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C Badanai

About C Badanai

Candi Badanai is a proud Thunder Bay local, theatre enthusiast, and community cheerleader who is passionate about helping children thrive through the arts. She loves being a wife to Lawrence and mom to Emmy. You can often catch her trying out local drinks and eats — and maybe even jumping on stage for a little karaoke. Candi is all about making people smile and creating fun wherever she goes.

Posts by C Badanai:

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Sips & Sights: This Waterfront Cocktail Comes With the Best View in Thunder Bay

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Some days just call for a drink with a view, and Thunder Bay’s waterfront is always a good idea. This week’s stop took me to Anchor & Ore, tucked inside the Delta Hotel. Walking in, I was greeted by the bright buzz of lunchtime chatter and sunlight pouring through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Out on the marina, sailboats swayed lazily, and the water glittered like it had been sprinkled with diamonds. It’s the kind of spot where you find yourself lingering over your menu, simply because the view is too good to rush.

I arrived on a mission: to finally try their famous smoked Old Fashioned, the one where the bartender burns a wood barrel to infuse the glass. Unfortunately, I learned it’s a time-specific treat. No worries, pivoting is part of the fun. I asked the bartender for their next most popular pick, and she handed me a New York Sour.

Normally made with Crown Royal, this version featured Canadian Club thanks to a supply hiccup. The drink came together with lemon juice, simple syrup, freshly cracked egg whites (yes, right in front of me), a dried citrus slice, and a delicate float of red wine. The result was a gorgeous, layered cocktail – golden at the base, deep ruby on top, and it looked like a summer sunset trapped in a glass.

The first sip started bright and tangy from the lemon, then deepened into the rich, dry fruitiness of the wine, with just enough whiskey warmth to linger. The egg white gave it that smooth, creamy texture that makes each sip feel indulgent. It’s definitely a confident cocktail, not shy about its strength, but balanced enough to keep you sipping at an unhurried pace.

To keep things light, I went with the salt-and-pepper chicken wings. The first bite delivered a satisfying crunch, the batter airy yet full of flavour. Inside, the meat was tender and juicy, the seasoning just right. A little dunk in hot sauce added the perfect mid-day wake-up call to pair with the cocktail’s boldness.


A strong, flavourful drink, crispy wings, and a sunny waterfront view – Anchor & Ore makes a pretty convincing case for extending lunch hour just a little bit longer.

Until next time – sip boldly, savour slowly, and never pass up a great view with your lunch.

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Sips & Sights: Candylicious Pre-Show Sips at Lot 88

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There’s something extra special about a night out when you know you’re heading somewhere after, like slipping into a bit of magic before the main event.

That was the plan the other week. A rare, beautiful night where the stars aligned, sitter secured, outfits coordinated, and tickets in hand for a show at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. But before the curtain rose, my husband and I treated ourselves to something just as important: a proper date night dinner at Lot 88.

Located just minutes from the Auditorium, Lot 88 has always been one of Thunder Bay’s go-to spots for a sleek, elevated dining experience. And with just enough time to indulge before the show, we made a little occasion out of it, cocktails and small plates, no rush, no stress, just time together.

As usual, I asked our server what drinks were stealing the spotlight lately. Without hesitation, he named two:

  • For martini lovers — the Sour Key-Tini
  • For cocktail fans — the Tropical Ice Tea

And because this was no ordinary Thursday night, I didn’t choose — I ordered both.

Sour Key-Tini: Candy with a grown-up twist

This one’s a conversation starter. It’s made with raspberry vodka, raspberry Sour Puss, apple Sour Puss, banana liqueur, and just enough lime and cranberry juice to keep it balanced. Shaken until icy cold, served in a martini glass, and topped with a dangling sour key candy — it was nostalgic, punchy, and a little bit cheeky.

One sip, and I was 10 years old again with a mouth full of sour candy… except this time, I was wearing nicer shoes and had somewhere fancy to be. It was bold, fun, and surprisingly sophisticated for such a playful drink.

Tropical Ice Tea: Smooth, sunny, and escape-worthy

In contrast, the Tropical Ice Tea was like a mini vacation before the show. A blend of vodka, rum, gin, triple sec, lime juice, cranberry and pineapple juices — it was smooth, slightly fruity, and endlessly refreshing.

