In Articles

Fun Finds For Foodies – Hidden Gems That Will Delight Your Senses

August 29, 2017 No Comments

When you think of the word ‘gem’ you probably picture a precious commodity that should be kept safe. But we also use the term to describe something truly rare and special, including food shops and restaurants. These are the places that may be a little “off the beaten path”, perhaps not so well known, but where your culinary experience is going to be extraordinary. As these hidden gems are often tucked away in the most unassuming places, it’s all the more rewarding to discover them.

Kori’s Roti, Oakville

The real deal for roti in Oakville. Located on Speers Road, fresh Trinidadian cuisine is made to order while you wait. Goat roti, steamed rice dishes and Jamaican patties with portions large enough to satisfy a big appetite. How high can you climb the “Peppa scale”? Start at the bottom, with not one hint of heat, right up to the eight-pepper ‘Suicide’.
korisroti.ca

Boffo’s, Oakville

Part grocery, part deli; all delicious. In addition to offering entrees like Veal Osso Bucco (Chianti-braised fall off the bone veal) and side dishes, the iconic “sangweechis” are a must. They’re all made to order. We’re eyeing the Italian Gangster (Italian cold cuts served on a crusty baguette with basil pesto, provolone cheese and fresh tomatoes). Boffo’s is doing something right; they’ve been putting great food on our tables since they started as a Cabbage Town butcher shop in 1985.
boffos.ca

Elm Hill Cookies, Oakville

Cookies (and squares) of all kinds are handmade daily by Janis and her team. You’ll be the veritable kid in a candy (cookie rather) shop here. While the menu changes almost daily, you can guarantee finding a classic chocolate chip. It’s also clearly understood that any cookie should be paired with a glass of cold milk. Grab a glass at the milk bar and sit down for a break.
elmhillcookies.com

Familia Fine Foods, Burlington

Husband and wife team Luis and Juliana are on a mission to bring home-style meals to Burlington. The business began as a meal delivery service, offering healthy prepared frozen meals from scratch. The same delicious meals are now available in their restaurant or for take-out. Fixed menu standards are available on a regular basis, but check their Facebook or Twitter feeds to see the Chef’s Surprise Daily Meal. Be sure to ask about their catering options too.
familiafinefoods.com

Block Co., Burlington

A simple showcase of two beloved foods: cheese and charcuterie, curated by two former chefs. It’s a warm and cozy space in Downtown Burlington where you can find a wide selection of the world’s best cheese and charcuterie products. They also carry a large selection of locally made cheese boards and other artisan, hand-made products designed to entertain with.
theblockco.ca

The Sunshine Doughnut Company, Burlington

Gourmet doughnuts made using fresh, local ingredients. Did we mention they’re also gigantic? The selection varies frequently, but they’re all fluffy, sweet and fresh. Keep an eye on their Instagram to see what flavours are on the baker’s racks each day, such as fresh seasonal fritters using local Ontario peaches. Care for a coffee with that crueler? From classic cuppas to Vietnamese coffee and lattes, they’ve got that too.
@SunshineDoughnuts

Burro, Burlington

What’s better than a little bourbon (or tequila) with your tacos? Burro says “…tacos are a dish best served fun, with a side of liquor.” Sounds like the right ingredients for a good time, right? The “unique and boozy cocktail menu” aside, lunch and late-night tacos created by chef Matt Kershaw are twists on your favourite flavours – but the classic Mexican-style tacos are on the menu too, including vegetarian and vegan options.
burrotacos.com

Saving Thyme Catering & Patisserie, Burlington

Owners Alex and Phil grew from a small home-based catering business into an inviting space where you can enjoy their gourmet creations. Everything is made from scratch, which tells you how absolutely amazing the aromas emanating from the oven are. No need to depart for Paris when you can enjoy freshly baked French macaron, croissants, brioche and breads, along with soup, salad and sandwiches.
savingthyme.ca

