Featured restaurants from Downtown Oakville offering prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus February 19 โ March 4, 2020
A Taste of Oakville is a unique dining experience where restaurants offer prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus. Participating restaurants will offer two-course lunch menus priced at $17, $22 & up, and three-course dinner menus priced at $20, $30, and $40 & up.ย
โOakville is a food loverโs heaven, and A Taste of Oakville celebrates that,โ says Sharlene Plewman, Executive Director Downtown Oakville BIA. โA Taste of Oakville is an excellent opportunity for foodies and residents wanting to try something new to get out and celebrate the award-winning culinary landscape of Downtown Oakville.โ
This culinary event is brought to you by the merchants and businesses of Downtown Oakville.
A Taste of Oakville runs from February 19 โ March 4, 2020. For more information on participating restaurants and menus, please visit atasteofoakville.com.
Canadaโs largest design exposition and conference, the Interior Design Show (IDS20), returns to Toronto with a future-forward vision for 2020. IDS20/20 will bring together global minds, leading designers, makers, changers, shapers and dreamers of today who are creating the new worlds of tomorrow.
Canadaโs premier showcase of new products, furniture, superstar designers and avant-garde concepts became a hybrid event last year, catering to trade construction, design professionals and design-savvy consumers. IDS20 takes place January 16-19, 2020 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
โFor over 20 years, IDS has been both a catalyst and authority for Canadian design,โ says Karen Kang, National Director, IDS Canada. โDuring the past two decades, we have witnessed a lot of change. Yesterdayโs designer has become todayโs problem solver and tomorrowโs visionary. This yearโs IDS 20/20 theme will explore how designers now create experiences at the intersection of technological and social problems, imagining new roads to alternative realities.โ
IDS Contract
In 2019, IDS expanded to include IDS Contract, a hyper-curated B2B trade-only exposition and conference focused on all verticals of design including: workplace, healthcare, retail, hospitality, education, public spaces, government and more.
IDS Contract Trade Days will continue in 2020 on Thursday and Friday. New this year, Trade Day attendees will also benefit from full access to the IDS Main exhibit hall.
IDS Contract brings an additional 100+ exhibitors and several new feature areas aimed at B2B trade professionals. Along with IDS Contract is IDS Conference, a series of 65+ sessions including keynote speakers, fireside chats, seminars and workshops. The 2020 installment will explore the business of design, the future of work, the future of living and technology.
IDS20 Concept House
RESET HOME: Design for the Senses
This yearโs IDS Concept Home is a multisensory experience of the future of living and an exploration of the role that our homes can play in improving our overall wellbeing. Blending theories of spatial perception and human wellness, Hummingbird Hill Homes, VFA Architecture + Design and Victoria Taylor Landscape Architect bring you the RESET Home; a space that transcends contemporary design to reset the way we perceive, interpret, experience and thrive within our living habitats. The fully realized space will allow IDS20 guests to walk through the home and explore how materials, textures, sounds, scents and light affect the five senses, mind and body, impacting the way we live and interact within the private sanctuary of our home.
Keynote Conference Speakers
Frida Escobedo
Joining IDS20 as a keynote conference speaker for the Dezeen Trade Talks on Thursday, January 16th is Mexican architect and designer, Frida Escobedo. Principal and founder of her studio based in Mexico City, Escobedo is known for her interesting use of materials. Her work focuses largely on the reactivation of urban spaces that are considered to be residual or forgotten, through projects that range from housing and community centers, hotels, galleries and public art installations. The intention to provide possibilities for growth and flexibility can be read as much in large scale social housing projects, such as those developed for INFONAVIT, as in more modest interventions like Casa Cruz Castillo or Casa Negra. In addition to her practice, Escobedo has taught at Columbia Universityโs Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation and during spring 2019 was a visiting professor at RICE University. She is currently teaching at Harvard Graduate School of Design. She is the recipient of the 2016 Architectural Review Emerging Architecture Award, the 2017 Architectural League Emerging Voices Award, and in 2018 was the youngest architect to design the 18th Serpentine Summer Pavilion in London.
