Team Writer, Author at Look Local - Celebrating Community

In Blog

BURLINGTON DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION CERTIFIED BICYCLE FRIENDLY BUSINESS AREA

June 3, 2019 No Comments

As part of the kick-off to Bike Month 2019, the Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) is proud to announce its Ontario By Bike (OBB) Business Area certification. “We are honoured to join six other municipalities in Ontario that have earned this important certification,” states Brian Dean, Executive Director of the BDBA. “As more people choose alternative transportation to explore the best of Burlington, our small business community has taken extra steps to offer amenities and services that are specific to the needs of residential and visiting cyclists.” Dean goes on to say, “We have worked closely with a select number of downtown businesses who have helped us achieve this certification, and we look forward to growing the list of downtown businesses participating in the Ontario By Bike program in the coming months.”

One of the BDBA’s community partners that helped the Association achieve its certification is Tourism Burlington. “Tourism Burlington is thrilled that the BDBA has received an Ontario by Bike cycle friendly designation and we are pleased to be designated as the official Bike Welcome Centre! At our downtown visitor information centre, we greet and provide information and support to numerous cycle tourists annually. These visitors will now have more cycle-friendly shops, restaurants, and accommodations to visit in our beautiful city,” remarks Pam Belgrade, Executive Director, Tourism Burlington.

Other downtown Burlington businesses who have achieved their OBB bike-friendly certification include: The Art Gallery of Burlington, Emma’s Back Porch, Lola Choco Bar & Sweet House, Lettuce Love Café and The Waterfront Hotel.

“Downtown Burlington is well located and has an attractive mix of businesses to welcome the increasing number of cyclists on day trips or longer overnight rides, whether it be on along the Waterfront Trail, road routes throughout Halton Region and Hamilton or enjoying city bike lanes and trails,” said Louisa Mursell, Executive Director, Ontario By Bike / Transportation Options.

The Burlington Downtown Business Association is a not-for-profit organization representing over 430 commercial property owners and businesses within the Business Improvement Area.

For more information visit burlingtondowntown.ca

In Community

The King’s Arms wins Best Burger 2019 Talk of the Town Award

May 7, 2019 No Comments

We’re moving into hamburger month this May, so start salivating for the perfect patties produced at Best Burger 2019 Talk of the Town Award winner, The King’s Arms!

This Downtown Oakville staple’s hand pressed 8oz chuck brisket patties have made their mark on the local community because of their fresh, juicy and flavourful quality and the fact that they are half price on Sundays.

You’ll have no trouble digging into their OMG burger topped with OMG sauce, sautéed onions, mushrooms, swiss cheese and a panko bread onion ring or their Bacon Bad burger loaded with maple Jack Daniel’s BBQ sauce, bacon and cheddar.

Watch the game, play pool, dance and fill your belly at this uniquely modern take on an old fashion British pub “where you’re a stranger but once!”.

Don’t eat meat? You can find a magnificent vegan meal at Best Burger runner-up Boon Burger!

These 100% plant-based creations are made fresh daily, full of flavour and healthy to boot. Sink into savoury spices with the Sriracha Ranch burger or add a little crunch to your selection with the bbq corn chip-adorned South West Crunch burger.

Our third-place establishment is no slouch either! Downtown Oakville’s BRU is the perfect place to grab a burger and a beer after work, before a show or just because.

Their gourmet Bru Burger is served as a double patty with special sauce, American cheese, pickles and iceberg lettuce on a potato bun. Find your perfect pairing with a selection from their unparalleled craft beer menu featuring over 15 Ontario breweries and premium imports.

Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our next category on May 1, 2019 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2019 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Burger

The King’s Arms
Boon Burger Cafe
BRU
Harpers Landing
The Works

For more information about the Visit Oakville 2019 Talk of the Town Awards, visit visitoakville.com.

*this article was provided by visitoakville.com

In Community

The Crêpe Kitchen wins Best Brunch 2019 Talk of the Town Award

March 27, 2019 No Comments

Take it over easy this April at 2019 Best Brunch Talk of the Town Award-winner, The Crêpe Kitchen!

This rustic-chic family-run business has been a staple in Downtown Oakville since 2009, serving up a deliciously fresh menu of sweet and savoury crêpes.

Wake up with flavourful favourites like the Farmer’s Pick, the Cheesy Pesto, the Three Mushroom’s and the Dreamy (only available on weekends), or sample something sweet with the Dulce de Leche, the Crêpe Suchard, the Strawberry Tart Crêpe and many more.

Don’t skip their famous French Onion Soup or Croque Monsieur either, as you and your brunch buddies are transported to the streets of Paris through a single bite.

Do you prefer a plant-based menu? Try Best Brunch runner-up, Dar Nabati!

