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Taste of Oakville and Taste of Burlington: Taste Something New

February 14, 2023 No Comments

Picture this – your loved ones are coming over for dinner. It could be a special occasion. Maybe a birthday or a celebration. Your brother got engaged. Your best friend landed her dream job. Maybe they’re coming over simply to huddle around good company and even better food. Whatever the reason, you pull out your best. You drape the table with a crisp white cloth, lay place settings, and add an arrangement of soft pink roses. You’re set on making your Nonna’s famous ravioli (which pairs perfectly with your marinara).

With everything prepped, you wait for your guests to arrive.

This encapsulates the love, mission, and mandate – the heart – of local restaurateurs. Each owner has carefully crafted their menu, often inspired by flavours from their childhood. Then they package it together with atmosphere, music, linens, and staff to bring you a unique experience. An extension of their home.

Find out more at www.tasteofburlington.ca

This February (and again in the fall), select restaurants in Oakville and Burlington are taking part in a culinary event you don’t want to miss. Local restaurants will offer Prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus featuring unique or popular items. Prix-fixe menu is a collection of predetermined menu items presented as a multi-course meal at a set price, offering value and/or specialty dishes apart from the traditional menu.

We all know the pandemic has been hard on local businesses, especially the restaurant industry. But after the roar of the holidays, the months leading up to patio season can be fairly tough, too. The Taste programs are a great way to support your local hospitality sector and enjoy delicious meals at an exclusive price point. There’s no better time to try a Taste of Oakville, a Taste of Burlington, and a taste of something new.

Taste of Oakville has expanded in recent years, thanks to funding from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport. Visit Oakville is now running the program and this has enabled restaurants from all parts of town to participate. In 2022, Taste of Oakville partnered with 35 beloved local restaurants. With new restaurant openings and the growth of the program, 2023 is expected to be one of the largest Taste events Oakville has seen.

Kicking off on February 15th, the event will take place over three weeks in Bronte, Downtown, Kerr, and across Oakville. Popular restaurants like Piano Piano, Paradiso, Jac’s Bistro, and The Mermaid will offer exclusive prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus for dine-in and take-out. But you’ll also find a fun mix of pubs (like The King’s Arms), bakeries (such as Sugar Suite Cakes), Pizzerias (Dough Box, The Boot Social Pizzeria), family restaurants, ethnic restaurants, and even gluten and vegan options (Boon Burger, Community Restaurant). There is something for everyone: family night, date night, and even lunch on-the-go.

New this year is live music! Taste of Oakville has partnered with ten local musicians to perform in restaurants every Tuesday during the event. A full list of live music events and each restaurant’s Prix-fix menu will be posted on the Taste of Oakville website as the event draws near. We can’t wait to see what’s on the menu for this year!
Find out more at www.tasteofoakville.ca

In March 2008, Tourism Burlington invited local restaurants to meet with representatives from Tourism Burlington, and the Burlington Downtown and Aldershot Business Communities to discuss ways to increase awareness of Burlington as a dining and culinary destination.

From that initial meeting, it was suggested that a committee be struck up to look into the feasibility of a Prix fixe dining program. Committee members came together from Tourism Burlington, Aldershot Village BIA, Burlington Downtown Business Association, and local restaurants to develop and design the program. Now revving up for its 15th year, Taste of Burlington launches its two-and-a-half-week program on February 21st.

Burlington is quickly becoming known as a culinary destination, and Taste is a great way to showcase all it has to offer. From restaurants and pubs to cafes, Taste of Burlington has tremendous support from local restaurants and the community, and after the ups and downs of the pandemic the last few years, we are expecting the 2023 event to be bigger and beter than ever.

Taste of Burlington runs twice each year in February/March and again in the fall, with restaurants across the city offering a Prix-fixe dining menu for lunch and dinner. However, the rest of the year they promote culinary programs and events in and around Burlington, such as Burlington Food Tours, E-A-T, Lakeside a la Carte, and more!
Find out more at www.tasteofburlington.ca

by Anneliese Lawton

Local Links

Taste of Oakville
February 15 – March 10, 2023
www.tasteofoakville.ca

Taste of Burlington
February 21 – March 12, 2023
www.tasteofburlington.ca

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HEARTY AND WHOLESOME: Super Bowls Make Super Meals

January 27, 2023 No Comments

Ditch your plate and grab a bowl, these easy one-dish concoctions are revolutionizing mealtime. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner – bowls are typically loaded with healthy ingredients and filling proteins. Whether you’re making a smoothie bowl from scratch or trying to replicate a salad bowl from your favourite restaurant, bowls are on-trend, quick, and super-yum. Here’s why we love them:

A great “on-the-go” solution
Easy to prep in one container, bowls make mealtime easy when you’re on the go. Think quick work lunch, or even better, a healthy pre-made breakfast on your way out the door. Many recipes pull ingredients from key food groups, so you’re certain to get a whole (and filling) meal in one simple dish. No extra containers, no extra mess – simply open and enjoy.

