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Want to take your child’s birthday party beyond cake and balloons? Make it an experience they will never forget! Halton Region has plenty of options for themed adventures, interactive entertainment and activities that promise to make your child’s special day as unique as they are.

Party Like a Pop Star
B Town Sound
919 Fraser Drive, Unit 10, Burlington

Have a young Swiftie? At Party Like a Pop Star, kids don’t just party to pop songs—they become pop stars! This professional recording studio rolls out the red carpet (literally!) for a VIP experience. From glam makeup to recording a song or even making a music video, the kids are the stars of this show.

“They’re getting a behind-the-scenes experience of what it’s like to be a professional,” says Robyn Pauhl, owner of Party Like a Pop Star. And the cool factor? Off the charts. Custom playlists, cocktail tables, and yes, your kid can sit on the same couch Shawn Mendes did when he recorded here. You can even go full rockstar and arrive in a limo. This is more than a party—it’s an epic experience for kids who are ready to steal the spotlight!

The Learning Tree
1450 Headon road, Burlington

We all know teachers are the best organizers and at The Learning Tree, they’re also the best party hosts! Their themed birthday parties are a hit, with adoption parties (where kids can adopt a toy puppy, unicorn or dino) being the crowd favourite. The Learning Tree can even customize themes to match your child’s unique taste. “We had an ‘Adopt a Raccoon’ party as the birthday girl was obsessed with raccoons,” says Jodi Bowman, owner of The Learning Tree in Burlington. Each party is led by an Ontario Certified Teacher. At just $199 for the first 10 children, it’s an affordable, stress-free way to celebrate.

4Cats Arts Studio
Oakville & Burlington locations


Are you worried your little artist might turn your living room into a paint- splattered masterpiece? 4Cats Splatter Painting Parties allow kids to fling, splash and drip paint — without a single drop landing on your living room carpet! Each guest makes their own masterpiece, then helps create a larger canvas for the birthday star. It’s fun, it’s messy, and you don’t have to clean up a thing!

Yogatastic 4 Kids
3061 Walkers Line, Burlington

Take your child’s party to new heights at Yogatastic 4 Kids. Kids will fly, float and flip through suspension yoga poses followed by a mindfulness craft and, of course, cake. Want even more excitement? Go glow-in-the-dark under the studio’s neon lights. Kids even get to graffiti the studio’s mirrors, creating a one-of-a-kind glowing masterpiece. It’s the perfect combination of mindfulness, creativity and celebration!

Whether you’re hosting at home or want to add some extra fun to a venue, there are plenty of unique entertainment options to make your child’s party one to remember.

Bubble Shows

Laura Martin, owner of Beebop the Clown & Friends, calls her bubble shows a fresh alternative to traditional magic shows. The show is filled with science-based bubble tricks—from a bubble tornado to a bubble cube! For the grand finale, the birthday child gets wrapped inside a giant bubble. “It’s a really great photo opportunity,” says Martin. Bubble shows do need to be done indoors although Martin also offers outdoor bubble play parties for backyard events.

Balloon Twisting

Balloon animals have come a long way! Today’s balloon creations are wearable, interactive, and larger-than- life. “You can have all the balloons on a headband or you put it around their stomach and they’re running around riding a balloon dinosaur or a unicorn or they’re wearing butterfly wing balloons,” says Martin.

Character Appearances

Whether it’s Frozen’s Elsa or Spiderman swinging in for some superhero fun, character appearances add excitement and engagement, creating unforgettable memories and cherished photo moments. With so many creative and engaging options, birthday parties today aremore than just cake and candles—they’re experiences to remember.

By Lisa Evans

The first time I tried to register my kids for summer camp, I thought I was totally on top of it. On that sunny day in May, feeling ahead of the game, I learned the hard way that camp registration had opened months earlier… right in the middle of snowstorm season. By the time I got around to it, most camps were already full. It’s why Look Local’s summer camp round- up always makes the spring issue. Whether your kid dreams of sailing the high seas (ahoy matey!), exploring the great outdoors, or channeling their inner Swiftie, there’s an adventure waiting for them this summer!