If the Sour Key-Tini was loud and bubbly, this one was calm and collected, like a quiet beach at golden hour. Just what I needed to melt away the busyness of the week.

Bites before the standing ovation

Since we didn’t want to fill up too much before the show, we opted for a trio of starters and honestly, they were a performance of their own.

  • The Little 88 Bocconcini Salad was crisp and fresh, a light beginning to the evening.
  • The Garlic Truffle Stuffed Mushrooms were melt-in-your-mouth rich.
  • And the Shaved Beef Mini Yorkies? I refused to share. I regret nothing.

Lot 88 delivered on every note ambience, flavour, and that subtle sense of occasion that makes a good night even better.

As we made our way to the Auditorium with full hearts and happy taste buds, I kept thinking about how these little moments, a toast before a show, a shared bite, a burst of sour followed by a sip of sunshine… these are the little moments we remember.

This week’s Sips & Sights was all about setting the stage: candy-shop martinis, tropical cocktails, and a reminder that the pre-show can be just as magical as the performance itself.

So if you’ve got plans to see a show, celebrate something, or just be together don’t skip the cocktails. Don’t skip the little moment.

Until next time —


Sip boldly, snack well, and always say yes to drinks before the show.


– Candi

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Sips & Sights The Cookie Monster Lives — and It’s a Mocktail

Every now and then, a drink surprises you in the best possible way, and this week’s Sips & Sights adventure was exactly that. I walked into Wacky’s expecting something bold, maybe boozy, and definitely with a kick. Instead, I got a mocktail… dressed like the Cookie Monster. And honestly? It was pure joy in a cup.

Let’s rewind…

It was a typical midweek evening. I’d had one of those days, the kind where your to-do list grows faster than you can cross things off. I needed a little pick-me-up. Something fun. A reason to pause and smile. Wacky’s, with its neon buzz, buzzing tables, and big-screen glow, felt like the right place to reset.

This isn’t a fancy cocktail lounge. Wacky’s is unapologetically itself, a sports bar meets rec room meets family hangout zone. Think oversized booths, shareable snacks, and the sound of someone always scoring big on the claw machine. The kind of place where you can wear jeans and laugh too loud and no one bats an eye.

So I found a seat at the bar, looked the bartender square in the eyes, and asked the golden question: “What’s your most popular drink?”

He didn’t hesitate. “The Cookie Monster,” he said.

At first, I thought he was joking. But sure enough, within minutes, out came a towering blue concoction that looked like it had just escaped from Sesame Street and landed in a blender. There was no mistaking it; this drink had personality. 

A whipped-cream swirl, Oreo cookie smile, and two wide candy eyes peered up at me from beneath a sugary avalanche of crushed cookies and vanilla. It was unapologetically whimsical, like a birthday party memory you didn’t know you still carried around.

But here’s the thing: it tasted even better than it looked. Creamy vanilla. Cookie crunch. Cold, sweet nostalgia in every sip. It was the kind of drink that didn’t care what kind of day you had; it was here to make it better. No alcohol, no pretense — just full-on dessert-in-a-glass happiness.

And that’s what struck me most. Wacky’s didn’t phone it in with some syrupy placeholder for a mocktail. They gave this drink everything. The letter of the day is “P” — and this mocktail had it all: Personality, Presentation, and pure Pleasure! It was thoughtful, indulgent, and — maybe most importantly — unexpected.

In a world that can sometimes make you feel like skipping the booze means skipping the fun, the Cookie Monster is a technicolour reminder that joy comes in many forms. Even frosted ones.

So this week’s sip wasn’t shaken or stirred. It didn’t come with a twist of lime or a rim of salt. But it did come with a smile, a sugar high, and the delightful surprise of being seen — even if just by a cookie-eyed creature in a cup.

And maybe that’s the real magic of it. Sometimes when life feels a little tough, what you really need is to hit pause, stop taking everything so seriously, and order the silliest thing on the menu. Because joy is worth sipping — especially when it’s topped with whipped cream.

Until next time —Sip with curiosity, enjoy with laughter, and never underestimate the power of a really good mocktail.

