jenn, Author at Look Local - Celebrating Community

In Articles

How Does Your Family Grow? Easy Tips to Grow A Vegetable Garden With Your Kids

June 16, 2023

Kids love to play in the dirt. Caring for a garden can turn playtime into a fun learning experience and, psst, it may even help you sneak veggies into their diet.

Check out the many benefits of making gardening your family’s new hobby.

Appreciation of where food comes from

Growing a garden not only helps kids connect with nature, but introduces them to sustainable living. “Seeing that growing fruits and vegetables can have challenges, such as weather, animals and insects, makes us more aware of the effort that farmers put into producing the products that fill the produce aisles in the grocery store,” says Valerie Kristjanson at Connon in Waterdown. Kids may be less inclined to let food go to waste, as a result.

An outdoor science classroom

While kids are digging in the dirt, they learn about weather, soil, plant classification and how food grows. It’s a safe way to experiment (without worries about kitchen explosions) and see the “fruits” of their labour.

If they grow it, they will eat it

Looking for a way to encourage your kids to eat their greens? A garden might be your gateway. Cutting herbs or plucking string beans are both easy ways to get kids to help in the kitchen. “Harvesting your salad for dinner is rewarding and a good way to involve kids in the meal prep and, hopefully, encourage them to want to eat what they’ve grown,” says Kristjanson.

Watch your patience grow

Patience is a virtue, but not an easy skill to develop in this age of video streaming and instant messaging. Gardening provides an opportunity for kids to exercise their patience muscle as they wait for seedlings to mature and bear fruit. Crops take time to harvest; just make sure you involve them in the garden’s progress or they’ll lose interest.

Kid-friendly plants to grow

Some plants are more challenging than others. When gardening with kids, you’ll want to choose plants that are relatively low maintenance and yield a crop quickly. To save time, consider buying seedlings at your local garden centre.

Beans and peas

These kid-friendly vegetables are delicious and quick-growing. Beans and peas emerge from the soil after about a week of planting from seed and are ready to harvest in about six weeks.

Lettuce

Lettuce grows quickly and allows for planting more than one crop per season. You may even get your kids to enjoy eating a salad! Just be sure to wash thoroughly, bugs love to nestle in the leaves.

Carrots

This simple crop is one that most kids love to eat. They take around 60 days to germinate but are easy to grow from seed.

Cherry tomatoes

A kid-favourite for their size and sweetness, cherry tomatoes are easy to grow as long as they are given lots of sun and water. Consider buying seedlings to cut kids’ waiting time.

Sunflowers

These larger-than-life flowers are easy to grow and have great appeal for kids.“It’s fun for kids to stand beside them and watch them get taller,” says Samantha Harvey, manager at Terra Burlington.

Gardening tips for kids

Keep it simple. A small raised bed or a few potted plants in a sunny spot is all you need to get started. You may even want to give your child one pot to take care of to foster responsibility.

Skip the plastic tools. Give kids real metal tools and kid-sized gloves so they can work effectively. Having real tools acknowledges the work they’re doing and helps build independence.

Kids can enjoy the benefits of gardening at any age. This summer, consider nurturing a lifelong appreciation for nature, fresh veggies, and (if you’re lucky) cooking with a family garden.

By Lisa Evans

In Articles

Niagara Region: Something for Everyone

June 14, 2023

There’s just something about Niagara. Whether it’s the falls, the boutiques, the wineries, or the escarpment, we never seem to get enough of it. Home to five districts, the Niagara region includes the bustling streets of Niagara Falls, the food and breweries of St. Catharines, the spectacular escarpment, picturesque wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) and the sandy beaches of the South Coast. Whatever your style, Niagara Region does not disappoint.

Activity lovers can head to Niagara Falls, where adventures await. From jet boat tours to water parks and haunted houses, a trip to Niagara Falls inspires your inner child to let loose and have fun. Accommodation is plentiful, with affordable stays on the main strip and more extravagant hotels at the foot of the falls. Niagara Falls also features two new world-class attractions: Zipline to the Falls and Whirlpool Adventure Course. Purchase day passes or night passes if you want to see the lights by the falls.