Set Sail with Bronte Yacht Club
2514 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville
bhyc.on.ca

Ready to set sail? At Bronte Harbour Yacht Club (BHYC), young sailors aged 7 to 17 can jump into an amazing sailing adventure with the Learn to Sail program. Led by Sail Canada certified instructors, this camp is all about fun, skill building, and time on the water — perfect for beginners and experienced sailors alike. Campers will learn boat handling, safety, and navigation while earning nationally recognized certifications. And when they’re not sailing? Expect more fun with activities like paddleboarding on Bronte Creek or ultimate frisbee in the park.

Explore the Great Outdoors
with Conservation Halton
Conservation Halton Parks
conservationhalton.ca

If your kids can’t get enough of the great outdoors, Conservation Halton’s Ways of the Woods camps are just the thing! Designed for adventurers aged 4 to 15, these camps take place across multiple parks, offering a true “choose your own adventure” experience. With camps offering hiking, swimming, boating, and archery, there’s no shortage of action. Plus, specialized options like “Raptor Camp” or “Girls Camp,” led by and for girls, ensure every camper finds their perfect fit.

Dive into History
at Oakville Museum
8 Navy Street, Oakville
oakville.ca

Looking for a summer camp that sparks curiosity and creativity? Oakville Museum has you covered. Designed for kids ages 4 to 12, this hands-on camp lets them dive into artifacts, critters, crafts, and more through immersive activities and themed weeks. From science and nature to heritage, architecture, and design, there’s always something new to discover. And the best part? It all happens in Lakeside Park, surrounded by historic Oakville sites — the perfect setting for a summer of learning and adventure!

Animal Adventures at Oakville
& Milton Humane Society
445 Cornwall Road, Oakville
omhs.ca

Kids & Critters is so much more than a camp. It’s an experience that leaves an impact. Hosted by the Oakville & Milton Humane Society, this hands-on, animal- focused camp gives kids (ages 6 to 12) the chance to connect with shelter animals, play games, get creative with crafts, and learn from inspiring guest speakers. It’s all about fun, responsibility, and compassion. With only 12 spots per week, it fills up fast. Don’t miss out!

Get Sporty at Cedar Springs Halton
Racquet & Sports Club
960 Cumberland Avenue, Burlington
cedarspringsclub.ca

Cedar Springs Sports Camps aren’t just about sports.They’re about teamwork, coordination, and having fun while staying active! At Burlington’s top racquet sports facility, little ones enjoy a variety of activities tailored to skill, supporting growth and enjoyment. With days packed full of expert training in
tennis, squash, and badminton, plus access to the club’s indoor/outdoor waterpark, there’s no shortage of fun or excitement!

Step Up to Dance at Dancermakerz
12 Innovation Drive, Waterdown
dancemakerz.com

Calling all Swifties (and Frozen, Moana, and Barbie fans)! Dancemakerz keeps the energy high all summer with dance camps full of fun, creativity, and self-expression. From ballet to hip-hop, kids will explore different styles of dance in a supportive space. Campers get the chance to show off their moves in end-of-week performances!

Art Gallery of Burlington
1333 Lakeshore Road, Burlington
agb.life

The AGB offers a huge variety of camps for kids from the age of 4 all the way up to 18. Half day and full day options are available, and you can choose to work with clay, perfect your photography skills, work with mixed media, or choose a general artistic program. Kids should expect to expand their imaginations, try new tools and processes, and make new friends, all under the supervision of qualified instructors.

Town of Oakville
Summer Camps
Various locations across town
oakville.ca

The Town of Oakville offers a wide variety of camps for children aged 4 to 12 at various parks and locations across town. In addition to full-day week-long camps, the flexible Super Playgrounds program makes stops at parks in many neighbourhoods. Depending on your child’s interests, you can choose from programs including Arts & Culture, Hockey & Skating, Leadership, Science & Nature, and Sports & Aquatics. There truly is something for everyone.

