August 27, 2011: Wvrst! Geek Fest!

Last night, we checked out a place seemingly tailor-made for my buddy Carl: Wvrst.  The name is unfortunate and the room's acoustics are terrible (Carl and I, sitting across from each other, had to shout to be heard), but the food is great.  On the menu: sausages and beer.  You choose between currywurst (sausage served with a sauce that's a tasty mix of ketchup and curry) or sausage in a bun (along with two of four toppings: sauerkraut, jalapenos, sweet red peppers, or caramelized onions), then get to choose from a variety of sausages.

Carl, all smiles. I have a feeling this is going to be is home away from home while in Toronto. He'll just pack up his stuff at the hotel and move in here.

Banquet seating.

A terrific meal.  Akemi loved her Italian sausage because it was, to quote her – "shauwissen" (meaning it was just bursting with meat juices).  I loved my duck with maple and foie gras.  And we ALL loved the duck fat fries!  About the only thing nobody loved…

The Church Key Scotch Ale. Brutal. Carl likened it to drinking motor oil.

No dessert menu at Wvrst.  Fortunately, Soma was on the way home.  We stopped by for – oh, everything: chocolates, ice cream, flourless chocolate cake, and cookies.

Carl tut-tuts my boorish behavior.

Today, Akemi and I met up with Carl and dog park friends John and Nancy for lunch and Fan Expo.  We were really looking forward to enjoying a meal at our favorite Jamaican restaurant Ackee Tree…

Only to learn it had closed down. John was crushed.

We ended up at Bier Markt instead, another one of Carl's favorite haunts.  They do a killer Ahi Tuna burger.  But the highlight of the menu…

The Markt Poutine.

 Finally, it was time to hit the Fan Expo.  And, after coughing up $40 to get in (Actually, Carl treated!) we were in…

Carl having the time of his life.

Akemi and her Japanese buddy. We watched a trailer for what looked like Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots: The Movie.

March of the storm troopers. Dispatched for crowd control.

At the Space booth: Mark Askwith and fellow producer prep for the big show.

As I was leaving the Space booth, I was approached by Andrew here who recognized me (and not from that America's Most Wanted episode!). We chatted Stargate for a while.

Speaking of Stargate - it was nice to see the fans representing.

And a little something for Das!

GORN!!!

I gave myself top points for actually recognizing this character from the Silent Hill video game.

DC Heroes on display.

Perhaps the worst case of jaundice I've ever seen.

Spirited Away!

No, not really.

You climb in, they lock you up, then bury you out back. Two hours later, they dig you back up.

Hmmm. I think I know why that Wonder Woman pilot didn't go to series.

The Joker and Harley Quinn out and about.

I score two more supervillain statues for my office collection: The Vulture on the left and Modok on the right.

Carl calls it a day.

 "This was my second geek festival.  I think pretty successful." – Akemi, August 27 2011.