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The Best Antique Shops in Burlington and Oakville

July 4, 2017 No Comments

Pieces to be treasured not trashed
by Becky Dumais

You can’t argue with the excitement many people experience when they find a unique item at a bargain price in an antique store or garage sale. That rush may even extend to suddenly stopping the car to pick something up off the side of the road (yes, it happens). One man’s trash is invariably another man’s treasure. With the diverse range of local antique and curiosity shops coupled with the ease with which you can sell unwanted stuff online, it’s easier than ever to find that perfect piece with the perfect patina.

Exploring an antique shop filled with a range of items from different decades or a store with a plethora of kitsch, knickknacks, vinyl records or art provides a great opportunity to learn about the past. Taking younger folks on these outings can lead to conversations about lifestyles during their parent’s era, their grandparent’s time, or even earlier. However we recommend that you do not take young children who may distract you from the relaxing process of browsing, rummaging, and conversing with the local shop owners.

Here are some places to explore in Burlington and Oakville:

Burlington

The Odd Spot
Since opening its doors in the summer of 2015, this downtown destination features everything that matches their slogan, ‘Where unusual is normal’. Those searching for vinyl and vintage items (even oddly-appealing artwork and curious quirky things) will likely find something here.
480 Brant Street, Unit #7 | oddspot.ca

Ryder Antiques
Specializes in Swedish antiques, Swedish Folk Art, Norwegian Folk Art, Scandinavian Folk Art, French antiques, painted furniture and decorative artwork. Also carries Dutch Folk Art, German Folk Art, and French Folk Art. By appointment only.
1460 Ghent Avenue | ryderantiques.com

Fly by Night Books & Antiques
Among the bookshelves are hundreds of timeless tomes and a large selection of vintage items. From floor to ceiling you might be surprised to find reading material on subjects such as travel, history, psychology, children’s literature and best sellers. If you’re a collector you may be able to locate a signed copy of a book you’ve been after.
792 Brant Street

Greystone Fine Furniture
Located inside a beautiful three-story home, shopping here is like shopping at your stylish grandparent’s house, picking out your own future heirlooms. The shop features vintage, mid-century, modern, retro, contemporary and antique pieces – everything from glassware and décor pieces, to impressive Persian rugs and furniture.
514 Guelph Line | greystonefinefurniture.com

The Rustic Rose
While technically in Hamilton, we had to mention this one. After a day at the beach, browse a store filled with barn lanterns, weathered milk crates and other unique peculiarities you’ll want to find a home for.
538 Beach Boulevard | appleroses.com

Oakville

Treasure Antiques
Located in Bronte Village is a quaint shop that’s a haven for hunters of museum quality antiquities. The store carries pieces from around the world, art, silver, rugs and high-end pieces from France, Germany and Russia.
2395 Lakeshore Road West | treasureantique.com

My Back Shed
Vintage treasures are transformed with a new coat of paint or new fabrics and many untouched pieces are also in stock, from dressers and parlour tables to benches and desks.
2359 Lakeshore Road West | mybackshed.com

The Millionaire’s Daughter
A treasure trove of mid-to-high end furniture and decor consignment pieces can be found here. Styles aren’t limited to a certain era; you’ll find a nice mix of modern and vintage, china, crystal and Royal Doulton.
427 Speers Road | themillionairesdaughter.com

Turner Chapel Antiques
Come in to browse the porcelain, paintings, silverware, furniture and art and also learn about the building itself. The chapel was built in 1892 by newcomers to Canada via the Underground Railroad.
37 Lakeshore Road West

In Articles

Come Gather Round the (Backyard) Campfire

July 3, 2017 No Comments

“The fire is the main comfort of the camp.” ~Thoreau
by Allison Dempsey

Whether you’re an outdoorsy adventurer or prefer a fancy all-inclusive resort, enjoy “roughing it” in the wilderness or lounging in a comfortable cottage, many can agree that the highlight of any relaxing getaway is gathering together in the evening to relax, chat and share some stories, often in front of an inviting, crackling fire.