BY ANNELIESE LAWTON

A well-selected carpet or rug can completely transform a space – adding warmth, texture, and personality without the need for a full home renovation. Whether you’re looking for a timeless colour or a bold statement piece, understanding what’s trending can help you make the right choice.

Rug Revolution:

Colour, Patterns, and Texture After years of seeing an abundance of grey in- home décor, trends are shifting toward warmer hues like taupe, which bridges grey with brown, beige, and tan. These earthy tones create a cozier feel while maintaining a versatile foundation for any space.

“Trending in rugs and carpets this year are warm neutrals and warm whites,” says Jim Anderson of Andersons Interiors. “We are also seeing a movement back to patterned jewel tones like emerald green.” Beyond these warming tones, Samantha Hobbs of Joshua Creek Furniture notes a growing preference for organic, fluid designs. “Customers are drawn to rugs with water-like ripples, designs with soft and curvy waves, cloud- like abstracts, and irregular patterns that evoke a connection to natural beauty.”

Joshua Creek Furniture

Vintage-inspired rugs are also making a strong comeback, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. “There’s a noticeable shift toward vibrant hues and intricate designs,” says Cara Almeida of House Warmings. “Jewel tones like rich blues, burgundy, and deep greens are in demand, while natural fibre rugs such as jute, sisal, and wool remain popular for their texture and eco-friendly appeal.”

Texture itself is playing a bigger role in rug selection. From plush carpeting to woven patterns, a textured rug adds depth and dimension to a space. “We can feel texture not only by touch but with our eyes as well,” explains Fraz Khan of Woven Concept Rug Gallery. “It adds softness to hard surface flooring, making the space more inviting.”

Woven Concept Rug Gallery

“Practicality is also a key consideration, with washable and stain-resistant rugs becoming increasingly popular – especially in homes with children or pets. These options provide convenience without compromising style,” adds Almeida.

Size Matters: Visually Maximize Your Space

Choosing the right rug size is essential – not just for aesthetics, but for creating a balanced and well-proportioned space. “The size of the rug determines the visual size of the room, so be careful not to go too small,” says Anderson. “A rug should ground your furniture to create the space. The only place a rug should have wood showing all around it is in a dining room or foyer.”

In living and family rooms, area rugs should be large enough to cover the main seating area. “At a minimum, the front legs of sofas and accent chairs should rest on the rug, but a rug that extends fully beneath the furniture is even better,” explains Hobbs.

House Warmings

In bedrooms, she recommends a rug that spans the width of the bed and nightstands, extending 18 inches to three feet beyond the sides and foot of the bed.

For dining rooms, she advises, “Your rug should extend at least two feet beyond the dining table, so chairs remain on the rug, even when pulled out.” Maintaining a minimum of 18 inches of exposed flooring around the perimeter ensures the rug enhances the space without overwhelming it.

Signature Style: Infuse Personality

A curated rug for your space is more than just a decorative piece – it’s a reflection of your personality and style. “A rug is a great way to inject your personality into a room,” says Anderson. “Remember, it’s your sanctuary after a long day, so choose a rug that reflects you and the feeling you want to have while in that space.”

Andersons Interiors

“If you have a love for a particular culture, history, or art style, a rug with any of those influences can really showcase your personality,” says Almeida
of House Warmings. “Whether it’s a handwoven rug from Morocco, a vintage rug from Turkey, or a bold statement piece with modern art influences, you can inject your passions and interests into your home décor.”

LOCAL LINKS:

Andersons Interiors
686 Guelph Line, Burlington
andersonsinteriors.ca

Joshua Creek Furniture
1029 Speers Road, Oakville
joshuacreekfurniture.com

House Warmings
550 Speers Road,
Unit #3, Oakville
housewarmings.ca

Woven Concept Rug Gallery
1200 Brant Street, Burlington
wovenconcept.com

By Nicole Hilton

Throughout Oakville, Burlington & the Hamilton area, there are a number of hidden gems that serve up everything from rich espressos to creative lattes! Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing spot to unwind or a bustling café to work from, your local area’s have something for everyone!

