In Articles

Be-Cider – Ontario’s cider industry is fruitful and flourishing

September 26, 2017 No Comments

Just the sheer number of cideries cropping up each year should inicate that if you haven’t tried Ontario cider recently (or since there was only one option on the menu), it’s time. Local cider houses are branching out and experimenting with new ingredients. They can be sweet, dry, tart and bubbly – complex drinks that offer refreshment and a range of flavours. You can experience tastings at an independent cider house, at home, or in restaurants that serve Ontario craft cider.

Nearly a decade ago there was one sole cidery in Ontario. Now, according to the Ontario Craft Cider Association (OCCA), there are 27 and the number is growing each year. Despite its long history throughout the world, it’s making a comeback again in North America. “This allows a lot of room for experimentation and the development of new styles, as well as refining traditional methods to evolve the industry in North America,” says Matt Speight, owner of 26 Acre Cider Co., in Pelham.

Embracing techniques from the wine-making industry, Chris Haworth, owner operator of West Avenue Cider in Freelton, experiments with aging some of his ciders in bourbon and tequila barrels. At Revel Cider in Guelph, they use Chardonnay barrels and spent gin botanicals from Dillon’s Distillery to give some of their ciders an infusion of spice, citrus and vanilla. “There’s a lot of experimentation now with herbs and spices and different foods,” says Haworth. “Basically anything you can get your hands on.”

The key to a good cider is the foundation, regardless of whether it’s infused with lavender, maple syrup or delicious Ontario peaches. “You have to start with a good base. You can make cider out of any type of apple, but if it eats well out of your hand it doesn’t make good cider,” explains Haworth. “The bitter, tart apples add different components and complexities. Golden russet is a great Ontario apple, as is northern spy. Once you’ve got that great base cider, you can adjust it with different (ingredients).”

Cider isn’t just for summer – not when other seasonal produce can be added to a recipe. “The industry itself continues to grow as consumers are consistently looking to try something new,” says Speight. Watch for West Avenue Cider’s fall “Smash me up Butternut”, made with heritage apples and co-fermented with roasted butternut squash; and “Scrumpkin”, fermented with wild yeast and pumpkin. Speight plans to release a small batch of ice cider, as well as using a few locally grown fruits to give their ciders deeper, richer and more complex flavours this winter. “Aside from that, we believe all ciders are a wonderful choice for a winter warmer.”

While the kids are looking forward to Halloween candy, we’ll be thinking of sipping our ciders on the patio or by the fire. We’ll also be giving thanks to the local farmers, growers and makers who are making the most of Ontario’s apples.

Sips &Tips | Cider Food Pairing

Perry
Made from pears, and is light, fruity, crisp and medium sweet. People mention notes of lychee, grape, almond and of course pears. Pairs well with: chicken, fish, olive oil-based pasta dishes, pulled pork or soft cheese such as Camembert or Brie.

Sparkling Cider
Can be varied in flavour, often features sweetness (caramel, orange) and spicy notes (cinnamon, nutmeg). Flavour also depends on time of pressing, fermentation methods and age. Pairs well with: cheddar cheese, pork chops, butternut squash, roasted vegetables, poultry (crisp, skin on). OCCA says if you’re pairing with cheese and the alcohol content is less than 5%, choose mild cheeses. Higher alcohol content ciders are best with strong, more pronounced flavoured cheeses.

Iced Cider
Not to be outshone by icewine, iced cider is made using naturally frozen apples in winter. This gives them a higher brix (sugar) concentration. The concentrated juice is fermented, yielding a very sweet, rich beverage. Pairs well with: foie gras, bacon, strong cheeses, blue cheese or cheesecake.

by Becky Dumais

Local Links

West Avenue Cider, Freelton
westavenue.ca

26 Acre Cider Co., Pelham
@26acrecider

Revel Cider, Guelph
revelcider.ca

Ontario Craft Cider Association
ontariocraftcider.com

In Articles

Wall to Wall – Making a Statement with Wallpaper

September 25, 2017 No Comments

We’ve been witnessing the re-incarnation of wallpaper for a few years now. Simply put, these are not the wallpapers of decades ago, but instead are wall coverings that breathe life into our spaces. From bold geometrics to vintage floral, with opulent metallic finishes or the natural uncomplicated look of grass cloth, we just can’t get enough of the design power of wallpaper.