There’s just something about a fire that attracts us, but unfortunately, for most city-dwellers, an open backyard fire is generally not permitted for a variety of safety reasons. That’s where an outdoor fire pit comes into play, adding warmth and atmosphere with the safety of propane and natural gas in a variety of styles designed to suit your personal aesthetic needs. “Nothing is selling stronger,” says Andy Paul, owner of Burlington’s Sun Country. He adds, pun possibly intended, “Fire pits are the hottest thing out there.”

Designed to mimic the effects of actual flames, fire pits are contained and as safe as a barbecue. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and many feature a built-in table ledge for added convenience. Strong, safe and weather resistant, fire pits are designed to mimic the look of metal, limestone, slate, marble, granite and stone, adding beauty and ruggedness to your patio. “Fire is a natural draw for people. We love campfires, but when we can’t have natural fires outside in our backyards, this is the next best thing,” says Paul. “It really gives you the same overall feeling.”

He says whether you’re looking for traditional or urban styles, there are models available for every taste, without the mess or upkeep of a real wood fire, and of course, without the fire risks. And even though our summer months are hot, evenings can sometimes still be cool. That’s where this product definitely comes in handy. “They lengthen the amount of time you can enjoy the outdoors and your backyard,” says Paul. “It’s definitely a focal point for any gathering. Congregate around and just relax.”

When deciding on the type and style of fire pit to install, Jeremy Kalapacz of Oakville Home Leisure emphasizes doing your homework when looking for what works best in your particular backyard, as there are so many different options available, depending on your personal taste and needs. He says fire pits are a very popular feature for a gathering space that highlights beauty, style and warmth while providing a central area for people to talk and relax during the diverse Canadian seasons. Oakville Home Leisure offers a wide variety of fire pits including an Oriflamme model, where flames emanate from underneath decorative elements that resemble stones or crystals which are both fireproof and colourful.

Bjorn Wilmot, owner of Backyard Retreat in Oakville also agrees with the benefits of extending the outdoor season. “They’re definitely a perfect solution to staying outside in the backyard later in the evening in a social setting. They’re a popular item every year. Both water and fire naturally draw people’s attention and create ambiance.”

Summer is fleeting and the need to maximize our outdoor enjoyment is paramount. So the next time you’re longing for a camping trip and the relaxing evenings spent singing or lounging around the fire but just can’t get away from the city, bring the beauty of the fire to you — safely. “These fire pits don’t need a lot of space but they create fantastic ambiance,” says Wilmot. “And any size backyard can accommodate one.”

Paul says whenever clients are considering re-doing their backyards and upgrading their patios, fire pits almost always come into play as part of the makeover. “There’s something about gazing into a fire,” he says. “It’s mesmerizing.”

Local Links

Oakville Home Leisure
oakvillehomeleisure.ca

Sun Country, Burlington
suncountryleisure.com

Backyard Retreat, Oakville
backyardretreat.ca

In Articles

Bronte Village – Enjoy all it has to offer this summer

June 30, 2017 No Comments

by Becky Dumais

Whether you approach on land, by car, bus, bike or foot – or on the water under power or sail – you’ll find the Village of Bronte a great spot to visit this summer. Founded in 1834 and established as a small fishing village, today its bloom-filled streets and lakeside location make it an idyllic place to spend the day.

The culinary scene in Bronte is especially notable, with many well-known, long-established restaurants, and a few that have just recently opened. You can have a lavish meal at Cucci, or enjoy more casual, local food creations at the many pubs and grills. Bronte is also a patio destination, with many restaurants allowing diners to eat al fresco. The Firehall, Cucci, Thai Senses, Plank Restobar, Zara’s by the Lake, El Spero, Denningers, Taste Marketeria or the newly opened Harbourside Artisan Kitchen & Bar all have great patios. Perhaps the most impressive, Yolanda’s Spuntino Casa recently completed renovations to their spectacular terrace overlooking the harbour, complete with a retractable roof!

For salty snacks, Sammy’s Old Fashion Chip Wagon continues to offer the best hand cut fries, hot dogs, fish and chips, burgers and milkshakes, and has become a local institution in Bronte. If it’s more of an ice cream fix that you crave, treat yourself to a gelato, dessert and coffee at the newly opened Flavour Fox (formerly Cool Licks D-Lite).