AU79 Coffee

Whether you come in for a coffee, to catch up with a friend or the baked goods – everyone’s invited to sit back and enjoy the buzz of the jazz music and welcoming atmosphere. Combining great coffee with good vibes, AU79 is a local Bronte favourite!

au79coffee.ca | 2464 Lakeshore Rd W #4, Oakville/Bronte

Detour Cafe

Featuring fresh roasts and a wide variety of food items, Detour Cafe in both Downtown Dundas & Hamilton is the perfect place to relax and recharge. Also featuring a lovely patio for the warmer months & delicious homemade sourdough bread & pastries from Dear Grain Bakery for dining-in and take-out!

detourcoffee.com | 41 King St W, Dundas

Lola Choco Bar & Sweethouse

Lola’s is a charming dessert & coffee bar located in Village Square, Burlington. Featuring their exclusive one-of-a-kind drinking chocolate, a wide variety of coffees, tea’s & tasty treats, Lola’s is a hidden gem with a European flare just waiting for you to try!

instagram.com/lolachocobar | 23 Elizabeth St Unit 13, Burlington

The Pearle Cafe

Located inside the Pearle Hotel & Spa sitting on Burlington’s beautiful waterfront, the Pearle Cafe is a local & tourists favourite! Perfect for grabbing a light lunch or meeting friends for an afternoon pick-me-up!

thepearlehotel.ca | 3 Elizabeth St, Burlington

Peach Coffee Co

With locations in Bronte, Burlington & the Hamilton area, Peach Coffee Co has cozy vibes like no other! Offering a welcoming space to reconnect with friends, delicious freshly roasted coffee, baked goods and uplifting messages on their lids, Peach Coffee is a cherished local favourite!

peachcoffeeco.com | 297 Dundas Street East, Waterdown

Tribeca Coffee

Founded in 2016, Tribeca Coffee serves nothing but the best high quality beans paired with a hip New York vibe. With two locations in Downtown Oakville & Burlington, get ready to cheers to great coffee and quality time!

www.tribecacoffeeco.ca | 174 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville

Vereda Central Coffee Roasters

Vereda Central is a trade café & coffee roasting company committed to brewing the freshest #croptocup coffee! They source their beans directly from a network of famers in Colombia with no middleman involved! Roasted in house, the Vereda way, come out and try their delicious roasts or a bag of their speciality beans at any of their 5 locations!

www.veredacentral.ca | 310 Kerr St, Oakville

These are simply just a few of the incredible local coffee shops you can try this season! So beat the winter blues, grab a friend and reconnect with your local community!

By Trinity Paton

This March, Visit Oakville invites visitors to experience winter fun and the charm  of the town. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or family-friendly  activities, Oakville has something for everyone. From a classic maple syrup festival to engaging  downtown activations and Oakville’s favourite culinary event, Oakville is the perfect destination  for a memorable day trip or weekend getaway.

“Oakville truly shines during March and the school break, offering a variety of unique  experiences for visitors and families,” said Rebecca Edgar, Executive Director, Visit Oakville.  “Whether you’re coming for the sweet maple treats, downtown’s boutique shopping, delicious  dining, and exciting family events or great kid’s programs, Oakville welcomes you!”

Here are Oakville’s top must-see and do experiences for March:

• Taste of Oakville – On until March 10 – Indulge in delicious prix fixe menus from over  50 amazing restaurants from across Oakville starting at just $20 for lunch and $30 for  dinner!

• Bronte Ice Notes – March 1, 3:00-5:00 p.m. – Get ready to dance-off your winter blues at the first-ever Bronte Lake Notes, a free outdoor concert featuring local favourite Fiddlestix at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park. Don’t forget to dress warm and bring your  best moves!