St. Catharines offers a charming downtown experience for shoppers and foodies with a variety of restaurants and a plethora of nature trails for hiking. Situated an hour west of Toronto, it’s a great change of scenery.

For cyclists, the Niagara Region offers a large network of trails worth exploring. The 53 km Waterfront Trail offers breathtaking views from the shores of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and the Niagara River. If you prefer a more relaxing tour, drive along the escarpment to NOTL.

The Niagara wine route offers a view of expansive vineyards to stop at along the way. Dotted with markets and fruit stands throughout the summer, you can make a quick stop at the side of the road for fresh produce and home-baked goods. If you have yet to taste a Niagara peach in July, it’s a must-do experience.

Wineries offer tours, wine tastings, and outdoor cafes – from large estates to small boutique establishments, like 13th Street Winery. Its stunning retreat setting is perfect for an afternoon or evening out. Sample wine at the tasting bar, peruse the 13th Street Gallery with a butter tart from the bakery, or enjoy outdoor dining at the Farmhouse Bistro (between May and September.)

If planning your own tour seems like too much work, leave it to the pros. Crush Tours offers world-class Niagara tours of local wineries and breweries year-round. Cruise in comfort in a luxury vehicle as you travel from site to site to fully immerse yourself in each experience.

For a one-of-a-kind tasting you won’t find anywhere else, the Spirit in Niagara Distillery is worth a stop for its unique tasting bar and patio. Sip homegrown spirits, such as vodka, gin, bourbon and a myriad of eau de vie fruit spirits and bitters in a stunning setting.

NOTL is home to a plethora of restaurants and bistros, featuring chefs that offer farm-to-table dishes and local fare. A sumptuous dinner out can be paired with a performance at the Shaw Festival. Now entering its 61st season, it features 14 plays this year and runs from February to December.

For a beach getaway, pack the cooler and head to the South Shore – an artsy, historic region with a beachy vibe. The sand beaches of Lake Erie include well-known Crystal Beach, Crescent Beach and Long Beach. After soaking the rays, head into town via the Niagara South Coast Arts & Culture Route, which runs from Fort Erie to Wainfleet.

The Niagara Region is less than an hour west of Burlington by car and about an hour and twenty minutes from Toronto. The short distance from the GTA makes it ideal for a weekend getaway or a day trip if the mood strikes. The scenic drive along the lake will set the tone for an exciting or restful time away, depending on your destination plans.

By Julie Achtermeier

In Articles

What’s On this Summer in Downtown Oakville: Your Guide to Fun, Food and Fabulousness

June 12, 2023

The sun is shining, the weather is warm and Downtown Oakville has everything you need to create lasting memories this summer! Whether you’re a visitor or a local, there are endless opportunities to explore this lakeside gem. Experience the charming downtown vibe and its lineup of new businesses, outdoor events and picturesque patios. Always buzzing with activity, this is the place you’ll want to visit, time and again this sunny season. So, get ready to sizzle this summer, Downtown Oakville style!

Upcoming summer events (you won’t want to miss)

Downtown Oakville’s summer schedule is packed with events every weekend. Mark your calendars to avoid missing your favourites (some require pre-registration).

For fitness enthusiasts

Summer Sweat should be on your radar. This open-air fitness series, led by health and wellness experts from Downtown Oakville, offers free workouts for the mind and body in Towne Square every Saturday in June and July.

For a schedule of classes, visit oakvilledowntown.com/summer-sweat

For music lovers

Enjoy live performances every weekend in Towne Square. Tap your toes to Friday Night Jazz, 7–9 p.m. or the TD Summer Music Series every Saturday and Sunday at 3–7 p.m., showcasing various musical genres brought to life by a diverse range of talented musicians.

For families

Look out for pop-up events that offer one-of-a-kind interactive experiences to entertain the whole family.

Celebrate Canada Day on July 1
Starting at 3 p.m. at Towne Square with Canadiana music, a patriotic photo pop-up and giveaways to the first 250 visitors.
Get sweet on International Ice Cream Day on July 16
In Towne Square. Grab a free gelato at 11 a.m. courtesy of Nyla’s Room (while supplies last).
Starting August 12, explore Los Trompos
An immersive and interactive art exhibit featuring five larger-than-life, three-dimensional spinning tops. For the young and young-at-heart, this exhibit gives new meaning to the art of play.