La Parisienne, Bronte

Owners and husband and wife team Mikael and Courtney took over the restaurant in 2014, recreating a cozy French Bistro-style atmosphere. Come and enjoy a little piece of Paris for brunch, lunch or dinner. Everything is made using fresh, local ingredients with a crepe on the menu for everyone. What’ll catch your eye? Perhaps the Normand Baked Crepe (a house specialty) or the Sweet Berry Delight with Chantilly cream. Bring your own bottle of wine to enjoy with some of the savoury crepes or the classic Croque Monsieur (a $5 uncorking fee applies).
laparisiennecreperie.com

by Becky Dumais

Local Links

Kori’s Roti, Oakville
korisroti.ca

Boffo’s, Oakville
boffos.ca

Elm Hill Cookies, Oakville
elmhillcookies.com

Familia Fine Foods, Burlington
familiafinefoods.com

The Block Co., Burlington
theblockco.ca

The Sunshine Doughnut Co., Burlington
@SunshineDoughnuts

Burro, Burlington
burrotacos.com

Saving Thyme Catering & Patisserie, Burlington
savingthyme.ca

La Parisienne Creperie
laparisiennecreperie.com

In Articles

Making the Most of the Least – Embracing Minimalism at Home

August 28, 2017 No Comments

When you think about minimalism in interior design, maybe you think about big empty spaces that are cold and sterile and uninviting. Maybe you think hospital rooms or hotel lobbies, void of personality, warmth or style. But maybe it’s time to take another look at what minimalist design really means, and the wide range of options available when taking a space and making it your own, adding beauty plus elegance, minus the clutter.

The saying “less is more” is thrown around a lot, but it doesn’t have to mean bare and unappealing. The majority of us can admit that we simply own too many things that tend to clutter up our spaces on a daily basis. For some people, de-cluttering is the best and most desired definition of minimalism, while for others, it can go even deeper. “I think everyone can appreciate a fresh, clean minimalist living space, and the trend is still going strong,” says Anita Puls of House of Hues in Burlington. “I stick with this acronym ‘KIS’ (Keep it Simple) when working on a minimalist interior.”

A great way to Keep it Simple includes organizing and finding creative, stylish ways to store items that tend to collect on surfaces like dining tables and kitchen counters. “I love using decorative canisters or rustic bowls to house items that typically occupy countertop surfaces,” she explains. “Something as simple as replacing a bar of soap with liquid soap in a sleek container can be the beginning of a cleaner look.”

If you want to do more than just kick clutter to the road, you may want to consider overhauling a floor in your home — or your entire house — to a modern, sleek environment with an emphasis on larger elements that take centre stage and catch the eye. “Minimalism also means using the application of feature walls and textures, by bringing the organic inside and creating tension with a modern look,” says Tania Parkyn of Oakville’s Parkyn Design. “The trend means different things to different people, but I find it appeals to clients of all ages across the board, whether they simply want more space and less clutter, or if they want to redesign their entire home.”

Less is More and simplicity in design doesn’t mean compromising quality, though. “It’s the quantity that makes it simple,” explains Puls. “I prefer to incorporate custom pieces that will easily transition and have longevity. A custom ottoman is a stylish storage option for any occasional items like blankets or seasonal decor that need to be stored away, and for decorative accents using a wood and metal combination adds a natural warmth to the lighter colour palettes typically used in a minimalist design.”

Minimalism also doesn’t mean sacrificing colour for bland monotones throughout, as it can be achieved with any colour palette, says Parkyn. The idea is to streamline, and use high-quality material and let it stand on its own. “The notion of paring back has been a popular one for many years,” says Parkyn, and it’s easy to see why. “Who doesn’t want more room at home? Furnishings that are simple and beautifully designed are soothing and pleasing to the eye and can go a long way to creating a sense of peace around you, and who couldn’t use more peace in their lives?”

“Minimalism means a very pared down look but each piece showcased is stronger in itself,” says Parkyn. “But while trends are fine, at the end of the day for me it’s about what the client desires, and what is right for the client.” In this case, less really can mean more.

by Allison Dempsey

Local Links

Parkyn Design, Oakville
parkyndesign.com

House of Hues, Burlington
houseofhues.ca

Joshua Creek Furniture, Oakville
joshuacreekfurniture.com

Fairhome Interiors, Burlington
fairhome.ca

Anderson’s Carpet and Home, Burlington
andersoncarpetandhome.com

In Blog

Meet The Chef: Familia Fine Foods – A Local Family Business in Burlington

August 22, 2017 No Comments

Luis Velasquez & Juliana Berrio are the owners of Familia Fine Foods in Burlington. We asked them a few questions about their restaurant, their style of cooking, and the inspiration behind Familia.