• Maple Syrup Festival – March 1 & 2, 8-16, 22 & 23, 29 & 30 – Experience one of  Ontario’s sweetest traditions at Bronte Creek Provincial Park’s Maple Syrup Festival.  Running during March Break and every weekend in March, this beloved annual event  offers a fun and educational look at how maple syrup is made. Families can explore the  park’s historic Spruce Lane Farmhouse, enjoy wagon rides and of course taste delicious  pancakes topped with fresh maple syrup.

• Downtown Oakville’s GLODTO/e/Motion – March 1-24 – For most of March,  downtown Oakville will be transformed by the vibrant and interactive GLODTO/e/Motion  installation in Towne Square. This dazzling display invites visitors to immerse  themselves in a unique art experience combining light, movement, and community spirit. Sea-saw your way through this one-of-a-kind experience! Tip – Spend the afternoon  shopping, strolling the lakefront and stop for lunch or dinner at any of the amazing  downtown restaurants.

• Oakville Museum’s March Break Craft and Tour – March 11-13 at 1:30 p.m. and 3:00  p.m. – Step back in time with the Oakville Museum’s special March Break craft workshop  and enjoy a guided tour offering a glimpse into Oakville’s rich history. (Ages 4-12 plus  adults).

• St. Patrick’s Day – On March 17, raise a glass and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at one of Oakville’s many lively venues such as The Firehall, The King’s Arms, The Queen’s  Head, Harper’s Landing or The Oakville Pump & Patio where you’ll find festive drinks,  and an unforgettable atmosphere!

• Experience the Outdoors with a Nature Walk – Get the kids outside and active with a  walk at an Oakville park, trail or garden. Whether you bring the family for a scenic  lakeside walk, explore local history at one of Oakville’s heritage trails or simply peruse  one of our picturesque gardens, you’re sure to fall in love with Oakville’s outdoor  offerings. The trails are also great to cross-country ski or snowshoe as well. 

Additional March Family Fun:

• iFly Oakville: The whole family can explore their adventurous side with indoor skydiving
at iFly!
• Slime workshop with Duran Place for Kids: On March 11, join in with Duran Place for
Kids and enjoy step by step instruction and all the materials provided to make your own
take home bag of fluffy slime.
• Dave & Buster’s Oakville: Play arcade games and enjoy classic bites.
• Lollipop Art Lounge: Spend the day crafting and creating.
• Aerosports Oakville: Bounce your way through trampoline fun.
• Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts: There are two shows of Jim Henson’s
Fraggle Rock. (Running March 12 at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.)
• Playlicious: Super fun indoor playground with climbing walls to slides, ball pits, and
obstacle courses.
• Crack Pot Studio: Paint some pottery or try your hand at the pottery wheel. Various
classes/times and drop-in sessions.
• The Ranch: Take a trail ride in Oakville and find out why the view from the saddle is the
best view in the world!

Looking for a place to stay in Oakville? With so many great hotel options to choose from, finding  the perfect place to stay is easy. Explore our accommodations and book your stay today to  experience the best of Oakville during March!

About Visit Oakville: 

Visit Oakville is an incorporated, not-for-profit, destination marketing organization (DMO). It is  led by a volunteer Board of Directors representing the community. Visit Oakville aims to drive  economic impact through marketing and partnerships, curating visitor experiences and  advocating on behalf of Oakville’s tourism industry.

For more information, please contact: 

Christa Poole 
Visit Oakville 
christa.poole@visitoakville.com

Oakville based fashion designer Sarah Haunts of the label HAUNTS Fashion will be showing her 10th and latest collection of women’s evening wear on May 9th in Hamilton. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to MS Canada, a cause dear to the designer’s heart.

The fashion show is taking place at The Spice Factory, a historic building in Hamilton, ON. Built in 1889 and recently restored, the venue is the perfect backdrop for an evening of glamour. Guests’ tickets include a complimentary glass of bubbly upon arriving, and a red-carpet photo opportunity before the show begins. After the runway show has concluded, cash bar will be available to continue the festivities.

The evening is dedicated to Judy, a close family friend of the designer, who passed away due to complications from MS.