Of course, there’s more to Bronte Village than food. You can explore a wide variety of unique and mostly owner operated boutiques and stores. Stop in at Trias Gallery, Bronte’s only art gallery, and browse the current exhibit by a local artist, or pamper yourself with a massage or facial at one of Bronte’s spas. Dogs love exploring Bronte, too! Make sure you drop in to Tail Blazers, a new raw and holistic pet food store. For those seeking unique fashion finds, Bronte boasts several clothing stores worth visiting, including Lana’s, Good Night Good Morning, Born 2 Shop, My Girlfriend’s Closet for one of a kind consignment finds and Nina Duong Haute Couture for custom wedding gowns.

Park benches are fine, but a Muskoka chair really says ‘summer’. The At Home in Bronte, Perspectives & Reflections public art exhibit is part of Canada’s 150 celebrations. More than 65 Muskoka chairs are placed throughout Bronte Heritage Park and on the pier. Each chair was painted by a local family, artist, business or charity to collectively create a vibrant display of personal stories, shared history, cultural milestones, and national pride. The exhibit runs from now until September 5.

For those who’d like to embrace a bit of the area’s early angling heritage, why not take a trophy fishing charter or simply enjoy a pleasure cruise? Climb aboard Boomer’s Sporting Adventures and depart for a day on the lake, fishing for a trophy salmon or trout. All charter boats are professionally crewed, well appointed and fully equipped with everything you’ll need for a day of sport fishing. For an excursion sans rod and reel, you can book a private crewed yacht for any occasion and cruise to a variety of destinations between Hamilton and Toronto. 1D Sailing also rents Hydrobikes, SUP boards and itBikes, which are a great way to explore Bronte Harbour and the natural beauty of Bronte Creek.

The Bronte Heritage Trail walking tour is a new feature launching this summer. By downloading the Bronte BIA app, you’ll be able to access historical information from e-beacons located throughout the area. The map will show the locations of the beacons where you’ll be able to read or listen to unique stories and discover facts about this treasured village.

The project was funded by the Government of Canada and the Bronte BIA with support from the Town of Oakville and Boomers Sporting Adventures as part of Canada’s 150th celebrations. As you traverse the trail, or once you’ve completed your outdoor escapade, share your experience using #BronteHeritageTrail.

Art in the Park, August 7, 2017
The Oakville Art Society’s 52nd annual event will feature more than 175 artists and artisans and a licensed food court, hosted by Yolanda’s Spuntino Casa. This event is one of the most popular and best-run art shows in southern Ontario!
10am – 5pm
artintheparkoakville.com

Local Links

Bronte Village
brontevillage.net

Bronte Village
boomerssportingadventures.com

1D Sailing
1dsailing.com

In Articles

Lights, Camera, Action! Local Kids Theatre Programs

June 5, 2017 No Comments

… building confidence for budding thespians
by Allison Dempsey

“All the world’s a stage” ~Shakespeare

The next time you find yourself telling your child to “stop being so dramatic,” maybe consider enrolling them in a theatre program instead, where they can emote to their heart’s content all while developing critical thinking skills, self-assurance and a sense of empowerment.

Theatre programs offer a variety of performance options, including, to name a few, musical theatre, acting for the camera, drama, Glee and show choir. Not only do they provide an incredible creative outlet, but musical theatre and acting classes can help foster confidence, empathy and courage. For someone who is shy or has anxiety about public speaking, acting and singing onstage can be truly terrifying. And that’s exactly why these programs can be hugely inspiring and beneficial in a number of ways.

There are numerous schools and programs available in the area including the Burlington-based Centre Stage Theatre School, that caters to both excited beginners and seasoned performers, focusing on strong acting skills, expression and individual style. Innovative Arts in Oakville for ages eight to 18 teaches singing, acting and dancing while casting students in challenging musical roles.

