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In Arts & Events

Falling in Love With Bala – The Bala Cranberry Festival

October 2, 2021 No Comments

Every year, cottagers anxiously await the official opening of summer: Victoria Day Weekend. And as soon as the calendar strikes May 24th, cars packed with coolers, pillows, and fishing rods make their way down Highway 400 toward the land of the “Muskokas”.

Muskoka is a collection of wonderful towns that together make up the most popular cottage country area in Ontario. With over 1,600 lakes, thousands of acres of green forest, and lots of great restaurants and places to stay, it’s no wonder everyone wants to be there.

But after every last smore, campfire song, and cannonball off the dock has been had, as lake temperatures drop and leaves start to change colour, cottagers prepare for the unofficial closing: The Bala Cranberry Festival.

The Town of Bala – often referred to as the Heart of Muskoka – is a picturesque small town where Lake Muskoka empties into Moon River. The Town itself is Canada’s smallest incorporated town with a population of approximately 370 year-round residents. But throughout the summer and into the festival weekend, this small town sees anywhere from 5,000 to 15,000 people.

Besides being Canada’s smallest town, Bala is home to the largest cranberry marsh in Ontario (the Johnston Cranberry Marsh) and known as the Cranberry Capital of Ontario. And what should one do when famous for cranberries? Throw an epic festival around it.

Every year since 1984, on the weekend after Thanksgiving, Bala hosts their annual (and world famous) Cranberry Festival. Every year except for 2020, of course. However, in previous years, when the festival rolled around, the town would explode with music, events, and food – and the theme through it all: cranberries. And this year, the cranberries are back!

“After a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the board of directors is eager to bring the festival back to its fervent and loyal following,” their Facebook page reads.

The 2021 edition will be smaller to help organizers comply with health regulations. However, festival organizers say all details depend on what’s to come in the following weeks and how Public Health moves forward. “As details become available, they will be posted on our social media page and website,” festival organizers confirm. Adding, “Although the festival will be scaled down, organizers are looking to re-establish the event as one of the premier arts and crafts festivals in Ontario. This year’s event will be for the enthusiast of epicurean delights, quality arts, and affection for local and Canadian made.”

Along with the festival, Bala and surrounding towns, Gravenhurst and Minett, have stunning sights, incredible restaurants, and cozy accommodations. Both the JW Marriot Rosseau Muskoka in Minett and Marriott Residence Inn in Gravenhurst have a resort-like feel with beautiful lake views.

Dock of the Bay is a casual restaurant on Lake Muskoka a stone’s throw from the Marriott Residence – offering seafood, steak, and pasta with a lake-top deck. It’s especially romantic for couples staying in the area. In town, there’s Sawdust City Saloon. Among the adult-friendly beer taps, you’ll find a family-friendly food menu (and if you’re lucky, the outdoor food truck and ice-stream truck will still be in season).

In Muskoka Lakes, you can find Clear Lake Brewing Co., just a hop-skip-and-jump down from the festival at the corner of Hwy 169 and Southwood Road. They have a restaurant on-site, bonfire, and live music.

Also, let’s not forget all the small shops in these little towns. Shops who have been hit by the pandemic just like our beloved locals have. Explore, shop small, and bring home a piece of Bala.

The 2021 Bala Cranberry Festival will take place the weekend after Thanksgiving – October 15th to 17th.

In Articles

Oh My Gourd – Eating Through The World of Squash

October 1, 2021 No Comments

Gourds – which are actually a fruit and not a vegetable – are one of the earliest known domesticated plants, with evidence of their use dating back to 13,000 BC. They’ve been used throughout history, not just as a source of food, but as tools and musical instruments, including percussion, wind, and string. Ancient Egyptians found them especially useful to store and carry water. Who knew a gourd could have so many different uses?

The fruit itself comes from the Cucurbitaceae family (also called the Cucurbits or gourd family). There are about 965 different species of gourd and 95 genera. Humans make the most use of the Cucurbita, which includes squash, pumpkin, zucchini, and some other gourds.

Bottle gourds have a hard shell and their Latin name is Lagenaria Siceraria, meaning drinking vessel (which was their main purpose centuries ago). Surprisingly, they’re so durable, they can last for years, making them even more useful.

Ornamental gourds are used for decoration, as the name would suggest, and have a softer shell. They come in different textures and shapes to make them attractive and generally only last one season.

Sponge gourds look like sponges from the sea and when dried, their shell can be scraped off, exposing the inner fiber which can be used as a sponge or loofah.