Francis Kรฉrรฉ
IDS20 is pleased to be hosting internationally acclaimed architect Francis Kรฉrรฉ as a keynote conference speaker for the AZURE Trade Talks on Friday, January 17th. Kรฉrรฉ has garnered critical praise from the beginning of his architectural practice when awarded the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture (2004) for his first ever building – a primary school he designed, raised the funds for and realised in collaboration with the residents of his native Gando, Burkina Faso. Kรฉrรฉ is regarded as one of the most distinguished contemporary architects thanks to his pioneering of a communal approach to design and his commitment to sustainable materials and modes of construction. He has gathered a diverse, agile team at his Berlin-based Kรฉrรฉ Architecture offices, to take on projects across four continents. Most prominently these include his design for the Burkina Faso National Assembly, the Lรฉo Surgical Clinic & Health Centre (2014), the Lycรฉe Schorge Secondary School (2016), the Serpentine Pavilion (2017) and Xylem (2019), a gathering pavilion for the Tippet Rise Art Center.
IDS20 Schedule
Thursday, January 16
10 am – 4 pm – Trade Day + IDS Conference
7 pm – 11 pm – Opening Night Party Presented by PurParket
Friday, January 17
9 am – 6 pm – Trade Day + IDS Conference
Saturday, January 18
10 am – 6 pm – Public Day + Design Classes
Sunday, January 19
10 am – 6 pm – Public Day
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, 222 Bremner
On December 5th, Farmย Boy, Ontarioโs fastest growing fresh food retailer announced that its popular fresh-market shopping experience has open in Burlington, Ontario. Located at 3061 Walkers Line, the new 23,938 square foot store is expected to create 120 jobs this year.
True toย Farmย Boyย roots, the Burlington location will deliver local shoppers a world-class food experience with exceptional customer service and abundant selections of the freshest foods. In addition to plentifulย farmย fresh produce, the new store will showcase butcher quality meats, artisanal cheese, fresh baked treats and fresh dairy. Customers can also look forward to findingย Farmย Boyย private label specialty products, locally made foods and organic and plant-based options. ย
โProviding a world-class, fresh shopping experience is the heart and soul of our business,โ says Jeff York,ย Farmย Boyย co-CEO. โWeโve recently opened a new store in the nearby city of Oakville and have received multiple requests to expand in Burlington as well. We look forward to meeting our newest customers in Alton Village and will work hard to earn their business.โ ย
Burlingtonians and local workers looking to eat well on the run can expect fresh, made-to-order hot meals at the in-store grilling station that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with daily features. All meals are available to take home or enjoy hot in the comfortably designed, Wi-Fi-enabled seating areas.
Farmย Boyย will celebrate its latest opening on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. with local dignitaries including Burlington Mayor, Marianne Meed Ward, with a new ritual for the retailer: a cowbell ringing.ย On Saturday, the festivities will continue with family-favourite activities such as face painting and special guest appearances, including Lulu the cow from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Fast Facts:
Farm Boy carries hundreds of products made in Ontario including fresh produce, butcher quality meats, artisan cheese, fresh dairy and baked goods, sustainable seafood and fresh prepared foods
All Farm Boy stores feature Farm Boy Kitchens with wholesome, fresh salad bars and hot bars featuring premium lean proteins and Farm Boy chef-inspired favourites
Farm Boy stores carry many gluten-free, organic and natural food choices
Farm Boy makes many of their own products from scratch without preservatives or chemicals including fresh soups, handmade sausages, burgers and kebabs, ready to cook prepared meats
Farm Boy carries its own line of private label products with over 60 products (800 skus) in stores including popular frozen entrees, sides and sweet treats
Local suppliers have been a key feature of Farm Boy stores since 1981 and there are hundreds of local supplier products in store
Farm Boy Walkers Line is located in Alton Village in Burlington at the northeast corner of Dundas & Walkers Line. It will join the existing LCBO, Shoppers Drug Mart and Starbucks already established at this location.
Aboutย Farmย Boy: Ontario-basedย Farmย Boyย is well known for their unique fresh-market shopping experience. With legions of loyal customers,ย Farmย Boyย has grown from a small produce stand that began in Cornwall in 1981 to a 29-store household name throughout Ontario. With stores set to open in Burlington in late 2019 and St. Catharines in early 2020, the company has plans to continue its fresh market expansion in coming years.
Satisfy your sweet tooth in Oakville at Best Bakery Talk of the Town Award-winner, Sugar Suite Cakes!
This Downtown Oakville allergen-free bakery specializes in artistic confections that are gluten-free, peanut-free and vegan.
You can pop in for a cookie, cake pop, cupcake or scone, or order something elegant and personalized for your special event.
This new addition to Oakville takes the cake with melt-in-your-mouth meringues, cupcake bouquets, custom cakes and so much more!
Find your sweet escape at Aveiro Bakery, Best Bakery runner-up!