“It’s all about confidence,” says Producer and Managing Director, Nathan Mcleod of Innovative Arts. “Even first time students are given a leading role here. There’s no sitting around and watching. We challenge them and encourage them to take a risk.”

Mcleod acknowledges that students are often in a vulnerable position when they first come into the program, especially if they’ve never participated in the performing arts before, but it’s all about building confidence while ensuring they get to experience the numerous aspects of being on the stage firsthand. “Theatre promotes selflessness,” he says. “Students make lifelong friends as they support and encourage one another to try and do their very best.”

Along with making friends and having a wonderful time, students learn the vital lessons of empathy and self-discipline says Burlington Arts Theatre Program Director, Rainer Naock. “Encouraging your kids to be a part of something bigger in life is vital,” he says. “Kids need to know that they’re making a difference, big or small, and that the arts are everywhere in the community. Walking in another person’s shoes inspires empathy and confidence.”

Burlington Student Theatre, bringing Broadway to Burlington since 1978, helps children and youth to participate in a wide range of performing arts opportunities, building opportunities and tools that can be used in daily life. “The arts is a hidden gem,” says Naock. “It’s not instant gratification, but the benefits pay off down the road, when you realize how much you’ve learned and what you can give back to the community and to yourself.”

Other positive qualities associated with participating in theatre programs include presentation and speaking and communication skills, imagination, concentration and focus, physical fitness, self-discipline, and a sense of commitment. All this while being creative and having fun. “They may accomplish something they never thought possible,” says Mcleod. Really, what is more amazing than that?

SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS

Burlington Performing Arts Camp,
Burlington Performing Arts Centre:
July 4 to 7
July 17 to 21
July 24 to 28

Centre Stage Theatre School,
Mainway, Burlington:
July 10 to August 18

Innovative Arts Summer Day Camp,
Oakville:
July 17 to 21 (Junior)
July 24 to 28 (Senior)

The Creative Theatre Acting Camp,
Harry Howell Arena, Flamborough:
July 24 to 28

Local Links

Centre Stage Theatre School, Burlington
centrestagetheatreschool.com

Burlington Student Theatre
burlington.ca

Innovative Arts, Oakville
innovativearts.com

The Oakville Academy for the Arts
oakvilleacademy.com

In Articles

O’ Canada! Celebrating 150 Years

June 4, 2017 No Comments

by Becky Dumais

Summer itself gets Canada into celebratory mode, and each year when we have a chance to throw a party for our nation, we’re all for it. You’d be hard-pressed to find a backyard on July 1st where there wasn’t some type of party going on – and it’s no different for the city or town in which we live.

Both Oakville and Burlington are hosts to fabulous fireworks displays, live entertainment and activities for the community. Gather together with friends and family to celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial!

Oakville

11 am – 11 pm Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, Oakville

Join the Bronte BIA for an all-day family festival celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday! This event is presented by Lexus of Oakville with strong support from the Town of Oakville.

Things to do at Oakville’s Canada Day Event:

Browse the Farmer’s Market on Ontario Street from 10am – 4pm
Shop the Vendor Village featuring local crafts and artisans
Try different tastes from the many food vendors
Music and performances all day long on three stages
Kids can hop into the bouncy castles
Finally, take a break & watch the spectacular fireworks show over
Lake Ontario

Celebrate by tagging your posts to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with #OakvillesCanadaDay!

Burlington

Noon – 10pm Spencer Smith Park, Burlington

Bring your national pride to celebrate Canada Day and enjoy free Canadian-inspired activities and entertainment all day at Spencer Smith Park.

Live entertainment on the main stage includes acts by the Burlington Teen Tour Band, Prime Live Band, Mystic Drums, the Symphony on the Bay and more. In the Children’s Zone there will be face painting, bouncy castles, a photo booth, yoga, the Scholars in Collars Dog Show and also taking place is the Canada Day 5km run and 1km kid’s run.

Top off the evening with a chair or a blanket and watch the brilliant fireworks display, brought to you by Bunzl Canada.

