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 Blog

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

August 22, 2017 No Comments

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

What was your inspiration for starting Familia Fine Foods?

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

What were you doing before Familia Fine Foods?

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

What do you offer at Familia?

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

What type of cuisine do you specialize in?

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

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

In Blog

A Dinner in Gairloch Gardens

August 11, 2017 No Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

EVENT SPONSORS

Lead Partner:
PCM Project and Construction Management Inc.

Premier Partners:
Higgins Event
Rentals
Tamarack Lumber Inc.

Event Partner:
Victor Dries

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

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

Presenting Partner:
Sutton Quantum Realty Inc. Brokerage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Blog

Becky’s Colombian Coffee & Other Delights

July 17, 2017 No Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In 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 Blog

Maro’s Bistro Marvels with Middle Eastern Twists & Tastes

May 10, 2017 No Comments

When you travel down Kerr Street in Oakville, there is a humble restaurant named Maro’s Bistro. If you haven’t been yet, put it on your must-visit list for a meal. Apparently foodies will drive from up to an hour away just to eat here.

***Sit at the bar facing the large picture window and enjoy a the view of Kerr Street.***

In fact when I came here dinner and saw owner, Maro Al Chamaa busy working the floor and behind the counter, I recalled being here many years ago when his business was focused on take-out pitas and burritos. Don’t worry, there are still burritos on the menu, but the selection is much greater.

It’s a modern, welcoming environment that reflects Maro’s heritage at the same time. On one wall there are pictures of famous Lebanese signers with lines from songs that have special meaning to him.

Everything on the menu is a generous portion (colourfully and cleverly plated) and extremely reasonable. One of his signature/popular dishes is Bella and the Beast; it’s a cauliflower meal in itself. Maro’s Bistro is also known for the creamy hummus, lightly spiced fish Mediterranean Pearl dish, and mouthwatering blends of flavours of Lunch in Beirut and Memories of Persia.

While waiting for a table I asked one diner what one of their table mates had just finished eating; he said it was a rice bowl (and pretty big, too).

It comes in a child-sized potion, which was perfect so I ordered that for my two companions.

I had the Marhaba: fried Croquette stuffed with minced beef, onion and sauteed pine nuts, which was served with Persian salad. It was fun putting the meal together myself on the plate from each individual jar the food was served in.

Maro's Bistro Marhaba — ***Artfully presented Marhaba dish.***

Maro was born in Lebanon, but proudly became a Canadian citizen in 2016. Above the back counter on the wall there’s a quote from him: “The food is soon gone, but the memories last forever. Don’t just go out to eat, come home for dinner.”

His passion for creating a welcoming community and serving “plates that create memories” seems to be working, judging by the multitudes of people that frequent the establishment.

Be sure to finish your meal with, at minimum, the Turkish coffee. If I wasn’t so full I would have definitely wanted Baklava. Next time.

Maro’s Bistro

135 Kerr St, Oakville, ON

marosbistro.com

#MarosBistro #MarosVillage

by Becky Dumais

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 Blog

7 Places to celebrate National Grilled Cheese Day April 12

April 11, 2017 No Comments

National Grilled Cheese Day is April 12th. I don’t really need really need a calendar to help me celebrate. Like most kids, I grew up eating grilled cheese sandwiches (a lot). My dad would grill them up buttery and toasty and flat on our old 1970s sandwich maker.

I could eat grilled cheese every day. There are times where I either have two in one sitting or make them several times a week. I don’t make them fancy, but there are lots of places that do! Check out a few places in Oakville and Burlington to enjoy the ultimate gooey goodness:

The Gingerman Social Eatery, Oakville. Order the ‘LGC’, aka the Lobster Grilled Cheese. gingermansocialeatery.ca

Farmhouse Artisan Cheese, Oakville. Not only can you get your choice of cheeses from around the world to make a grilled cheese at home, they make them on site, too. Here’s a recipe we published for their Classic Farmhouse sandwich. farmhouseartisancheese.ca

The King’s Arms, Oakville. Lumber over for the Maple Jack Pulled Beef Grilled Cheese. Oh, Canada! kingsarmsoakville.com

Lettuce Love Cafe, Burlington. The OMG Grilled Cheese, with grilled organic chia bread, Daiya cheese and chipotle mayo. lettucelovecafe.com

The Queen’s Head Pub, Burlington. Picture apple, bacon, cheddar and mozzarella. thequeenshead.ca

QB Sports Bar, Burlington. Thinly sliced Montreal smoked meat with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese on garlic toast. qbsports.ca

Tin Cup Sportsbar, Burlington. The Triple Bogey will keep you on your game. tincupsportsgrill.ca/oakville

Check out our list of spots in Hamilton!