Adding wallpaper to a space has the capability of delivering a large impact which simply goes beyond that of paint. A few rolls can transform and define your space in such dramatic and luxurious ways. Whether your room is large or small, wallpaper can instantly set a style, make a bold statement or add character and personality to an otherwise basic design. Don’t underestimate the power of wall coverings. Including it in your décor scheme can change a vastly spacious room by making it feel more intimate and cozy, just the same way a bold and busy pattern can transform a small room in your home to a charming and dynamic space. Crisp vertical stripes can be a clever solution to a room with low ceilings, and if you install your stripes horizontally, you can trick the eye and make the room appear broader and more spacious. Large patterns such as damasks and florals can be the perfect answer to camouflaging irregularities in your wall.

When you’re overhauling a room, regardless of the scale, designers are ideal sources of inspiration since they have easy access to the latest look books and they know what’s trending. Tori Brock, owner and accredited interior designer of Fairhome Interiors in Burlington, says the geometric trend has also caught her eye, as have the “beautiful and colourful botanicals and the softer visuals that look like a watercolour painting.”

There are so many options to consider when looking to “paper” your walls. Murals are finding new life, and we’ve been hearing a lot of hype about “peel and stick” papers as opposed to traditional wallpaper. This is a great option for those of us that are a bit “commitment phobic”. NuWallpaper has a pretty impressive line of removable designs and they claim that it “goes up in minutes and comes down in seconds”. Brewster, Graham & Brown, and York Designs also have some fabulous options, and Ruth Baker Design manufactures their product right here in Ontario. All of these companies create high-end custom printed paper murals and wallpapers that are simple to install, and not only can peel off your walls with relative ease, but are also re-usable.

Moving the indoors out, they can also print on materials that can be used outside for privacy screening or backdrops for special events – what a great way to add personality to your outdoors!

Become inspired with your walls and give them a burst of colour and texture. Remember, today’s wallpaper trends are about adding a “wow” factor to your space, so be selective about the walls or rooms you wish to highlight and make a statement with what you select. With the abundance of options available to us today, the only limitation is your creativity – and the amount of wall space you have available.

by Linda Mazur

Linda Mazur is a nationally recognized designer and Principal of Linda Mazur Design Group, known for creating relaxed stylish spaces and full-scale design builds in the Greater Toronto Area. lindamazurdesign.com

Local Links

Andersons, Burlington
andersoncarpetandhome.com

Burlington Paint & Wallpaper
burlingtonpaint.com

Painters Place, Oakville
paintersplaceblog.wordpress.com

Fairhome Interiors, Burlington
fairhome.ca

In Articles

Keep Calm and Throw Axes

September 22, 2017 No Comments

Have an axe you’d like to grind? How about one to throw, then? The puns are endless, but if you think you might enjoy hurling a sharp, heavy object at an inanimate, wooden target, Burlington’s Bad Axe Throwing is an axe-cellent outing for you plus a group of your friends, family, co-workers … and even your kids.

Founded in Burlington by CEO Mario Zelaya in 2014, Bad Axe Throwing now boasts 16 locations across Canada and the US, all with the same purpose: to have fun throwing axes. “It’s like the sport of darts with a target, but with an assigned lane,” says Melanie St-Amour of the marketing and development team at Bad Axe Throwing. “Participants can throw at the same time to make it more challenging, and there’s a bullseye to track points and lots of games you can play during a session.”

Pre-scheduled sessions with a minimum of eight participants take approximately 2.5 hours or so to complete, while weekly walk-in sessions can last as long as you want, at $20 an hour.

But how did this decidedly different pastime find its way into the mainstream? It all started when Zelaya and his brother-in-law were at a cottage casually tossing some axes and thought it would be great fun to develop for the public to enjoy as well. “It’s something different and unique,” says St-Amour. “Kind of a lumberjack thing, a Canadian thing. Something totally unique.” And St-Amour can vouch for the unique part: she tried it herself and loved it.

“I was nervous at first,” she says. “It does take a little bit to perfect your aim, but it’s so satisfying to hear the thud when it hits the wood and then you really want to continue to get better. Women are really good at it and actually make up 60 percent of the participants.”