Sarah Haunts is looking forward to showcasing her latest collection of handmade couture pieces. “With this being the 10th collection, we wanted to really celebrate this milestone and bring the community together for an evening of fashion and fun. My clothing is inspired by an intense joy found in life and in my craft, and I really see that optimism translating to the designs.” Think bold colours and prints inspiring playful and sophisticated pieces of clothing, for women who are not afraid of dressing up and standing out.

The designer has previously showcased at Fashion Art Toronto and Supercrawl in Hamilton. April’s show will be her first self-produced event. In 2019, Haunts won the Canada-wide Cashmere Collection design competition, where she created an evening gown out of bathroom tissue, in support of breast cancer research.

Tickets will go on sale on March 10th.

Purchase early to take advantage of early bird pricing. You can follow HAUNTS Fashion on Instagram @haunts_fashion and visit hauntsfashion.com to view the designer’s work and sign up for the mailing list to stay abreast of event updates. Sarah Haunts can be reach by email at info@hauntsfashion.com

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you’re celebrating with a partner, a friend, or treating yourself, finding the perfect gift can sometimes feel like a challenge. In this gift guide, we’ve rounded up the best local treasures from unique artisans, charming boutiques, and florals to help you find the perfect gift!

SIMPLY GIFTED

Looking for something unique? Meet the Everlasting Candle, a luxurious and reusable steel candle that never melts and delivers a clean-burning, smoke-free and scent free ambience

491 Brant St, Burlington, simplygifted.ca


INSIDE STORY

Perfect for a fun night of lounging, this romper has soft fabric and a perfect ruby red colour, combining comfort and style. Feminine and flirty! Available at
Inside Story in Downtown Oakville.

34 Church St, Oakville, insidestory.ca

THE FLORAL COLLECTIVE

Say I love you all year long with this adorable Heart Hoya. With a little TLC, this hardy succulent will last for years and may even reward you with a bloom of flowers if you look after it carefully.

 335 Kerr St, Oakville, thefloralcollectiveinc.com

LINEA INTIMA

Unwind in cozy elegance this Valentine’s Day with our heart- print nightwear—designed for women who embrace both relaxation and style.

196 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville, lineaintima.ca

WOVEN

Perfect for relaxing at home, these cozy slippers make the perfect gift. Treat yourself or your loved ones to a touch of luxury with these heart slippers from Woven. Available in-store or online

2049 Pine St Unit 9U, Burlington, shopwoven.ca

THE DIAMOND BOUTIQUE

A little bling on Valentine’s Day is always a good idea. Find this unique bracelet among many others at The Diamond Boutique in Stoney Creek.

7 King St E Unit 2, Stoney Creek, thediamondboutique.ca

OAKVILLE – Visit Oakville is thrilled to announce the return of Taste of Oakville from February  17 to March 10, 2025. This highly anticipated culinary event will feature over fifty incredible  restaurants from across Oakville, offering prix fixe menus priced from $20-35 for lunch and $30- 75 for dinner. 

New to this year’s edition is Hexagon Restaurant, fresh off earning a prestigious MICHELIN Star  – one of only 15 stars in Ontario. Hexagon’s Chef Rafael Covarrubias, who recently received  the MICHELIN Guide Toronto 2024 Young Chef Award, will showcase his extraordinary talents  during Taste of Oakville for one night a week. For a limited time, Hexagon will open its doors on  Tuesday nights only from 5:00 p.m. offering a special Taste of Oakville dinner menu priced at  $100. Reservations for this unique dining experience can be made starting January 20 here.

“Taste of Oakville continues to grow and shine a spotlight on the amazing culinary scene here in  town,” said Rebecca Edgar, Executive Director, Visit Oakville, the organization behind Taste.  “We’re excited to welcome new restaurants, including Hexagon, as well as our returning  favourites and invite everyone to explore the diverse and exceptional flavours Oakville has to  offer.” 