Looking for more cheesey fun? Check out the Grilled Cheese Challenge in Etobicoke on June 10th. Hosted by the Lakeshore Village BIA. grilledcheesechallenge.ca.

written by Becky Dumais

In Articles

Ontario Rhubarb – A Force to be Reckoned With

April 6, 2017 No Comments

If you were thinking that Ontario rhubarb was one of the first crops out of the ground every spring and it’s harvested along with strawberries so you can make delicious pies, you wouldn’t be totally wrong. But there’s something more exciting to know about it.

Did you know that in England, there’s such a thing as forced rhubarb? Yes, and it’s harvested from January to April, right before the traditional rhubarb season. As with most delicious foods, it was discovered completely by accident. The town of Wakefield in Yorkshire, England is part of the nine-square mile Rhubarb Triangle and, as the story goes, a workman digging a ditch piled some soil over a patch of rhubarb roots. Weeks later when the soil was removed they found young, tender, brightly coloured shoots that were more succulent, tender and sweet than traditional rhubarb.

Today, throughout the Rhubarb Triangle, Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb is grown in old mushroom sheds or specifically designated buildings. It’s used in much the same way as Ontario rhubarb, but because it’s harvested earlier, it’s married with apples and made into fruity crumbles, moist yogurt cakes, mouth-watering tarts and savoury chutneys that go so well with pork or duck.

Although rhubarb is technically a vegetable, we typically enjoy it more as a dessert. Soon you’ll find the tall, red stalks at your famers’ market. Look for firm, crisp, plump stalks and perky leaves with good colour. Never eat the leaves: they’re poisonous.

The traditional way to cook rhubarb is to wash the stalks and cut them into small pieces, and then stew them until tender. There is no need to add much water as rhubarb already contains a great deal of it that comes out during cooking. While still hot, sugar is added to balance out the acidity. There’s no shortage of recipes available thanks to social media and foodies – even for roasted rhubarb…. I get the concept; caramelized roasted root vegetables are delicious, but through experimentation I can tell you that it just doesn’t seem viable. You end up with a baking sheet full of water and soggy rhubarb. Like roasting strawberries, don’t be fooled.

When I was a small child, I’d steal a cup of sugar and sit in the rhubarb patch behind my grandmother’s garage eating to my heart’s content. Sitting there for hours in the quiet of the garden, I’d hear creaking and snapping noises all around me. My grandmother told me that rhubarb screams as it grows. She was referring to the rapid almost an inch per day growth of rhubarb and the noises it makes as it shoots up.

Besides adding a delightful tartness to otherwise sweeter desserts, rhubarb’s tart flavour cuts through the richness of meat, and especially cheese, very well. That’s why some courageous chefs recommend picked rhubarb on a cheese platter. Personally speaking, I think it would be lovely with rich fatty cheeses, but if you’re planning a wine and cheese event, I would not recommend pairing rhubarb with wine.

I called a few farmers and no one has any plans to grow forced rhubarb in Ontario – pity. For now, Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb will remain a delicacy as rare as white truffles. But it doesn’t have to be this way. When you’re at your farmers’ market this spring, buy a bundle of fresh rhubarb and start a conversation with the growers about how much you would like to taste and experiment with forced rhubarb. It’s worth a try, isn’t it?

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

In Blog

5 Healthy Local Restaurants in Oakville and Burlington

March 31, 2017 2 Comments

With alternative diets becoming much more common, it’s easier to find accommodating foods and restaurants that cater to special dietary needs or habits. As new trends unfold, people are realizing eating healthy does not have to feel restrictive or boring. In fact, healthy local options are often more flavourful!