What was your inspiration for starting Familia Fine Foods?

Combining our love for food with our love for family was the inspiration for Familia Fine Foods. We know the importance of family time, and the convenience of having a wholesome, homemade, ready-to-eat meal on your table gives families more of that priceless time to make memories with their kids.

What were you doing before Familia Fine Foods?

We were both working in corporate environments. We realized that life is short and doing something fulfilling is so important. We started Familia Fine Foods in 2014 and it was the best decision we ever made.

What do you offer at Familia?

Restaurant: Our restaurant is a warm space where we have healthy lunches and daily specials. We also have Colombian Coffee and prepared meals ready to go.
Prepared Meals: We offer a monthly menu with healthy hand crafted (take home) dinners for the whole family. Visit our website to see the menu (familiafinefoods.com) and place your order online.
Catering: We offer catering for any special occasion. Our most popular option is the Taco Bar, but we offer solutions for anything from business meetings to weddings.

What type of cuisine do you specialize in?

Handmade with love is our motto, and of course we put a little Latin touch in every single meal we make! We all know there’s nothing like a hot, wholesome meal made from scratch with tons of TLC to end the day perfectly, and that is exactly why we started Familia Fine Foods.

Visit Familia Fine Foods for Lunch or Take Away Meals
17- 3245 Harvester Rd., Burlington, ON | 905.632.9299 | familiafinefoods.com

In Blog

Doors Open Halton

August 16, 2017 No Comments

Doors Open Halton: September 30 & October 1, 2017. Designed to create access, awareness and excitement about our heritage, Doors Open Ontario provides residents and visitors with a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy sometimes hidden and always interesting places and spaces in Ontario cities, towns and villages – and it’s all free of charge! Communities across Ontario celebrate their Doors Open events between April and October.

Old Oakville Post Office — Oakville Old Post Office

Doors Open Halton will be celebrating and opening its doors during the weekend of September 30 & October 1, 2017. Over 50 sites are waiting for you in Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills over the weekend. Burlington and Oakville hold their event Saturday September 30 and Milton and Halton Hills’ event takes place on Sunday October 1. 2017 Marks the 16th anniversary of the program for Doors Open Ontario and in this special Sesquicentennial year many sites are talking up a Canada 150 theme.

From the urban communities of Burlington and Oakville on Lake Ontario’s shore to the rural splendor of Halton Hills, and the fast growing town of Milton, there is much to explore.

Museums, public buildings, private homes and businesses, industrial complexes, places of worship, and even a wooden sailing ship are all waiting to be discovered, and hundreds of volunteers are waiting to tell their stories.

Doors Open Halton invites you to share Halton’s rich heritage, cultural diversity and stunning natural beauty as its many communities open their doors to residents and visitors alike.

For more information visit Doors Open Ontario.

In Blog

A Dinner in Gairloch Gardens

August 11, 2017 No Comments

A Dinner in Gairloch Gardens hosted by chef Grant Van Gameren in support of Oakville Galleries.

On September 7, Oakville Galleries and Project and Construction Management Inc. (PCM) will present Cocina: featuring acclaimed chef Grant van Gameren. The event will raise essential funds for Oakville Galleries’ educational and artistic programming. Oakville Galleries’ signature fundraising event, A Dinner in Gairloch Gardens is a landmark culinary experience, bringing together the area’s most respected leaders, patrons and arts enthusiasts for a lavish six-course meal under late summer skies. Held in southeast Oakville’s beautiful Gairloch Gardens, a 12-acre garden along the shore of Lake Ontario, this year’s dinner will be prepared and hosted by celebrated chef Grant van Gameren of Toronto’s Bar Isabel and Bar Raval, paired with wines from Niagara’s Vineland Estates.

For the fifth year running, this artisanal feast will be served al fresco among the 15,000 blooms of Gairloch Gardens. Proceeds from the event support Oakville Galleries’ award-winning artistic and educational programming in our community.

Through exhibitions, collections, public programs, and a broad range of in-school and on-site arts education activities, Oakville Galleries’ programs foster creative engagement and community development in equal measure.

