It is always fun to connect with new Travel Geeks through local events. This week Sosauce was invited by our friend Meg at Hawkins International for an introductory happy hour event hosted by Atlantic Canada Tourism called Shuck Sip and Flex at Flex Mussels on the Upper East Side. We were immediately excited to attend as we were promised a night of free food and drinks, travel friends to meet, and trivia to part-take in.
SHUCK, SIP AND FLEX
Shuck Famous Malpeque Oysters
Sip Atlantic Canadian Wines, Beer & Cocktails
Flex Your Canadian Mussels
Upon entering the restaurant, I was taken aback at the formality of the atmosphere and wondered whether a gal with a plaid dress, nose ring, and tatted foot would fit in. Luckily, a rep from Hawkins greeted me at the door and sat me at the bar where I felt more at home. Within minutes I (finally!) met up with Meg and Anna from the Social Media Roundtable event where we caught up on our busy lives in the city. After enjoying some complimentary drinks we were joined by the wildly entertaining “Mommy blogger,” Carol Cain and then proceeded to test our Canadian knowledge as we were asked some trivia questions such as:
- Where do A-list celebrities escape to fish some of the most pristine salmon rivers in the world? (hint: it’s in New Brunswick)
- Why is cod-pot fishing – found only on a small island off Newfoundland & Labrador – making heads turn in the environmental community?
- What exactly is Nova Scotia Tidal Bore Rafting?
The true highlight of the evening though was reuniting with some of our favorite humor-filled travel writers, Mike Barish and Paul Brady. The five of us (me, Anna, Carol, Mike, and Paul) quickly grabbed a table and felt no shame in revealing the blunders of our socially-awkward lives. The staff at Flex Mussels were also a great group! Our waiters were refreshingly friendly, adorning us with fresh h’orderves, heaping plates of seafood, refilling drinks, and even went out of their way to prepare me a yummy salad upon learning my allergy to shellfish. Needless to say, it was an enjoyable few hours.
The best part of these types of events is making genuine connections with interesting people who you later go on to call friends. The Canadian Mussels event (which we live tweeted) was a nice way to learn about a new travel destination and kick back with good people. So thanks to Atlantic Canada and Hawkins International for inviting Sosauce, we had a great time!
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The Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership (ACTP) brings together the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the provincial departments responsible for tourism in New Brunswick , Newfoundland and Labrador , Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island and the four provincial tourism industry associations.
Sosauce loves attending travel events. If you are hosting any upcoming events in the New York area and would love Sosauce to attend, email us the info and we will RSVP!
Read more posts by Alisha
It’s not common these days to find this type of information. I’m glad I stumbled upon your website. Keep up the good work!
[...] week we shared with you our fun at the Canadian Mussels networking event in New York. As members of a growing start-up company in the travel industry, we [...]
Ah, Alisha, great recap…so awesome to meet you too! Though I have yet to come to terms with being referred to as a “mommy blogger”, somehow I found that I ADORE being referred to as “wildly entertaining” especially by someone who I found to be the same. Besos…I hope to connect soon!
–Carol
Hey Carol – haha yea which is why I put that term in quotes. Hope to see you again soon, I’m sure we’ll cross paths this spring :]