To plan ahead and stay up-to-date on what’s happening downtown, visit the Downtown Oakville Community Calendar at
oakvilledowntown.com/community-calendar

New Downtown Oakville Business Openings

Downtown Oakville is thrilled to welcome many new vibrant businesses. The summer is an ideal time to try one (or all) of the latest additions to the culinary scene.

Nadège Patisserie

Indulge in delicious pastries at this new patisserie by fourth-generation French pastry chef Nadège Nourian. A game-changer in Toronto’s pastry scene, this latest Oakville boutique is already a favourite among many.

Avani Rolls & Bowls

If you want to experiment with Indian cuisine, this fast-casual restaurant can be a good start. Whipped up with fresh ingredients, its signature curries or rolls are worth a try.

Mercato Sociale Italian Market

For the days you crave traditionally prepared Sicilian food, sandwiches or salads or look for fresh pasta, lunches, meals to go, or even pantry items to make an Italian meal at home, this market is your saviour.

Oakberry

New to the neighbourhood, it offers a healthy fast food option with delicious açai bowls and smoothies. The açai used is 100% natural, and the recipes are free of preservatives, dyes, trans fats and cholesterol.

Mochi Girls

For some sweet goodness on a dry summer day, you must try signature donuts like strawberry cheesecake, churro, and earl grey at this gourmet Japanese donut shop. You can just walk in to try their in-house daily specials.

Kung Fu Tea

If you are a fan of Boba tea, you must pop by this latest spot featuring freshly brewed tea. They have all kinds of toppings – bubbles, milk cap, beans and jellies – you just name it!

Hōseki Sushi

If sushi is more your style, this fine dining restaurant will soon serve a daily selection of 25 menu items made with freshly prepared seafood imported directly from Japan. (Coming Soon!)

Fresh Kitchen and Juice Bar

To satiate your vegan palate, this popular spot from Toronto is opening its Lakeshore Road outlet this summer, offering plant-based and healthier options. (Coming Soon!)

Maverick’s Donuts

Soon, you’ll experience the “Maverick” of donuts at this store, where gourmet flavours will transport your taste buds to new heights and make the summer sweeter. (Coming Soon!)

Check out the complete listing at oakvilledowntown.com and follow @oakvilledowntown to stay in-the-know on the latest openings.

Al fresco dining is back with 30+ Downtown Oakville patios

From brunch with friends to date night, Downtown Oakville’s collection of idyllic patios offers the perfect setting for outdoor dining. Take your pick from chic, trendy spots to intimate and cozy nooks. The downtown has a patio that caters to every mood and occasion. Check out the Downtown Patio Guide at oakvilledowntown.com/patio-guide for a complete listing.

Ready, set, summer!

With a menu of tempting events, budding new businesses, and stunning patios, Downtown Oakville promises an unforgettable summer experience. Whatever your preferences, this bustling downtown hub has something for everyone. It’s time to catch the summer vibe, gather your friends or loved ones and make your way to Downtown Oakville. You’ll surely be back for seconds!

In Articles

Shop Local: Summer Backyard Essentials

June 9, 2023

Centro Garden

Succulent arrangements add a pop of colour, texture and personality to any outdoor dinner party.

437 Brant St, Burlington
289-337-5755
centrogarden.com

Nicetys

The perfect indoor/outdoor tablecloth exists! It’s stain resistant, machine washable and iron free. Available in stylish designs, and multiple sizes.

172 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville
905-338-0275
shop.nicetys.com

Oakville Home Leisure

The ‘Serenade’ fire pit is an elegant addition to any patio and provides both warmth and ambiance to any gathering.

1318 Speers Rd, Oakville
905-847-8551
oakvillehomeleisure.ca

Lakeside Livin’

Spice up how you serve your appetizers and snacks with these fun bowls and platters. Available in lots of different sizes and with many different messages!

100 Bronte Rd, Oakville
905-469-9990
lakesidelivin.com

Campbell & Co. Home

Creative cocktails and mocktails are always a highlight of patio dining. The Gatsby Cocktail Shaker has a classic measured cap and strainer, with an electroplated gold finish and elegant etchings that recall Art Deco architecture.