This Middle Eastern cafe serves up some delicious brunch options including a Middle Eastern platter, classic waffles, vegan fried eggs, bakon, home fries and more! You’ll feel good indulging in this meal, as all items at this Downtown Oakville staple are egg-free, dairy-free, preservative-free and refined sugar-free.

Make it Mediterranean at Ricarda’s jazz brunch!

This recent addition to Downtown Oakville has taken home third place honours in this month’s Talk of the Town Awards with their sensational Sunday all-you-can-eat jazz brunch! Pick from seafood and pastry platters or skip right to the menu for local favourites like Shakshouka, Porchetta Sandwiches, Toulon Flatbreads or Moroccan Cornish Hen.

Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our next category on April 1, 2019 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2019 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Brunch

The Crêpe Kitchen
Dar Nabati
Ricarda’s
Kerr Street Cafe
La Parisienne Crêperie

For more information about the Visit Oakville 2019 Talk of the Town Awards, visit visitoakville.com.

*this article was provided by visitoakville.com

In Community

Boon Burger Cafe wins 2019 Talk of the Town Award for Best Kid’s Menu

March 27, 2019 No Comments

Looking for a place that can cater to the whole family this March Break? Get a lot of bang for your buck at Boon Burger Cafe, Visit Oakville’s 2019 Talk of the Town Award-winner for Best Kid’s Menu!

Kids can take matters into their own hands at this vegan burger joint by customizing their burgers or selecting from a menu featuring veggie dogs, grilled cheese, soup, chic’n strips, salad and more.

You won’t feel guilty indulging the family in a burger and fries at Boon, as their entire menu features 100% vegan plant-based options. This environmentally conscious location has also eliminated all plastic, opting for takeout cups and straws made from biodegradable cornstarch.

Turn up the heat at Bronte Village’s The Firehall, where kids feast for free on Mondays! This local staple took second place honours in this month’s Talk of the Town Awards with a flavourful kid’s menu featuring pizzas, pasta dishes, wings, quesadillas and more!

Stir up some sizzle with the most important meal of the day at Downtown Oakville’s Sunnyside Grill, second-runner up for the “Best Kid’s Menu” title. Kids can sink their teeth into pancakes, french toast or a hearty breakfast bundle featuring eggs, bacon, potatoes and toast.

Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our next category on March 1, 2019 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2019 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Kid’s Menu

Boon Burger Cafe
Firehall
Sunnyside Grill
Harper’s Landing
Adonis

For more information about the Visit Oakville 2019 Talk of the Town Awards, visit visitoakville.com.

*this article was provided by visitoakville.com

In Community

Lawn Bowling in Downtown Oakville

March 19, 2019 No Comments

If you have never lawn bowled it is well worth trying. It’s a bit like curling, but without as much shouting, and of course, warmer as it is played in the summer on grass and not ice. And there’s no sweeping!
Bowls are biased, or weighted by dimension one side, to create a curve at the end of the roll along the green. Allowing for that curve, which is affected by speed and weight, makes the game interesting and challenging.
Most games, especially when played by a novice, are relaxed and known as “casuals”. Teams are assigned with whoever turns up to play. And more experienced players will help new members to learn the game. With more experience, competitive games can be played. There are ladies’ mornings, mens nights, Aussie bowls, pairs leagues and a junior program held on Sundays for 7 years of age and up. This is just to name a few of the activities available.
The club holds open houses each year to encourage new members.

This year they are:

Saturday May 11th 2019 from 1:30 – 3:30pm
Sunday May 12th 2019 from 1:30 -3:30pm
Saturday May 18th 11:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday May 19th 12:00 – 2:00pm

People can come to the club on the above dates and find out about the club and give bowling a try at no charge. The club offers an introductory week of free lessons from May 13th – 18th. Bowls are provided in a variety of colours and sizes and these bowls are available to use free of charge for the first year of membership. So, the only equipment needed is a flat pair of shoes (so the grass is not damaged). The cost of membership is $170 for the year May – October (weather permitting).
The Oakville Club has been around since 1908 and it is no wonder that it is in one of the most attractive spots in Old Oakville.

If you miss the Open Houses in May, please visit www.oakvillelawnbowling.ca to learn more.

Oakville Lawn Bowling

111 King St, Oakville, ON L6J 1B3

(905) 842-1849

In Community

Jonathans wins 2019 Talk of the Town Award for Best Fine Dining

January 31, 2019 No Comments

Pull out all the stops for the one you love this Valentine’s Day with a dinner at Jonathans, Talk of the Town Award-winner for Best Fine Dining!

This award-winning restaurant has been serving up incredible dishes in Downtown Oakville for 30 years, becoming one of the most well-known fine dining establishments in town.