Snake gourds are a member of the pumpkin family but have seeds like their relatives: watermelons. They are not too tasty and should be eaten when young.

Cooking with gourds can be really fun as there are so many different types and they are so versatile.

Stuffed squash is the most perfect meal for fall, and fills the house with the most tempting aromas. Fillings can vary from a hearty option of sausage, mushroom, barley, onion, and cheese, with a hint of fresh oregano, or use leftover roasted chicken with some grilled vegetables, feta cheese, and brown rice. A real comfort food option is stuffing a squash with bread, cheese, and bacon.

Keeping recipes vegetarian with gourds is simple and delicious. Dried cranberries, mushrooms, broad beans, and pecan nuts make a flavourful stuffing for squash. If you have a lot of time on your hands, the Squashducken is a fun new trend. A squash…stuffed inside of a squash…stuffed inside a squash, flavoured with any sauce or pesto you choose. A hazelnut basil pesto would suit this dish perfectly. Or keep things simple and marinate a par-cooked gourd in lime, then stuff it with cottage cheese, chili, and chopped tomatoes and bake it in the oven.

Gourds can also be peeled and chopped and used for a variety of delicious dishes. Curries, soups, and chili are all options; it is merely the flavouring that is altered to create an interesting authentic dish.

Curried butternut soup, laced with coconut cream is a firm fall favourite. For a hearty dish that will feed the whole family, whip up a pumpkin, beef, and black bean chili with a generous squeeze of fresh lime.

Chopped squash roasted in the oven with olive oil, a hint of sugar, and cinnamon is one of life’s simple pleasures and more complicated recipes are not always better than this simple choice. There are so many ideas for including squash into a meal – like kale and butternut frittata, or pumpkin cannelloni with burnt sage butter, or even pumpkin loaf.

Using pumpkin for appetizers is not always the most natural choice, but it is such a versatile vegetable and can transform any canapé or app. Pumpkin deviled eggs, with a sweet and smoky sauce is a great take on the 1950’s staple, or try a smoky pumpkin hummus as another appetizer with walnut bread or pita. Crostini topped with grilled pumpkin and arugula pesto is healthy and fresh and can be served as a snack or for a light lunch.

A decadent side dish using gourds is a great accompaniment.

Try pumpkin walnut bread pudding with sage, or for a twist on a traditional dish, creamy pumpkin scalloped potatoes. Baked parmesan pumpkin fries are an exotic way to serve a classic pub favourite, yet healthier, as well as adding some colour to the meal.

There are endless ways of making the simple gourd a glamourous addition to the fall table and getting everyone into the season’s mood.

And if you’re on the hunt to try some fun fall flavours around town, restaurants are incorporating gourds into a variety of their dishes. Try:

Familia Fine Foods: Carrot And Butternut Squash Soup
Trattoria Timone: Butternut Squash Ravioli
Stoney’s: Roasted Butternut Squash And Pear Soup
Son Of A Peach Pizzeria: Squash N’ Kale Salad
That Pie Place: A Delicious Seasonal Pumpkin Pie

In Community

Mye 2 Wins ‘Best Sushi’ 2021 Talk of the Town Award

September 16, 2021 No Comments

Settle in for some seafood with our Best Sushi Talk of the Town Award-winner, Mye 2 Japanese Restaurant!

Well-known as one of Oakville’s finest sushi restaurants, Mye2 is the second of Oakville’s historic Mye establishments. This family of restaurants has been local since 1987 when Chef Motoaki Aoki was invited to open Oakville’s first Japanese restaurant upon invitation from then-Mayor Harry Barrett.

This location is currently open for distanced indoor dining, curbside pickup and delivery. You won’t want to miss out on this mouthwatering selection of Japanese cuisine, as well as a few special off-menu items.

Treat yourself to a night of fine dining with this local hidden gem.

Looking for some good quality sushi you can bring home with you? Try our Best Sushi runner-up, Choi’s Sushi!

This Kerr Village newcomer has all your favourites for affordable prices while offering combos, party platters and specialized menu items. Settle in for date night or buy for the whole family with this local takeout spot.

Indulge in the best all-you-can-eat experience at Best Sushi second runner-up, Yame Sushi!

This Kerr Village favourite offers all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner menus at an affordable price so you don’t have to miss out on any of your favourite dishes. Dine in at a distance or order out for some at-home fine dining and get your sushi fix with the help of this local hot spot.

Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our next category on September 1, 2021 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2021 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Sushi

1. Mye 2 Japanese Restaurant

2. Choi’s Sushi

3. Yame Sushi

4. Spoon and Fork

5. Ami Sushi

In Articles

Gear Up For Gold – With The Burloak Canoe Club

September 13, 2021 No Comments

Nestled on Navy Flats along the banks of Sixteen Mile Creek is the little club that could – the Burloak Canoe Club (founded in 1989). However, Burloak’s story begins long before this official club was founded. It actually dates back to 1958 when The Mohawk Canoe Club came to fruition in Burlington. Formerly situated where Spencer Smith Park now lies, the Mohawk Club was started by Mike Moir, Bill Pitt and Bill Dinsmore under black and green racing colours. In 1974, the Oakville Racing Club was founded by former Toronto Island paddler, Bill Collins, and Dorothy Jamison, under the colours of brown and white. In 1989, the two clubs joined forces forming the Burloak Canoe Club, adopting a new set of official colours – solid black with a coloured badge on the front. And since then, the Burloak Canoe Club has gained a name for itself, lending a hand in developing the skills of some of the top paddlers in the world.

Adam Oldershaw, Head Coach at the Burloak Canoe Club, recently coached 2021 Olympian Alanna Bray-Lougheed. Oldershaw says, “I started coaching Alanna when she was 14 years old, and the most striking characteristic I’ve seen over the years is her willingness to do the work, even at that young age. I think she was hesitant for many years to believe that she really could set her goals to be at the top, but I’ve had the good fortune to help her on that path to realizing that she can be among the very best and compete on the world stage”. And while Alanna didn’t win a medal in the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics, she has made a name for herself in the sprint kayaker sport. In 2019, she was pondering retirement, but earned a spot on the team for the Lima 2019 Pan Am Games, and found renewed focus and drive. She raced to gold in the K-2 500m and helped the women’s K-4 500m team paddle to their third consecutive gold.

But long before Alanna qualified to represent Team Canada in the Olympics, The Mohawk Canoe Club and The Oakville Racing Club had earned our two cities quite a reputation on the Olympic stage. In 1984, Larry Cain became the first Canadian to win an Olympic canoeing title since Berlin in 1936, and Jack Chubaty followed in qualifying for the Olympic team in 1988. Then, came Adam van Koeverden and Adam’s brother, Mark Oldershaw.

Adam van Koeverden started paddling at only 13 years old, eventually winning four Olympic and eight world championship medals. Mark Oldershaw entered his first Olympic games in 2008 in Beijing. Mark had initially planned on entering the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. However, in earlier years, a tumor was discovered in his right hand which was his prominent paddling hand. This required two surgeries, damaging a nerve and causing him chronic pain. It caused Mark to miss qualifying in 2004, but he successfully brought home a bronze medal in the 2012 summer Olympics.

Burloak Canoe Club has also coached Brady Reardon who raced front paddler for Canada in Beijing in 2008. Brady’s father, Jim Reardon, also raced in the same position in the 1972 Olympics. Chris Pellini, another Burloak-er, raced in Beijing in 2008 and Gavin Maxwell raced in the 1996 Olympics.

There is so much history on the racers and the club itself that we can’t quite fit it all into one short story. As a club that has earned more gold medals than any other Canadian Canoe Club in the last 30 years, the talent and history of its paddlers and coaches run deep with pride. The club offers a first-class training program for close to 250 members of all ages and levels of experience, from novice to world champion, so there’s no saying who will be next to bring home a gold.

In Features

Mais Oui, Patisserie

September 8, 2021 No Comments

There is nothing quite like the tempting aromas that waft from a French patisserie or bakery: fresh butter, flaky croissants, and tempting baked goods. When traveling in France – an ideal hub for foodies – it is important to know your bakery terminology (especially if you’re looking for a crispy croissant). A boulangerie is a bakery that sells bread, while a patisserie is a bakery that sells pastries.

In some countries, using the word patisserie in the name of an establishment is a legally controlled title reserved for bakeries that employ a licensed pastry chef. A pastry chef has to have completed a lengthy training process, including an apprenticeship and a written exam.

The history of pastry making is often disputed. Many people claim it started with the 13th Century baker, Régnaut-Barbon, who rolled sweet patisseries similar to waffles called oublies. Puff pastry or millefeuille was created in 1540 by Popelini. Others say the sweet treats came from Italy with Queen Marie de Medici, who introduced ice cream and macarons to France after marrying King Henri IV in 1600.