415 Elizabeth Street – Unit 37 Village Square, Burlington
365-595-0106
campbellcohome.com

Mrs. Greenway

The Brumate Hopsulator trio is a 3-in-1 can cooler. It holds a 16oz can and includes a freezable adapter for 12oz cans. When not used as a can cooler it also converts into a 100% leak proof pint tumbler.

2 King St W Unit #2, Dundas
289-238-8214
mrsgreenway.ca

Flourish & Bask

These unbreakable glasses are lightweight and look and feel like glass. Made from a high-quality polycarbonate, they can be thrown in the dishwasher without fear of ever chipping, hazing, or cracking.

245 Lakeshore Rd E Unit 2, Oakville
905-582-0994
flourishandbask.ca

In Articles

Serving With Compassion: Compassion Society of Halton

June 8, 2023

It began 23 years ago with a clothing rack, a whole lot of compassion and a woman named Mina Wahidi. Mina saw people struggling – the working poor, refugees, newcomers – and wanted to help. She set up a clothing rack in her basement and invited people to take what they needed.

Four years later, with many volunteers in hand, they moved to a church basement to accommodate the growing need. When they outgrew that space, they moved to White Oaks plaza in Aldershot. Now located at the Fairview and Brant St. plaza, the aptly named Compassion Society of Halton continues to serve residents in need.

“She wanted to help people who were struggling and the numbers kept growing and growing,” says current executive director Aliya Khawari, describing Mina who stepped down in 2014 and passed away in April this year.

The founder leaves an incredible legacy. The Compassion Society is one of the most successful charities in the region. It provides clothing, food, hygiene and self-care items, special seasonal programs and social services to residents of Halton.

The organization currently has 733 active households that have accessed their services at least once in the last four to six months. It receives no government funding (with the exception of a Trillium grant) and is fueled by 135 volunteers who pick up donations, sort shelves and help clients at the store, which is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

“Nothing is bought and nothing is sold,” says Aliyah who began as a volunteer, but was recruited to lead the organization due to her exceptional skill set. She’s a researcher with a PhD in developmental economics.

Aliya believes the organization has gained such respect because of the individual attention they provide each person. If a student needs a prom dress, a volunteer will help her pick one out. If a woman has left an abusive relationship and needs a back-to-work wardrobe, they will help her build one.

“We take pride in treating people with dignity,” says Aliya. “It’s not a dingy place. It’s really dignified. Everything is nicely set up with love.”

In 2017, the Compassion Society added another service in an effort to address the root causes of people’s difficulties. It helps people access the resources they need to move forward with their lives. No two cases are the same, says Aliya. Perhaps one person hasn’t finished high school, while another doesn’t know how to write a resume. One of their most memorable clients was a construction engineer. He had 25 years of experience building skyscrapers in Dubai, but could not get a job after moving with his family to Canada. By the time he came to the Compassion Society he’d run out of savings. Thanks, in part, to a referral by a volunteer, he landed a high-paying job in Nunavut. He moved his family with him and eventually started a food bank.

“We hear hundreds of stories like that,” said Aliya. “The community of volunteers make me cry every day. It’s a community that gives and gives and gives.”

By Denise Davy

In Articles

Time To Tee Up! A Guide to Local Golf Courses

May 19, 2023

As Canadians, we reluctantly accept that we have long winters and too-short summers. And it means we all understand that we have to pack in as much outdoor activity as we can in the summer months. So as the first spring shoots poke through in the garden and the ice and snow finally melt away, we are READY….. to spend some time lingering in the sun on a patio, open the pool, clean up the yard, make the first trip to the cottage, and if you are a golfer, to dust off the clubs and get out there for the first round of the season.

We are fortunate in Halton to have an amazing selection of great public golf courses to choose from, all within a 45-minute drive of home. They offer a vast diversity of terrain and degree of difficulty, so you can choose to experience them all, or pick a couple of favourites and focus on those.