Never thrown an axe in your life? Never even considered picking one up? No worries. Experienced hosts are on hand to help you heave your supplied weapon effectively and, most importantly, safely. “It’s very popular with young adults,” says Morgan Rutledge, a host at the Burlington location, “but kids can also participate with a little practice and assistance. Everyone can certainly improve even after a few attempts.”

And it’s also popular for a wide variety of outings, including bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, corporate events, fun get-togethers with friends, or even the occasional divorce celebration. St-Amour recalls a woman hanging her wedding dress over the target and she and her friends went at it.

Remember to dress casually and comfortably (you could even put on some plaid if you like), and if you’re still unsure, feel free to come, watch and cheer on your axe-wielding mates until you’re ready to hurl one yourself.

If you can’t gather together a group of eight friends or more, there are always walk-in axe throwing sessions, a first-come, first-serve open axe throwing experience in a communal throwing lane open to the public several times a week. It’s fun, safe, different and a definite ice-breaking topic for your next social event. And as Rutledge points out, “Well, who wouldn’t want to throw axes at walls?” Axe-actly.

by Allison Dempsey

Local Link

Bad Axe Throwing
badaxethrowing.com

In Articles

Adults Aren’t Too Cool For School – Head Back to Class & Learn Something New

August 31, 2017 No Comments

Going back to school isn’t just for kids anymore. Local high schools, colleges and universities in Halton now offer such a wide range of programs for adults that it’s tempting to join the kids when they head back to the classrooms in the fall. We have so many opportunities to change career track, learn a new language or upgrade skills and knowledge, and it’s all local.

Here is a sampling of what’s available at three local schools:

Gary Allan High School

There’s a course at Gary Allan High School in Burlington called Designing your Future, which is an apt description for the school’s overall selection of continuing education programs. The school offers a wide range of adult continuing education programs in many areas and offers credit and non-credit courses and classes in English as a Second Language, skilled trades and job search.

The classes come in various forms, from night school to summer school, co-operative learning and online learning. In the area of skilled trades, the board partners with The Centre for Skills Development and Training and offers a free 20-week career and trades exploration program that includes hands-on training in manufacturing, electrical and construction.

Language courses for adults have grown in popularity and Gary Allan now offers Korean, Arabic, Urdu, Mandarin, Romanian, German and Spanish. While German has been one of their most popular courses, there has been increased interest in Spanish and for the first time, they are offering Romanian this fall. Mandarin was started about three years ago and has also become one of their most popular languages.

Their online classes include English, math, science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), and computers, as well as photography, nutrition and health and parenting. Math and English are popular with adults who want to obtain their OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) to open up career opportunities. There are even correspondence courses for inmates at the Maplehurst and Vanier Prisons to help them prepare for jobs when they’re released.

Sheridan College

At Sheridan College’s Faculty of Continuing and Professional Studies, you can take general interest classes on everything from Psychology Core Concepts to The History of Chocolate, as well as college prep courses in both Math and Science. There’s also the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) program, which is a high school equivalency program for adult learners looking to achieve their educational goals. With classes offered online, in-person, and in a specialized hybrid environment, adult learners can look forward to tackling their passion in Digital Photography, Bereavement Studies, Small Business Bookkeeping, Home Inspector Training, and many other areas of study.

Sheridan promotes over 450 courses while providing flexibility with courses ranging from one-day workshops to 14-week programs. Sheridan currently boasts such popular programs as Accounting and Finance, Human Resource Management, Project Management, Visual Design Interior Decorating, and French. Due to their popularity and many requests for more technology based courses, the College is launching new technology-related programs for their fall semester. “We’ve seen an increased interest in technology and analytics, which is why we launched our Data Science certificate for the upcoming term”, says Marcela Velez-Pulgarin, Program Manager for Sheridan’s Faculty of Continuing and Professional Studies.

DeGroote School of Business

The image most of us have of the McMaster University DeGroote School of Business is that it’s a full-time academy for budding MBA students. In fact, the South Service Road school in East Burlington offers a number of short-term classes during the day and night that are Executive Education courses targeted to mid and senior level managers, directors, executives and entrepreneurs. The Executive Education programs are split up into the areas of healthcare leadership, executive management and continuing education-style programs.

by Denise Davy

Local Links

Gary Allan High School, Burlington
garyallan.ca/adult-students

The Centre for Skills Development and Training
thecentre.on.ca/skilledtrades

DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University
execed.degroote.mcmaster.ca

Sheridan College
caps.sheridancollege.ca

In Articles

WORK(shop) IT – Step into the Mind of a Maker and Create Your Own Piece

August 30, 2017 No Comments

There’s definite satisfaction in saying, “I made that!” Whether it’s a bath bomb, a piece of pottery, a barn board clock or a pillow, there are plenty of opportunities to tap into some of your creativity during a workshop.

