Brian's Table, Ottawa, ON (2025)

06/03/2025

When I was in India last year, I had a goal of seeing LOTS OF CRICKET. As someone who's loved the game for decades, I was excited to experience what has become the Mecca of the Sport. But that did not happen, and I think it is something that we should talk about. In this video, I dive deep into what’s really wrong with Indian cricket — from Test Match/IPL ticketing nightmares, complicity with the local sports media, to BCCI politics and the shocking state of the spectator experience.

There's a lot to consider. Why do die-hard foreign fans still struggle to get into stadiums? What about the fan experience at IPL games? And what of India’s cricketing influence on the current state and future of the sport?

I break it all down — from Dharamshala to Eden Gardens to West Indies tours, with no sugarcoating. Whether you're a fan of Virat Kohli, a critic of the BCCI, or just love the game, this is a video you need to see.

Let’s talk about where Indian cricket is heading.

👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments — agree or disagree, I want to hear from fans of the game.

***************************************

Hey folks!When I was in India last year, I had a goal of seeing LOTS OF CRICKET. As someone who's loved the game for decades, I was excited to experience wha...

05/31/2025

Hey Folks!

I filmed this a few months ago. At this time I went shopping for new clothes with my style-guru friend, Julian. Yes, I'll admit I am borderline hopeless in figuring out what sort of clothes look good on me. I will also admit that given where I am in reshaping my body and that I am still unsure of my immediate fitness goals, I have been reticent to get new clothes for the last 5 years. To my surprise, I was picking up trousers with a 33" waist! The last time I bought pants, even with my initial recent weight loss, I was still 36"! The last time I had a 33" waist was in the late 1980s! It felt great. It reinforced my belief in working towards the body I want, alongside how much better I felt about my current frame. So, I wanted to share a few thoughts and observations about my perspective on the concept of body positivity.

From battling weight fluctuations to shifting from a career-first lifestyle to a health-conscious mindset, this video is all about personal responsibility, self-awareness, and learning how to maintain both physical and mental wellness. Whether you're dealing with weight gain, diet confusion, or just trying to feel better in your skin — this video is for you.

👉 Let me know in the comments: Where are YOU in your body positivity journey?

***************************************

Hey Folks!I filmed this a few months ago. At this time I went shopping for new clothes with my style-guru friend, Julian. Yes, I'll admit I am borderline hop...

05/28/2025

Hey Folks!

In North America, for years Costco was the top store for wine sales. It's still in the ballpark of $7 billion (US), but now Total Wine is the now the top brand. A few years ago, Costco introduced their House Kirkland brand wine selection. And like all that it gets behind, Costco's wine division worked with local producers and wine makers and put out some decent line of wines including a champagne. Many of my friends buy these wines - they are well made, easy drinking - as do they swear behind the power of and trust in the Costco brand. Of course, I wondered how do they compare with similarly priced wines at Costco, and how well did they pair with some standard items on a charcuterie board. Hence, the impetus for this series.

So, in this pairing we sample Italian Super Tuscan Blends in the ultimate wine/charcuterie board pairing challenge! 🍷 In this video, we compare Costco's Kirkland 2021 Toscana Blend with the Villa Antinori 2020 Rosso Blend. Both are available at my local Costco (we have separate liquor stores in Alberta). From aroma to taste, and pairing with piave and fontina cheeses, smoked turkey, dalami, and prosciutto, discover which wine emerges as the perfect companion for your next meal.

Join the conversation: What are some of your favorite pairings with wines from Tuscany? Comment below! 👇

Subscribe for more wine reviews and pairing tips.

************************************************

Hey Folks!In North America, for years Costco was the top store for wine sales. It's still in the ballpark of $7 billion (US), but now Total Wine is the now t...

05/24/2025

"Salt is the only rock directly consumed by man. It corrodes but preserves, desiccates but is wrested from the water. It has fascinated man for thousands of years not only as a substance he prized and was willing to labour to obtain, but also as a generator of poetic and of mythic meaning. The contradictions it embodies only intensify its power and its links with experience of the sacred." Margaret Visser

The quote above is from Margaret Visser's excellent book "Much Depends on Dinner." Reading this book over 35 years ago was revelatory - it made me rethink food. In her book, she lays out a dinner by its ingredient and does a deep dive into each one. Each ingredient has a complex history, culture, use and chemistry. While each chapter was chock full of detail, one that resonated and sticks with me was her chapter on salt. Her and Mark Kurlansky's ("Salt: A World History") books are excellent primers for all the fascinating dimensions of this fine grain rock throughout history.

In cooking, salt is essential. It's like a reflex action to add salt to food. Too much, too salty. Not enough, something does not taste at its full potential. It's a fine line between not enough and too much salt. It's also essential in our diet - not enough, you can get hyponatremia, too much hypertension. Salt is about balance.

