Plan your next romantic night out during Taste of Oakville 2022 with Visit Oakville’s Best Fine Dining Talk of the Town Award-winner, J.A.C’s Bistro!
This Italian and French fusion restaurant has been a favourite in Kerr Village for decades, serving up delicious delights like their slow roasted tomato soup, veal bolognese and AAA steak frites.
Raise a glass with their impressive selections of wine and cocktails, then indulge in something sweet with desserts like their pecan tart, chocolate tart or salted caramel cheesecake. Check out tasteofoakville.ca for more information about this Feb. 15 – March 10 culinary event.
Dine in one of Oakville’s favourite foodie destinations with Best Fine Dining runner-up, Trattoria Timone!
This Italian restaurant is well-known for serving up favourites like gnocchi poutine ragu, wild mushroom and leek risotto, veal saltimbocca, homemade gelato, sticky toffee pudding, and bourbon pecan butter tart.
Vegan foodies will delight in the delicious offerings from Best Fine Dining second runner-up, Community Resto!
This Kerr Village favourite is known for their flavourful plates and to-die-for weekend brunches. Try something new with options like their mushroom stroganoff, sushi bowl, butter tofu, truffle gnocchi and sweet and spicy lettuce cups.
Thank you so much to everyone who voted! The next category will be announced in March.
The smallest act of kindness can have the biggest impact.
Here in our local community, Alex Irish & Associates have made it an annual tradition to engage in 28 days of kindness each February, by making donations to charitable organizations throughout the Halton & Hamilton regions.
Launched in February 2017, the Kindness Tour begins on February 1st and concludes on February 28th, with 2022 marking the 6th year of this annual charitable initiative.
Over the years, the Kindness Tour has supported the Kerr Street Mission, The Compass, Heartache2Hope, Halton Food For Thought, CNIB Foundation, The Scott Mission, Food For Life, Kids Help Phone, and The Salvation Army – among many more local charities.
“The idea behind this day is to make the world a better place, one kind act at a time. We believe in supporting charitable causes and worthy organizations in Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Hamilton and beyond – where we list and sell homes. It is our hope that we may inspire others to learn more about the need in our communities.”
Reconnect with friends and family over incredible cuisine this winter during Taste of Oakville 2022!
This year’s annual culinary celebration will see over 30 Oakville restaurants serve up unique prix-fixe lunch and/or dinner menus for 24 delicious days between Feb. 15 and March 10, 2022.
Thanks to the funding Taste of Oakville received as part of the Province of Ontario’s Reconnect Festival and Event Program, Taste customers will have the chance to win tickets to see Canadian Indie pop stars Walk Off The Earth perform at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts on March 31, 2022.
“We are grateful to be the recipients of a Reconnect grant again this year and thank MPP Stephen Crawford and the province for their support,” said Rebecca Edgar, Visit Oakville’s executive director. “We are thrilled to return with Taste of Oakville 2022 at a time when support for our local restaurants is so critical. We hope that the chance to win tickets to a private Walk Off The Earth concert will provide some added excitement, perhaps catch the eye of a new generation of Taste-goers, and provide a fun and lively way to celebrate at the end of March.”
Your Taste of Oakville receipts will count as entries towards this private concert and can be submitted on the Taste of Oakville website. Multiple entries are allowed, so you can enjoy as many Taste menus as you like while submitting valid ballots.
Tune into Visit Oakville’s Instagram page every Tuesday from February 8 to March 1, as they will be giving away $50 gift cards to select participating restaurants.
Visit tasteofoakville.com for more information about the concert giveaway and participating restaurants, including details on takeout, delivery and in-person dining options.
Step into a hobby shop and you’re stepping into a collector’s dream world. Model cars, miniatures, comic books, games, toys – you collect it, and it’s there. Oakville and Burlington have many specialty hobby shops carrying everything from comic books and gaming needs to military miniatures. With their wide range of products and specialties, you’ll want to visit them all!
With more than 30 years in the comic book business, it’s easy to see why Comic Connection calls itself the most experienced comic book store in Halton.
Their location on Speers Road in Oakville is a one-stop-shop for comic books and gaming needs. Love superheroes? They have a huge collection of DC, Marvel, and Indie comics from every era with stock that goes beyond the floor. If they don’t have a certain issue in-store, their team is happy to order it for you.