The evening will begin in Gairloch’s rose garden with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before moving to the clear-top tent for dinner with chef van Gameren. Following the main course, there will be a live auction featuring VIP travel packages and exclusive private dining experiences.

Tickets are $395 per person, a limited number are available; to reserve yours, please visit oakvillegalleries.com.

EVENT SPONSORS

Lead Partner:
PCM Project and Construction Management Inc.

Premier Partners:
Higgins Event
Rentals
Tamarack Lumber Inc.

Event Partner:
Victor Dries

Signature Partners:
Chubb Insurance
Company of Canada
Cornwall Wealth Management Group

Decor Partner:
Richard Lubbers
Media Partner:
West of the City

Presenting Partner:
Sutton Quantum Realty Inc. Brokerage

Supporting Partners:
Best Choice Imaging Solutions
Direct Response Media Group
Skin Vitality
Medical Clinic
Vineland Estates Winery

ABOUT CHEF GRANT VAN GAMEREN:
Credited with revolutionizing the Toronto dining scene, Grant van Gameren’s rise towards one of Canada’s most celebrated chefs began shortly after opening the Black Hoof in 2008.

His next two establishments, Bar Isabel and Bar Raval also garnered acclaimed reviews in 2012 and 2014, respectively.

Delving into a new business venture in 2017 with long-time friend, chef Chris Brown (formerly of Perigee and Citizen Catering), Grant and Chris have created an elevated and unparalleled catering experience in the GTA with their new catering company, Victor Dries. Bringing their benchmark of quality directly to your homes and businesses, Victor Dries offers full service event planning with a long-standing adherence to the classic elements of service: graciousness and efficiency, affability and respect.

Chefs van Gameren and Brown cook impeccable food, with ingredients as superb as their reputation and tenure within Toronto’s culinary community.

For more information, visit www.victordries.com or @vicdriesevents on Instagram.

Oakville Galleries in Gairloch Gardens is located at 1306 Lakeshore Road East, 2km east of downtown Oakville.

For more information about Oakville Galleries, exhibitions or programs, visit
www.oakvillegalleries.com or call 905.844.440.

In Community

Art in the Park

July 27, 2017 No Comments

Art in the Park is renowned for being one of the best run art shows in southern Ontario. And it’s coming up soon! Presented by the Oakville Art Society, this year’s event is on Monday, August 7. Show hours 10am – 5pm.

This year marks the annual event’s 52nd year running. There will be 175+ exhibitors, live music and a chance to sit and relax at the food & beer garden, hosted by Yolanda’s Spuntino Casa.

Admission is just $5/adult. Children under 12 are free – bring them along and introduce them to the wonderful world of art (and enjoy the beauty of Oakville’s waterfront – and get some fresh air too).

Visit artintheparkoakville.com or the event page on Facebook.

Located at: Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, Bronte Road and Ontario Street.

About the Event:

In 1965 the Society created Art in the Park to promote local artists and artisans, and today this show has blossomed into Oakville’s major art event.

Every medium is represented, from traditional oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings to glass, ceramics, photography, mixed media, sculptures and fine jewellery.

As you browse, meet and chat with the artists and learn about their work.

Your $5 admission helps maintain the Oakville Art Society and affords the organization to raise funds to subsidize programming and act as a venue for furthering interest and knowledge of the world of art.

In Blog

Goat Yoga – It’s a Go!

July 26, 2017 No Comments

Goat yoga. Heard of it? There isn’t a pose named after these limber climbers but you can work on your Downward Dog or Mountain (goat) pose while the “goats do roam” at a few local places in Halton, Hamilton and the surrounding area. OK, they might try to scale your back or hop on your stomach.

Say ‘Yes’ to Goat Yoga!

Trinity Trotters goat yoga — Get a little hoof massage too.

It supposedly started as a simple whim of an activity in Oregon, and has grown in popularity just as fast as goats like to eat grass. I decided I had to give it a try and found Trinity Trotters Equine/TanMar in Burlington and recruited a fellow animal lover to join me.