Easy for any meal
Almost any meal can be made into a bowl, building on a foundation of whole grain, vegetable, or protein. For breakfast, a bed of scrambled eggs or sauteed spinach is a great starting point. Add some fresh or cooked veg, like tomatoes, and onions, then top with cheese. Or, you can try a smoothie bowl, blending frozen fruits and milk of your choice, and even add protein powder. Lunch bowls can be a salad with leafy greens, vegetables, and a protein, or something heartier with a grain such as quinoa, topped with leafy greens and veg. Dinner is when you can take your bowl to the next level. Starting with a base of rice or quinoa, then adding other ingredients such as roasted sweet potato and cauliflower. For an ethnic twist, try recreating popular fiesta, buddha, or poke bowls.

Versatile and Friendly
If you have food restrictions or allergies or watch your portions for a medical condition such as diabetes, food bowls are especially great. It’s not always easy to create a meal that’s both healthy and filling, but the intent of a bowl is to create a balanced meal while keeping portions in check. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, or simply trying to “eat clean”, you can have fun mixing ingredients that satisfy your palate and requirements.

Super Local Bowls
Looking for some inspo? Try one of these bowls crafted by local chefs and restaurants.

Trish Juice, Burlington
trishjuice.com
Trish Juice offers perfectly crafted (vegan-friendly) smoothie bowls loaded with fresh fruits and veggies. From their Protein Bowl featuring chia and granola to their Super Green Smoothie bowl with kale and spinach, there is a little something for everyone.

Familia Fine Foods, Burlington
familiafinefoods.com
If you’re looking for a warm and rustic dish, look no further than Familia Fine Foods. This family-owned restaurant, with a hearty Latin menu, creates everything by hand. Dig into their Burrito Bowl featuring a rice base topped with Pico de Gallo, mozzarella cheese, beans, corn, sour cream, hot sauce, salsa roja, salsa verde, and guacamole. Customize with chicken, beef, or pork, or keep it vegetarian or vegan.

Lettuce Love Café, Burlington
lettucelovecafe.com
Lettuce Love serves up a delicious variety of brunch bowls. Choose from the Happy Buddha Bowl featuring brown rice, grilled sweet potato, diced red onions, diced tomato, raw almonds, sunflower seeds, dried herbs, cilantro & avocado, or cultural favourites including their Falafel Bowl, or their Burrito Bowl. They also offer a delicious Power Bowl with a quinoa base.

Heal Wellness, Burlington
healwellness.ca
Heal Wellness serves up quick, fresh, plant-based foods to fuel your busy, active lifestyle. Their menu features a variety of delicious and nutritious smoothie bowls that are sure to power up your day.

Hungry? There’s a bowl for that.

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Burlington’s La Salle Park: What’s in a Name?

July 24, 2022 No Comments

The name ‘La Salle’ can be found attached to everything from schools to entire cities. It probably conjures up an image of a “great explorer” but let’s dig a little deeper and uncover some of the risks in naming things after historical figures.

René-Robert Cavelier Sieur De La Salle was born in 1643 into a well-to-do merchant family in Rouen, France. Described by his Jesuit teachers as both talented and unquiet, he studied with them for several years before leaving the order, creating a rift between him and that powerful sect and an early showing of his talent for making enemies.

Having few resources but many connections to New France, he made his way to the island of Montreal in 1667 where he obtained a seigneury from the Suplician Order of the Catholic Church. After a couple of years, he sold most of it back to the order, who had given it to him for nothing, netting a sum to fund his ambition of exploring the New World. He set out to find the Ohio River and what he thought would be a lucrative trading route to China, based on the prevalent hazy grasp of world geography.

La Salle’s quest for the Ohio aligned with the missionary program of Suplician Dollier de Casson with whom he joined forces. That order, having assessed La Salle’s changeability, supplied one of their own, Bréhant de Galinée, as cartographer – although Galinée rated himself barely adequate for the task. Joining La Salle’s party was a Dutch interpreter, with little grasp of French, and so of little utility. Lacking a guide and with minimal experience in the woods, and as La Salle was an indifferent navigator, it is amazing that they got anywhere at all.

They left Montreal in early July and had many challenges, yet by some wonder managed to reach Lake Ontario by August 10. One can reasonably assume that they had local Indigenous aid and guidance along the way. After some delays related to the Seneca having understandable misgivings about allowing the French access to the territories of their rivals, the party reached Burlington Bay in September 1669. Here La Salle came down with a fever which Galinée attributed to him being startled by three rattlesnakes he saw while climbing a rock. Not long after, La Salle informed the Suplicians that he was too ill to continue and would return to Montreal, except he didn’t return until at least ten months later.

