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Pumpkin Spice: Where to get your Fall flavour fix

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Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall…

Just as the seasons are changing and the leaves are turning colour, local bakers and baristas are switching up their menus to welcome in those sweet (and spicy!) Fall flavours!

Below, we’ve listed locally-owned bakeries, coffee joints and gelato shops, in Oakville and Burlington, that are serving up the ultimate flavour of the season: Pumpkin Spice.

Dreaming of a Pumpkin Spice Latte? These local coffee shops will serve you up with a #PSL that will have you coming back for more:

Tribeca Coffee Co. | Downtown Oakville | IG: @tribecacoffeeco

Julia’s Joyful Kitchen | Oakville | IG: @juliasjoyfulkitchen

Kelly’s Bake Shoppe | Burlington | IG: @kellysbake

Tamp Coffee Co. | Burlington | IG: @tampcoffeeco

Lakeshore Coffee House | Burlington | IG: @lakeshorecoffeehousee

Photo Credit: Julia’s Joyful Kitchen

How about some pumpkin spice bread or scones to go with that latte? Check out these local bakeries:

Stina Bee Bakes | Oakville | IG: @stinabeebakes 

Julia’s Joyful Kitchen | Oakville | IG: @juliasjoyfulkitchen

Cobs Bread Bakery | Downtown Oakville | IG: @cobsbreadlakeshore

Cobs Bread Bakery | Upper Oakville | IG: @cobsbreadupperoakville 

Cobs Bread Bakery | Burlington | IG: @cobsbreadburlingtonmaplemews

Photo Credit: Cobs Bread

Craving a sweet treat? These local cupcake shops and bakeries are baking up mouth-watering pumpkin cupcakes or cookies, to satisfy your sweet-tooth:

The Sweetest Thing | Oakville (Kerr Village) | IG: @thesweetestthingcake

Cupid’s Gourmet Bakery| Oakville | IG: @cupids_bakery

Sugar Suite Cakes | Downtown Oakville | IG: @sugarsuitecakes

Julia’s Joyful Kitchen | Oakville | IG: @juliasjoyfulkitchen

Stina Bee Bakes | Oakville | IG: @stinabeebakes 

Kelly’s Bake Shoppe | Burlington | IG: @kellysbake

Molly Cake | Burlington | IG: @mollycake

Photo Credit: Kelly’s Bake Shoppe

Looking for a pumpkin pie (or a pumpkin cheesecake) for Thanksgiving dinner? These shops have got you covered:

Black Forest Pastry Shop | Downtown Oakville | IG: @bfpastryshop 

Kerr St. Cafe | Oakville (Kerr Village) | IG: @kerrstreetcafe

Cupid’s Gourmet Bakery |Upper Oakville | IG: @cupids_bakery

Julia’s Joyful Kitchen | Oakville | IG: @juliasjoyfulkitchen

That Pie Place | Burlington | IG: @thatpieplace.burlington

Lailas Cheesecake Co. | Burlington | IG: @lailascheesecakeco

Molly Cake | Burlington | IG: @mollycake

Photo Credit: Julia’s Joyful Kitchen

And for something equally sweet and delicious, you’ll want seconds after you try the pumpkin gelato at these popular local spots:

Nyla’s Room | Downtown Oakville | IG: @nylas_room

La Dolce Vita | Oakville | IG: @ladolcevita_22

The Flavour Fox | Oakville (Bronte Village) | IG: @theflavourfox

I Love Gelato | Burlington | IG: @ilovegelatoburlont

Did we miss you? Email us at info@looklocalmagazine.com or send us a direct message on Instagram/Facebook to have us add you to the list!

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Features

Smooth Sipping: Your Guide to Local Distillers

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Written by: Anneliese Lawton

Walk down any beer aisle at the LCBO or your grocery store, and you’ll find an assortment of carefully crafted, small-batch local beer. Infused with seasonal flavours and influenced by local ingredients, craft beer has been gaining in popularity since the boom of the microbrewery in the 1990s. 

While Canada has a longstanding history in the beer industry, we also have a “spirited” past dating back nearly 250 years. Legend has it that a fellow named James Grant started making rum in the first legal distillery in Quebec City. Over centuries, Canada has forged a reputation for its high-quality whisky and inspired a growing scene of craft distilleries, which produce everything from tequila and gin to vodka, rum, and, of course, whisky.  

On the rocks? Neat? Sitting with a cigar in a wingback chair? With craft distilleries popping up right in our own backyard, it’s easy to sip your way through the GTHA.   