In Articles

Dragon Boating – Burloak Canoe Club

June 4, 2017 No Comments

Ready for a New Summer Sport?
by Denise Davy

Ask Mark Klevinas, dragon boat co-ordinator for Burloak Canoe Club, how one paddles a dragon boat and he launches into a full-out description. “It’s a simple stroke,” he says. “You lead with the core, big rotation and open up the body for a great set up position and from there, you initiate your pull phase using your biggest muscles, your legs, back and core.” And… he’s not finished. “Keeping your arms straight, you then simply lift the paddler forward and up on the recovery using your body.”

None of that sounds very simple but Klevinas, who is an expert paddler, insists the art of dragon boat paddling is easy to learn. That’s one of the reasons why it exploded in popularity within the paddling community. It was 15 years ago that the Burloak Canoe Club, based in Oakville on Sixteen Mile Creek, decided to get on board the dragon boat craze. Although Burloak Canoe is still first and foremost a sprint-paddling club dedicated to training athletes for canoe and kayak, they added the dragon boat program because it was in so much demand.

The paddle stroke is actually the same for both sports, says Klevinas, except dragon boating is a more stable and safer form of paddling. Dragon boating dates back more than 2,000 years when it was a common water sport throughout southern China. Back then the boats were much larger and included 50 paddlers. Today’s boats fit 20 paddlers plus a drummer and steer person. As evidence of how popular the sport is, since starting the program, their membership has grown to 500. “Dragon boat is a fantastic team sport,” said Klevinas, who is a sprint paddler at the club. “People like it because it’s a social sport and it’s a team environment for all levels of paddling. Anyone can do it, we take all ages and all abilities.”

The dragon boat programs at Burloak are ideal for all fitness levels, from beginner to high performance paddlers. The programs are run by certified coaching staff who have several years of paddling experience, including racing at the provincial, national and international levels. Klevinas notes that the coaches at Burloak are made up of current and former Provincial and National team paddlers, many of whom have raced for Canada on several occasions and some have competed at the Olympics. “There is not likely another dragon boat program around with such experienced coaches. I definitely think this adds to the experience because they make all the difference,” he states.

Those coaches include Brady Reardon, Jamie Andison, Christian Sprang, Sam Pennyfather (current junior National team and development team) as well as Tessa Oldershaw, Lizzie Bates (former provincial) and Klevinas who was with team Canada. “It requires all 20 individuals to work together with their coach at the helm. If they don’t, they won’t be going very fast,” says Klevinas.

The original dragon boats from many centuries ago were made out of teak wood in the Pearl River Delta region of China’s southern Guangdong Province. The boats they use for sprint paddling at the Burloak club are very tippy and much harder for adults or the general public to jump into.

Practices run Monday through Thursday from 6 to 9pm and the program runs from the beginning of May until the end of October. While there is no specific person who is drawn to the sport, Mark said their members are mostly women from 40 to 65 years of age. What keeps them coming back? It’s a great way for people of all ages to get out on the water safely and learn the fundamental principles of paddling. “People enjoy being on the water, plus they’re exercising and they’re part of a team. It’s a really good way to unwind after a long day of work. Being out on the water is a calming experience.”

Local Link

Burloak Canoe Club
burloakcanoe.com

In Articles

Suppose a Rose – Halton Roses Ideal for Oakville and Burlington

June 3, 2017 No Comments

“By any other name would still smell as sweet”
By Becky Dumias

Is there a flower that’s been romanticized and revered as much as the rose? Not likely; this particular bloom has been the subject of many stories and poems, and is a staple of many avid gardeners.

There are thousands of varieties of roses but they can be divided into three main categories: species, old garden, and modern shrub. Marie Decker, President of the Hamilton & Burlington Rose Society and Past President of the Oakville Horticultural Society, directs growers to research by Jessica Bond, Curator of the Rose Garden at Niagara Parks, for the best roses to plant here in our climate. She found that those most resistant to black spot (our most difficult rose problem) are: Hybrid Tea “Traviata”, Floribunda “Brother’s Grimm”, Hybrid Tea “Midas Touch”, Kordes Floribunda “Out of Rosenhelm”, Kordes Floribunda “Poseidon”, Hybrid Tea “McCartney Rose” and of course, the new “Canadian Shield” shrub rose that marks Canada’s 150th anniversary. This new rose will be available
in July.