If you’re in the market for some made-by-you pieces as gifts or for your own home, here is a selection of local workshops to attend. Where specific time or date information isn’t yet available, keep checking each location’s website or social media for further details.

AGB, Burlington

The Art Gallery of Burlington welcomes creative people of all skill levels and abilities. Here’s your chance to experience some studio time like a true artiste.

Sip & Paint Social
Uncork your creativity with a painting class that includes an evening of light-hearted socializing. Follow the host (an AGB studio instructor and practicing artist) as you are guided with entertaining demonstrations to recreate a selected painting. Join for a drink and a few laughs; bring a friend or meet new friends.
Friday, September 29, or November 3, 7 – 9pm
$55/per person
Friends & Couples Clay Date
Looking for something different to do with your friends or on date night? Enjoy a night of creativity and fun! You’ll learn to shape an object (mug, bowl, etc.) out of clay and decorate it with coloured slips.
Friday, September 15, October 20 or November 17, 7 – 9:30pm
$45/per person

agb.life

Dove + Arrow, Oakville

One of Downtown Oakville’s newest retail spaces that carries a unique collection of artisan, small batch, Canadian made goods. Create your own personalized items, such as family name trays, name signs, pillows, bracelets, trendy blanket ladders and welcome signs.
Cost: $49 – $149 depending on workshop
@DoveandArrowShop

Nuworld Botanicals, Oakville

Make your own fresh, all-natural skincare products in these DIY workshops. Craft personalized skincare products including body scrubs, clay masks, face oils, body butters, lip balms and more. Workshops run three to four times per month. Private blending parties can also be arranged for groups of six to 15 people.
Fee: $30 – $50
nuworldbotanicals.com

The Millionaire’s Daughter, Oakville

DIY workshops by Brenda of “Image of xprshn”. Workshops are based on the current trends in home decorating and design and customers’ interests. Workshop fee includes all materials and a light snack.
Workshop Fee: $60
Footstool Make & Take: September 27
(Oakville store 427 Speers Road), 5 – 9pm
Sign up by emailing Brenda at brenbradica@gmail.com

Reverie Gardens, Oakville

Perfect for younger makers. Create an Enchanted Lantern or Outdoor Garden to attract the magic of fairies, gnomes and more. Little artists can dream up their own magical scene. Workshop includes everything needed to build an illuminated Enchanted Lantern featuring fairies, gnomes, mermaids, pirates and more.
Cost: $45 per child
@reveriegardens

Centro Garden, Burlington

The team at Centro Garden are true pioneers of the artisanal workshop. These garden and décor experts continually offer fresh greenery display classes perfect for inside and outside the home. Try your hand at making fall planters for the porch or a perfect centerpiece for Thanksgiving.

Apple Crate Planter: September 19, 7-8pm / $100
Fall Planter Workshop: September 18 & 20, 7–8pm / $25
Succulent Bowl: September 25, 7-8pm / $50
Terrarium Workshop: September 26, 7-8pm / $80
Mini Succulent Log: September 27, 7-8pm / $55
Thanksgiving Centrepiece: October 4, 7-8pm / $60

centrogarden.com

Perfectly Natural, Burlington

All-natural bath and beauty products made with fair-trade, responsibly harvested and renewable ingredients. Some workshops – such as the Bath Bomb nights – are modeled after the popular paint and sip outings. Each person gets a glass of wine and basic instruction, and is then encouraged to use scent and colour to create their own masterpieces. Maximum four people per class.
Friday evening, Saturday evening, and Sundays are open to requests as well as one on one instruction.

