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Canadaโ€™s largest design exposition and conference, the Interior Design Show (IDS20), returns to Toronto with a future-forward vision for 2020. IDS20/20 will bring together global minds, leading designers, makers, changers, shapers and dreamers of today who are creating the new worlds of tomorrow.

Canadaโ€™s premier showcase of new products, furniture, superstar designers and avant-garde concepts became a hybrid event last year, catering to trade construction, design professionals and design-savvy consumers. IDS20 takes place January 16-19, 2020 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

โ€œFor over 20 years, IDS has been both a catalyst and authority for Canadian design,โ€ says Karen Kang, National Director, IDS Canada. โ€œDuring the past two decades, we have witnessed a lot of change. Yesterdayโ€™s designer has become todayโ€™s problem solver and tomorrowโ€™s visionary. This yearโ€™s IDS 20/20 theme will explore how designers now create experiences at the intersection of technological and social problems, imagining new roads to alternative realities.โ€

IDS 2020

IDS Contract

In 2019, IDS expanded to include IDS Contract, a hyper-curated B2B trade-only exposition and conference focused on all verticals of design including: workplace, healthcare, retail, hospitality, education, public spaces, government and more.

IDS Contract Trade Days will continue in 2020 on Thursday and Friday. New this year, Trade Day attendees will also benefit from full access to the IDS Main exhibit hall.

 IDS Contract brings an additional 100+ exhibitors and several new feature areas aimed at B2B trade professionals. Along with IDS Contract is IDS Conference, a series of 65+ sessions including keynote speakers, fireside chats, seminars and workshops. The 2020 installment will explore the business of design, the future of work, the future of living and technology.

IDS20 Concept House

 RESET HOME: Design for the Senses

This yearโ€™s IDS Concept Home is a multisensory experience of the future of living and an exploration of the role that our homes can play in improving our overall wellbeing. Blending theories of spatial perception and human wellness, Hummingbird Hill Homes, VFA Architecture + Design and Victoria Taylor Landscape Architect bring you the RESET Home; a space that transcends contemporary design to reset the way we perceive, interpret, experience and thrive within our living habitats. The fully realized space will allow IDS20 guests to walk through the home and explore how materials, textures, sounds, scents and light affect the five senses, mind and body, impacting the way we live and interact within the private sanctuary of our home.

IDS 2020

Keynote Conference Speakers

 Frida Escobedo

Joining IDS20 as a keynote conference speaker for the Dezeen Trade Talks on Thursday, January 16th is Mexican architect and designer, Frida Escobedo. Principal and founder of her studio based in Mexico City, Escobedo is known for her interesting use of materials. Her work focuses largely on the reactivation of urban spaces that are considered to be residual or forgotten, through projects that range from housing and community centers, hotels, galleries and public art installations. The intention to provide possibilities for growth and flexibility can be read as much in large scale social housing projects, such as those developed for INFONAVIT, as in more modest interventions like Casa Cruz Castillo or Casa Negra. In addition to her practice, Escobedo has taught at Columbia Universityโ€™s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation and during spring 2019 was a visiting professor at RICE University. She is currently teaching at Harvard Graduate School of Design. She is the recipient of the 2016 Architectural Review Emerging Architecture Award, the 2017 Architectural League Emerging Voices Award, and in 2018 was the youngest architect to design the 18th Serpentine Summer Pavilion in London.

ids 2020 frida

Francis Kรฉrรฉ

IDS20 is pleased to be hosting internationally acclaimed architect Francis Kรฉrรฉ as a keynote conference speaker for the AZURE Trade Talks on Friday, January 17th. Kรฉrรฉ has garnered critical praise from the beginning of his architectural practice when awarded the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture (2004) for his first ever building – a primary school he designed, raised the funds for and realised in collaboration with the residents of his native Gando, Burkina Faso. Kรฉrรฉ is regarded as one of the most distinguished contemporary architects thanks to his pioneering of a communal approach to design and his commitment to sustainable materials and modes of construction. He has gathered a diverse, agile team at his Berlin-based Kรฉrรฉ Architecture offices, to take on projects across four continents. Most prominently these include his design for the Burkina Faso National Assembly, the Lรฉo Surgical Clinic & Health Centre (2014), the Lycรฉe Schorge Secondary School (2016), the Serpentine Pavilion (2017) and Xylem (2019), a gathering pavilion for the Tippet Rise Art Center.

