France. It's a little bit like a cheddar, quite creamy. There seemed to be little salt crystals or something in it, which was a nice little surprise. Very smooth.
One thing that I prefer about the other cheese shop is that the label that they give you has some tasting notes. I like having immediate access to the info. Today's cheese shop doesn't have that info on their labels but you can find all of the info on their website. So, if you want to read up about the Comte Reservation, click here.
Anyway, as per usual, I picked up two cheeses. Usually, I go for a hard cheese and a soft cheese, but this time I went with two hard cheeses.
The Comte Reservation is a cow-milk's cheese from France. It's a little bit like a cheddar, quite creamy. There seemed to be little salt crystals or something in it, which was a nice little surprise. Very smooth.
One thing that I prefer about the other cheese shop is that the label that they give you has some tasting notes. I like having immediate access to the info. Today's cheese shop doesn't have that info on their labels but you can find all of the info on their website. So, if you want to read up about the Comte Reservation, click here.
Friday, June 24, 2016
Sunday, June 19, 2016
National Circus School
Last week, I attended the two annual shows of the National Circus School, Colibri and Demain. I'm so glad that I went.
The show features performances by the graduating class. The ensemble is made up of the second year students (it's a three-year program). The first years put on a pre-spectacle performance in the foyer.
While both of the shows were incredible, I preferred Colibri. The show was simple, not quite having a storyline, but a clear mood was established. It was etherial, lyrical, and romantic. The mise en scene was simple and the featured acts were so well woven into the show as a whole. Even nicer, I thought was the way that each member of the ensemble had little moments to show their own skills as well as collectively continue to perform without being a distraction from the featured performer.
Demain had more of a folk, fun, and upbeat feel. There was an attempt to have a story keeping the show together, but some parts seemed confusing and superficial. I later learned that each show was put together in three weeks and featured performers came to the shows with the acts that they created for their final assessments for the school. Thus, the "characters" that they embodies for their assessments may not have matched the vision of the show and so the Creative Directors of the show would deal with this in their own ways. The acts from Demain did seem a little bit more eclectic, show perhaps it made it harder for the Creative Director to make things flow authentically. Anyway, I guess it depends what you like in a show. Demain also features more acrobatics (which I love), so it was fun to see performers jumping, tumbling, twisting and turning.
There was one consistent theme across both shows: talent and art. I was impressed at the passion and dedication that these artists/athletes put towards their craft. These young adults focus on developing and honing their skills...for them, it is a full-time position.
I hope that everyone in the world is able to find their passion and puts their entire being into it. As exhausting and discouraging that it sometimes may be, the moments of pure bliss make it sooooo worth it.
Montreal is pretty fantastic for (youth and) the arts. Both the National Circus School and National Theatre School are here. And I can take advantage of both by supporting the students and being inspired by attending their performance.
The show features performances by the graduating class. The ensemble is made up of the second year students (it's a three-year program). The first years put on a pre-spectacle performance in the foyer.
While both of the shows were incredible, I preferred Colibri. The show was simple, not quite having a storyline, but a clear mood was established. It was etherial, lyrical, and romantic. The mise en scene was simple and the featured acts were so well woven into the show as a whole. Even nicer, I thought was the way that each member of the ensemble had little moments to show their own skills as well as collectively continue to perform without being a distraction from the featured performer.
Demain had more of a folk, fun, and upbeat feel. There was an attempt to have a story keeping the show together, but some parts seemed confusing and superficial. I later learned that each show was put together in three weeks and featured performers came to the shows with the acts that they created for their final assessments for the school. Thus, the "characters" that they embodies for their assessments may not have matched the vision of the show and so the Creative Directors of the show would deal with this in their own ways. The acts from Demain did seem a little bit more eclectic, show perhaps it made it harder for the Creative Director to make things flow authentically. Anyway, I guess it depends what you like in a show. Demain also features more acrobatics (which I love), so it was fun to see performers jumping, tumbling, twisting and turning.
There was one consistent theme across both shows: talent and art. I was impressed at the passion and dedication that these artists/athletes put towards their craft. These young adults focus on developing and honing their skills...for them, it is a full-time position.
I hope that everyone in the world is able to find their passion and puts their entire being into it. As exhausting and discouraging that it sometimes may be, the moments of pure bliss make it sooooo worth it.