Forty Creek Whisky | Grimsby 

Fortycreekwhisky.com

A fixture in Grimsby since 1992, Forty Creek Whisky has been instrumental in ushering what would eventually become the craft spirits movement. Founded by John K. Hall, a winemaker with over four decades of experience in the industry, Forty Creek has largely been responsible for putting Canadian whisky back on the map. 

Their flagship whisky, Barrel Select, is a blend of rye, corn, and barley. Warm gold in colour, it offers complex aromas and flavours of apricots, caramel, spice, vanilla, ginger, and toasted oak, ending in a long smooth finish.

Coming this fall are two limited-edition whiskies, along with Forty Creek’s 14th annual Whisky Weekend – although, this years’ event will be a virtual celebration. 

Dillons | Beamsville 

Dillons.ca 

Founded by in-law duo Geoff Dillon and Gary Huggins, Dillon’s broke into the spirit industry with one goal: to create new spirits from old ideas and to make them with unparalleled quality, handcrafted, one small batch at a time. 

Distilled the traditional way – using a copper pot – Dillon’s gin, rye, vodka, and bitters has impressed palates across North America. Using only local Niagara botanicals, and the freshest produce, flavours of their spirits vary according to what’s in season. For example, strawberries sourced in Jordan, Ontario are distilled to create their strawberry gin. This fruity spirit, perfect for cocktails, brings summer to life any time of year. They also have a cherry gin, rose gin, black walnut amaro, absinthe, peach schnapps, vodka, and rye. 

Collective Arts Brewing | Hamilton

Collectiveartsbewing.com 

An active player in the craft beer scene since 2013, Collective Arts fuses the creativity of craft beer with the inspired talents of emerging artists and musicians. With a successful and diverse beer line-up established, Collective Arts expanded their mixology in 2019 with their flagship Artisanal Dry Gin. Crafted in small batches with juniper berries and their unique, house-made botanical blend, the artisanal gin offers flavours and aromas of fresh lemon, lime, and orange peel.

As of August 2020, Collective Arts has three varieties of gin – Artisanal Dry, Rhubarb and Hibiscus, and their current seasonal blend: Plum and Blackthorn. They also launched a new line of canned Sparkling Gin Cocktails in April 2020 and a line of Sparkling Hard Teas (mango and pineapple, peach and orange, and blueberry and elderberry). All spirits feature their signature creative arts and are available through delivery or pickup at the brewery – although, many of their products are available at the LCBO. 

SilverFox Distillery | Arthur (Wellington County)

silverfoxdistillery.ca

Open for business in February 2020, SilverFox Distillery is just breaking ground in the craft spirit industry. Mark Townsend, the master distiller for SilverFox, has been busy renovating a 3,100 square ft. facility since January 2019. With COVID restrictions in phase 3, Mark is ready to share his craft. Their signature multiple grain FoxShine White Lightning is made in a traditional Canadian fashion. Corn, oats, and wheat all harmonize to make this 100-proof spirit. For this Fall, try their Apple Pie Moonshine, featuring a blend of mulling spices to create an ole time experience.

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Niagara Winery Spotlight: 13th Street Winery

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13th Street

Since its opening in 1998, 13th Street Winery (located near St. Catherines) has grown into a wine leisure paradise offering the full experience of wine, food, and art. For over three generations and 100 years of farming in the region, the Whitty family certainly knows the lays of the land – and it has come in handy in the success of the winery. The retail and tasting bar are open Monday to Saturday and offers a wide array of wines and styles for tasting and purchase.


Grab a glass a wine and explore the sculpture gardens or wander around the extensive grounds.

Doug Whitty, co-owner and president of 13th Street Winery, and a Niagara local is passionate about making Niagara a destination. “We would like to make our wine region yours. It is too beautiful not to share. There is a unique opportunity to celebrate local food and culture, to live off the land. As people in Europe have done for generations, enjoy the fruits of nature from your own region”.

The winery is less than 45-minutes from Oakville making it easy to discover and explore. Doug says, “In these difficult times where so many activities have become unavailable, visiting Niagara is affordable and accessible and a great day out. Right on your doorstep, it offers world-class food, wines, and experiences.”

Fridays and Saturdays a “to-go” menu is offered where you can enjoy house-baked goods and artisanal cheese either at home or casually onsite.

There is accommodation at the Vineyard Cottage with the Vineyard Farmhouse opening soon (available for booking through Airbnb), making it easy to enjoy a few summer days exploring the region.

If you have been meaning to visit the area, now is the time to explore and enjoy all that is on offer.