IDS 2020 Ouwerkerk

IDS20 Schedule

Thursday, January 16

10 am – 4 pm – Trade Day + IDS Conference

7 pm – 11 pm – Opening Night Party Presented by PurParket

Friday, January 17

9 am – 6 pm – Trade Day + IDS Conference

Saturday, January 18

10 am – 6 pm – Public Day + Design Classes

Sunday, January 19

10 am – 6 pm – Public Day

Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, 222 Bremner

Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 2T6 (map)

IDS Contract (Halls F&G) and IDS Main (Halls D&E)

For more information visit: InteriorDesignShow.com

Looking for a fun way to say goodbye to 2019? We have a full list of New Years’ Eve events to help you start 2020 with a bang! Whether you’re looking for some family fun, a romantic dinner, or a great night out, we’ve got you covered. Here are the New Years Eve events happening in Oakville and Burlington for 2019.

Family Events

Midday Family NYE Party 2020

4:00PM – 8:00PM | 2021 Winston Park Drive, Oakville | Website

This event hosted by Dave and Busterโ€™s was designed specifically for families. It provides a fun way for families to ring in the new year together, offering lots of excitement that is sure to appease all generations. They offer two different packages that consist of food, games, and entertainment suitable for the whole family.

Magical Family New Year’s Eve

Doors 6:00PM; Dinner Served at 7:00PM | 2020 Lakeshore Road, Burlington Website

Families can come and enjoy a delicious dinner at the Marquis Gardens on New Yearโ€™s Eve. This is an all-ages event, equipped with a dinner menu made to suit everyone. The event doesnโ€™t just stop after dinner, there will be live DJ entertainment, a photo booth, party favours, as well as a balloon drop. Families are sure to have a blast at this event, which also offers a cash bar from 6PM to 1AM.

Royal Botanical Gardens Holiday Traditions

10:00AM to 3:00PM | 680 Plains Road West, Burlington | Website

The Royal Botanical Gardens are hosting a family-friendly event during the day on New Yearโ€™s Eve. The event will consist of a magical train show, festive lights, and a Candy Cane Garden for the whole family to walk through. There will be some craft making for the kids too.

Adult Events

Chop & Wop Ristorante New Year’s Party

Doors 7:00PM | 4045 Harvester Road, Burlington | Website

Head to Chop & Wop Ristorante for an elegant night at the fine dining establishment. Guests are able to choose between two packages that provide them with dinner and drinks. Once the dinner portion of the night is over, there will be a DJ starting at 10:00PM to get the party started.

Hexagon New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu

Dinner Service 6:00PM | 210 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville | Website

Hexagon is a modern French restaurant located in the heart of downtown Oakville. To ring in the new year, the fine dining establishment has created a special four-course tasting menu for dinner, featuring white and black truffles. This menu was carefully curated for anyone who feels like experiencing the ultimate fine dining experience this New Yearโ€™s Eve!

New Year’s Eve Dinner at La Toscana Ristorante

165 Main Street East, Milton | Website

If youโ€™re just looking for dinner this New Years Eve, or have it be just the beginning of your night, check out La Toscana Ristorante. The oyster and wine bar has introduced a New Yearโ€™s Eve menu especially for people to have a fabulous last dinner of 2019! Relax in an elegant atmosphere with some delectable dining before you hit your nighttime events on New Year’s!

https://www.facebook.com/419555128105932/photos/a.419563864771725/429692467092198/?type=3&theater

Noble Bistro Chef-Inspired Menu

Seating 5:00PM | 218 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville | Website

Noble Bistro, a farm to fork cuisine restaurant created a special chef-inspired menu just for New Year’s Eve. This evening features a three or four-course meal. Why not spend your New Year enjoying some fabulous food?