Reserve a table in one of their seven fine dining rooms and treat yourself to dynamic dishes such as fresh Australian lamb rack, roasted butternut squash risotto and orange-fig crème brûlée paired with a drink from their unparalleled wine list.

Fancy some French food? Take a trip to Paris right in the heart of Downtown Oakville with a meal at Hexagon, a modern French restaurant that has taken second place in this fine dining duel. Indulge your taste buds with these tantalizing twists on classic French cuisine.

You can also cozy up with an Italian spread at Cucci, Oakville’s third-favourite fine dining restaurant! Bring your date down to Bronte Village for a four course Italian adventure featuring dishes such as lobster linguini, roasted veal chop saltimbocca and osso bucco.

Thank you to everyone who participated! Visit Oakville will be announcing the next category on Feb. 1, 2019 over Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.

2019 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Fine Dining

Jonathans
Hexagon
Cucci
Seasons
Ricarda’s

For more information about the Visit Oakville 2019 Talk of the Town Awards, visit visitoakville.com.

In Community

Vereda Central Wins 2019 Talk of the Town Award for Best Café

January 30, 2019 No Comments

Congratulations to Vereda Central Coffee Roasters for winning the title of Oakville’s best café as voted by the public!

Mad Hatter Tea Co. followed closely in second while Taste of Columbia – Fair Trade Coffee and Gift Shop nabbed the third spot.

Vereda Central Coffee Roasters might be new to Kerr Village, but they have sure made their mark by serving a host of terrific teas, hearty hot chocolates and freshly roasted coffee straight from the heart of Colombia.

Their pastries and desserts are also knockouts and their cozy upstairs alcove is available to rent for small gatherings, meetings or parties. Stay warm this winter and stop by this award-winning café for a cup of Oakville’s best.

Mad Hatter Tea Co. is also a beloved Kerr Village staple that makes all of their organic fair-trade loose leaf tea blends in-house and specializes in creating one-of-a-kind High Tea experiences. Stop by for a takeaway, sit down for the full Mad Hatter experience or book a private party at this wacky wonderland.

Exploring Bronte Village? Stop by Taste of Colombia – Fair Trade Coffee and Gift Shop for hot drinks made with 100% organic, fair trade, shade-grown, bird-friendly espresso arabica beans! Sit down and take in the Colombian culture through song, dance and drink.

Thank you so much to everyone who voted! Visit Oakville will be announcing their next category on Jan. 1, 2019 over Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.

2019 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Cafe

1. Vereda Central Coffee Roasters
2. Mad Hatter Tea Co.
3. Taste of Colombia – Fair Trade Coffee and Gift Shop
4. Marylebone Café + Creamery
5. Tribeca Coffee Co.

For more information about the Visit Oakville 2019 Talk of the Town Awards, visit visitoakville.com.

In Community

Indulge in decadence at Days of Wine & Chocolate this February

January 24, 2019 No Comments

Is there anything better than wine and chocolate? The only thing better is when they are expertly paired to deliver a harmonious balance of flavours. This is what you can experience at Days of Wine & Chocolate. So mark your calendars as this popular touring pass program is less than two weeks away! Get ready to explore the decadently sweet and savoury art of wine and chocolate pairing at the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake every weekend in February. Visit member wineries and taste over 20 premium VQA wines perfectly paired with chocolate-infused dishes. There is something to satisfy everyone’s palate from classically sweet flavour combinations to unexpected surprises.

The Days of Wine & Chocolate pass entitles you to one VQA wine tasting and food pairing at each of the 26 member wineries and is valid February 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, and 22-24 from 11am to 5pm. Driver passes are also available for purchase and they include one non-alcoholic beverage and food pairing at each member winery.

Take a look at this year’s pairings! The wineries have come up with some brilliant combinations that are sure to impress. From rich and indulgent sweet treats to inspired savoury creations – these mouth-watering delights are enhanced by the exceptional VQA wines that accompany them.

The Days of Wine & Chocolate touring pass program offers exceptional value and it’s a great way to embrace the winter season in the heart of wine country. We encourage you to plan your winery visits over a few weekends so you can savour the decadent pairings at a relaxed pace and make the most of the experience. If you are travelling with a group of eight or more we recommend calling ahead to wineries you plan to visit with an approximate arrival time so hosts can plan for your group’s arrival.

Whether you are interested in a romantic celebration for two or a fun girls’ getaway weekend, Days of Wine & Chocolate is the must-do event of the season in Niagara-on-the-Lake. PURCHASE YOUR PASS today and download the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake map to plan your personalized route.