It’s during this gap that La Salle’s biggest supporters claim he discovered the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Leaving aside the fact that these rivers were very well known to Indigenous Peoples and therefore didn’t need discovery, there’s no real evidence to support that he found either river between the fall of 1669 and the summer 1671 as has been claimed.

This is just the beginning of the stories of La Salle’s exploits, which ended in a series of tragedies and his eventual murder at the hands of his own men. Whatever his debatable accomplishments and skills as an explorer, it is indisputable that he had great perseverance and determination. It’s also clear that he was impulsive, erratic and often careless with the lives of his followers.

So why are so many places named after him? Essentially, his travels became the subject matter for popular histories, which were really adventure novels. The first was released in 1683 by Father Louis Hennepin, a missionary who had accompanied La Salle in person. Even more influential were the late 19th century writings of Francis Parkman. The elevation of La Salle to legendary status, and the 254th anniversary of the man himself possibly being in the neighbourhood, was likely the impetus for local politicians deciding to change the name of Wabasso to La Salle Park in 1923.

Leased by the City of Burlington today, visitors can enjoy the picturesque 1917 dancing pavilion, stately swans, hiking trails, and a kiddie splash pad. It’s definitely worth a visit even if there’s a lesser state of adventure than there was in 1669, as these days there’s no sign of rattlesnakes.

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Make Mine Light & Crispy

July 23, 2022 No Comments

Joseph Malin, a Jewish immigrant, opened the first known fish and chip shop in London in the 1860s. While the origin of the tasty duo dates back to the 15th century – the first recipe appeared in a 1781 cookbook.

Around the 1960s, when art, music, TV, and the film industry took off, so did the consumption of fish and chips – a mainstay that suddenly became cool and trendy. Fast forward to 2022, Culinary Tourism shares that fish and chip shops are thriving again with a new resurgence of popularity in Ontario.

Some say the coating should be thin and light and shatter into crispy shards when you bite into it – like the consistency of tempura batter. Others argue that the coating should be thick and puffy with a combination of crispness and a touch of chewiness. This is a discussion that elicits much fervour after a pint or two. Some insist that the batter should be dry, while others are emphatic that it isn’t worth eating if it isn’t seeping a bit of oil.

Use chilled beer and flour before coating the fish to achieve the perfect batter. The optimum heat of the oil should be between 350ºF and 375ºF. If the oil is too hot, the crust will burn, and if the oil isn’t hot enough, you’ll end up with a soggy, greasy coating.

Does it sound like too much can go wrong? We recommend that you leave it to the professionals.

We have compiled a list of the freshest, tastiest, crispiest, and most enjoyed fish and chip shops in Oakville and Burlington.

Burlington

Thistle Fish and Chips

3455 Fairview Street | 905-637-8333

www.thistlefishandchips.ca

Family-owned and operated for almost 30 years, the MacLennan family prides itself on offering authentic British cuisine. The fish is a generous portion in your choice of haddock or halibut. The sides choices are mushy peas, pickled beets, or coleslaw with an unsparing serving of fries.

Jake’s Grill & Oyster House

950 Walker’s Line | 905-639-4084

www.jakesgrill.ca

Dining at Jake’s has been a tradition of many for 35 years. It’s one of the longest-standing restaurants in Burlington. Owner, Jamie Myers, built it in 1985 and then remodeled it in 1998. The fish is fresh, with a unique option of snapper with British Columbia origins, at only $2 more than their beer-battered haddock; it’s worth a try. The Jake’s Grill & Oyster House is open seven days a week.

The Judge & Jury

1222 Walker’s Line | 905-319-1655

www.thejudgeandjury.ca

Since 1998, several pubs have come and gone in the city of Burlington, but this one has been a local hotspot for years. Listening to their customers’ needs is probably one reason this restaurant thrives. Open seven days a week; Mondays have been designated gluten-free. The beer-battered haddock with golden fries, coleslaw, and house tartar sauce is $18.

Halibut ‘N’ Malt Fish & Chips

1250 Brant Street | 905-336-0023

www.halibutnmalt.ca

Tripadvisor ranks this little gem #65 out of 321 restaurants in Burlington. They pride themselves on the freshness of their fish. Offering a light and crispy choice of halibut, cod, pollock, or haddock with a side of freshly cut fries and coleslaw for a price to meet every budget at $13.99 to $18.99.

Halibut House

Two locations in Burlington plus one in Oakville

www.halibuthouse.ca

This shop keeps its customers well informed of sourcing information for their fish – Pacific King Cod, premium Atlantic Haddock loin, and Alaskan Halibut. They also include calorie counts beside every dish on the menu, but don’t look – it’ll spoil your meal. Fish and chip prices are reasonable at $13.95 to $15.95. They also have a food truck to meet your catering needs.