West End Social

Doors 9:00PM; Dancing 10:00PM | 2432 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville | Website

Looking for a glamorous way to spend your New Year’s Eve? Check out West End Social’s Glitz & Glam New Year’s Eve Party! The evening will consist of cocktails, appetizers, party favours, sparkling beverages at midnight, as well as a DJ and dancing. What better way to send off 2019?

https://www.instagram.com/p/B53pjdfFS6x/

Did we miss a New Year’s Eve event? Contact us and let us know!

Written by Ashley Stefureak

Donuts, or ‘doughnuts’ depending where you hail from, have been enjoyed for centuries – but it’s really within the past decade that we’ve started seeing artisanal doughnut shops pop up throughout southern Ontario. These aren’t your ordinary doughnuts, either – these are elevated confectionaries that are re-defining their doughy, deep-fried predecessors.

Whether youโ€™re craving a traditionally glazed ring of goodness, or a jelly filled lavender dipped treat, you canโ€™t go wrong with a donut from one of these local shops.

Aveiro Bakery

2530 Sixth Line Unit 12, Oakville | Website

This Portuguese bakery has a wide variety of Artisan breads, pastries, cakes, and tarts made fresh daily. Most importantly, the bakery has an array of different Malassadas, otherwise known as Portuguese Doughnuts. The pastries range in flavours from classic glazed, to cannoli.

Sunshine Doughnuts Co.

439 Brock Ave, Burlington | Website

Sunshine Doughnut Co. lives up to its name of being a warm ray of light. This specialty doughnut bakery was born from the same culinary geniuses behind Son of a Peach Pizzeria. Each doughnut is made in house, fresh daily. The bakery is full of exciting, colourful flavours that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Kellyโ€™s Bake Shoppe

401 Brant St, Burlington | Website

If you are from, or have been to the Burlington area, you have heard of Kellyโ€™s Bake Shoppe. This Burlington staple is an award-winning bakery that is completely plant-based, gluten free, and peanut free. The mom and daughter run shop prides itself on their fresh made, sustainably sourced goods. Kelly’s menu includes a variety of decadent doughnuts, and regularly introduced seasonal flavours.

Donut Monster

246 Locke Street South, Hamilton | Website

Donut Monster started as a fresh made doughnut supplier for independent coffee shops and grocery stores in 2015. They now have their own shop located in downtown Hamilton, where they make doughnuts seven days a week, fresh. They serve yeast-risen doughnuts that are pillowey soft, and come with numerous glazes and toppings, and introduce seasonal flavours regularly. The shop offers both vegan and traditional options along with different coffees and milkshakes. Donut Monster has also partnered with a number of different small businesses, and provide them with delicious fresh made doughnuts every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Daddy O Doughnuts

589 North Service Road, Mississauga | Website

Daddy O Doughnuts is a colourful, old fashioned bakery that serves fresh artisanal doughnuts baked in a traditional British style. The bake shop thrives on their family recipes that have been passed down for generations, that are made with only high-quality ingredients. Daddy O Doughnuts does their best to provide their customers with eccentric old fashion doughnut flavours that you wouldnโ€™t be able to find anywhere else, with both regular and vegan options. The bakery has a rotating menu that changes on the daily, but they keep their fan favourites in good supply.

Don’t see your favourite doughnut shop? Contact us and let us know!

Article written by Ashley Stefureak

On December 5th, Farmย Boy, Ontarioโ€™s fastest growing fresh food retailer announced that its popular fresh-market shopping experience has open in Burlington, Ontario. Located at 3061 Walkers Line, the new 23,938 square foot store is expected to create 120 jobs this year.