Presented by Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake

Visit our website at wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com

Follow us on Facebook @wineriesofniagaraonthelake, Instagram @niagarawine, and Twitter @NiagaraWine

In Blog

Great Gift Ideas from Dixie Outlet Mall

December 6, 2018 No Comments

Christmas is right around the corner and Dixie Outlet Mall is the place to go if you want to cross people off shopping your list. Boasting over 100 brand name outlets, you’re bound to find something for even the pickiest people you’re shopping for. The savings vary by store, but expect to find prices up to 70% off throughout the mall. Packed with seasonal trends and timely fashions, there is something for everyone. Here’s a few suggestions to get you started:

Hunting for the perfect stocking stuffer? Pick up brand name fragrances for the man or woman in your life at Perfume Outlet or accessories from Ardène’s, ALDO, City Looks and Call It Spring!

Winter gloves, coats & hats – leather bags for travel or backpacks for students – find all gifts made of leather at Leather & More. You can shop additional outdoor essentials at Bentley Outlet and Winners!

Looking for the perfect Secret Santa gift? Find classic Christmas sweaters, a go-to for any holiday party, from Bluenotes. Other Secret Santa ideas include must-have home essentials like scented oils from Fruits & Passion, or holiday décor from QE Home, Accents Home Outlet and Royal Home Décor.

If you have little ones on your list, head over to Calendar Club for a fantastic selection of toys and games that are bound to brighten their faces Christmas morning. Alternatively, stock up on trendy kids apparel from Carter’s Osh Kosh and Urban Kids, and score all your gaming goals from EB Games!

Get into the season and pamper loved ones with beauty and wellness goodies and gift cards from Beauty First, Nails For You, Aqqua Salon, Salon Bel Hair, The Haircutting Centre, and Eddie’s Haircutting Centre!

Custom stockings are cherished by kids, and enjoyed by adults alike. Add custom embroidered stockings from Things Engraved to your mantle this season. Shop more holiday traditions La Vie En Rose, People’s Jewellers or Russell Stover!

Do you have a sneaker head in the family? Head to the ONLY Nike Clearance Store in Canada for a massive selection of sneakers and apparel. Find other stellar #DixieDeals on shoes from Foot Locker, Journey’s, Famous Footwear and Boathouse!

Bench Outlet is your destination for any sports junkie you’re shopping for. From athletic wear to outdoor gear, Dixie Outlet Mall has you covered with savings from Puma, Soul Underground, Sports Centre and Payless Shoe Source!

Holiday get togethers are a big part of the season, and a glitzy outfit from Suzy Shier will make any event sparkle. Find a wide selection of festive fashions from the Laura Outlet, Julie’s, Anna Bella Outlet, The One, Dynamite, Sensibles Designer Outlet and Gilani Outlet.

Shopping for a tech guru? Pick up all the latest gizmos and gadgets from one of Dixie Outlet Mall’s many technology stores including The Source, Fido, Rogers, Bell, Virgin, Koodo and Wireless Wave!

Visit dixieoutletmall.com for a complete list of businesses. Happy holiday shopping!

In Blog

Burlington MADE’s Holiday Craft Market Returns This Saturday

November 22, 2018 No Comments

This weekend marks one month until Christmas and the official kickoff of the holiday shopping season. We want the hundreds of dollars we spend each year to count for more, so we’re shopping local and avoiding the risk of Canada Post delays by visiting local craft shows, and Burlington MADE this Saturday is one of our favourites.

Though only in its second year, the Burlington MADE Holiday Craft Market attracts some of the best makers in the area, pulling in some 200 applications from Toronto to Niagara to fill its 56 spots. That means no hunting is required—there’s a great variety of items and everything is modern, tasteful, and well-made. They’ve also taken the stress out of holiday shopping by curating 14 handmade gift guides for everyone on your list, from The New Mama to The Urban Gentleman.

While you’re shopping, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained, featuring live music from Cambridge artist Eric Bolton and local talent Sarah Campbell Mills. Kids can enjoy making a holiday card and contributing to a community mural in the cafe with charity partner Girls Inc. of Halton. And when you need a pick-me-up, they’ll have everything from fresh-roasted coffee and gooey butter tarts to a gourmet taco truck to keep you fuelled.

Founder Stephanie Finn of Stephanie Street Events hails from New York City via Toronto, and was a crafter herself. She says, “I’ve been a part of some incredible events, both as a vendor and an organizer and marketing professional. And when we moved here three years ago, I definitely saw a need for something upbeat and exciting that not only celebrated the incredible makers in the area but also built a place for them to connect with shoppers and each other. We do our best to make shopping local fun and memorable.”

So if you’re looking to find one-of-a-kind presents and support independent makers with your holiday shopping this year, Burlington MADE is a great place to start!

The Burlington MADE Holiday Craft Market runs from 10am-4pm on Saturday, November 24th, at the Ron Joyce Centre, 4350 South Service Road, Burlington. Entry is $5, free for children 12 and under. Parking is free and the building is wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.burlingtonmade.com/holiday.

Team Writer

looklocal.ca