This Sixth Line sensation will delight your taste buds with tantalizing twists like cannoli doughnuts, sโmores cupcakes, Pรฃo de Deus, pumpkin walnut coffee cake and iced lattes.
Kick that winter chill to the curb and cozy up to the fire with some old fashioned treats like butter tarts, chocolate fudge brownies and chocolate raspberry mousse cake from this local favourite.
Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our final category of 2019 on Nov. 1, 2019 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Raise a glass to the Best Craft Beer Talk of the Town Award-winner,ย BRU!
This Downtown Oakville hot spot has one of the largest selections of craft beer in Oakville, carrying over 15 Ontario brewers on six taps and 30 bottles.
You can โtapโ into a new world of flavours with ever-rotating options from breweries like Bellwoods, Farmageddon, The Furnace Room, Collective Arts and Oakvilleโs-own Cameronโs!
Non-drinkers can also grab a glass with Bruโs non-alcoholic beer menu, soโhopโ into harvest season and enjoy the crisp taste of craft at this local watering hole.
With 31 selections of craft beer on tap alone, Beertown Public House is the place to be for those looking for something outside of the box.
This โBest Craft Beerโ runner-up will take your taste buds all over the world with a sensational selection of Scotch ales, dunkels, fruit beers, stouts and many more. Build your own paddle, take your chances with the fusion tower or try something one-of-a-kind with the brown bag special.
Take date night to Paradiso, Best Craft Beer second-runner up!
This fine dining favourite carries crafts from breweries such as Saints of Circumstance, Big Rock and Amsterdam. Plan for an intimate dinner, take a whole group or make your own meal during one of their famous cooking classes.
Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our next category on Oct. 1, 2019 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Itโs time to leave the nest and test your taste buds at Best Wings Talk of the Town Award-winner, The Original 6 Line Pub!
Pluck a 1lb, 2lb or 3lb basket of fantastically fried wings, and pick from a unique selection of sauces including Lemon Pepper, Secret 6, Szechuan and Ancho Chipotle.
Take advantage of their Tuesday wing special or treat everyone to dinner with the Original 6 Team Combo of 35 wings and a pitcher of domestic beer.
Catch a game, play some pool and indulge in Oakvilleโs wildest wings at this award-winning friendly neighbourhood pub.
Indulge in Cajun, Lemon Pepper and Caribbean Jerk dry rubs, or select sauces like BBQ Honey Garlic, Greek Heat and NY Buffalo Butter at this beloved establishment that also won our Best Burger award.
With a selection of over 25 signature sauce, we would recommend adding Monaghanโs to your chicken wing bucket list!
This Best Wing second runner-up will broaden your palate with unique flavour combinations like Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper, Sweet Thai Chili, Hot Dill Pickle and Mongahanโs Own Hellfire.
Thank you so much to everyone who voted! Visit Oakville will be announcing their next category on Sept. 1, 2019 overย Facebook,ย Twitterย andย Instagram.
โHerbโ your enthusiasm for healthy eating this month and โturnipโ the flavour at Best Vegan Menu Talk of the Town Award-winner, Dar Nabati!
Make your own meal at this Downtown Oakville cafe by pairing a pita, greens, quinoa or rice and lentils with options like the Halloumi Cheeze Sandwich, Tofu Souvlaki or the Cauliflower Wings Bowl.
You can eat hearty flatbreads, pastas, curries and sandwiches guilt-free, as their entire menu is rid of dairy, eggs, preservatives and refined sugars. Ninety-eight per cent of these offerings are also gluten-free.
You wonโt regret picking up pastries, bopping in for brunch or stopping by for a sandwich at this beloved vegan, organic and locally-sourced standout.
Feeling that summer barbecue vibe? Pick up one of the best burgers in town at Best Vegan Menu runner-up Boon Burger Cafe!
This Best Kidโs Menu Talk of the Town Award-winner serves up heart-warming fresh-made plant-based patties with fantastic flavours like Sriracha Ranch, Jalapeno Chedda, South West Crunch and Sweet Chili Falafull.
Dive into fine dining at Community, Best Vegan Menu second runner-up!
Indulge in decadence with their soul-soothing Truffle Poutine with Mushroom Gravy and Cashew Mozzarella, or test your tastebuds with amazing creations like Sweet & Spicy Lettuce Cups, Truffle Gnocchi, Zucchini Mint Blinis and sensational superfood smoothies.
Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our next category on Aug. 1, 2019 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Thereโs a feeling of joy that comes when you step into Familia Fine Foods. From the warm smile Juliana Berrio flashes when you walk through the door to the rustic dรฉcor and Columbian charm, the space alights your senses. It all seems so organic โ the welcome, the food, the atmosphere – and thatโs because owners Luis Velasquez and Juliana Berrio inject their culture and love of family into every aspect of their home away from home.