Oakville

English Bay Fish & Chips

511 Maple Grove Drive | 905-337-3378

www.englishbayfish.ca

This Oakville treasure offers reasonably priced haddock, cod, or halibut meals from $13.99 to $16.99. Breadcrumb coating is also available for those who haven’t yet committed to the traditional crispiness of the beer batter. Enjoy a side of salad, mushy peas, baked potato, or rice pilaf.

Bronte Fish & Chips

2313 Lakeshore Road West | 905-827-1644

www.brontefishandchips.ca

A family-run business operating for 50 years, and Oakville Reader’s Choice Gold Winner in 2021 for Best Fish & Chips, “We specialize in classic, British-style battered fish and fresh-cut chips.”

Everything is homemade, even their signature cherry cheesecake. The haddock, cod, and halibut are cut fresh daily. To show their appreciation to their customers, they extend fish and chip specials every Tuesday to Thursday. Check their website for details.

Mo’s Family Restaurant

467 Speers Road | 905-844-7485

www.mosfamily.ca

Moe Thiyagarajah is known for serving the community for 20 years with his home cooking and his charitable nature. Recently Moe has partnered with Oakville Meals on Wheels. Mo’s offers additional options with their battered fish of potatoes or rice, and seasonal vegetables in place of the standard coleslaw and fries. He is beloved by the community with a dedicated customer following on facebook.

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Taking Fun to New Heights

July 22, 2022 No Comments

If you’re afraid of heights, skip ahead a couple of pages. For those who find heights thrilling, this is for you! From rock climbing to sky diving and ziplining, our region has all kinds of activities that take fun to new heights. Grab your bucket list and check off these adventures of a lifetime.

Rock Climbing

We may not have the Rocky Mountains in our backyard, but Halton region does have some pretty stellar indoor rock-climbing facilities that offer several types of climbing for all experience and age levels.

Climbers Rock, Burlington (https://www.climbersrock.com)

This indoor climbing gym offers three types of climbing: bouldering (climbing on short walls without ropes and harnesses), Top Rope (climbing tall walls with a rope and harness as security), and Lead for experienced climbers who provide their own ropes and grigris. Climbers Rock offers youth programs as well as a summer camp.

Gravity Climbing Gym, Hamilton (https://www.gravityclimbinggym.com/)

This indoor climbing gym offers climbs for adults and kids starting at age five. This facility offers 57 separately roped climbs. The tallest routes are 50’ high. They also have a huge 100’ long bouldering area.

Both indoor climbing gyms offer day passes as well as membership options.

Kids Adventures

Treetop Trekking Hamilton – https://treetoptrekking.com/park/hamilton/

Kids will love tapping into their inner Tarzan at this adventure park high in the sky. Treetop Trekking offers various adventure courses for all ages and abilities.

Their Treewalk Village is for kids of all ages and allows them to climb from tree house to tree house through tall hammocks, nets, and wood bridges, then descend to the ground on slides.

The Discovery Kids Course for ages 5+ lets kids test their balance on wood bridges, balance logs, net walkways, and mini zip lines all suspended three to five feet above the ground.

The Zipline and Aerial Game Trek for ages 9+ offers the opportunity to swing from tree to tree on a suspended bridge, swinging log, cable traverse, or zipline. Participants are outfitted with a harness and helmet as they climb and zip through the forest canopy.

Hot Air Ballooning

Whether you’re looking for a romantic adventure in the sky, or just want to soar above the trees, a hot air balloon ride might be for you.

Skyward Balloons, Kitchener/Waterloo – https://skywardballoons.com

Skyward Balloons offers riders a bird’s eye view of the gorgeous Kitchener-Waterloo landscape while floating at 500 – 3,000 feet over forests, ponds, and lakes. Enjoy a sparkling beverage celebration upon your landing, a ballooning tradition. Skyward Balloons offers individual rides as well as romantic rides for couples; many a proposal has happened in these balloons!

Skydiving

If sky diving is on your bucket list, check out these locations for your sky-high adventure.

Skydive Swoop, Dundas – https://www.skydiveswoop.ca

This skydive school offers a learn-to-skydive program as well as a tandem skydive. The tandem jump provides first-time skydivers and bucket-listers with the adrenaline rush of a lifetime. In a tandem jump, both the student and instructor are attached to the same parachute system, meaning training is minimal and done on the same day as your jump. If you become addicted and want to jump on your own, Skydive Swoop offers a Progressive Free Fall Course where you can learn to skydive independently.

If you want to get the feeling of falling from the sky without actually jumping from a plane, IFly World, Oakville (https://iflyworld.ca) offers indoor sky diving where you can enjoy the adrenaline-pumping experience of a freefall without a parachute; just you in a wind tunnel flying on a cushion of air.

With so many exciting options to choose from, is this YOUR summer to fly high?