Having the right salt for the right application is essential in the maximizing the flavour of food. From kosher salt in searing meat to pickling salt for canning and preservation, I go over the basics of what you need to know to up your salt game, while sticking to your food strategy (may it be meal prep or dealing with high blood pressure).

Join the conversation: Do you have a favourite salt? And how do you use it? Comment below! 👇

************************************

"Salt is the only rock directly consumed by man. It corrodes but preserves, desiccates but is wrested from the water. It has fascinated man for thousands of ...

05/21/2025

Hey Folks!

In North America, for years Costco was the top store for wine sales. It's still in the ballpark of $7 billion (US), but now Total Wine is the now the top brand. A few years ago, Costco introduced their House Kirkland brand wine selection. And like all that it gets behind, Costco's wine division worked with local producers and wine makers and put out some decent line of wines including a champagne. Many of my friends buy these wines - they are well made, easy drinking - as do they swear behind the power of and trust in the Costco brand. Of course, I wondered how do they compare with similarly priced wines at Costco, and how well did they pair with some standard items on a charcuterie board. Hence, the impetus for this series.

So, in this pairing we sample California Chardonnays in the ultimate wine/charcuterie board pairing challenge! 🍷 In this video, we compare Costco's Kirkland Signature 2023 Sonoma Chardonnay with Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Chardonnay. Both are available at my local Costco (we have separate liquor stores in Alberta). From aroma to taste, and pairing with camembert and fontina cheeses, smoked turkey, olives, and prosciutto, discover which wine emerges as the perfect companion for your next meal.

Join the conversation: What are some of your favorite pairings with Chardonnay? Comment below! 👇

************************************************

Hey Folks!In North America, for years Costco was the top store for wine sales. It's still in the ballpark of $7 billion (US), but now Total Wine is the now t...

05/17/2025

Here's one I regrettably skipped in 1991 that I finally had the chance to witness. So, 33 years later, join me on a fascinating journey through time as I hop on a ferry from the Gateway of India, right in front of the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, and set off toward one of India’s most unique and ancient sites — the Elephanta Caves. I will add, there's more to this story than the caves themselves - a few lessons on colonialism, and witnessing the evolution and current environmental and social challenges of Mumbai - so tag along for that adventure

This site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and it’s an absolute must-visit if you're in Mumbai. I'll say it again... it’s amazing to think these caves were hand-carved over 1,400 years ago, right out of solid basalt rock!

📍 Have you been to the Elephanta Caves? ✌🏽🥂

Hey folks!Here's one I regrettably skipped in 1991 that I finally had the chance to witness. So, 33 years later, join me on a fascinating journey through tim...

05/14/2025

Greeting Folks:

Summer is upon us. Northern summer, that is. Hopefully there will be stretches of great weather where you can join friends and family outdoors on a patio. At this time, I'd like to make the case (every pun intended) for you to enjoy some sparkling wine to kick off such gatherings. Specifically, Cremants.

The Varichon & Clerc wine featured in this video is a stunning example of what Cremants can deliver. While Cremants can be made throughout France, this winemaker is based in the northern reaches of Burgundy - renown for chardonnay and pinot noir, two (2) of the principal grapes in Champagne. While a non-vintage, house-style driven wine, this bubbly is super food-friendly, and a lovely way to open a meal. Further, it's an excellent wine for making Champagne-based cocktails. Mimosa, anyone?

Cheers to responsibly appreciating every bubble, every flavour, and every story behind the bottle.

Have you ever tried a Cremant wine? Do you have a favourite? Let us know what you thought, and what did you enjoy it with, in the comments below. . ✌🏽🥂

*******************************

Greeting Folks:Summer is upon us. Northern summer, that is. Hopefully there will be stretches of great weather where you can join friends and family outdoors...

05/10/2025

I first visited Bombay/Mumbai in 1991. It was the place I landed (omg, I flew on PanAm there!) and departed, and it left an impression on me. Compared to the chaos I experienced elsewhere, there was an odd orderliness to Mumbai. 33 years on, the city has witnessed a remarkable transformation.

From the iconic Marine Drive to the bustling Bombay Stock Exchange, this vlog captures the essence of Mumbai's evolution in the Colaba area and nearby. The seaside is now a place you want to hang, and the real estate is among the most expensive in world!

Further, watch as I encounter unexpected security measures at the Ambani mansion, showcasing the heightened vigilance around Mumbai's elite residences. It brings into question what exactly is public space and the different rules that the super wealthy can exercise relative to the power of the public. It was quite the eye-opening encounter and window into the direction where India is heading.

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into Mumbai's past and present!

📍 Have you been to Mumbai? 👇Let us know what you thought and your experiences in the comments below. ✌🏽🥂

************************************

Hey Folks!I first visited Bombay/Mumbai in 1991. It was the place I landed (omg, I flew on PanAm there!) and departed, and it left an impression on me. Compa...