When Luis and Juliana were working long hours in the corporate world, they had an epiphany โ that life is short and doing something fulfilling is more important. So, in 2014 they walked away from their careers in finance and not-for-profit work to start Familia Fine Foods, and it was the best decision they ever made.
The prepared meals fridge at Familia.
The restaurant’s foundation was built on their love of family and their love of food. With two young daughters themselves, Juliana and Luis understand the convenience of having a wholesome, homemade, ready-to-eat meal on your table. Giving families priceless time to make memories with their kids. But itโs not just families that love Familia. Weekday lunch draws a crowd. From a regular tennis group with a weekly reservation to entrepreneurs grabbing a fresh bite to eat โ youโll find all walks of life indulging in Familiaโs classic Latin menuโฆwith a twist.
Sugar cane lemonade at Familia.
While Juliana runs the front of the house and manages catering orders, her husband, Luis, is behind the counter preparing favourites โ and everything is made fresh in house.
Our meal began with their in-house iced tea, made with natural cane sugar. It was subtle and refreshing and the perfect pairing to the meal. We immediately dug into our tacos โ a special every Tuesday. The taco shell was soft and fresh, adorned with chicken, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, and feta cheese. This symphony of flavours worked flawlessly together and satisfied our pallets on every level.
Tacos at Familia.
Next, we had a sampling of desserts. Three generous portions were presented across a wood plank, begging us to dig in. First was the passionfruit cheesecake – an exotic, lighter touch to a traditional cheesecake. Smooth and creamy, tropical and fragrant โ itโs clear that passionfruit and cheesecake were always meant to be together. From the cheesecake, our forks were pulled towards the bread and guava cake. Light, moist and packed with guava, this cake paired beautifully with coffee. Last was the poster tres leches, a king among them all. Drenched in milk this delicate sponge cake manages to soak up tons of liquid while remaining solid enough for you to dig into its crumb with a fork. Fluffy and delicious, it certainly lived up to its expectations.
Dessert at Familia.
Even with full bellies, we couldn’t resist exploring their fridge full of take-home meals, grabbing some items to go โ bringing the taste of Familia home.
Coffee at Familia.
At Familia Fine Foods homemade with love is their motto โ and when walk you walk into Familia Fine Foods, homemade with love is what you get.
Spend this summer indulging your sweet side at Best Desserts Talk of the Town Award-winner, ASTA Dough!
This new addition to Kerr Village has been in high demand as cookie monsters everywhere flock for a taste of their edible cookie dough.
Fiend on this forbidden childhood treat with flavours like sโmores, rosewater and white chocolate, strawberry shortcake and classic cookie dough. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available, and all products are made with organic ingredients, fairtrade chocolate and natural colours.
Grab a hot drink, some soft serve or mini truffles to tide you over until your next trip.
Craving some baked goods instead? Just walk down the street for a treat from The Sweetest Thing, Best Desserts runner-up!
You wonโt want to miss their ever-changing selection of personalized cakes and confections, snickerdoodle sammies, lemon meringue cupcakes, cheddar buttermilk scones and more!
Save room for savoury and sweet at Best Desserts second runner-up Buca di Bacco!
This Downtown Oakville staple specializes in classic Italian dishes with a dessert menu that includes traditional treats like polenta cake, chocolate focaccia bread pudding, and bombolini!
Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our next category on July 1, 2019 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Soak up some sun and sink your teeth into seafood this June at Best Patio Talk of the Town Award winner COVE Bar and Restaurant!
Visitors to this new Bronte Village hot spot can expect a one-of-a-kind dining experience featuring great food, signature cocktails and lakeside views from one of Oakvilleโs oldest historic buildings.
Celebrate summer with a plate of premium oysters, linguine vongole, lobster rolls and sinful sangrias.
You can catch the game, celebrate landmarks and raise a glass to Oakvilleโs beautiful summer nights at this lovely lakeshore locale.
Take in a breath of fresh air at this secluded spot and indulge in a diverse menu of gyoza dumplings, Greek poutine, mac and cheese and the best burgers in town!
Try some traditional Italian on the porches of Venice at the third-place recipient, Buca Di Bacco!
Treat yourself to fresh lasagne, cavatelli, zuppa di pesce, branzino, pizza margarita and more taste sensations hand-picked from the streets of Italy.
Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our next category on June 1, 2019 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