Finding the perfect bloom isn’t as simple as visiting a garden centre. Decker suggests you ask a lot of questions first, such as how big it will grow and where the root stalk came from, whether Canada or the deep south. “Preferably ask for hardy Canadian roses such as the Explorer series, Parkland series, Artist series and 49th Parallel series. The “Canadian Shield” rose comes from the 49th parallel series,” she explains. “Canadian Shield was part of the rose stock transferred from Morden, Manitoba to the Vineland Research Station in 2011.” As its name suggests, Canadian Shield is a hardy rose that’s resistant to black spot and is winter hardy from coast to coast. Plus, it’s a repeat bloomer of reds with glossy green foliage, so it’s meant to stay stunning throughout garden season.

Caring for roses can be tricky, even for the experts, but at minimum Decker notes roses should be cut back and mulched deeply before winter. “Clean up all the debris on the ground and prune them in the spring,” she explains. You can always contact the rose society for detailed pruning instructions.

PLANNING & POTTING

If you’re just in the planning stages, the most important aspect of creating a rose garden, says Decker, is preparation and research. Ask yourself how much time you want to invest in care and maintenance (when she answered the phone for this interview she had to remove her gardening gloves first). “Make a plan on paper first of the garden area and consider what colour and type of roses you want to grow. Have a wish list – then prepare to refine it.”

CARE & FEEDING

Your roses will need about six hours or more of sunlight and very good drainage. “Amend the soil if needed with triple mix, compost,” she says. Using MYKE (a 100% all natural growth enhancer) can aid in good root formation. Your roses should be spaced well apart for proper air circulation (again proper research comes into play). You should also dig a large enough hole to accommodate the root system. Grafted roses should be at least two inches below the soil level to prevent winterkill.
If you want to make sure that your rose garden doesn’t become a real thorn in your side, you can learn more by visiting local society and horticultural group shows. Experts will be on hand to educate and enlighten you about their passion for roses. The Hamilton-Burlington Rose Society’s show is happening June 24 – 25 at the
Royal Botanical Gardens.

Joyce Fleming was our most known rose hybridizer. Google her for a list of her roses.

Local Links

Burlington Horticultural Society
burlingtonhs.com

Oakville Horticultural Society
oakvillehort.org

Royal Botanical Gardens
rbg.ca

Hamilton – Burlington Rose Society
hbrosesociety@sympatico.ca

In Articles

Gardening for Flavour – It’s All About the Heirlooms

May 8, 2017 No Comments

They taste so good, tangy, sweet, and oh so luscious. The right tomato makes me swoon with my eyes closed, in contrast to others which I can easily refuse. So what’s the difference? It’s heirloom varieties over traditional hybrids.

Heirloom, sometimes referred to as heritage, varieties of any vegetable just taste better. Up until recently, breeding programs for modern hybrid vegetables all but ignored taste and nutrition, and instead focused on solving the revenue generating challenges of extended shelf life and transportability. This has resulted in the glut of bland produce we have today.

That should be reason enough to plant your own garden with heirloom varieties. Not only are these your best flavour options, but they’re also the best performers in home and market gardens. Inspired yet?

Farmer Karen Whitty of Whitty Farms in St. Catharines plants more than a dozen varieties of heirloom tomatoes, with names like Orange Russian, Turkey Purple, Northern Lights, or Black Zebra and a few of the sweeter Brandy Wine varieties. She strives for the best flavours she can grow, and because she’s not carting her produce cross-town much less cross-country, she can take the time to ripen her produce for full flavour and nutrition.

Yes, that’s right. Science is now supporting what gourmet gardeners have known all along – that food allowed to ripen in the garden is higher in nutrition because most of the nutrients (and flavour) develop in the final stages of ripening.

You really can taste the difference. Heirloom carrots are disproportionately flavourful, heirloom squash is richer, and garlic is ultimately more pungent and powerful; even rhubarb has a welcome tang and crisp bite.