Montreal is pretty fantastic for (youth and) the arts. Both the National Circus School and National Theatre School are here. And I can take advantage of both by supporting the students and being inspired by attending their performance.
Friday, June 03, 2016
Pomp and circumstance
It's graduation season.
Graduation ceremonies are a funny ritual. Each institution has its own traditions and it's interesting learning about them. The spectacle of it all is really...errr...well, something. It's fun and amusing. It's also full of pomp and elitism. (Wow, some of my colleagues are really getting to me! Ha!) I try not to think about the latter, and think of it as a celebration and a special occasion that happens rarely in one's life. In my profession, I'm fortunate to be part of many.
At my current institution, the spring convocations are held in a (HUGE) tent on main campus. From the outside (I'm quite bad at scale) it seemed like your average tent used for events. But, as the procession (yes, procession...it's so ridiculous) entered, I was shocked at the crowd that awaited me. It seemed to go on forever. The tent was so large that there was a big screen TV mounted so that those who were seated towards the back could watch the events through the screen.
Speeches are a source of interest. How the speakers interpret their role and what they choose to speak about. I am always interested in finding out if repeat speakers reuse (parts) of speeches.
The moment of "hooding" is one that can vary at institutions. From literally hooding the graduands, to tapping on the shoulder with caps or scrolls. There are options for kneeling or crouching.
And of course, I must comment on the attire. The procession is probably the most diverse: the different gowns, hoods, and caps that appear are a source of amusement. I choose not to sport a cap and my gown is red and black and my hood is red and white. Quite simple, but elegant. I feel fortunate. I enjoy those who wear the poofy caps, and gowns with awkward colour combinations. A colleague has a lovely bright pink gown and she looks so splendid. As the majority of the ceremony is spent watching graduands cross the stage, as it should be, they are on full display. As their attire is covered with the big gowns, footwear is easiest to consider. From flats to stilettos, I watched their strides with intrigue. The audience is a little bit too far away to see what they're wearing, but after the ceremony is over, it's nice to see how family and friends have chosen to dress for the occasion.
Anyway, as I said at the beginning. Convocations are a funny ritual. I do feel a little ridiculous being part of the spectacle, yet proud at the same time. I am humbled by my privilege and to be part of a special day. I'm already looking forward to the next ceremony.
Congratulations to all graduands and graduates!
Graduation ceremonies are a funny ritual. Each institution has its own traditions and it's interesting learning about them. The spectacle of it all is really...errr...well, something. It's fun and amusing. It's also full of pomp and elitism. (Wow, some of my colleagues are really getting to me! Ha!) I try not to think about the latter, and think of it as a celebration and a special occasion that happens rarely in one's life. In my profession, I'm fortunate to be part of many.
At my current institution, the spring convocations are held in a (HUGE) tent on main campus. From the outside (I'm quite bad at scale) it seemed like your average tent used for events. But, as the procession (yes, procession...it's so ridiculous) entered, I was shocked at the crowd that awaited me. It seemed to go on forever. The tent was so large that there was a big screen TV mounted so that those who were seated towards the back could watch the events through the screen.
Speeches are a source of interest. How the speakers interpret their role and what they choose to speak about. I am always interested in finding out if repeat speakers reuse (parts) of speeches.
The moment of "hooding" is one that can vary at institutions. From literally hooding the graduands, to tapping on the shoulder with caps or scrolls. There are options for kneeling or crouching.
And of course, I must comment on the attire. The procession is probably the most diverse: the different gowns, hoods, and caps that appear are a source of amusement. I choose not to sport a cap and my gown is red and black and my hood is red and white. Quite simple, but elegant. I feel fortunate. I enjoy those who wear the poofy caps, and gowns with awkward colour combinations. A colleague has a lovely bright pink gown and she looks so splendid. As the majority of the ceremony is spent watching graduands cross the stage, as it should be, they are on full display. As their attire is covered with the big gowns, footwear is easiest to consider. From flats to stilettos, I watched their strides with intrigue. The audience is a little bit too far away to see what they're wearing, but after the ceremony is over, it's nice to see how family and friends have chosen to dress for the occasion.
Anyway, as I said at the beginning. Convocations are a funny ritual. I do feel a little ridiculous being part of the spectacle, yet proud at the same time. I am humbled by my privilege and to be part of a special day. I'm already looking forward to the next ceremony.
Congratulations to all graduands and graduates!
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