Soap Making: Saturdays, 10:30am – 2:30pm / $175
Bath Bombs: Thursdays, 7:30 to 9:30pm / $50
Lotion Making: Sundays, Noon – 3pm / $150
Soy Candles: Mondays & Wednesdays, 7 – 8:30pm / $75

perfectlynatural.ca

Pure Boutique, Burlington

Whether it’s an old piece of furniture you want to refresh with new colour and a coat of paint, or you want to create décor pieces for your home, Lori and her team will show you how. These workshops give you the tools and materials you need to transform, craft and create.

Drab to Fab: September 17, October 15, November 12 – bring your own piece and paint, distress, and finish your furniture (light lunch, coffee/tea and dessert included). 11am – 3pm / $125
Farmhouse Clock: September 21, 5:30 – 7:30pm / $150
Blanket Ladders: October 5, 5:30 – 7:30pm / $150
Barnboard Market Sign: October 19, 5:30 – 7:30pm / $90
Stenciled Pillow: November 2, 5:30 – 7:30pm / $90

pureboutique.ca

by Becky Dumais

Local Links

Art Gallery of Burlington
agb.life

Dove+Arrow, Oakville
@DoveandArrowShop

NuWorld Botanicals, Oakville
nuworldbotanicals.com

The Millionaire’s Daughter, Oakville
themillionairesdaughter.com

Reverie Gardens, Oakville
@reveriegardens

Centro Garden, Burlington
centrogarden.com

Perfectly Natural, Burlington
perfectlynatural.ca

Pure Boutique, Burlington
pureboutique.ca

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 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

In Articles

Let’s Go To T.O. – Touring Toronto with kids!

July 7, 2017 No Comments

by Becky Dumais

It’s such a great city at any time of the year, but Toronto really hits its stride in the summer. There are so many exciting things to see and do, and the good news is Toronto is easily accessible from Oakville or Burlington. So for a special treat, why not plan on a couple of day trips to Toronto with the kids this summer? We’ve highlighted a few places that your kids are sure to love, and where you’ll create lots of long-lasting memories for you and your family.

Casa Loma
Toronto’s famous 1914 castle took three years and 300 men to construct. Filled with decorated suites, secret passages, an 800-foot tunnel, towers, stables, and beautiful five-acre estate gardens. Self-guided tours and special events throughout the summer.
casaloma.org

City Sightseeing Bus Tour
Hop on (and off) the bus while you tour the city. Ticket includes a harbour and islands cruise, 21 stops, a souvenir map and the luxury of sitting on the double decker bus taking in the sights throughout the day.
citysightseeingtoronto.com

CN Tower
A real ‘high point’ of visiting the city! Take the elevator up 112 stories and visit the observation deck, walk over the glass floor and look way down. Another 36 levels up is the SkyPod observation deck. Heights made you hungry? Restaurant options include The 360 for finer dining or Horizons for family-friendly crowds.
cntower.ca

Fort York
Explore a 19th Century military base right in downtown. This site was the location of a major battle during the War of 1812. Tour the buildings and view period artifacts, enjoy guided tours and guard re-enactments every hour on the half hour.
toronto.ca/fortyork

Food / Cultural Neighbourhoods
Adding food into the fun is easy, especially when the city is home to several cultural hubs: Little India (North America’s largest South Asian market), Chinatown (dim sum anyone?), Greektown (super souvlaki, spanakopita and more), Little Italy (pizza, pasta and lots of live music), Koreatown (kim chi and karaoke), Portugal Village (Brazilian drip coffee and tapas), and Little Poland (pierogies, please!). The St. Lawrence Market, home to 120 vendors, merchants and artisans, has been an authentic food destination for over 200 years.

Hockey Hall of Fame
Take a self-guided tour of the huge amount of memorabilia, participate in some skills competitions, see a replica Montreal Canadiens dressing room and of course: the Stanley Cup itself.
hhof.com

Rogers Centre Tour Experience and Toronto Blue Jays
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the stadium, which includes guided access to the press box, Blue Jays Hall of Fame, a luxury suite and more. Or, attend a Jays Saturdays game. These home games welcome the kids in fun activities on the 100, 200 and 500 levels, and also give them an opportunity to run the bases after the game.
rogerscentre.com

Medieval Times
Is this 11th Century Spain? Almost! Witness pageantry, jousting and knights in shining armor battle for your honour. Plus, you’ll be wined and dined, since your ticket includes a meal fit for a king, queen, prince and princess.
medievaltimes.com