Most of us are aware that doing yoga is peaceful and it creates an atmosphere of openness. Putting those cute little goats into the mix takes it to another level. Animals have healing properties – just being around them increases your level of dopamine and Oxycontin. Cortisol (stress-related hormone) decreases at the same time. It’s definitely a fun, unique activity, with obvious benefits. Classes are run by a fully-qualified yoga instructor.

newborn foal at Trinity Trotters — Stay after class to meet & greet the horses & learn about the organization’s rescue efforts.

It’s best to BYO yoga mat, they are available to borrow/rent onsite. You can also purchase a small bag of food for the goats, if you want to feed them a handful or two while you work out. Bonus: bring a bag of carrots or apples and you can feed the horses in the stalls afterwards and chat with the owners about their rescue program, all of which they operate out of their own pockets.

On a housekeeping note: if you don’t mind a little goat poop on or around your mat, this will be the most fun you’ll ever have practicing yoga. Spray solution is provided for you to clean your mat after, plus there are volunteers constantly sweeping during the class to help keep things tidy.

Check their Facebook page for event dates and times. They also hold a lot of other programs like camps, team sorting and trail rides.

Classes are $35 per person.

Other places where goat yoga is offered:

Hobby Hill Farm, Brantford

Red Barn Goat Farm, Hamilton-Niagara

Fox Den, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Grimsby Yoga & Wellness

by Becky Dumais

In Blog

Becky’s Colombian Coffee & Other Delights

July 17, 2017 No Comments

Much like finding a new favourite store, discovering an interesting new place to eat in an otherwise unassuming location is pretty rewarding. We stopped in at Becky’s for an impromptu lunch. Before ordering at the counter, we had all of the dishes and ingredients explained.

We sampled the Bunuelo while we figured out what to order, deciding on the Lechona, which was the daily special.

Bunuelo - fried cheese ball. — **Bunuelo – fried cheese ball.**

Lechona is rice with shredded pork and peas with a corn patty and crispy chicharron (fried pork crackling). Owner, Cristina Rueda admits jokingly that it’s not ‘health food’. That’s OK, it definitely tastes good.

Some of their other specialties include Patacon (plantain with shredded meat, cheese and sauce), Empenadas, Arepa, (corn patties with shredded beef, pork rinds, guacamole, cheese and sauce) and, of course, churros.

There are a handful of tables for sit down eating. It’s brightly lit and has a modern, rustic feel. There are also some Latin grocery items available. A full menu of espresso, macchiato, cappuccino, latte and other hot beverages are also available.

Becky’s
2152 Mountain Grove Ave., Burlington
Tel: 289.288.1631
www.mybeckys.com

In Arts & Events

MIDNIGHT MADNESS presented by Scotiabank

July 12, 2017 No Comments

Midnight Madness presented by Scotiabank is celebrating 40 years of fun! Come to downtown Oakville on Friday, July 14 from 6 p.m. until Midnight and enjoy all the madness: including incredible sales, fabulous finds, entertainment, delicious food and much more!

This year there will be three stages with local bands, four performance pitches positioned throughout the downtown and roaming buskers. There are also three separate Family Fun areas with interactive activities for all ages. Including hula hoop lessons, crafts, obstacle course and dance shows.

Stores will be open till midnight with great deals that are only available once a year and restaurants extend onto Lakeshore Road with exceptional food and drinks all night long.

The streets will also be jam-packed with community groups and local charities bringing their dunk tanks, robots and ice cream waffles for you to see and enjoy! Midnight Madness is Oakville’s largest retail event and an Oakville family tradition for 40 years; with amazing shopping, delicious food, live music and lots of community spirit it has developed into a signature summer event.

A FREE shuttle bus will run between Oakville GO and downtown Oakville every 15 minutes. For more information please visit oakvilledowntown.com or our Facebook page.

In Articles

Best Local Burgers

July 7, 2017 No Comments

by Lynn Ogryzlo

Like architects, backyard barbecuists and beef lovers take burger building very seriously, each one trying to outdo the other for title of King of the Grill, each one understanding the complexities of a good burger foundation, textural support and flavour finishes that need to come together for one sensational experience.

Speaking on behalf of burger aficionados everywhere, Cameron Booth, Manager of The Works in Burlington says, “It’s all about the beef. Ours is 100 per cent quality Canadian beef, simply seasoned with a little salt and pepper, then it’s hand pressed. We have a guy that does nothing but hand presses burgers all day long.”

