Best Things Ever

I was lured to Toronto's Mitzi's Sister on Thursday night by the chance to spend time with some friends, see The Legendary Dirt Bikers perform, and to claim a free "really super basket of the best french fries ever" that I won for having fast typing fingers, a dull enough life to be checking e-mails late at night and, in the words of Dirt Biker guitarist/singer Fred Robinson, being "one of the nicest men ever."

The fries — comprised of a mix of sweet and Yukon Gold potatoes, served with a spicy mayo — really are among the best ever.

The Legendary Dirt Bikers performed some songs I'd never witnessed before, and I can honestly say that the band played the best versions of them that I've ever heard.

The Church Of Miss Walker followed with an interesting 20-minute set. The band crowded on to Mitzi's small stage and looked like something from The Land Of Misfit Toys. The female lead singer's voice annoyed me at first, but I got used to it, and I enjoyed watching the multi-instrumentalist to her left. The music was angular indie rock, and I didn't mind it at all. At least one of the group members is also in The Salarymen, who I've never seen, but who come highly recommended by Mr. Robinson.

Fred's younger brother Dave — the former frontman for U.I.C., The Chickens and El Speedo — was out to support his sibling, so it was good to catch up with him.

Mitzi's currently has some interesting rock-related paintings for sale on its walls, and the bar has a good selection of microbrews. So check the joint out for the food, music, art and beer. Tell them that "one of the nicest men ever" sent you.