Ripley’s Aquarium
One of the city’s newer attractions, the aquarium is home to 16,000 aquarium species, six play zones for children, 10 galleries, and the longest underwater viewing tunnel, at 315 feet. Go beyond glass observation and explore the four touch exhibits featuring horseshoe crabs, sharks, and rays. Live dive shows daily.
ripleyaquariums.com

Royal Ontario Museum
There are more than six million artifacts from all over the world and dating back thousands of years, but the kids especially love the dinosaur and prehistoric mammal exhibits and the Egyptian mummies. The CIBC Discovery Gallery offers activities for kids including digging for dinosaur bones, dressing up and more. The Schad Gallery of Biodiversity explores seven ecosystems and illustrates the planet’s diversity of life.
rom.on.ca

In Articles

To the Rescue – Saving animals, because every life does matter

July 5, 2017 No Comments

by Denise Davy

Nicole Paling snuggles two adorable kittens to her chest and smiles as she talks about the business of cat rescuing. Ben and Jerry, as she has named the kittens, are two of the 196 felines Nicole has rescued since setting up her group, Every Life Matters (ELM) two years ago.

ELM was born on impulse on a cold January night while Paling was reading Facebook and saw a post about a cat that had climbed into an old dryer outside of someone’s door. “I read through all the comments and saw no one stepping up to help so I commented on the feed that I would go get him and bring him to safety,” she recalls.

A few hours later, after fighting freezing cold temperatures and a stuck dryer door, Paling came home with a black and white male cat. What she didn’t realize was how many more would follow. Over the past two years, whenever she’s heard of an abandoned cat through social media or word of mouth, she has gone on a search and rescue through abandoned homes, woods, scrapyards…. you name it.

She recently hopped an eight-foot fence to grab five four-week-old kittens that had been abandoned. Her passion has opened her eyes to Burlington’s feral cat problem and it’s why she has all of the cats spayed and neutered before finding them homes. “I rely heavily on my village, and my followers who continue to encourage and support my efforts,” she notes. Animal rescue groups fill an important role in the community by overseeing the care of abandoned animals. They’re often run by volunteers, like Paling, who take on the medical expenses involved in healing the animals and having them spayed and neutered. According to the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, there are at least ten million unowned cats across Canada. In 2015, 15,341 cats and 2,820 dogs were euthanized.

In Oakville, a large group of passionate volunteers form the backbone of The Dog Rescuers Inc. They’ve been rescuing and re-homing dogs since 2009, including their most “famous” rescue, a Great Pyrenees pup who was found a few months ago tied up in a bag inside a dumpster. Cupid – as they called him – was born with partial front legs and has now been outfitted with a prosthetic device that looks like mini-skis. They take in between 100 to 150 dogs a year, and facilitate more dogs getting into other rescues or humane societies. President Joan Znidarec said they cover all of their own expenses such as gas and phone bills and raise funds to cover the dogs’ medical bills through events like bake sales, art auctions and bowling parties.

In Hamilton, an abiding friendship combined with a love of animals lead to the formation of the Ladybird Animal Sanctuary back in 2011. Since then, Janine Stoll, Lisa Winn and Melissa McLelland have rescued 784 animals, including dogs, cats, rats and guinea pigs. The best friends also share a love of music and McLelland and her husband,

Luke Doucet, form the songwriting duo known as Whitehorse. “We’ve all shared a passion for animal welfare and we saw a need in our community,” says McLelland. Over the years, they’ve found 20 to 30 volunteer foster homes who they work with to rescue animals from high-kill shelters in the community. Every worker is volunteer, from the people who foster animals to those who adopt them.

They also rescue a lot of the smaller animals some shelters won’t take, like rats and guinea pigs. “We’ve seen an incredible difference in the six years we’ve been a registered charity,” she claims. McLelland says she and her friends felt they had no choice but to do something when they learned that high-kill shelters were bursting at the seams with unwanted pets who had been abused, abandoned and neglected. “It’s been amazing to see everyone come together to help animals in need.”

Local Links

Every Life Matters, Burlington
elmcatrescue.com

Ninth Life, Oakville / Mississauga
ninthlifecatrescue.org

The Dog Rescuers Inc., Oakville
thedogrescuersinc.ca

Ladybird Animal Sanctuary, Hamilton
ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com