By: Jenny Ratcliffe-Wright

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Articles

Your Local Pub Crawl

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Local Pub Crawl

Pub, a word conveniently shortened from the British term public house, is defined as an establishment licensed to sell alcoholic drinks. But for many, it has the deeper meaning of a meeting place or a place of social gathering. In many places around the world, especially in small English villages, the pub is the focal part of the community. Samuel Pepys, a British Member of Parliament and famed diary keeper, described the pub in the 17th century as being the “heart of England”. The Red Lion is the most common name for a pub in Britain where there are reportedly 656 establishments with this name.

Pubs date back to Roman times, when inns or taverns started popping up along the Roman road networks where travelers could obtain refreshments. When looking for the difference between a bar and a pub, reference is often made to Britain when referring to a pub, and the word has connotations of being a place to socialize, and not just to drink alcohol. A bar is often differentiated by having loud music and a dance floor.

Oakville and Burlington have many quaint and charming pubs where patrons can get a pint of English beer and meet up with friends. Nowadays, pubs have a huge range of beverages, from craft beers, fine wines and cocktails to gourmet food offerings, but there still seems to be a leaning toward a more British way. Items such as bangers and mash, and beef and ale pie appear frequently on menus as well as the quintessential British meal, fish and chips.

The King’s Arms (kingsarmsoakville.com) in downtown Oakville is one of the oldest pubs in the area. It was first opened in the mid-70s under the name “The Duke of Bedford” and changed its name to The King’s Arms in the ‘90s. The pub specializes in craft beer with an extensive range of products and offers traditional British food  such as steak and Guinness pie, as well as more trendy fusion items such as truffle brisket mac and cheese. 

The Abbey Arms (abbeyarmspub.ca) located in Glen Abbey, Oakville, has a specialty brunch menu on weekends for earlier diners, and also caters to vegetarians with its house-made chickpea and cauliflower curry.

The Queens Head (thequeensheadoakville.com) in downtown Oakville offers an authentic pub atmosphere and is reputed to serve the best fish and chips in the area.  Be prepared to wait for a table on a Friday night.

Not to be outdone, The Queen’s Head (the queenshead.ca) in downtown Burlington opened its doors in the 1990s and specializes in house pub pies. It also features traditional pub fare such as beef liver with bacon and onions. It hosts events throughout the year, including celebrating St Patrick’s Day.

The Pipes and Taps Pub (thepipesandtapspub.com) in Oak Park, Oakville also varies its food offerings from a trendy warm tandoori spiced Atlantic salmon salad to classic bangers and mash.

With 17 beers on tap, The Stout Monk (thestoutmonk.com)
at Neyagawa and Dundas in Oakville, is certainly a beer destination but also offers game-day breakfasts and screens anything from the Leafs game to premier league soccer. They offer traditional fare like bison shepherd’s pie and also signature items such as Monk wings or Monk nachos.

In downtown Burlington, you’ll find Burlington’s oldest English Pub and Alehouse – The Poacher (thepoacher.ca). Also downtown is The Dickens Pub (thedickens.ca), where you can bite into half-price wings on Tuesday or sip $5 Caesars on Saturday before 6 p.m.

With St Patrick’s Day approaching, it is worth scouting out your nearest pub to make sure you don’t miss out on all the fun – and all the green beer. Throw on your most festive Irish gear and be prepared for everything from St. Patty’s inspired dinner specials, Irish dancers, and simply, a bangers and mash good time. 

by Jenny Ratcliffe-Wright

Other Pubs to Try:

Emma’s Back Porch, Burlington
Emmasbackporch.ca

Oakville Pump and Patio, Oakville
Oakvillepump.com

Studebaker Pub & Diner, Burlington
studebakerburlington.com

3 Brewers Microbrewery, Oakville
Les3brasseurs.ca

The Firehall, Bronte
Thefirehall.ca

The Judge and Jury, Burlington
Thejudgeandjury.ca

Bru, Oakville
brurestaurant.ca

Beertown, Oakville + Burlington
Beertown.ca

Tin Cup, Oakville + Burlington
Tincupsportsgrill.ca

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Community

Our Coffee Shop and Café List 2020 – The Best of Oakville

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For many, a cup of coffee is simply part of a daily routine. But with Oakville’s vibrant coffee scene, cafes and coffee shops are becoming more than just a place to perk up. Whether you’re looking for a cozy nook to catch up with a friend or simply a warm bevy on a cool day, Oakville has you covered. Here are some of our favourite independent cafes and coffee shops.

