Confessions of a Retired Party-Animal...
So - have you ever decided to watch a movie that nobody's heard of, you've seen no previews, heard no reviews, but watch it anyway because.. well just because? And it ends up being one of the "best movies ever"? If you love little hidden gems like these - do not read this review. Just visit the little seafood restaurant at Yonge and Wellington in Aurora on a Friday or Saturday night. Bring your dancing shoes and cab money.
....If you're not into surprises, then let me tell you about Aurora's best kept mini-hotspot: Aw Shucks.
I'll admit it, I like to party.
In my prime time, I'd be out every day of the week. Unfortunately, I've since grown a little bit older. As cliché as it sounds, I've moved to the suburbs and most weekends are spent at home cleaning or watching a flick. Going out is much more of a production now - who's going to look after the dog, how much will a cab...
So - have you ever decided to watch a movie that nobody's heard of, you've seen no previews, heard no reviews, but watch it anyway because.. well just because? And it ends up being one of the "best movies ever"? If you love little hidden gems like these - do not read this review. Just visit the little seafood restaurant at Yonge and Wellington in Aurora on a Friday or Saturday night. Bring your dancing shoes and cab money.
....If you're not into surprises, then let me tell you about Aurora's best kept mini-hotspot: Aw Shucks.
I'll admit it, I like to party.
In my prime time, I'd be out every day of the week. Unfortunately, I've since grown a little bit older. As cliché as it sounds, I've moved to the suburbs and most weekends are spent at home cleaning or watching a flick. Going out is much more of a production now - who's going to look after the dog, how much will a cab be, or can we stay at a nearby hotel? Big production. God I feel old (and I'm only 25)
In any case, my point is: when I do decide to go out, I make sure it's going to be somewhere good. Especially at my favourite time of year: Halloween. I treasure Halloween weekend more than I New Years Eve. This year, a friend recommended a really cozy little seafood restaurant/lounge in Newmarket - Aw Shucks. I'll admit, I was reluctant at first. I had been to the place before for an early dinner. The food was great, but... it was a restaurant..... not exactly my idea of a stellar party. In the end, after much debate, I agreed to give it a try. What won me over? They would be playing live music. SOLD!
First and foremost.... The band. Hats off to the Pontune 5. Not sure that they are there every weekend, but if they happen to be in town, you must go see them. Great mix of old rock and roll and new alternative. Everything from The Beatles to The Killers. And they were always open to requests. There wasn't a single person near the dance floor who wasn't dancing. And the crowd was a great mix of ages - 25 - 50. Everyone, young and not-so-young, partying their asses off. No pretentious snobs here. The staff was outstanding. Never waited longer than a couple of minutes for a drink, and always served with a smile and conversation. Although the conversation usually was centered on my crazy costume (pictures below).
One thing that amazed me (ladies you'll all be able to relate to this) for a smaller venue, JAM PACKED with people.... The washroom was immaculate. No mess. No long lineups. Always kept clean and neat. Except for the blood I left behind - see pictures below. It's not what you think get your mind out of the gutter.
Best part of the night - all of the famous people. I had the pleasure of meeting Stewie of Family Guy, Tommy Lee and Pamela Anderson, Malibu Barbie, The Blues Brothers and Captain Jack Sparrow. And pictures to prove it. See below.
I didn't have dinner there that night, but I have before and the food was delicious. Although slightly over priced. Mind you, we won 1st prize for best costume which included a gift certificate for my next meal, so that won't be an issue.
In any case, sorry for the long-winded review. Check it out. Or call ahead and ask when the Pontune 5 will be playing next. If you're a retired party-animal like me, and you like live music, you'll love it at Aw Shucks.
Cheers, Kim
Comments
Great costumes,i will definatley check this place out.
PS Where did you get those costumes.
Home made for the most part! Def check it out. I believe they have live music most weekends... but if not, call and ask when the Pontune 5 will be around next. Worth the trip to Aurora. And this is coming from a girl who lives in Ajax
Great Review...If I'm ever in Aurora I know where to go. So true about going out is a big production...LOL.
I go to Aurora and Newmarket all the time..
Wow, awesome costumes! Love your photos, great review!
oh wow .. as sad as it sounds i am a retired party animal too!!! what has happend to us ... but something is telling me that there are the second wind currents coming from the south so not to worry .. ;-) love the make up, girl ... woudn't wanna meet you in a dark alley! would be a hearattack guaranteed! lol.. hey .. how much were those lenses?
a very very cool review,
love the costume, great pictures
going out can be a big production, especially with such cool make up effects :)
I'd like to know how long it took to put on the makeup ?
also can you tell me more about the food service, is it good?
(you mentioned the bar service was great and I just wanted to know how the waiting staff is, I don't mind paying a little extra if the service is above par).
... and partially reformed. Sorry to say, I would probably have been too tired to leave home after going to that length to get costumed up.
:)
I also keep forgetting that Yonge Street is actually Hwy 11 and is still one of the longest roads in Canada. When I saw the address of Aw Shucks I thought... there's businesses that far up Yonge Street?
Nice review. This place looks like it's worth a visit.
Hey Lutz!
In stores they can go for up to $250 a pair... which is ridiculous.... But if you order direct (online) from Clearly Contacts, they're about $80 a pair. I don't wear contacts normally, so they can be a bit uncomfortable... but well worth it even just to see the reaction on other people's faces!!!
Hey Simon,
Between the two of us, the makeup took about an hour. Mine was a piece of cake, his was a little more intense lol. But I love it. The reaction of people at the bar was hilarious (particularily the drunk guy out in the smoking lounge out back... he was "blown away man!")
The food service, for what I can remember form the last time I was there, was good. I don't remember it being OUTSTANDING, but certainly no complaints. 15% tip's worth. The food is absolutely delicious. I had Salmon when I was there and the flavour was to die for. Honestly speaking, I wouldn't go out of my way from Ajax to go there just for the food... For me it's about the whole package (food + great crowd + live music + dancing). Although, mind you, if I lived in the area, I could see myself frequenting the place much more often. Maybe they ought to franchise :)
As it turns out, I found out the Pontune 5 played another fantastic gig there this past weekend. I'm truly sorry I missed it!!!
great costumes
Thanks for all of the positive feedback ladies and gents.. I seem to have won an iPhone!
Thanks n49 :) I'll be back and writing often!!
OK you already won an iPhone but ill still comment! I think this place sounds great ... im always down to hear live music!
You should also check out Joe Mamas ... live bands playing all MoTown favs!!!
looks like a great time... wicked makeup jobs!!!
Merci beaucoup! T'was a great night!
Great review Kim.... and I agree, what a great night and a cool atmosphere. And AWESOME makeup by you!!!
ps... I love you ;)
What is the music like? What type of dancing?
The Pontune 5 plays a wide variety of Rock and Roll - both old and new. You'll find 40-50 yr old couples and 25-30 couples and singles dancing away - in any way they know how :) My best advice is that if you are the type who likes live music - you'll love it here. And you can always check out www.pontune5.com for other venues they're playing. I hear they will be at Hogan's Inn in King CIty for New Year's eve. Don't want to miss it!