True toย Farmย Boyย roots, the Burlington location will deliver local shoppers a world-class food experience with exceptional customer service and abundant selections of the freshest foods. In addition to plentifulย farmย fresh produce, the new store will showcase butcher quality meats, artisanal cheese, fresh baked treats and fresh dairy. Customers can also look forward to findingย Farmย Boyย private label specialty products, locally made foods and organic and plant-based options. ย 

โ€œProviding a world-class, fresh shopping experience is the heart and soul of our business,โ€ says Jeff York,ย Farmย Boyย co-CEO. โ€œWeโ€™ve recently opened a new store in the nearby city of Oakville and have received multiple requests to expand in Burlington as well. We look forward to meeting our newest customers in Alton Village and will work hard to earn their business.โ€ ย 

farm boy burlington

Burlingtonians and local workers looking to eat well on the run can expect fresh, made-to-order hot meals at the in-store grilling station that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with daily features. All meals are available to take home or enjoy hot in the comfortably designed, Wi-Fi-enabled seating areas.

Farmย Boyย will celebrate its latest opening on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. with local dignitaries including Burlington Mayor, Marianne Meed Ward, with a new ritual for the retailer: a cowbell ringing.ย  On Saturday, the festivities will continue with family-favourite activities such as face painting and special guest appearances, including Lulu the cow from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Fast Facts:

  • Farm Boy carries hundreds of products made in Ontario including fresh produce, butcher quality meats, artisan cheese, fresh dairy and baked goods, sustainable seafood and fresh prepared foods
  • All Farm Boy stores feature Farm Boy Kitchens with wholesome, fresh salad bars and hot bars featuring premium lean proteins and Farm Boy chef-inspired favourites
  • Farm Boy stores carry many gluten-free, organic and natural food choices
  • Farm Boy makes many of their own products from scratch without preservatives or chemicals including fresh soups, handmade sausages, burgers and kebabs, ready to cook prepared meats
  • Farm Boy carries its own line of private label products with over 60 products (800 skus) in stores including popular frozen entrees, sides and sweet treats
  • Local suppliers have been a key feature of Farm Boy stores since 1981 and there are hundreds of local supplier products in store
  • Farm Boy Walkers Line is located in Alton Village in Burlington at the northeast corner of Dundas & Walkers Line. It will join the existing LCBO, Shoppers Drug Mart and Starbucks already established at this location. 

Aboutย Farmย Boy:
Ontario-basedย Farmย Boyย is well known for their unique fresh-market shopping experience. With legions of loyal customers,ย Farmย Boyย has grown from a small produce stand that began in Cornwall in 1981 to a 29-store household name throughout Ontario. With stores set to open in Burlington in late 2019 and St. Catharines in early 2020, the company has plans to continue its fresh market expansion in coming years.

For more information visit: farmboy.ca

Shop and win at Downtown Oakville’s 12 Days of Giveaways!

Christmas is coming early to Downtown Oakville! From December 5 to 16, the Downtown Oakville Business Improvement Area (BIA) will be surprising randomly selected shoppers by covering the cost of their entire purchase. During our 12 Days of Giveaways, we’ll be giving away a total of $10,000, plus additional giveaways of items from our Holiday Gift Guide. Come armed with your Christmas list and keep an eye out for Santa’s elves, as we’ll be roaming throughout the Downtown waiting to surprise you.

โ€œTwelve Days of Giveaways is our way of saying thank you to this amazing community for supporting the businesses of Downtown Oakville throughout the Lakeshore Road Revitalization Project,โ€ says Sharlene Plewman, Executive Director of the Downtown Oakville BIA. โ€œWe look forward to seeing you throughout the newly reopened Lakeshore Road over the holiday season.โ€

For more information please visit oakvilledowntown.com or our Facebook page facebook.com/downtownoakville.