Generally speaking, heirloom veggies are old-time varieties that are open-pollinated (not cross pollinated in a greenhouse). Over time these vegetable varieties become more adapted to the location they’re grown in, and show this by eventually producing more volume and becoming more resistant to insects. Many of the heirloom variety of seeds are saved each growing season and handed down through multiple generations of families. I know my family is still growing the same variety of garlic my grandmother brought with her from Italy in the early 1900s.

If you don’t have heritage seeds in your family, there are organizations like Seeds of Diversity and USC Canada (Unitarian Service Committee) that collect and save seeds from extinction. They offer all varieties of seeds from carrots to potatoes and tomatoes to beets. Start these seeds in a sunny window right about now and when they’re strong enough, transplant them in your own backyard garden.

Remember that heirloom varieties will behave slightly differently in your garden. I remember when my grandmother would harvest tomatoes from July to the onset of frost. That’s because heirloom varieties are less uniform than hybrids, and one plant will ripen continually until the weather halts it from growing.

“Heirloom tomatoes are so sweet and delicious; my favourite way to eat them is straight from the garden when they’re still warm from the sun”, says Karen. “These are things to look forward to, and have good memories of.”

If you don’t have a backyard garden, look for heirloom varieties at your farmers’ market. You can identify them easily because they probably will not have the picture perfect image vegetable marketers have come to expect. Instead, you’re more likely to find lopsided beets, tiny melons with stripes, cucumbers with little spikes, twisted squash and ugly tomatoes. It’s all good!

When I’m starting my tiny heirloom seeds, I feel connected to generations of gardeners like me who cared enough to seek out the best flavours. Throughout the summer, when I’m enjoying the spoils from my garden, those vibrant flavours take me back to feel the love of generations of my own family.

by Lynn Ogryzlo

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

Local Links

Burlington Public Library Seed Library
bpl.on.ca

Seeds of Diversity
seeds.ca

Hamilton Community Garden Network
hcgn.ca/seedy

In Articles

Paint Nights – Encourage Creativity and Camraderie

May 6, 2017 No Comments

If you are planning a night out with friends, the chances are your socializing plans seem too predictable. Shake it up. Move the movies aside, put the restaurant meal to rest, and try a paint night. Where else are you able to hold a paintbrush in one hand and a cocktail or vino in the other? Whether it’s a private party, going solo or as a group, local paint nights can be a refreshing change from the ordinary.

Canvassing for Creativity

Although there are several franchise-based paint nights in Halton, there are also some independent artists who have created their own businesses. Teresa Parente was inspired to launch her business “Cocktails & Creations” after a trip to Los Angeles, where paint nights were popular. When she returned home, she put the idea into the works and launched in 2013.
With a background in art from both Sheridan and Mohawk College,
it was the perfect business idea. Parente runs paint nights in Hamilton’s Lincoln Alexander Centre and also at the King’s Arms, downtown Oakville.

Veniessa Kiddey, owner of The Wobbly Canvas, is a mostly self-taught spiritual artist who operates her events in her home’s art gallery as well as at The Purple Heather in Burlington. Part of her objective is to support local charities by donating proceeds from her events. One of her events in May is dedicated to Ralphy’s Retreat, a potbellied pig rescue centre in Fort Erie.

Carefree Abandon

As adults, too often we squelch that carefree creative process. “Art is great for a person’s psychological state because it releases stress,” says Parente. Immersing yourself into the thought process of what’s happening on the canvas is relaxing. “They forget about their problems. I think the more people are creative in life they’re going to have a better work life too – I think it helps you think outside the box.”

Another bonus is being able to try your hand at painting without committing to a bunch of classes. “There’s a commitment involved with an art class and I think people can sometimes feel intimidated,” agrees Parente. “Even when they come to our class they’re intimidated at first until we explain everything step by step.” A proffered glass of wine may also add a drop of mature courage. “Everyone’s amazed at their results.”

Make Friends, Make Art

As a refreshing way to socialize, paint nights with peers can compensate for the hold social media has over us. “It’s a wonderful way to get together and a way of doing something outside of your comfort zone,” Kiddey says. “It’s a great way to meet new people, too. You’re in a setting where everyone’s doing the same thing with the same nervousness. Right away it creates a bond. I’ve watched so many people make friends.”