March is National Nutrition Month, the perfect opportunity to give those New Year Resolutions a second round, or even better, a chance try something new! As a Holistic Nutritionist, I naturally love going to healthy restaurants, but what I love even more is getting others to try them and see how great wholesome foods can be.
Here are my Top 5 Healthy Local Restaurants to visit (if you haven’t yet):

Raw Aura | 94 Lakeshore Road East, Mississauga | raw–aura.com
Raw Aura is located in Port Credit on Lakeshore and has a small intimate atmosphere with rustic décor. It is 100% vegan, dairy and gluten-free, using only fresh, living foods. Utilizing raw ingredients means nothing is heated above 105F, maximizing the enzymes and nutrients in the food that are typically killed while cooking. All their meals are fresh and nutritious and bursting with flavor. When you think raw, you probably think bland and tasteless, but if you want to take your taste buds on a delicious mouth-watering adventure, this is the place to go. Each time I visit, I try something new. Some meals I’ve had are their “Burrito” using a sundried tomato wrap, “Falafel Wrap” containing sprouted chickpea falafels wrapped in collard greens, their “Pasta Bolognese” and “Yellow Coconut Curry Noodles”, both made with zucchini noodles. If you have room for more, I recommend the chocolate banana cake. Their deserts are like nothing you’ve ever had and the best part, you don’t have to feel guilty after indulging!

Lettuce Love Café | 399 John St., Burlington | lettucelovecafe.com

Located in downtown Burlington, this restaurant has a cozy feel. Their menu is completely vegan and gluten-free but the options are endless. Their motto is “healthy never tasted so good” and you know why once you try the food. Avocado fries, loaded salads, power bowls, burgers, sandwiches, grilled cheese, even vegan nachos! This place has it all and you would never know they use alternative, allergen-friendly ingredients because everything tastes amazing. They also serve wine and beer, perfect for a (healthy) date night!

Kelly’s Bake Shoppe | 401 Brant Street, Burlington | kellysxo.com

If you live in Burlington, you have likely seen or heard of Kelly’s Bake Shoppe. It is located a block over from Lettuce Love Café and it’s their sister eatery. It was voted the Top 3^rd bakeshop to visit in the world. I like to call this place my non-guilty pleasure because it is your one-stop shop to satisfy your sweet tooth. 100% vegan, gluten-free, peanut-free and refined sugar-free, they use nothing but quality ingredients, without compromising taste! Their specialty is cupcakes but my personal favorites are their muffins and cookies. They also make donuts, banana bread, brownies and cake pops. They do cakes and large cupcake orders for special events. There is a daily menu so be sure to check out what they offer each day of the week. I highly recommend a visit for a coffee and a treat; you will probably end up bringing home a box of assorted goods!

Green Press | 270 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville, ON | greenpress.ca

Green Press is situated in the heart of Downtown Oakville, and offers a fantastic variety of cold pressed juices. The interior is fresh and clean against a backdrop of rustic barn board, complete with a couple of tables where you can sit and watch the world go by outside. These juices are organic, raw and unpasteurized – and if you can’t make it downtown, fear not, they deliver!

b.good | 487 Cornwall Rd, Oakville | bgood.ca

b.good has multiple locations around the GTA and plans to open several more in Halton. They offer healthy, fresh and hand-cooked meals, including kale and grain bowls, seasonal salads, hand-cut real fries, all-natural burgers, seasonal smoothies and more. b.good is an easy and fast way to eat nutritious and delicious local food fare. On the menu at b.good’s Oakville location is cheese from Bright farms, ice cream from Kawartha Dairy, meats from Hayters Farm and bread from Tre Mari bakery. They also offer catering, which is handy for parties or a boardroom lunch.

Author:
Amanda Santalucia is a Nutritionist [R.H.N] and foodie who appreciates healthy food that tastes great! She does mobile in-home Nutrition counseling, Pantry Makeovers and more. Visit her website or Facebook page for more information and to connect.
Web: https://santaluciaamanda.wix.com/generationu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/generation.u.nutrition

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