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Hot off the grill!

July 21, 2022 No Comments

There’s nothing like fresh fruit; a common phrase heard throughout the summer. Many find it refreshing, especially when served cold. What if you were to learn that grilling brings out the best flavours of some varieties? Whether using gas or charcoal, the intense heat adds a smoky-sweet flavour or caramelized texture to most fruits – creating more reasons to include fruit in your dishes.

Grilling Methods:

Your fruit isn’t quite ripe – no worries. That unripened condition is perfect for grilling. It’s important that the raw fruit be slightly firm so that it holds up on the grill. The heat caramelizes the sugars in fruit and weakens the structure. Overripe or mushy fruit will be more likely to fall apart on the grill.

Most fruit is fairly delicate, so cut fruit into large chunks or slices to help it maintain its structure. Also, larger pieces are less likely to fall between the grates. Small fruits such as strawberries and grapes can go on skewers so you don’t lose them to the flames.

For the coveted grill marks, most fruit will be grilled over high heat for three minutes without moving or turning it to get the perfect sear. Flip and cook for one to three minutes more. The surface of the fruit needs time to sear so that it won’t stick. Be warned; some sticking could happen no matter what you do. Sometimes you get better grill marks with unoiled fruit.

By placing a hearty piece of fruit flesh side down, you’ll get that caramelization.

High heat causes some grilled fruits to give off a lot of juice. By placing the fruit on a rimmed baking sheet, you can catch all that juicy goodness after it comes off the grill. The juice would be a great marinade for proteins like pork and fish.

Best Oils to Use:

Use a neutral-tasting oil on the fruit that’s suitable for high heat, such as safflower or grapeseed oil. Brushing olive or avocado oil directly on the grates while they’re cold is also effective for keeping the fruit from sticking.

Which Fruits Grill the Best?

Pineapple, watermelon, lemons, peaches, bananas, avocado, apples, and pears are some of the tastiest fruits to grill that hold up against the heat.

Pineapple’s tanginess and acidity become sweet and aromatic with the intense heat of the grill. Cut your pineapples into slices or wedges and grill them for three minutes on each side. Pineapple needs more time to cook than peaches and citrus fruit do. To help dense fruits heat all the way through, you can put the lid on the grill for a few minutes at a time.

Health benefits – pineapple is low in calories and rich in fibre, it aids in digestion, promotes good bone health and is an anti-inflammatory.

Grilled watermelon takes on a smoky-sweet flavour that is truly out of this world. Set your grill on medium, instead of hot, to avoid scorching the wedges while cooking for 3 minutes on each side.

Health benefits – watermelon is a good source of vitamin C, as well as the antioxidant citrulline, which has been associated with improved blood pressure.

Grilled lemons take only five minutes to grill, drizzled with a little olive oil, and the heat loosens their sour, citrusy juices and adds a tasty, charred flavour.

Health benefits – lemons may support heart health, weight control, and digestive health.

Cut peaches in half and remove the pit. Lightly brush each side of the peach with olive oil and grill each side for 4 to 5 minutes until grill marks appear.

Health benefits – peaches are rich in vitamin C and great for digestion.

Cut your banana in half lengthwise, and grill for 3 minutes for a firmer fruit. Or you can leave the peel on the banana and slice it lengthwise. Wrap it in foil and grill until it reaches your desired texture. Scoop directly out of the peel; adding it as a topping to ice cream or other desserts.

Health benefits – bananas are rich in potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance on warm summer days.

Grilling adds a smoky flavour to an avocado and makes them extra creamy. Grill flesh side down for 4 to 6 minutes.

Health benefits – a superfood that provides essential benefits for your well-being.

Cut your apples sideways into slices and place them on the grill for 2 minutes on each side.

Health benefits – apples help stabilize blood sugar, help to lower cholesterol levels, and may help prevent colon cancer, among numerous other benefits.

Cut pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush or spray with olive oil and place them cut side down on the grill on high heat. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until tender.

Health benefits – pears are an anti-inflammatory and contain anthocyanins which may help to prevent diabetes.

Experiment with different fruits on the barbecue. Mix them into your favourite sandwiches, salads, or meat dishes. Whether you use a grill-safe baking dish, skewer some fruit on kabobs, or place slices directly on the grill, they’ll be ready in minutes.

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Living Your Best Lake Life

July 14, 2022 No Comments

Heading north for the weekend? We love a good summer afternoon by the lake — especially when there’s a great book and a cold drink involved. If you’re looking for a hostess gift to offer your favourite FWC (Friend With a Cottage) or simply want to add style and convenience to your own summer home, we have a few ideas.

Here are some local recommendations to help you make the most of your cottage weekend.

