Tales from Winnipeg (second helping)

Whilst in Winnipeg we were looking for somewhere to watch the AFL grand final. One likely place was the Billabong Bar and Bistro, an Australian themed bar in the middle of Canada. It wasn't too tacky - there were boomerangs nailed to the walls, and a few kitsch-y 70's advertising posters hung around, but pretty low-key. A TV had been set up on one side of the bar, with enough space for 50 or so people (if they really crammed in). We were early, so I viewed the beers available. VB, Carlton Cold, Crown Lager, Boag's Premium, Steinlager (which is close enough), and Coopers Red (and probably some others I don't remember - Hahn?). I asked the (Canadian) barman for the Coopers, but only if he knew how to serve it. He nodded (with a wise smile to himself), pulled out a stubby, moved slightly so as to be in full view of the entire room, and rolled the beer on the bar.

This drew baffled looks from locals (as the barman intended), leading to a long and fruitful discussion about in-bottle fermenting. I was quite impressed.

As it was, the grand final drew about 30 people. Enough room to swing a small cat. Half were other ex-pats and backpackers, and half were locals wondering what the hell the rules were.