Turned out to be quite the evening. I left work as a thunderstorm was starting. One of those ones where nature gives us a reminder of who is really in charge. On the way I ran to the courier for a drop off and made a side trip to grab a red velvet cupcake.

Over to the Only cafe where I found a pint and the patio where some friends and I stood out in the light cool rain. Which was just incredible after the heat we had been experiencing. From the patio we could hear the live music. As the rain got harder we found a spot under the umbrellas.

The Battle of the Brew Bands was a competition of bands all of whom had at least one member from the various breweries who were featured on the Only Cafe taps that night. I was there especially to see the Beaus band. I used to follow Steve the Beaus rep’s former band Constable Brennan years ago. His new band was pretty great and he continues to be one of the nicest and coolest people.( A trait he shares with many of his Beaus Brewing cohorts). From what I recall the breweries represented were Beaus, Sawdust City, Wellington and Steamwhistle.

In a way I’m chastising myself for not tackling the event and blogging about the ins and outs of the competition and the beer. Direct reporting which can be fun in its own way. On the other hand just being out and enjoying the night was fantastic. Good company, good beer in a bar I’m fond of. I got to cheer on an old acquaintance and spent a rainy cool summer evening on a patio.

After the Only cafe a bunch of us crossed the Danforth and headed to Square Boy for burgers and onion rings an occurrence which happens often among my friends when out to the Only Cafe.

http://www.theonlycafe.com/

http://www.ontariocraftbrewers.com/