They also have a massive collection of figures and statues, including Pop figures of popular shows, movies, and books. For added fun, they offer gaming nights.
Located in Mapleview Mall in Burlington, Hobby and Toy Central is stocked with a wide variety of models (ships, aircraft, cars), toys, games, puzzles, and activity items for play and learning.
Founded in 1985, they have four stores in South West Ontario, including Burlington. Their goal is to provide new and experienced hobbyists with a wide selection of models, accessories, services, and supplies. Their model car kits are second-to-none, and customers rave about the Chevy Corvette, Cadillac Sport, and Ford Torino. There’s even the Star Trek USS Enterprise model for Trekkie fans.
For puzzle lovers, Hobby and Toy Central has something for every age and skill level, including 1,000-piece puzzles, and an impressive 3D puzzle of the Eiffel Tower.
In their Science department, there’s a mini solar robot and a large box set of the solar system which includes eight glow-in-the-dark planets (plus Pluto!). They also carry juggling rings and a “make your own” rocket that’s powered by vinegar and baking soda.
Carefree Hobbies, Models, and Collectibles, Oakville
In Oakville, you’ll also find Carefree Hobbies, Models, and Collectibles, carrying a fun supply of trains, planes, and automobiles along with antique military equipment. They specialize in military miniatures, including Thomas Gunn Military Miniatures, which are known for their attention to detail and superior quality. If you’re looking for rare, unusual, or out-of-production items, Carefree Hobbies will source them for you.
Their other specialty is their fun selection of miniature trains and accessories. Local bestselling writer, Linwood Barclay, is known for his impressive miniature train sets that fill his basement; one might wonder if his passion for the hobby started with a visit to this store.
At Skycraft Hobbies on Plains Road East in Burlington, their shelves are filled with remote control racing cars, helicopters, jeeps, airplanes, and monster trucks. They also carry various boats, including a catamaran that’s modeled after offshore race boats, and hydroplanes which are typically for the more advanced RC racer. But likely, the most impressive thing on their shelves is their drones.
Mastermind Toys, located in both Oakville and Burlington, carry classic games like a wooden jigsaw puzzle shaped like a dragon, matchbox puzzles, and a 3D puzzle of the Titanic. They have a huge selection of games, from the fan favourite Catan to classics like Operation, Charades, and Monopoly.
As the saying goes, if you can’t find it at a hobby store, you can’t find it anywhere.
That’s right…the ultimate cookie exists, and can be found in Bronte Village. Try these at home, or order yours from Sweet! Bakery in time for Valentine’s Day!
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar, plus more for rolling
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp red colour (preferably gel if available)
2 cups flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1.5 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Cream cheese frosting, either homemade or store-bought (chilled)
Method
Cream butter and sugars together until smooth. Beat in eggs, vanilla, red colour. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt, add to wet ingredients. Mix until combined and smooth.
Roll into golf-ball-sized balls and flatten into discs. Put 1 tsp chilled cream cheese frosting in centre of each disc and gently wrap the dough around it into a ball so no cracks remain. Chill for at least 30mins or up to 2 hours.
Roll balls in sugar and bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes, until edges are firm and centres are still soft.
Our clothing is amazing for travelers. Gauze is 100% natural cotton, easy to pack and doesn’t require ironing. It’s soft and comfortable, and great for hot, humid weather. We also carry fashions for all seasons and occasions, whether it be for work, travel or spending time with friends and family.
Why Burlington?
We have lived in the area for many years, raising our families and enjoying life in southern Ontario. When we bought the business, it had a strong following with customers from Niagara to Toronto.
How have you adapted with everything going on?
The biggest update is our website, where you can now shop all the styles we carry and have them delivered anywhere in North America. We have curbside pickup and free delivery in Oakville & Burlington. We also offer private shopping, online or in-person, and ‘Fizzy Fridays’ where we showcase new arrivals over Facebook.
What’s your favourite product(s) that you carry?
We look for unique, flattering and comfortable clothing that is made to last, and we love supporting Canadian designers. Some of our favourites are Guru, Frank Lyman, Sympli, Linen Luv, Kollontai, Wanted Jewelry, and Gilmour. Bryn Walker, My Soul, Q Neel, Pure Venice, Bella Amore and Sassy by Dolcezza are new brands we brought in last year. Gauze will always be our #1 love, but you’ll find so much more at Jus B’ Gauze.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and love is in the air! Are you looking for that perfect gift for someone special in your life this Valentine’s day? We’ve put together a small selection of items that can be found right here in Oakville & Burlington, so that no matter what kind of love you are celebrating you can easily show it with something local this year!