In addition to Hexagon, exciting new restaurants joining Taste of Oakville this year include:  Baton Rouge Oakville, Blk Swan Kitchen Hub, Bo.Vine Burgers & Bar, Burger Theory, Color Eat,  D Spot Dessert Café, The Gingerman Social Eatery, Grande Burrito, Hoseki Sushi, Lokma,  Marine Tavern, Milestones, Mrakovic Fine Foods, Pizza Pizza, 7 Enoteca, Sultan Ahmet Turkish Cuisine, Sweet! Bakery, Verace Italian Restaurant, Vereda Central, and XII Old Fashioned  Restaurant.

Additional returning restaurants include: Beacon, Borgo Antico Cucina Bar, Buca Di Bacco, The  Boot Social Pizzeria, Ce Soir Brasserie + Bar, Chocolato and Tommy Café, Colossus Greek  Taverna, Community, Coriander Green, The Crepe Kitchen, Easy on Fourth, El Spero Family Restaurant, French Lunch, Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar, Harper’s Landing, Irie Cuisine, J.A.C.’s  Bistro, The King’s Arms, Laylak, Mary’s Muffins, Maverick’s Donut Company, Mercato Sociale,  The Mermaid and the Oyster, Nyla’s Room, Oakville Fish and Chips, Odd Burger, Paradiso, Piano Piano, Puckz Pub, Ritorno, Second Cup, Simple Kitchen, STACK BBQ Smokehouse, Sugar Suite, The Sweetest Thing Bakery, and Zara’s On Wheels.

Tunesdays: 

For the third consecutive year, Taste of Oakville will feature live music by talented local  entertainers on Tuesday evenings. This year, nine restaurants including Buca Di Bacco, Burger  Theory, Community Resto, Coriander Green, Harpers Landing, Laylak Oakville, Paradiso, Ritorno, and STACK BBQ Smokehouse – will host live performances during the event on  February 18, 25 and March 4 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Visit here for more details. 

Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a weekend getaway or a visit from out of town, Taste of Oakville is the perfect reason to explore the town and its vibrant food scene. To find  great accommodation options during your stay visit here. 

Watch the Taste of Oakville website throughout January to view each restaurant’s exclusive menus. 

If you are a restaurant owner interested in participating in Taste, please email  tasteofoakville@visitoakville.com.  

For more details on these and other upcoming events, please visit our website:  www.visitoakville.com/events.

About Visit Oakville: 

Visit Oakville is an incorporated, not-for-profit, destination marketing organization (DMO). It is  led by a volunteer Board of Directors representing the community. Visit Oakville aims to drive  economic impact through marketing and partnerships, curating visitor experiences and  advocating on behalf of Oakville’s tourism industry. 

For more information, please contact: 

Christa Poole 
Visit Oakville
christa.poole@visitoakville.com

People tend to romanticize soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food, they say. So warm and hearty. Good for what ails you. Like a hug in a bowl. Personally, I’ve never understood all this fuss over liquid food.

I consider myself a decent cook who’s big on flavour, but here’s my awful confession: I make boring soup. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve dumped an entire pot of it.

I do get the appeal of food that’s hot, soothing, economical and nutritious. The thing is, I want more than small morsels floating in bland broth. I want my soup to thrill my tastebuds. So, I have reached out to two celebrated food establishments for guidance.

No shortcuts

“What do soup-makers commonly do wrong?” I ask Luis Velasquez, Executive Chef and Owner, Familia Fine Foods in Burlington.

“Flavourless stocks, not enough time on the stovetop, and using artificial (supermarket) stocks,” he replies. But I’ve used real bones and still… blah. My chicken soup has never been good. Not even for the soul.

“You’re probably adding too much water or don’t have enough flavouring elements,” says Jacqui Cronin, Owner of The Platter Co and Table 10, a private dining room in Aldershot.

To bouillon or not to bouillon?

If your soup stock is thin in body and flavour, Cronin says it’s okay to fortify it with a pre-made stock paste, base, or bouillon cube from the grocery store. “If using these I would add them at the end, after you strain your stock, little by little, until you reach the desired flavour,” she says. “These do tend to be salty, so I would not add both salt and a pre-made stock base.