Ahmed Albeer, owner of the popular Gazebo Burgers & Grill in Oakville also believes a great burger is all about the beef, but his burger patties are freshly made with 100 per cent beef blended with a secret spice blend. Then the burgers are cooked in a proprietary barbecue sauce. “It’s big,” says Albeer who is insanely passionate about building lip-smacking, melt-in-your-mouth burgers.

Most people are astonished to hear that the bun is as important as the beef. With every bite of a burger there is actually more bun in your mouth than beef, so it makes sense that you should strive for the perfect beef-to-bun ratio. Buns come in a wide range of styles, textures and flavours from soft brioche or egg bun to thin sandwich buns in multi-grain or vegetable flavour. In between there is an entire range of buns from crisp crust and dense innards to soft on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

So what’s the third component to great burger building? The toppings of course! The Works offers 50 different toppings that make for over a million different burger combinations. Booth explains that balancing flavours is an art, and for anyone not sure how to put together a delicious burger, they’ve done it for you with ten of the more delicious combinations for you to try. The options include thick slices of house-smoked, maple bacon, melted chunks of tangy, old cheddar, black peppercorn aioli, smooth, spirited, bourbon barbecue sauce, char-grilled, meaty Portobello mushroom caps, creamy avocado, sloppy eggs, Kimchi and even peanut butter.

Lynn Ogryzlo is a food, wine and travel writer, international award winning author and regular contributor to Look Local Magazine. She can be reached for questions or comments at www.lynnogryzlo.ca

8 Best Burger Bites

(in no particular order)
There are so many places to choose from if you want to enjoy a divine burger in Oakville or Burlington this summer. Here are just a few to tantalize your taste buds:

Bru Restaurant, Oakville
House-made cheddar cheese melted on a house ground strip-loin patty with a bun from Cobs Bakery across the street. It’s as local (and delicious) as it gets!
brurestaurant.ca

The Gingerman Social Eatery,
Oakville
A glorious menu selection dedicated to the meal-on-a-bun, including salmon, AAA beef, bison and vegetarian choices.
gingermansocialeatery.ca

The Coop Wicked Chicken,
Burlington
For those who prefer chicken burgers over beef, Coop has you covered. Pictured here is the Crispy Chicken.
thecoop.ca

Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill,
Oakville
Pickled cauliflower, arugula and a harissa aioli make this lamb burger (served with Yukon gold fries) a must-try!
oakville.obcafegrill.com

The Works,
Burlington & Oakville
A restaurant dedicated to burger lovers – their menu also includes vegan options. Editor’s personal favourite: the Hunka Hunka.
worksburger.com

Lettuce Love Café, Burlington
For vegans and vegetarians who still value meals between buns, this sweet potato burger is delicious.
See the recipe here: Sweet Potato Quinoa Burger
lettucelovecafe.com

Plank Restobar,
Oakville
Bourbon braised onions, vintage cheddar cheese and a bacon aioli combine to give these sliders a fantastic flavour.
plankrestobar.ca

Turtle Jack’s, Burlington & Oakville
The French Onion burger, pictured here, features caramelized onions smothered in Canadian Swiss cheese – and it tastes as good as it looks!
turtlejacks.com

trinity

Fun Finds For Foodies – Hidden Gems That Will Delight Your Senses

Kori’s Roti, Oakville

Boffo’s, Oakville

Elm Hill Cookies, Oakville

Familia Fine Foods, Burlington

Block Co., Burlington

The Sunshine Doughnut Company, Burlington

Burro, Burlington

Saving Thyme Catering & Patisserie, Burlington

La Parisienne, Bronte

by Becky Dumais

Local Links

Making the Most of the Least – Embracing Minimalism at Home

by Allison Dempsey

Local Links

Meet The Chef: Familia Fine Foods – A Local Family Business in Burlington

Doors Open Halton

A Dinner in Gairloch Gardens

Art in the Park

Goat Yoga – It’s a Go!

by Becky Dumais

Becky’s Colombian Coffee & Other Delights

MIDNIGHT MADNESS presented by Scotiabank

Best Local Burgers

by Lynn Ogryzlo

8 Best Burger Bites

looklocal.ca