– Candi

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Sips & Sights
Sipping History — The T. Eaton at Woodside

Every now and then, you stumble on a drink that doesn’t just taste amazing — it tells a story. And that’s exactly what happened when I stopped by Woodside, the beautiful bar tucked inside Goods & Co. Market in the heart of downtown Thunder Bay.

Before I even get into the drink (and trust me, we will get to that), let’s set the scene. Goods & Co. isn’t just a trendy market — it’s a modern revival of one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Once the home of the historic Eaton’s department store, the space was transformed into a bustling hub of local vendors, food artisans, and independent businesses — but it still holds onto that nostalgic charm.

So, it’s only fitting that my drink of the day was the T. Eaton — a cocktail named in honour of Timothy Eaton, the legendary Canadian retailer behind the Eaton’s department store empire. The drink was created by the incredibly talented Tyala Lee, who also happened to be the one serving me that day (bonus!).

Let me paint the picture:
The T. Eaton is a visual masterpiece with a flavour profile to match. It starts with earl grey-infused gin, made in-house with loose leaf tea from the International House of Tea (yes — even the tea is local!). Then comes the Aperol, cranberry, fresh lemon juice, and their house-made butterfly pea tea, which gives the drink its dreamy pink hue. Shaken to perfection and topped with a house-marinated cherry that’s sweet, rich, and absolutely worth fishing out of the glass. And the best part? If you’re not sticking around, you can grab one from their cocktails-to-go fridge and enjoy this beauty at home. Yes, seriously. A work of art… to-go.

Of course, a good sip deserves a good snack, and Woodside delivered. I paired my cocktail with their house-made potato chips, made with local potatoes from B&B Farms. These weren’t your average chips. They were warm, crisp, and seasoned with just the right hit of salt — made even better with their rich, creamy house-made chip dip. Trust me: this is not a combo you share.

As I sat at the bar enjoying every bite and sip, I couldn’t help but people-watch. Shoppers wandered through from local vendors. Friends met up for conversations and (cocktails). Families grabbed a quick lunch. The energy was relaxed, vibrant, and uniquely Thunder Bay — a perfect blend of old and new, local and global, casual and elevated.

The T. Eaton isn’t just a cocktail — it’s a nod to the past, a celebration of craftsmanship, and a symbol of how Thunder Bay continues to reinvent itself while honouring its roots.

So whether you’re popping in for a quick market visit or planning a night out with friends, take a seat at the Woodside bar. Ask for the T. Eaton. Chat with the staff. Snack on those chips, and soak in the kind of local love that makes this city so special.

Until next time — 
Sip with story, savour with style, and always shop local. 


– Candi

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Sips & Sights-There’s No Place Like Home… for a Caesar

It started one late Sunday morning with an overambitious brunch menu, an unopened bottle of Clamato, and a slightly too-cocky “I can make Caesars better than the restaurants” claim.

Challenge accepted — and conquered. That’s how Caesar Sunday was born, or at least how I now remember it. And now, it’s more than a drink. It’s a ritual. Almost every weekend, our kitchen transforms into a full-on garnish bar, complete with cutting boards, skewers, and a soundtrack of whatever classic rock or show tunes we’re in the mood for that day. I would like to say that it’s a whole family affair, but this is a treat that I enjoy crafting for myself… and I have to be silent setting up before my daughter hears the pickle jar opening and comes to snatch up all the pickles.

When most people think about cocktails, they think about going out to patios, restaurants and bars. And don’t get me wrong, I love a night on the town sampling the latest drink specials (and yes, more of that is coming your way in this column!). But today, I’m flipping the script and keeping things close to home or camp — because sometimes the best sips happen in your own kitchen, with the people you love, and a fridge full of flavour.

Let’s talk about a true Canadian classic and my personal ride-or-die: the Caesar.

If you’re not familiar (looking at you, American cousins), the Caesar isn’t a Bloody Mary. While my husband prefers a Bloody Mary, I’ll stick to my Caesar. It’s bolder, brinier, and 100% born-and-raised Canadian. Created in 1969 by Calgary bartender Walter Chell, it was inspired by spaghetti alle vongole — he mixed vodka, clam juice, tomato juice, Worcestershire, and hot sauce… and boom. A legend was born.