A Greener Place || Waterdown
This rose gold themed gift box is perfect for those that love being pampered. A perfect mix of sweets and self-care treats – and all are eco-friendly!
Surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a beautiful floral arrangement from FIORI. From traditional red roses to a wide selection of gorgeous arrangements, you’re sure to find the perfect pick for that special someone.
Buttery-soft and luxurious, these Joseph Tassoni bamboo bath robes are the PERFECT gift to wrap your loved ones in. But they also make a great self-care treat from you to you.
Cologne; the unseen accessory for him. Treat him to Mr. Gladstone; a natural wax-based cologne that comes in three old fashioned scents for those who traverse life’s paths with effortless confidence.
Spoil yourself or a loved one this Valentine’s Day with a gift set featuring luxurious treats from Canadian artisans. The ‘Lush’ gift set includes: a coconut body balm, exfoliating clay bar, midnight rose bath bomb, and a ‘You Are Love’ candle.
Show yourself some self-love with a relaxing at-home spa experience The Stillness Kit is specially curated for an evening of aromatherapy, skin pampering, stillness, meditation and restorative sleep.
There’s something elegant about a freshly painted set of nails, and that special feeling that comes with an afternoon at the spa. While spas have always been a place to get pampered and polished, spas of the 21st century have transformed into so much more.
Gone are the days of the simple spa. In the modern spa, you can relax in a multi-purpose facility while shopping, lounging, and even enjoying a glass of something bubbly (or on the rocks).
Get ready to be pampered and to experience the new world of spas!
Yellow Door Studio is a fully licensed cafe, nail studio, and lounge all-in-one. Located on Thomas Street in old Oakville, it offers everything from quick touch-ups to all-out makeovers. Their packages start with a Short and Sweet package, including nail shaping and buffing. On the luxurious end, you can book their Revival Manicure with an essential oil soak, cuticle work, hand, shoulder, and neck massage (and more).
The salon also offers party packages and mani/pedi services for men and kids. And while you’re getting buffed and polished, you can grab a drink from their bar selection of unique wines, champagnes, and signature cocktails.
Styled Lounge on Pearl Street in the heart of downtown Burlington offers full-service treatments for the hair and body, ranging from a basic blow out and bang trim to a whole “new you” service that includes lash lift and tint, brow shaping and tinting, and full makeup application.
For the bride-to-be and her bridesmaids, there are bridal party hairstyling packages that include makeup application, and even something special for those precious little flower girls.
Added bonus: Styled Lounge will deliver all the services of their salon to a location of your choice!
…But then you’ll be missing their complimentary coffee, tea, and water – and they have a fully licensed bar. On your way out, you can pick up some conditioner and shampoo, home teeth whitening system, scented candles, or cozy sweater from another local biz, Simple Girl Canada.
A unique and new experience for men has arrived in Bronte. At Goldwyn and Sons, the motto is to help men develop self-confidence and feel great in their own skin. This barbershop and parlour offers a number of basic and special services, and guests can enjoy a glass of whiskey while they get pampered!
Services at Goldwyn and Sons include beard trim, hot towel shave, head shave, and hair colouring. Among their premium services is a package called ‘The Albin’, which includes a haircut, beard trim, hair wash, and final style, along with a drink from the bar.
New York New York in downtown Burlington is another men’s grooming lounge and the perfect place to unwind and relax. The lounge offers a variety of services including a hot towel head shave and mini “man-cure,” along with eyebrow wax, and hair and scalp treatments.
They also offer relaxing facial treatments and Indian head massage. One of their specialty packages is called ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’ and includes hand and feet treatments plus a facial. The ‘My Way’ package includes a haircut and design, plus hot towel facial shave and mini “man-cure”.
Spas aren’t just for adults. The Fantasy Fables Princess Studio & Spa offers both in-home and salon spa experiences. They deliver a Disney-lovers’ dream spa day for boys and girls with special guest stars Ariel, Elsa, or Anna. Or, you can hold your party with a favourite Disney princess at the spa’s Burlington location at Upper Middle and Appleby Line.