If you are planning to play a lot this season, then it will make sense to take advantage of a coupon book. For example, the Greens Fee Passport available from www.golfpassport.com offers savings at 170 golf facilities in Ontario and upstate New York. Golf Fore All is another program that offers savings at about 120 courses in Ontario (www.golfforeall.ca). You will find the savings from these programs usually pay for the upfront cost within a couple of rounds.

Most golf courses in Ontario offer discounts for seniors playing on weekdays. Make sure to call ahead or do your research online, and book your tee times early. The popularity of the game has surged since the pandemic, and it may be difficult to get the tee time of your choice at
many courses.

With so many great local courses to choose from, it is not easy to pick our favourites. But here are a few courses we recommend. You won’t be disappointed at any of them.

Tee it up and have fun this summer!

Carlisle Golf Club

523 Carlisle Road, Carlisle
Kaneffgolf.com/golf/courses/carlisle

Part of the Kaneff Golf group, in the beautiful area between Carlisle and Kilbride. A cozy collection of three nine-hole courses, with rolling greens, tall pine trees, and generous fairways. This is a shot-maker’s course, so accuracy is key. Watch out for the signature 6th hole on the North course, a par 5 with a dog leg to the right and a very narrow fairway. Lots of balls have been lost in the farmer’s field to the left of the fairway!

Lowville Golf Club

2662 Brittania Road, Burlington
Lowvillegolf.com

In the picturesque village of Lowville, locally owned and operated, this 18-hole course is built into the side of the Escarpment. It may be helpful to have one leg longer than the other as you will need to play lots of side of hill shots! You can drive a mile from the long downhill par 5’s, but be prepared for a good workout if you choose to walk this course. The sunset views across the valley on a summer evening are spectacular.

Mount Nemo Golf Club

5377 Walkers Line, Burlington
Mountnemogolfclub.ca

Formerly known as Indian Wells, this 18-hole championship course is in a spectacular setting beneath the towering cliffs of Mount Nemo, with beautiful views from many of the holes. This is a challenging course with water hazards on 6 of the holes on the front 9, and narrow fairways and mature forests on the back 9.

Hidden Lake Golf Club

1137 # 1 Side Road, Burlington
Hiddenlake.clublink.ca

Just north of Burlington, and now part of the Clublink family, Hidden Lake has been in operation for over 60 years, and offers two distinct 18-hole championship courses. The Old Course is a more traditional tree-lined course with small greens, that allows glimpses of the “hidden lake” on the 16th and 17th holes. The New Course has larger greens, more generous fairways, and plenty of water.

Burlington Springs Golf & Country Club

5235 Cedar Springs Road, Burlington
Burlingtonsprings.com

This is a great course to play early in the season. The gently rolling fairways drain well, and they pride themselves on offering great value and a challenging experience for novice and experienced golfers alike. The back 9 is a bit more challenging than the front.

Oakville Executive Golf Course

4414 Fourth Line, Oakville
Oakvillegolf.ca

Located just north of Oakville, Angel’s View is a 9-hole regulation length course, and Mystic Ridge is a shorter 18-hole par 63 course. Both are ideal to introduce new players to the game and the par 3 is perfect for kids just starting out. Choose your club carefully on the 9th hole heading back to the club house – the hydro wires cross the fairway and present an interesting additional hazard!

Mystic Golf Club

1707 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster
Golfnorth.ca/mystic

Located not far off the 403, just beyond Ancaster, is this very different and special gem. Set in beautiful countryside with no houses to be seen, this Tom Pearson designed course offers a unique wide-open experience for the serious passionate golfer. Most notable is the 10th hole – a par 6 (not a typo) which requires you to hit over 3 ravines! Beautifully maintained, carts only.

King’s Forest Golf Club

100 Greenhill Avenue, Hamilton
Hamilton.ca/things-do/golf-hamilton

Owned and operated by the City of Hamilton, and located in the picturesque Red Hill Valley at the foot of the Escarpment, this municipal course is long and challenging. There are some terrific elevated tee shots, lots of interesting dogleg holes, and six holes requiring you to navigate the Red Hill Creek which traverses the course.