Vereda Central Coffee Roasters 

Veredacentral.ca | 310 Kerr Street 

Vereda Central is a wonderful new addition to bustling Kerr Street. Born from the idea of finding the best possible coffee beans from a variety of Columbian veredas, or small villages, their coffee is personally sourced, and all processes of milling, roasting, and packing are done onsite. They are extremely knowledgeable, friendly and talented baristas. They also offer one of the rarest finds in Oakville – FREE PARKING in the back. Be sure to check them out and enjoy the cozy space the husband and wife team have created.

Kerr Street Café 

Kerrstreetcafe.com | 298 Kerr Street Oakville | 289-837-1535 

This hip, environmentally conscious café focuses on clean, healthy eating, serving everything from an (outstanding) cup of coffee to a full meal. Start your day with a modern spin on traditional breakfast offerings, with a wonderful selection of loose-leaf teas and excellent coffee, locally roasted by Brothers Coffee Roasters.

Taste of Columbia Fair Trade Coffee Shop 

Tasteofcolombia.wordpress.com | 67 Bronte Road 

This quaint, South American style café perched on Bronte pier is truly something special. With everything from their coffee to their nibbles, organic and fair-trade, you can feel good about eating here. Enjoy coffee, music, social justice, and equality all under one roof.

Tribeca Coffee Co 

Tribeccacoffeeco.com | 174 Lakeshore Road East 

Located in the heart of downtown Oakville, Tribeca Coffee Co. is the perfect little hideaway serving outstanding coffee. Cozy and community-focused, it’s a great place to work remotely, play a board game with a friend, or stop for a warm drink after a busy day exploring downtown. The inviting coffee shop specializes in offering an array of different coffee blends, from house batch brewed coffees, to single origin. Looking for a hand pour or Chemex brew? This is the place for you.

Hexagon

Hexagonrestuarant.com | 210 Lakeshore Road, East

This modern, upscale French restaurant, largely known for its unique multi-course dinners, wine pairings, and chic decor, also has a stylish little cafe tucked around the corner. In the summer, their floor to ceiling windows open wide and it makes the perfect spot to enjoy an outdoor coffee and pastry. Inside, you can enjoy Sunday brunch alongside a specialty coffee, such as a black sesame latte, or take it with dessert on a Friday night. We highly recommend the Lavender Latte!

Yellow Door

yellowdoorstudio.com | 114 Thomas Street

Half coffee shop, half nail studio and lounge. Customers are able to get their nails done, all while enjoying Yellow Door’s cafe and bar. They offer wines and signature cocktails, but also delectable coffees poured to perfection. The coffee is sourced from De Mello Palheta Coffee Roasters, a local micro roaster that prides themselves on their high-quality ingredients. Bonus: the cafe space is one of the most stylish in town.

Marylebone Café and Creamery 

Marylebone.ca | 216 Oak Park Boulevard 

Bright, fun, and truly one-of-a-kind, Marylebone Café and Creamery is the ideal spot to come together with family and friends. Their hand-crafted freakshakes, pleasure jars, and baked goods are made with premium ingredients, and each treat includes a special touch. You really have to see it to believe it.

Bean There 

106 Reynolds Avenue 

A staple in downtown Oakville for nearly a quarter-century. This independent coffee shop is casual, friendly, and inviting. From soup and sandwiches, to hot coffee, lattes, and dessert, this café not only serves up a large selection but brings out all the stops to make you feel right at home.

Croissant Bakery Express 

Croissantexpress.ca | 325 Lakeshore Road East 

Boasting some of the best croissants this side of Paris. This cozy little café renowned for its croissants offers delicious cups of coffee, tea, lattes, and an assortment of handmade baked goods. All croissants, breads and pastries are individually hand rolled and made with 100% natural butter and finest quality ingredients.

La Dolce Vita Oakville 

Ladolcevitaoakville.com | 22 Lakeshore Road West 

Although famous for their gelato, La Dolce Vita has a wide assortment of drinks available at their café. Smooth espresso to Italian sodas, to gelato frappes and vegan chocolate mochas . No matter what you opt for, you’re in for a treat.

Honourable Mention:

Firebat Coffee Roasters

firebatcoffee.com | 407 Speers Rd. Unit 7 back

Firebat Coffee Roasters is truly a one of a kind. The founders of this roastery, husband and wife team Gustavo and Leena, decided to create a bridge between Canada and El Salvador through coffee. And while they aren’t necessarily a café, you can drop in to pick up a bag of beans and sample their coffee. They are especially knowledgeable on the coffee industry, and source all of their beans from small to medium scale producers in El Salvador, including coveted Gold Cup winners that you can’t find anywhere else. The result: some of the best coffee you will ever taste. This is a true hidden gem in Oakville.

Didn’t see your favourite coffee shop? Submit yours here.

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