In Kiddey’s gallery, which holds up to 24 painters, it’s OK to make a mistake. Even though her hardwood floor is covered in paint, she doesn’t mind. “I don’t believe that there’s such a thing as a mistake in art. I want you to come in and know you can’t make a mistake and you’re creating something beautiful.” When events are hosted in Kiddey’s gallery, she insists that guests who imbibe have a
designated driver.

Paint by Numbers

Regardless of the theme or what it is you’ll be painting, each instructor will guide you step by step through the artistic process – with a break fitted in there somewhere to enjoy your glass of wine, which is included in the painting fee. “I try to do things that I like to paint and I also research what’s trending on social media,” explains Parente. “Sometimes I get ideas when I’m out in home décor stores because I want people to create something they’ll want to hang at home.”

Pick up a paintbrush, abandon your reserves, and see what develops on the canvas and how your creativity blossoms.

Article Written by Becky Dumais

Local Links

The Wobbly Canvas
thewobblycanvas.ca

Cocktails and Creations
cocktailsandcreations.ca

Paint Nite
paintnite.ca

Paint and Cocktails
paintandcocktails.com

Cocktails ‘n Canvas
cocktailsncanvas.com

In Articles

Down on the Farm Cooking Classes

May 6, 2017 No Comments

It’s about a two-hour drive from Cynthia Peters’s 35 acre farm in Prince Edward County to her old office in Toronto. The view, however, is a world apart. While her downtown corner office where she worked looked onto a busy street scene, today she can gaze upon a field of home-grown vegetables and the farm she calls home.

Peters is the owner and founder of From the Farm Cooking School in Prince Edward County, where she teaches classes from April to November, and introduces city folk to the charms of country living and the culinary arts. Her classes are held in her sunny heritage kitchen that has both a professional 48” propane range and a Mennonite wood bake oven.

How did she make the leap from city to country? Very slowly, but surely. Cooking was always her passion, something that’s evident in the more than 700 cookbooks in her collection, including one that dates back to the 1700s. “I like to read cookbooks like other people read novels,” says Peters. But before making any big moves, she went back to school and got her personal chef’s diploma. When she and her husband found an old farmhouse in Prince Edward County, they decided it was time to make the move. She dove into the business full time and has never looked back. “I thought this was the perfect opportunity to take my previous life of knowing how to organize and launch a company, and marry everything together with my passion for cooking,” she recalls.

Her cooking classes have been popular from the start and include Tuscan farmhouse cooking, homemade pasta making, sausage making, and cooking with heirloom tomatoes. Dinner with Julia Child is a big favourite, and her guests will learn to make a classic French dinner that could include homemade crepes, Chicken Ballotine or French apple cake. One of her most popular classes is called the Culinary Adventure: a small group enjoys a customized cooking lesson and also gets to explore the County with Peters. She takes people to farms in the morning as well as to cheese factories, vegetable producers and wineries. “I walk the fields with everyone and people pick vegetables and we also go to farm stands and pick up the ingredients.” Along the way, she shares stories about the people who have started businesses there. She’ll also bring in guest chefs, depending on the topic of the class.

Most of her clients come from Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, with others from Peterborough and Kingston. Some make a weekend out of it while others just come for the day. “People love the fact that they can come and experience a hands-on class in our heritage farmhouse.It introduces another level of personality, and it gives people the history and feel of the community by having it here.” For some people, when they see all of the workers planting and picking out in the fields, there’s a realization of how much work is involved in bringing food to the table.

As if Peters isn’t busy enough, she also does some food writing and is the author of The Art of Herbs cookbook, and she is working on her second. “It doesn’t feel like work. I love food shopping and telling stories and helping people navigate their way through all of the things going on in the County,” she beams. She can’t believe it’s already her eighth season and says, “Time flies when you’re having fun.”

by Denise Davy

Local Links

From the Farm Prince Edward County
Fromthefarm.ca

Prince Edward County
prince-edward-county.com

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