David Cohen and Big John McNeil

Today we present two very Canadian things, one involving a very high profile American of all things.

David Cohen, the new American Ambassador to Canada, was recently seen purchasing a beavertail. 

This has become a bit of a rite for new American ambassadors, and they don't have very far to go from the embassy to purchase a beavertail in the nearby Byward Market. I am not sure if the precedent existed before a certain man by the name of Barack had one in 2009, although I suspect not, but it does seem to have become a thing ever since then. Or maybe not when Trump's man was here; I just don't know.

You may be forgiven for wondering about beavertails. I mean, we know that beavers are a Canadian symbol, almost as iconic as the maple leaf. But really now, it is one thing to pick up and admire a nice maple leaf, but you would be forgiven for wondering what one would possibly do with a beavertail. And what about the poor tail-less beaver?

Well, one eats it, of course. But . . . it is not what you think!

The BeaverTail is a fried dough pastry that is sold in a variety of flavours. Most flavours of BeaverTails are topped with sweet condiments and confections, such as whipped cream, banana slices, crumbled oreos, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate hazelnut. (Wikipedia) 

 

Eh, if that isn't enough Canadiana for you for one day, here is a good ole Canadian fiddle tune for yiz eh. Not long ago, I posted Maple Sugar, and Big John McNeil is another very popular fiddle tune here in The Valley. 

I didn't even go looking for Big John, but one day, YouTube decided that I needed to see it, so it sent me the link. Since we've recently talked about fiddling, I might as well share it with you as well. It includes some Valley step dancing when the kids put down their instruments for a bit. Enjoy it, eh.

Here's a delightful version of an older guy and group playing in a trailer. I think is a better rendition. Look at his feet going. I love this one because it is so authentic and genuine. It is pretty well the way that fiddling was meant to be or at least how it often is or was in The Valley. 

Fun, eh.