But it was in 1686 when French café culture really started with the opening of the now-famous Le Procope, the first Parisian café that served coffee, chocolate, and ice cream. In the early 1800s, Marie-Antoine Carême popularized the millefeuille, the multilayered pastry filled with cream and custard and croquembouche, a caramel-enrobed tower of cream eclairs, now popular at weddings.

When visiting Paris, it’s worth stopping by various signature patisseries to try their specialties.

Arnaud Delmontel is famous for its pain au chocolat, the traditional flaky pastry with a block of bittersweet chocolate rolled into its centre. The chocolate eclairs at Yann Couvreur are worth trying for a less traditional approach to patisserie.

For a French sensation without leaving our borders, try Patisserie D’or in Glen Abbey in Oakville. Their French pastry chef is always creating exotic cakes and pastries. Their croissants are light and flaky and come in a variety of excellent flavours including plain, chocolate, and almond, and their raisin danishes (pain au raisin) are amazing too. There is a wide selection of macarons, tarts, and French desserts. And at Christmas, they have a specialty millefeuille. It is worth visiting their Instagram page to see what is new and enticing.

Tradition de France on Lakeshore Road in Oakville has a heritage of French bakers and pastry chefs dating back to 1922. There is always a lineup outside this bakery – proof of its popularity and quality. Their range is extensive and inviting like Le Saint-Honoré in Paris. Try their vanilla puffs or éclairs with interesting flavours from peanut butter, raspberry chocolate, or Nutella. Or try the strawberry vanilla millefeuille which they are famous for. They also make a nostalgic swan cake, symbolic of the chef’s father. When the chef’s grandfather owned the bakery, it was his father’s favourite cake and was always served on Sunday. This choux pastry is filled with vanilla cream in the shape of a swan.

Maison Delice on Kerr Street in Oakville offers bespoke baking for special occasions. They have an Eid cookie collection, and even did a special range of cookies in the shape of maple leaves and pyramids for a Canadian-Egyptian wedding. Try the savoury quiches filled with chicken and mushroom and made with puff pastry. The dramatic Saint Honoré cake is comprised of millefeuille and eclairs together in this signature cake, filled with cream and decorated with spun sugar.

Croissant Express Bakery on Lakeshore Road in downtown Oakville specializes, as the name suggests, in croissants. Choose between plain, almond, or chocolate, or indulge in one of many deliciously prepared meals. Don’t forget to pair your baked treats with a Nutella frappe on a hot day. They also produce cookies for special occasions. On Canada Day, they had a wide selection of patriotic cookies, and they baked dad-friendly cookies for Father’s Day.

Saving Thyme in Burlington produces delicious French pastries thanks to Chef Alexandra’s expertise. She is famous for exquisite quiches with a creamy custard in a traditional pâte brisée, and delicious traditional fillings such as leek and Gruyere. She also makes macarons, croissants, choux pastry and tarts, and artisanal French bread such as brioche.

So – if a trip to France is not on the cards this year, don’t despair! There are plenty of excellent options nearby to offer you armchair travel and exquisite indulgence.

Local Links 

Patisserie D’Or, Oakville || patisseriedor.com  

Tradition de France, Oakville || @TraditionDeFranceOntario

Maison Delice, Oakville || @maisondelice

Croissant Express, Oakville || @CroissantExpressBakery

Saving Thyme, Burlington || Savingthyme.ca

In Articles

What In The World Is Pickleball? – A Hot Sports Game With A Tangy Name

September 3, 2021 No Comments

When Carol Baldwin first heard about the game of pickleball, she had the same response as many people, “I read a booklet about it and thought, what the heck is that?”

Baldwin can’t be blamed for her confusion. The game, after all, is a combination of several sports brought together on a tennis-like court…. and while it may look like tennis, it combines elements of badminton and table tennis while featuring a different racket, lower net, and new rules.

Like table tennis, pickleball is played with a paddle (smaller than a tennis racquet but larger than a table tennis paddle). And while the pickleball court is the same size as a doubles badminton court, the sport is played with a perforated polymer ball, similar to a wiffle ball.

For unseasoned players, there may not seem like there’s much to the net seeing as it’s similar to the ones used in tennis – but for pickleball, the net sits around two inches lower and can be played as doubles or singles.

Baldwin never could have guessed she would like the game as much as she does. But after only a few games, she was hooked. That was ten years ago and she’s still a loyal player who hits the courts twice a week.

“I just loved it and I kept going back and back,” said Baldwin, who plays at the Burlington Seniors Centre on New Street.

Pickleball appeals to people of all ages partly because it’s fairly easy to learn, but also because playing at a competitive level comes quite quickly. Competitive games are popping up all over North America and are attracting players of all ages.