When Cronin makes chicken soup, she roasts a full chicken first, picks the meat off the bones and reserves the juices. She then re-roasts the carcass with vegetables and herbs. Next, in a pot with water, she boils and simmers all of this (including pan drippings). After 45 to 60 minutes, she either reduces the broth for more flavour, or just seasons it with salt and pepper.

I’m encouraged and can almost smell the roasted goodness! Now for my next question: Can plant-based soup taste decadent, too?

Meatless and marvellous

“If I were to make a vegetarian soup,” Cronin says, “I would make a roasted vegetable broth with carrot, onion, leek, celery, garlic, tomato, and some herbs like bay, parsley, thyme and rosemary.” Cronin cuts vegetables in 1-inch segments, tosses them in olive oil, roasts them, and then places them in a pot with just enough water to cover them. She brings this to a boil, lets it simmer for up to an hour, and strains it.

“If I wanted to intensify the flavour, I would then either bring the strained stock to a boil and reduce it or repeat the process of reboiling the stock, with more roasted vegetables…”

Velasquez shares his own tried-and-true tips: “Wash the vegetables properly,” he says. “Don’t discard the skins – those will be used later in the stock. Always start the stock with a good mirepoix (50% onion, 25% celery and 25% carrots). Add water and simmer for a minimum of one hour. If you want your soup thick, you can blend some of that mirepoix and put it back into the soup. Adjust with spices, salt and pepper.

I’m beginning to understand that soup is a labour of love. Rather than begrudge the process, I need to nurture my stock until I’m absolutely satisfied that
it’s bursting with flavour.

Supersoup does exist

Familia Fine Foods sells 15 varieties of frozen soups with gourmet, soul-warming flavours. Their signature Colombian soups express culture and home-made goodness in a bowl. “Ajiaco (chicken and potato), Sancocho (chicken, pork, plantain, cassava, and potato), Mondongo (beef tripe) and the Chicken Rice & Quinoa Soup have become staples, not only among the Latino community but also the Canadian clientele,” Velasquez says.

Among The Platter Co’s specialties are soups with a nostalgic twist. Their Tomato and Tarragon with Parmesan is a mature take on tomato soup with grilled cheese – warm and rich with heavy cream, scented with tarragon, and finished with a healthy amount of parmesan.

“Soup flavour is all about the balance and quality of ingredients,” Cronin says. “What you put in it is exactly what you’re going to get out of it. Patience is key.”

BY MICHELLE MORRA

We are truly fortunate to live in a community with such a vast selection of great restaurants, with cuisine options from everywhere around the globe. This winter, why not treat yourself to some relaxing meals out, and say goodbye to food prep and the washing up?

Taste of Burlington and Taste of Oakville are back this winter with prix-fixe menus at some of the area’s best restaurants. These popular events should be all the motivation we need to venture out for a culinary adventure. The participating restaurants will create unique, mouth-watering courses for both lunch and dinner to showcase their culinary talents. Since each prix- fixe offering is carefully crafted with flavours that complement one another, you don’t have to agonize over what to order.

Taste of Burlington will return for its 17th year, running from January 27th to February 9th, offering two weeks of exceptional cuisine in many of Burlington’s best dining spots. Claire Green, Director of Destination Development and Marketing at Burlington Economic Development and Tourism, invites you to indulge in the creative menus and explore the unique flavours that make Burlington a culinary standout in southern Ontario. “This program is a testament to the incredible dining experiences Burlington has to offer and we’re very excited about this year’s line-up of restaurants and some of the new features we have planned.”

Taste of Oakville will run from February 17th to March 10th, featuring restaurants from Downtown, Bronte, Kerr Village and all across Oakville. The event is sponsored by our local BIAs, the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Oakville. To add to the fun and celebration, many of the participating restaurants are planning to offer live music on Tuesdays this year.

So don’t delay − grab a friend, family member or go solo to discover what’s on offer this year.

To learn more about the restaurants participating, visit TASTEOFBURLINGTON.CA and TASTEOFOAKVILLE.CA