Turkish Bath Towels

We love Turkish bath towels because they’re soft and beautiful enough to use as a wrap or throw blanket, but absorbent enough to quickly dry you off after a dip in the lake. Keep a few on hand for guests or in the boat for those spontaneous swims. Pure Boutique in downtown Burlington carries some Turkish bath towels as well as home décor, skincare, gorgeous loungewear, and more. You can also find Turkish bath towels at Centro Garden in downtown Burlington, plus great barware and hostess gifts.

Tote-ally convenient bags

Whether you’re heading out to another cottage, going into town for groceries or simply trying to haul all of your stuff to the dock in one trip, a great tote bag is key. We love a straw option because they’re light, functional, and easy to clean (just shake off that sand and go). Hue La La in Burlington has a San Fran market basket tote that’s perfect for the job. While you’re there, check out their amazing collection of drinkware and décor. For a more casual option that you can roll up and toss in your purse or backpack, try a colourful French market bag from Centro.

Bye bye, bugs

Here in Ontario, there’s a window of about four minutes between blackfly season and mosquito season — so, it’s best to be prepared. Enjoy an evening outdoors without the buzz and bug bites when you use these stunning candles from Housewarmings in Oakville. Their citronella candles are a gorgeous option that keeps the bugs at bay. The boutique also has a wide range of products that would make beautiful hostess gifts, plus high-quality quilts that make any cottage bed feel like a five-star hotel.

Dockside beats

If your perfect summer afternoon involves lying in the sun with a great playlist drifting over the water, you need an excellent portable speaker. There are plenty of great Bluetooth-enabled options but we love the Sonos Roam from Core 1 in downtown Oakville. Charge it up and enjoy hours of tunes on the dock, in the boat, by the campfire or wherever else you find yourself. And if you don’t want to disturb nature (or the neighbours)? Grab some AirPods, too.

Host with the most

If you’re having guests, give them the full cottage experience: days in the sun and evenings by candlelight. These Himalayan candles from Lakeside Livin’ in Bronte are rustic and elegant at the same time, creating the perfect ambiance for any cabin. Use them on the dinner table or in the living room after dark. Lakeside Livin’ also offers amazing nautical themed décor that elevates any space, plus great kitchenware, cozy textiles and other Muskoka musts.

Outdoor accents

Deck out your garden (or garden out your deck) with some large, high-quality outdoor planters from Centro Garden. It’s worth investing in some great vessels that can be updated year after year with annuals — or, plant a few perennials and enjoy that low-maintenance décor year after year. You can’t go wrong with classic greenery, and a rainbow of flowers creates a daily mood boost (especially if they have a great scent, too). Place them in between loungers or on either side of your front door for a welcoming pop.

Now, where’s that cold drink we were talking about?

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How Meatless Mondays Can Help Save The Planet

July 6, 2022 No Comments

It’s a calling card of summer: that aromatic and ever-so-tempting scent of a neighbour barbecuing something delicious on a warm evening. A distinct aroma tempts the taste buds — the fragrant goodness that only an outdoor grill can provide.

To those who are lifelong, dedicated meat eaters, a tofu steak or veggie burger will likely not offer the same primeval reaction as the sausages on your neighbour’s grill, but it doesn’t mean plant-based products aren’t a tempting and tasty choice. These options have come a long way.

Today, there are some 18,000 vegan food and drink products available on the market. In 2021, plant-based dairy and meat sales were over $650 million in Canada and are projected to increase five-fold by 2030.

I’m not serving up these numbers to try and entice you to become a vegetarian. For the record, I chose to stop eating red meat over a decade ago, but I still eat poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products. The reality is the world is not giving up meat; in fact, we are on track to set a new record for consumption.

A small adaptation in our diet, however, would help our environment immensely. The global meat industry generates about one fifth of manufactured greenhouse gas emissions, which, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, is more than the entire transportation sector.

Eating meat, in itself, is not the problem. The issues are with the resources required to sustain the supply and the by-products produced as a result. Cattle and other farm animals produce huge amounts of methane. This gas is particularly dangerous to our climate because it traps more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide (CO2). Cutting methane is the “biggest opportunity to slow warming between now and 2040,” according to Durwood Zaelke, a lead reviewer for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Zaelke urged world leaders to recognize the problem at the global climate summit COP26, which took place in Glasgow late last year.

An easy first step is adopting a “Meatless Monday” to your weekly diet routine. This global movement encourages people to reduce meat in their diet for their health and the health of the planet. To date more than 40 countries participate, including Canada. Plant-based meals are more environmentally efficient because the food is directly consumed, rather than the growing, feeding, transporting, processing, etc., that is needed to produce beef. By replacing at least one meat-based meal each week with a plant-based option, The Earth Day organization says that would be the equal to taking your car off the road for over 500 km each year.

Here’s the meat of the story: going vegan or even vegetarian does not have to be all or nothing, but we need to start somewhere. This summer, try reducing your consumption of meat one day per week while supporting local at the same time. Discover the many amazing local farmers’ markets in our region and create tasty veggie-based dishes grown close to home.