By David Mosley and Tim Root

In Articles

Our Local Chambers of Commerce: A Vital Community Resource

May 18, 2023

Look Local is a small business headquartered in Downtown Oakville, and we’ve been riding the entrepreneurial rollercoaster for about ten years now, navigating the ups and downs as best we can. Along the way there have been many lessons, successes, failures, and more challenges than we could list; but one of the best things we did when we started this business was join the local Chambers of Commerce. Like anything, you get what you put into it – but if you’re currently operating a local business, or thinking of starting one – joining your local Chamber of Commerce is a must.

“Joining and engaging with your local Chamber opens up a vast network and opportunity to tap into support that is unique to your business needs”, says France Fournier, President and CEO of the Oakville Chamber. One of the primary benefits of joining the Chamber is access to networking opportunities. Both the Oakville and Burlington Chambers host regular events and meet ups where members can connect with other local businesses and build relationships. This can be especially valuable for small businesses looking to expand their customer base or establish partnerships with other businesses.

However, don’t expect to join your local Chamber and sit back and relax while the business pours in. You still have to be engaged, and participate – even if networking is outside your comfort zone. The best ROI on your membership often comes indirectly; a tip from a fellow local business, knowledge of a business grant you can apply to, or simply a referral from one business to another.

In addition to networking opportunities, the Chambers offer a variety of resources and services to their members. This includes access to educational resources and training programs. “All our members are different, so there is no one reason why they join. It’s always a combination of our three pillars; connecting leaders, active advocacy and educational opportunities”, says Terry Caddo, President and CEO of the Burlington Chamber. Both the local Chambers offer monthly educational sessions, such as social media best practices, key steps to starting a small business, networking 101, and so on.

On a larger scale, the Chambers of Commerce also play a vital role in advocating for the interests of their members on a local, provincial, and federal level, giving businesses a voice in the community and beyond. Both the Oakville and Burlington Chambers are part of the Ontario Chamber network, which has a direct line to Queen’s Park. They advocate for everything from business tax rates to summer student programs, and are often the unsung heroes of the business community. The trickle-down effect of these efforts is a vibrant business community, and in case this is your first time reading Look Local, that’s something we care about passionately! Without local businesses, in particular the small businesses that are independently owned and operated, our communities would not be the wonderful places to live that they are today.

Ready to learn more about your local Chamber of Commerce? The best way to get started is to attend a networking event, or an open house. Find out more at oakvillechamber.com or burlingtonchamber.com and see you at the next event!

In Articles

Shop Local: Find Something Local for Dad this Father’s Day

May 17, 2023

Flourish & Bask

This stainless steel bar tool set is the perfect addition to dad’s home bar. These high-quality tools are displayed in a perfectly compact wooden holder that compliments traditional and modern décor.

Oakville
Flourishandbask.ca

Lakeside Livin’

Find your grillmaster an awesome apron along with a large selection of condiments and other bbq related gift ideas at lakeside livin’ in bronte village!

Oakville
Lakesidelivin.com

Bos & Co.

Get dad off on the right foot with on foot shoes, a new men’s brand that is lightweight and super flexible. Made in spain.

Burlington
ca.Bosandco.com

Nicety’s

Made for ‘cheers’ by the pool and toasts on the rooftop, this glassware is virtually unbreakable & totally dishwasher safe all carefully crafted with the incredible shine and clarity of crystal sapphire polycarbonate, these look good on any table.

Oakville
Shop.Nicetys.com

Urban Vine

Good olive oil makes a great gift! Create your own unique sample set of fresh olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars, including flavours like the outrageously delicious aged honey ginger white balsamic, or the spicy cayenne extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for the foodie dad.

Dundas
Urbanvineinc.com

Tundra Leather

These handmade leather golf accessories are beautifully crafted by hand, right in downtown hamilton.

Hamilton
Tundraleather.ca

Joshua Creek Furniture

These exquisite charcuterie boards, hand crafted by rustic designs by rich, are available in a variety of sizes, colours and styles at joshua creek furniture.

Oakville
Joshuacreekfurniture.com

Rustic Daisy’s

Take your pancake breakfast to a whole new level with bourbon barrel aged maple syrup by wabanaki. The perfect gift for any dads with a sweet tooth!

Waterdown
Rusticdaisys.Wordpress.com

Tradition Dolls & Watches

Give dad the ultimate vintage timepiece with this heavy pocket watch circa 1883. This restored example has a hunter style case containing five ounces of silver.