Are you headed to Burlington MADE this weekend? This Friday and Saturday, 60 talented artisans are gathering at McMaster’s Ron Joyce Centre for the third annual Burlington MADE Holiday Market. The semi-annual market is becoming known as one of the best curated markets in the region with an average vendor acceptance rate of 25%. In addition to handmade shopping, features of the event will include live music by Burlington artists Dan Taylor and Sarah Campbell Mills, children’s card-making provided by ActiveParents.ca, and a host of gourmet refreshment purveyors.

We intend to shop local as much as possible this holiday season, and discovering our region’s artisans is a fantastic way to score unique finds while encouraging our city’s economy. It also makes for great conversation at your office Secret Santa party.

Here are 10 items that are on our shopping list:

Concrete planter
Amy McCarthy Designs

Original print children’s outfit
Bebe Bird 

Wooden Nativity Set
Blythe House 1860 

Live Edge Beer Flight
Hop & Grain 

Wood and Metal Cufflinks
Nicole Gagnon Wooden Designs

Crystal Geode Air Plant Holder
Pine Flora 

Hand-cut Pendant
StrayStones 

Marshmallows
Sweet and Simple

Bubble Bath Bars 
:to bathe

Charcuterie Boards
The Woodsmanโ€™s Daughter

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The Burlington MADE Holiday Craft Market runs Friday, November 29, from 6 to 9pm and Saturday, November 30, from 10am to 4pm. To find out more about the event, preview the full list of vendors, and purchase your tickets, visitย www.burlingtonmade.com.

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Satisfy your sweet tooth in Oakville at Best Bakery Talk of the Town Award-winner, Sugar Suite Cakes! 

This Downtown Oakville allergen-free bakery specializes in artistic confections that are gluten-free, peanut-free and vegan. 

You can pop in for a cookie, cake pop, cupcake or scone, or order something elegant and personalized for your special event. 

This new addition to Oakville takes the cake with melt-in-your-mouth meringues, cupcake bouquets, custom cakes and so much more! 

Find your sweet escape at Aveiro Bakery, Best Bakery runner-up!

This Sixth Line sensation will delight your taste buds with tantalizing twists like cannoli doughnuts, sโ€™mores cupcakes, Pรฃo de Deus, pumpkin walnut coffee cake and iced lattes. 

Pick up some homestyle favourites at Black Forest Pastry Shop, Best Bakery second runner-up! 

Kick that winter chill to the curb and cozy up to the fire with some old fashioned treats like butter tarts, chocolate fudge brownies and chocolate raspberry mousse cake from this local favourite.

Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our final category of 2019 on Nov. 1, 2019 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2019 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Bakery

  1. Sugar Suite Cakes
  2. Aviero Bakery
  3. Black Forest Pastry Shop
  4. Juliaโ€™s Joyful Kitchen
  5. COBS Bread Lakeshore

For more information about the Visit Oakville 2019 Talk of the Town Awards, visit visitoakville.com.

Raise a glass to the Best Craft Beer Talk of the Town Award-winner,ย BRU!

This Downtown Oakville hot spot has one of the largest selections of craft beer in Oakville, carrying over 15 Ontario brewers on six taps and 30 bottles.

You can โ€œtapโ€ into a new world of flavours with ever-rotating options from breweries like Bellwoods, Farmageddon, The Furnace Room, Collective Arts and Oakvilleโ€™s-own Cameronโ€™s! 

Non-drinkers can also grab a glass with Bruโ€™s non-alcoholic beer menu, soโ€œhopโ€ into harvest season and enjoy the crisp taste of craft at this local watering hole. 

With 31 selections of craft beer on tap alone, Beertown Public House is the place to be for those looking for something outside of the box. 

This โ€œBest Craft Beerโ€ runner-up will take your taste buds all over the world with a sensational selection of Scotch ales, dunkels, fruit beers, stouts and many more. Build your own paddle, take your chances with the fusion tower or try something one-of-a-kind with the brown bag special. 

Take date night to Paradiso, Best Craft Beer second-runner up!

This fine dining favourite carries crafts from breweries such as Saints of Circumstance, Big Rock and Amsterdam. Plan for an intimate dinner, take a whole group or make your own meal during one of their famous cooking classes. 

Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our next category on Oct. 1, 2019 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2019 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Craft Beer

1. BRU

2. Beertown Public

3. Paradiso

4. 151 Social

5. The Kingโ€™s Arms

This post is provided by Visit Oakville. For more information about the Visit Oakville 2019 Talk of the Town Awards, visitย visitoakville.com.

Itโ€™s time to leave the nest and test your taste buds at Best Wings Talk of the Town Award-winner, The Original 6 Line Pub! 

Pluck a 1lb, 2lb or 3lb basket of fantastically fried wings, and pick from a unique selection of sauces including Lemon Pepper, Secret 6, Szechuan and Ancho Chipotle. 

Take advantage of their Tuesday wing special or treat everyone to dinner with the Original 6 Team Combo of 35 wings and a pitcher of domestic beer. 

Catch a game, play some pool and indulge in Oakvilleโ€™s wildest wings at this award-winning friendly neighbourhood pub. 

Dine like a royal in Downtown Oakville and grab an order at Best Wings runner-up, The Kings Arms! 

Indulge in Cajun, Lemon Pepper and Caribbean Jerk dry rubs, or select sauces like BBQ Honey Garlic, Greek Heat and NY Buffalo Butter at this beloved establishment that also won our Best Burger award. 

With a selection of over 25 signature sauce, we would recommend adding Monaghanโ€™s to your chicken wing bucket list!

This Best Wing second runner-up will broaden your palate with unique flavour combinations like Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper, Sweet Thai Chili, Hot Dill Pickle and Mongahanโ€™s Own Hellfire. 

Thank you so much to everyone who voted! Visit Oakville will be announcing their next category on Sept. 1, 2019 overย Facebook,ย Twitterย andย Instagram.

2019 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Wings

  1. Original 6 Line Pub
  2. Kingโ€™s Arms
  3. Monaghanโ€™s
  4. Firehall
  5. Kerr Street Pub and Grill

This article was provided by Visit Oakville. For more information about the Visit Oakville 2019 Talk of the Town Awards, visitย visitoakville.com.

โ€œHerbโ€ your enthusiasm for healthy eating this month and โ€œturnipโ€ the flavour at Best Vegan Menu Talk of the Town Award-winner, Dar Nabati! 

Make your own meal at this Downtown Oakville cafe by pairing a pita, greens, quinoa or rice and lentils with options like the Halloumi Cheeze Sandwich, Tofu Souvlaki or the Cauliflower Wings Bowl. 

You can eat hearty flatbreads, pastas, curries and sandwiches guilt-free, as their entire menu is rid of dairy, eggs, preservatives and refined sugars. Ninety-eight per cent of these offerings are also gluten-free. 

You wonโ€™t regret picking up pastries, bopping in for brunch or stopping by for a sandwich at this beloved vegan, organic and locally-sourced standout. 

Feeling that summer barbecue vibe? Pick up one of the best burgers in town at Best Vegan Menu runner-up Boon Burger Cafe! 

This Best Kidโ€™s Menu Talk of the Town Award-winner serves up heart-warming fresh-made plant-based patties with fantastic flavours like Sriracha Ranch, Jalapeno Chedda, South West Crunch and Sweet Chili Falafull. 

Dive into fine dining at Community, Best Vegan Menu second runner-up! 

Indulge in decadence with their soul-soothing Truffle Poutine with Mushroom Gravy and Cashew Mozzarella, or test your tastebuds with amazing creations like Sweet & Spicy Lettuce Cups, Truffle Gnocchi, Zucchini Mint Blinis and sensational superfood smoothies.

Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our next category on Aug. 1, 2019 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2019 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Vegan Menu

  1. Dar Nabati
  2. Boon Burger Cafe
  3. Community
  4. Maroโ€™s
  5. Lettuce Love Cafe

This post is provided by Visit Oakville. For more information about the Visit Oakville 2019 Talk of the Town Awards, visitย visitoakville.com.