ANWAR KNIGHT is an award-winning broadcaster, whose genuine and warm engaging personality has made home a favourite with audiences nationwide.

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Let’s Get Cookin’

July 6, 2022 No Comments

Summer’s here, and it’s time to fire up the grill—but don’t stop there. From smokers to pizza ovens and everything in between, there are plenty of great options for drool-worthy outdoor cooking all summer long.

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire

Everyone who’s ever turned on the Food Network knows that smokers are popular at the moment, and just about any homeowner with a backyard has had the perennial “gas or charcoal” debate about barbeques. So, where do you begin if you’re new to outdoor cooking?

We feel that the best backyard cooking method is the one you enjoy most — try a few options, figure out what you like best and get ready for some incredible dinners on the deck or patio.

“This summer, we’re seeing a lot of people venture out of the traditional gas barbeque,” explains Ashley Côté of BBQs Galore. “They want an authentic smokey flavour, so they’re looking at getting charcoal barbeques. These are available in many sizes, from table-top to very, very large.”

And if old school isn’t your thing, or a large charcoal grill feels too intimidating? Start with baby steps. “Charcoal has a bit of a learning curve, so some people have also taken an interest in Pellet Smokers. Pellet Smokers have been a trending category in the barbeque world for a few years now,” says Côté. “They’re basically a ‘set it and forget it’ solution—until you need to refill your pellets or take your food out — and many connect with apps where you can monitor your grill from your phone.”

Other in-demand products include pizza ovens (BBQs Galore carries the Alfa One Wood Fired Pizza Oven, among other options) and high-end backyard smokers like the Big Green Egg.

Create an outdoor dining space

Once you’ve set up your grill area or outdoor kitchen, it’s time to create a comfortable, relaxing outdoor dining space that everyone can enjoy. BBQs Galore has high-quality patio heaters, fireplaces, and more, and Oakville Home Leisure has an amazing selection of patio furniture and accessories.

When setting up your dining space, consider things like multiple seating options (for example, a table and chairs plus a conversation area, Muskoka chairs, or a hammock) and items that provide privacy and shade. You’ll also want to consider various lighting options (built-in, patio, or string lights) as well as a heat source such as a fire pit or patio heater. You may also want a small fridge or even an outdoor bar for all those fancy summer cocktails. Finally, add both functional and decorative touches like colourful textiles, outdoor glassware and serving dishes, stylish planters, and more. Make it your own — your yard is an extension of your home, after all!

Cheers to summer

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if you’re flipping burgers on a classic charcoal grill or experimenting with something trendy and new — the point is to make the most of every beautiful, sunny day. As Côté notes, anything goes when you cook outdoors — just have fun. “We honestly are a fan of both classic grilling and new techniques and encourage people to get experimental when it comes to the grill!”

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New Businesses On The Block In Downtown Oakville

July 4, 2022 No Comments

It’s no secret – the pandemic was hard on small business owners. Over two years, our beloved local retailers, fitness studios, restaurants, and cafes have cycled through closures for months at a time. With a pivot here and support from the community there, many survived. And, now that the construction project is finally over, Lakeshore Road looks fantastic, with wide pavements, beautiful planters, and numerous patios and outdoor dining areas.

The good news is that despite the obstacles posed by the pandemic, Downtown Oakville has welcomed over 40 new businesses over the last two years. Check out this list of some of Downtown’s latest restaurants, retailers, and professional service providers.

Food and Drink

Doughbox Wood Fired Oven Pizza & Pasta

Doughbox.ca | 162 Lakeshore Road East

Enjoy Doughbox’s signature freshly stretched dough, homemade sauces, a wide range of premium ingredient choices, and the flavour of a wood-fired oven.

Figaro Coffee House

Figarocoffeehouse.com | 350 Lakeshore Road East

Roasted fresh daily, Figaro Coffee House provides an exotic coffee experience.

KIBO Sushi House

Kibosushi.com | 221 Lakeshore Road East

Sink your teeth into mouth-watering Japanese eats from Kibo Sushi House.

River 16 Restaurant

River16.ca | 234 Lakeshore Road East

River 16 has many great options on the menu emphasizing natural, sustainable, and ethically sourced food from local farms and producers.

Beacon Social House

Beaconsocialhouse.com | 305 Lakeshore Road East

A neighbourhood American Tavern with market-fresh dishes from land, harvest, and sea. Complemented by an elevated signature cocktail experience, robust wine, and a craft beer list.

Cinnaholic

Cinnaholic.ca | 259 Lakeshore Road East

With over 20 unique frosting flavours and a variety of fresh and decadent toppings, Cinnaholic isn’t your typical cinnamon roll dessert shop. All their products are 100% plant-based, dairy & lactose-free, egg-free and cholesterol-free.