Oakville
Traditiondolls.com

In Articles

Watch Dad Cook Like a Pro With These Trendy Kitchen Appliances

May 16, 2023

It’s no secret that dads love their tools. But tools aren’t just useful in the garage for fixing bikes. We’ve rounded up some of the best kitchen gadgets Dad is sure to love. Infuse a little tech and watch Dad whip up pub style french fries in the air fryer, the juiciest steak on the BBQ and weekend breakfast like he’s a sous chef.

An Air Fryer

Cooking is the art of patience, but not if you have an air fryer. This trendy kitchen gadget uses rapid hot air technology to cook food faster and allows you to cook Dad’s favourite pub style fries and chicken tenders in minutes. While an oven typically requires 10 minutes to heat up, an air fryer doesn’t require any pre-heating. Food comes out crunchy and golden every time.

A Sous Vide

Pronounced “sue-veed” meaning “under vacuum” in French, this method of cooking has been used in high end restaurants for years and is now available to home cooks. Sous Vide consists of vacuum sealing food in a bag, then cooking it to a precise temperature in water. Perfect for cooking vegetables, fish or meat, you can attach the sous vide device to any pot, add water and drop in your food in a vacuum sealed bag or glass jar. Using precise temperature control, the food cooks in its own juices making it moist, tender and juicy. For those who enjoy a little kitchen tech, Anova has a sous vide device with bluetooth technology allowing you to monitor your food’s progress through the Anova Culinary App that sends notifications to your smartphone to tell you when your food is ready.

A Breakfast Sandwich Maker

Let Dad be the breakfast hero. No more weekend morning drives to McDonald’s. The Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker delivers a hot and hearty breakfast sandwich in just five minutes. Use an English muffin, bagels or pancake as your bread, add your egg, cheese and precooked meat. Top your egg with a second slice of bread, close and in five minutes you’ll have a delicious breakfast sammie at home.

A Waffle Maker

Your weekend mornings will never be the same again. Get a fresh, delicious restaurant quality waffle from the comfort of your own home. We like the Chef’s Choice WafflePro Classic Belgian 840B. Its customizable settings allow you to choose your brownness settings and adjust for a crisp exterior, moist interior or uniform texture, delivering your perfect waffle. Top with fresh fruit and whipped cream and enjoy!

An Ice Cream Maker

Make dad the king of desserts with an ice cream maker. Whip up a delicious batch of ice cream using cream, milk, sugar and the fruit or flavour of your choice. One bonus, other than ice cream at your fingertips of course, is that you can be in control of your ingredients and accommodate family members’ dietary concerns. We particularly enjoy the Ninja Creami, a slightly more expensive ice cream maker that makes a smooth ice cream similar in texture to a Dairy Queen Blizzard and can also make gelato, milkshake and smoothie bowls.

The MEATER+ Smart Meat Thermometer

For the grill master who enjoys a little tech, simply stick this smart cooking accessory into your steak or chicken, delivering a perfectly cooked meal every time. The Meater+ is a completely wireless meat thermometer and sends notifications to your phone when your food is ready.

The Grillbot Automatic Grill Cleaning Robot

We can probably all agree that the worst part about cooking is the clean up. The Grillbot is essentially a Roomba for your barbeque. Its electric motors power its wire brushes and propel it across your grill, sounding an alarm to let you know when it’s finished.

Armed with all these amazing tools, you might need an extra cupboard in the kitchen to house them all, but Mum may never need to cook a meal again! Happy cooking!

By Lisa Evans

In Articles

Prince Edward County: Old-World Tradition Meets Modern Living

May 15, 2023

Prince Edward County, an island in Lake Ontario with 800 km of shoreline and nine villages, has a history rooted in farming, agriculture, and trade-through waterways. Today, the County is home to artists, winemakers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and people with a flair for hospitality.

At the centre of the County are small towns such as Picton, Bloomfield, and Wellington – alive with activity as visitors take in the shops, restaurants and main strip. In the outskirts lie acres of farmland and the tiny, quiet towns of Ameliasburgh and Sophiasburg. The South Shore, and North and South Marysburgh are known for agricultural delights and craft beverages. Of course, the County is also home to Sandbanks Provincial Park, the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation, along with its fabulous beaches and campsites.