05/07/2025

Hey Folks!

In North America, for years was the top store for wine sales. It's still in the ballpark of $7 billion (US), but now Total Wine is the now the top brand. A few years ago, Costco introduced their House Kirkland brand wine selection. And like all that it gets behind, Costco's wine division worked with local producers and wine makers and put out some decent wines including a champagne. Many of my friends buy these wines - they are well made, easy drinking - as do they swear behind the power of and trust in the Costco brand.

Of course, I wondered how do they compare with similarly priced wines at Costco, and how well did they pair with some standard items on a charcuterie board. Hence, the impetus for this series.

So, let's embark on this journey as we pit two Sauvignon Blancs against each other in the ultimate wine pairing challenge! 🍷 In this video, we compare Costco's Kirkland Signature Sauvignon Blanc with Villa Maria Reserve Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. From aroma to taste, and pairing with goat cheese, smoked turkey, olives, and prosciutto, discover which wine emerges as the perfect companion for your next meal.

Join the conversation: What are some of your favorite pairings with Sauvignon Blanc? Comment below! 👇 Subscribe for more wine reviews and pairing tips.

************************************************

Hey Folks!In North America, for years Costco was the top store for wine sales. It's still in the ballpark of $7 billion (US), but now Total Wine is the now t...

05/03/2025

Hey folks:

This video has a bit of homework! The links are in the YouTube post, so check them out..

After visiting Auroville in March 2024, I made this post on my my socials: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4sqiNNNzdw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==. Within the day (given 12 hrs time difference), I got a DM from my friend Asley Bristowe. She said that my post was interesting and reflective of their experience. Knowing Ashley and her husband Chris, I was aware of their time in India and their extensive travels. But I did not know they were planning on moving there.

In this vlog, Ashley shares here experiences from over 20 years ago in their attempt to move to Auroville, and delve in to the challenges, barriers and failure of Intentional Communities. You'd also learn a little about our respective professional careers and the the types of projects we were involved.

Have you ever visited or lived in an "Intentional Community?" Watch now to find out what we discussed and let me know your thoughts and experience in the comments below. ✌🏽🥂 .

🔔 Subscribe for more cultural travel vlogs from India & beyond!

***************************************

Hey folks:This video has a bit of homework! The links are below.After visiting Auroville, I made this post on my my socials: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4sq...

04/30/2025

Hey Folks!

Discover how I transformed from over 220 lbs (100 kg) to 180 lbs (82 kg) and embraced a healthier lifestyle at 60. In this video, I share 5 practical tips that helped me stay fit and maintain my weight. Whether you're starting your fitness journey or looking for motivation, these insights that I found helpful can guide you towards a healthier you.

Thanks again for watching! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more fitness tips and personal insights!

Are you on a similar journey? I'd love to know! Share them in the comments below. ✌🏽🥂

Hey Folks!Discover how I transformed from over 220 lbs (100 kg) to 180 lbs (82 kg) and embraced a healthier lifestyle at 60. In this video, I share 5 practic...

04/26/2025

When staying in Delhi, many tourists flock to the budget zone of Chandi Chowk, or the fashionable shopping districts of Khan Market and Connaught Place, or the upscale Lodhi area. But if you want a great location, more of a neighbourhood feel and access to great services, I'd highly recommend you check out the Hauz Khas/Green Park area.

Join me on this walking tour of Hauz Khas, Delhi — one of the most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods in the city! In this vlog, I take you through the main market areas, including Aurobindo Market and the famous Hauz Khas Village, known for its blend of historic monuments and modern cafés.

In the video I pass by a modern Hindu temple, a gurdwara, and a mosque, shopping areas, flagged the metro stops and exercise zones, all within walking distance, showing just how diverse and accessible this area really is. Whether you’re a traveler looking for a place to explore, or someone searching for great food, markets, or even top-tier medical facilities, Hauz Khas has it all. It's a bit of an oasis amidst the craziness of Delhi.

Let me reiterate: it's super convenient — with easy metro access, everything here is connected and perfect for a day’s outing on foot. And you can largely avoid the street traffic of Delhi. So if you're planning a trip to Delhi or just want to explore the city through my lens, this vlog is for you.

Don’t forget to like, share & subscribe!

📍 Have you been to the Delhi? If yes, what was your experience like? If no, was this video helpful in calibrating your expectations should you visit?👇Let us know what you thought in the comments below. ✌🏽🥂

**********************************

Hey folks!When staying in Delhi, many tourists flock to the budget zone of Chandi Chowk, or the fashionable shopping districts of Khan Market and Connaught P...

Brian's Table

06/03/2025

05/31/2025

05/28/2025

05/24/2025

05/21/2025

05/17/2025

05/14/2025

05/10/2025

05/07/2025

05/03/2025

04/30/2025

04/26/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category