Mochi Girls

335 Lakeshore Road East

Something sweet is coming to Downtown Oakville this summer! Crispy and fresh with the chewiness of mochi on the inside, these bubble-ring shaped Japanese-style donuts are growing in popularity.

Pilot Coffee

Pilotcoffeeroasters.com | 251 Lakeshore Road East

A specialty coffee roaster is opening Downtown Oakville. Roasting its own coffee blends with beans from across the world, offering flavours such as Sumava Teresa from Costa Rica, Catalan de Las Mercedes from Gesha, and Las Palmas from Colombia.

FASHION & STYLE

Anu Raina

Anuraina.com | 174D Lakeshore Road East

Beautiful clothing and textile prints designed by Anu Raina. Everything is hand-cut and sewn in Canada (except for a small line of men’s scarves made in partnership with a Peru manufacturer).

LUXFINDZ

Luxfindz.com | 150 Lakeshore Road East

Launched in 2017, LUXFINDZ is the destination for women searching for style, comfort, and affordable luxury.

Specialty Retail

Artifacts Lifestyle

Artifactslifestyle.com | 239 Lakeshore Road East

Founded in 1996, Artifacts shops the globe for unique items to create an exciting (and affordable) environment for clients and designers alike.

Flourish and Bask

Flourishandbask.ca | 245 Lakeshore Road East

Whether hosting a party or hanging out solo, this shop has everything you need to test your mixologist skills and create crowd-pleasing cocktails and drinks.

Hali MacDonald Interiors

Halimacdonald.com | 128 Lakeshore Road East

Hali MacDonald Interiors is a full-service design boutique serving clients with designs that transform and elevate how and where you live.

HAVEN Oakville

Havenhomegift.com | 302B Lakeshore Road East

HAVEN first opened its doors in Downtown Collingwood in the summer of 2018. Their home decor pieces are handpicked based on uniqueness, beauty, and the intention to bring comfort to the lives of their customers.

KARE

Kate-toronto.com | 225 Lakeshore Road East

Inspirational products and services for your home and office spaces. KARE is known for surprising its customers with an incomparable variety of new furniture, lighting, and furnishing accessories.

Fluf

fluf.ca

Ethically made lunch bags, snack bags, and backpacks. Handcrafted with organic and recycled materials that are durable and long-lasting.

Beauty and Wellness

Naturepedic Organic Mattress

Naturepedic.ca | 346 Lakeshore Road East

Naturepedic is on a mission to transform lives through safer, healthier sleep. By eliminating materials like flame retardants and polyurethane foam from their line of certified organic natural mattresses, Naturepedic supports an organic, holistic lifestyle while protecting the environment.

North Medical Spa

Northmedicalspa.com | 239 Lakeshore Road East

North is an award-winning medical spa helping people of all skin tones and types through advanced, ethical, and safe treatments.

Sculpt

Sculpttt.co | 303 Robinson Street

Sculpt supports individuals seeking non-surgical methods to enhance their bodies. Their business is an inclusive and safe space that warmly welcomes all people.

Professional Services

ACE Coworking (Second location)

Acecoworking.ca | 132 Trafalgar Road

ACE Coworking is Oakville’s newest coworking office space, and has just opened their second location in Downtown Oakville.

Alex Irish & Associates

Alexirish.com | 137 Trafalgar Road

As one of Oakville’s best-known and most respected realtors, Alex Irish became the team leader of Alex Irish & Associates in 2016.

Lozynsky CPA

Lozynskycpa.com | 295 Robinson Street

Lozynsky CPA offers all-inclusive packages covering a wide range of accounting and advisory needs.

Zigan Dental Group

Zigandentalgroup.com | 301 Lakeshore Road East

Zigan Dental Group offers cosmetic, general, and implant dentistry to restore health and beauty to your smiles.

Berkshire Hathaway

Bhhsoakville.ca | 210 Lakeshore Road East

One of the most trusted real estate brokerages globally, Berkshire Hathaway HomeSevices provides comprehensive real estate selling and buying services.

Nanak Wireless

Nanakwireless.com | 312 Lakeshore Road East

Nanak Wireless offers a wide range of mobile phones, accessories, Airpods, and laptops. Nanak Wireless also provides repairs to a variety of electronics.

Petit Paris French Tutoring

Petitparisfrenchtutoring.com | 282 Church Street

Robyn’s 18 years of Montessori classroom experience, her proficiency in the French language, and the application of the A.I.M have allowed her to achieve great success in teaching French as a second language.

Raymond James Investment Counsel

3keyswealth.com | 210 Lakeshore Road East

Raymond James Investment Counsel believes that successful long-term wealth management rests upon the development and maintenance of 3 Keys – Planning, Investment Behaviour, and Asset Management.

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