In addition to meeting their favourite princess, the birthday guest can be treated to dazzling glitter hair gel and a sprinkling of pixie dust. Every guest receives a princess bracelet or pirate coin and can have fun dancing to their favourite songs and posing for photos.
Whether you need nails done, hair done, or just want a little TLC and fun, these unique spas have an experience perfect for you this holiday season!
Dress to impress with our Best Apparel Talk of the Town Award-winner, MUST Boutique!
This Downtown Oakville storefront is one of five retail locations in North America with a private label that is unique, trendy and hand-chosen from Europe. Wrap yourself up in cozy chic sweaters, find gorgeous accessories perfect for any occasion and invest in a statement piece that will have everyone asking where you bought it.
With seasonal stock that is carefully chosen by their buyers, this upscale women’s boutique is always listening to their beloved customers to perfectly tailor their in-store options.
Indulge your inner shopaholic and support local shopping at this beloved Oakville boutique.
Invest in affordable luxury at our Best Apparel runner-up, LUXFINDZ!
This upscale boutique is new to Downtown Oakville, bringing fashion from around the world that can be mixed and matched with designer items. This women’s fashion retailer carries pieces in limited stock, so patrons know they are walking away with exclusive items. Take in the beautiful streetscape while treating your wardrobe to these designer delights.
Looking for a personal touch? Try our Best Apparel second runner-up, Tocca Finita!
The consultants from this designer women’s fashion boutique speak directly with their clients and work together to create a signature look from their stock of designer pieces. Also located in Downtown Oakville, patrons will find designer clothes, shoes and accessories hand-picked from around the world by this dedicated team.
Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our next category on December 1, 2021 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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As a mom of three kids under five, I have a special duty when the holidays roll around. The tree, the gifts, the meals – I plan every single detail, trying to check every magical box. There isn’t a mother who wouldn’t try to do the same. Thanks to movies, commercials, and advertising, Christmas has become a season of the ‘wow factor’. And parents who provide their children with material luxuries and dazzling experiences, do so from privilege.
According to the United Way of Hamilton and Halton, as of 2021, 1 in 10 children in Halton live in poverty. Oakville has a poverty rate of 9.7% – the highest in Halton, while Burlington has the highest number of lone parent families (over 7,800) in the Halton region. And even more so, the demand for food supports in Halton and Hamilton increased by 13% from April 2019 to April 2020.
While gifts are certainly something to be admired, our friends and neighbours need basic necessities such as food. Through charities in Oakville and Burlington, residents like you and me can help families to create magical holiday moments.
For more than 18 years, Kerr Street Mission has rallied the community through its “Christmas Wonders and Beyond” program. With the generosity of the community, they have been able to make sure every family that has come seeking help would be able to celebrate a wonderful Christmas. The last 18-months have been especially difficult for families seeking support. Many struggle every day to make ends meet and they know when Christmas comes, there won’t be extra funds. With your help, you can make a difference and provide for a family in need. Kerr Street Mission is accepting financial donations, starting at $100 to provide for a family of one this holiday season, all the way to $1,600 to provide support to a family for one year. Instead of exchanging gifts with your friends or extended family, you can rally together to give a family Christmas wonder.
Jennifer Lombardo and her son Trevor started their annual Christmas collection back in 2014 when Trevor was only four. Now, their team includes Jennifer’s 3.5-year-old daughter, Kaela, as well.
Raised by a single mother, Jennifer knows firsthand how difficult Christmas can be for single parents. And she knew when she grew up, she not only wanted to give back but wanted to teach her children about the importance of giving back too.
Each year, Jennifer and her children collect toys, household items, gift cards, monetary donations, and more through generous donations in our community. All items collected are donated to families in Halton Region. After Trevor was diagnosed with autism in 2014, Jennifer decided to work with families who are barely making ends meet but often do not qualify for other services – especially those who have a family member with mental illness and/or Autism.
Visit their Facebook page to donate or purchase items from a family’s list. Every little bit helps. And, all donations are entered in to win a prize from a raffle!
The Compassion Society is an organization with over 1,000 clients living on or below the poverty line in Halton. For these individuals, the holidays are difficult and challenging to say the least. Through their Holiday Giving Program, the Compassion Society organizes and offers a Christmas Market where new, unwrapped gifts and retail cards are distributed to adults and children in need. In a tangible way, you can demonstrate your compassion and support to these individuals by donating gift cards or unwrapped gifts by the first week of December.