Here’s the classic version we started with years ago:

  • 1.5 oz vodka
  • 3 dashes Worcestershire
  • 2 dashes hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco, your call)
  • A pinch of celery salt
  • Clamato juice to top
  • Garnish: celery stalk and lime wedge
  • Rim: celery salt (rub the rim with lime, dip, and go)

But here’s the best part — once you’ve nailed the base, the Caesar becomes your canvas.

Ours has evolved into a full-blown event. We’ve added pickled everything — green beans, asparagus, pearl onions, even Brussels sprouts (don’t knock it till you try it). We’ve swapped pepperoni sticks for beef jerky and cubed cheese. We haven’t topped ours with a burger yet, but… give it time.

My favourite Caesar hack? Pickle ice. We freeze leftover pickle juice with a splash of Worcestershire and hot sauce. So when it melts, your drink gets even better. No water-down nonsense here. And nothing wasted — in this house, pickle juice is sacred.

Whether you’re kicking off Sunday brunch, basking in a sunny deck moment, or just need a little salty satisfaction, the Caesar never disappoints. It’s bold. It’s totally customizable. And it’s a drink with personality — just like the people who make it.

So while I’ll be back soon, hunting down Thunder Bay’s best cocktails one bar stool at a time, I wanted to leave you with this: There’s something about sipping a Caesar by the lake — sweatshirt on, hair still damp from a swim, bugs swarming the citronella candle — that just hits different. We’ve made them at the camp with nothing but red Solo cups and paper plates for the rimming salt. I’ve stirred one with a twig once. No regrets.

And if the Clamato freezes in the cooler overnight? No problem. Hack it into a slush, add extra spice, and call it rustic. Out there, the Caesar becomes more than just a drink. It’s a moment. It’s comfort in a cup. And it’s a reminder that while fancy garnishes are fun, all you really need is good company, fresh air, and a splash of creativity.

Until next time —Sip boldly, garnish generously, and happy Caesar Sunday!

– Candi

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Sips & Sights – Margarita Magic at El Tres

There’s something about sipping a cold, refreshing drink on a sunny patio that just feels like pure happiness. I’ve always believed that great drinks tell great stories about a place, a moment, or even a memory. So this summer, I’ve decided to take you along for the ride as I explore Thunder Bay’s vibrant beverage scene. From cocktails to mocktails, coffees to local brews, I’ll be tasting, toasting, and telling all in this brand-new column, Candi’s Sips & Sights.

My first stop? El Tres, right in the heart of downtown. Now let’s be honest, when someone says “margarita,” it’s easy to picture the overly sweet, slushy kind that comes out of a machine at an all-inclusive resort. But El Tres isn’t that kind of place. Their margarita is next level. It’s smooth, fresh, tangy, and served in a way that feels both classic and elevated.
The drink is a perfect blend of tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup — shaken, poured over ice, and finished with that all-important salted rim. It’s balanced. It’s bright. And on a hot Thunder Bay day, it’s basically liquid air conditioning. I swear I took my first sip and said out loud, “This is how summer should taste.” Of course, me being me, I had to dig into a little history, too. The margarita has several stories behind it, no one can quite agree on who actually invented it, but most say it came out of Mexico in the late 1930s or early ’40s. Some credit a bartender trying to impress a beautiful woman named Margarita. Others believe it was born when tequila lovers wanted a twist on the “Daisy,” an old-school cocktail with citrus and liqueur (and “daisy” in Spanish is… you guessed it — margarita). No matter where it started, the margarita has earned its reputation as a timeless, crowd-pleasing classic.

And El Tres? They’ve truly done it justice. The vibe of the restaurant itself helps, too — colorful, vibrant, and full of personality, it’s the kind of place where the drinks are just the beginning. Pair it with some tacos or chips and guac, and you’ve got yourself a perfect afternoon.

So whether you’re planning your next night out, a date night, or just want to treat yourself on a sunny day, do yourself a favor and order the margarita from El Tres. One sip, and you’ll know exactly why I picked this as my first feature.

I’ll be back next time with another local gem — a new drink, a new spot, and maybe a new story to tell. Until then… Sip well, live fully, and stay cool out there!