There’s so much to explore in Prince Edward County, from quiet retreats to live shows and entertainment. Whatever your pleasure, there is something for everyone.

If it’s theatre you love, The Eddie features a pre-show picnic dinner at the iconic 1860s Red Barn as the setting for an evening of entertainment. The 78-acre farm is located between Wellington and Bloomfield and features a pond, orchards, gardens, access to the Millennium Trail, and newly decorated suites. It is also home to the Wellington Farmers’ Market, which takes place on Saturdays from 9am to 1:30pm from May 13th until the end of October. For a list of shows throughout the season, visit www.countystage.ca.

A wedding on the horizon? Compass Rose is a unique wedding venue in the heart of Prince Edward County’s wine country. They offer wedding options for small groups or up to 2,000 people in their modern barn, farmhouse, greenhouse, and two outdoor ceremony sites. Wedding packages include two nights of accommodation in their elegant farmhouse that sleeps up to 12 people.

Reconnecting to the simplicity of the world around us is a rewarding experience when visiting the Fronterra Farm, a waterfront farm located on the legendary Hillier soils. Explore a healthier, sustainable lifestyle reconnecting to food while vacationing in their luxury prospector tents, complete with a summer kitchen and ensuite bathroom. The last three years during the pandemic provided the owner, Jens Burgen, an opportunity to open a farm-based forest school to plant flowers and botanicals for an elemental spa.

Accommodations in Prince Edward County range from rustic elegance to modern sophistication, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit.

For a homey camping or cottage experience, Ray’s Cottages are tucked onto the shores of West Lake, near Wellington and Bloomfield. The four-acre campground was purchased in 2019 by Nic and Alexia Conley, a local couple who grew up in Wellington and have a personal connection to the business. “Our vision for the property was a relaxed, pet-friendly vacation experience,” Alexia says. “When guests pull in, we want them to feel like they are returning to their summer cottage.” The Conleys provide cottages fully equipped with all the amenities (BBQ, fridge, stove, coffee maker, toaster) to create a natural cottage experience their guests want to return to again and again.

The Everly Inn Bed & Breakfast overlooks breathtaking farm fields and meadows and offers a rest haven for visitors. Located next to two regional wineries, guests can enjoy a quiet getaway or combine their stay with wine tours and tastings. The Inn’s spacious lounge is ideal for morning coffee or an evening cocktail, or guests can retreat to their suite and private patio for a more intimate stay. The Inn offers contemporary comfort with an innovative design providing environmentally sustainable and renewable energy heating and cooling practices to create a net-zero emission stay experience. How on trend!

For those who enjoy staying on the main strip, The Royal can be found on Main Street in Picton with two neighbouring buildings: The Hotel, with classic accommodations, and The Annex, with its Scandi-inspired studios for longer stays. The Royal is ideally suited for families or groups of friends wishing to gather in town and enjoy the many amenities Picton has to offer. The Royal provides a quiet refuge at the end of the day with a peaceful library, swimming pool, and private terrace for guests.

Adult-only destination-seekers looking for a uniquely modern experience can find stunning architectural design at Mirazule, a newly constructed lakeside inn offering luxury-hosted accommodation on 45 private acres. Be transported away by its intimate, contemporary surroundings and leave refreshed and ‘County chilled.’ Mirazule is located on South Bay, just 15 minutes from Picton and 30 minutes from Sandbanks and Wellington, and is surrounded by award-winning wineries.

Don’t leave the County without visiting The Local Store in Picton! The unique building is a restored dairy barn built in the 19th century and houses many local products and décor. Original works of art from local artisans and indigenous artists are fondly displayed in The Loft Gallery, along with sweet and savoury treats to enjoy. While there, don’t forget to check out The Hayloft Antique Store and the Silks Vintage Room.

Prince Edward County is about a 3 hour drive from Oakville or Burlington, and once you get through Toronto, it’s an easy journey eastbound along the 401. Whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend or a week’s vacation, it is worth the drive.

by Julie Achtermeier