Pickleball tends to have a large following from seniors because it’s easier to play than other ball and racket sports (for example, there are no overhand serves). Baldwin never thought the game would be more than a passing fancy for her. But to her, it’s more than just a game, it’s also a fun social activity.

“Through pickleball, I met the group of people who have kept me sane during COVID.”

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Washington by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. They were looking for an activity for their kids and combined various elements from other court games.

Contrary to popular belief, the name did not stem from one of the founder’s dogs. It came about because it sounds like Pickle Boat – a moniker from rowing where oarsmen are chosen from the leftovers of other boats, in the same way as pickleball is a combination of other games.

The game has taken off like wildfire. Two years after the trio developed pickleball, they constructed the first pickleball court. By 1976, the first tournament in the world was held in Washington.

Since then, a sport that began as a children’s backyard activity has evolved into one of the fastest-growing sports in North America. It’s played in countries around the world, and competitions are held by groups like the U.S Pickleball National Championships.

As of 2021, there were 57 member countries for pickleball which are overseen by the International Federation of Pickleball.

The demand for pickleball has spread to Burlington and Oakville where it’s now offered in several centres, including the Burlington Seniors’ Centre, and many Burlington city-run recreation centres, like Central Arena and Mainway Arena. In Oakville, the Global Pickleball Network lists many spots where pickleball is played, including River Oaks Community Centre and George Savage Park. Many private racket clubs including the Ontario Racket Club have also embraced the game.

If you haven’t picked up a pickleball paddle yet there’s no better time than the present – and who knows, maybe you’ll be pining for pickleball like so many others.

In Articles

Awesome Sauce-Ome: Your Guide to Summer Sauces

July 20, 2021 No Comments

Barbecue (BBQ) sauce and hot sauce are a staple in Canadian summer cooking. With shelves lined with endless rows of bottles to choose from, it is difficult to know what to choose. From sweet and mild to hot and fiery, there is certainly no excuse to skip the sauce.

BBQ sauce is used as a marinade, for basting, topping, or as a condiment on various proteins or vegetables. It is thought to have originated in the southern states of the USA by settlers as early as the 17th century, and years later, recipes began to appear for a South Carolina Mustard Sauce (which came with German settlers). The mustard sauce had a base of vinegar, salt, and mustard, but by the 19th century, sugar was added along with numerous other ingredients including Worcestershire sauce.

The first commercially known and bottled BBQ sauce came from the Georgia Barbecue Sauce Company in 1909, but it was  Heinz in 1940 that really introduced the first mass-produced BBQ sauce. In 1960, Kraft began to produce their Original BBQ Sauce which soon became the market leader.

Hot sauce is a condiment made with a base of chili peppers and a million options of other ingredients. Both chili peppers and hot sauces can be traced back to 6,000 years ago in Mexico, and Central and South America.

In the 16th century, the chili pepper plant was brought back to Spain and Portugal and it flourished in their local cuisine. While the first commercial hot sauce can be traced back to Massachusetts in 1807, it wasn’t until 1868 that Tabasco, the first commercially produced and recognized brand, was launched. Today, Tabasco is the 13th best-selling hot sauce in the USA.

Locally, there are many BBQ and hot sauce producers.

Wicked Gourmet, created in 1998 by Barbara and Ellis Burrows, was crafted with one sole purpose: to bring a range of delicious gourmet products directly to the consumer. Their corporate philosophy is simple, “You don’t know how good our product is until you taste it!”

Barbara and Ellis have a variety of products with different levels of heat, such as mild (apricot ginger); spicy/tangy (smoky BBQ); and hot (Fiery Jerk or Stupid Hot – which needs little more said about it). One of their best-selling sauces is their Rib Sticking Rib and Chicken sauce.

Wicked Gourmet also produces rubs, condiments, dips, oils, and vinegar.

Barbecues Galore, with stores both in Oakville and Burlington, has a huge range of artisanal BBQ sauces and hot sauces – many with names that will make you giggle. When asking store manager, Jeffery Wiersma, for sauce selection advice, his answer was, “That’s like choosing my favourite child!”

One of their best-sellers is Blue’s Hog, which produces both mainstream flavours like Smoky Mountain or more gourmet variants such as Raspberry Chipotle. There’s also Kosmos Q which has an excellent sauce called Sweet Smoke – but their super popular one (available in a half-gallon) is called Competition Barbecue and it’s not to be missed.

Dawson’s Hot Sauce is based in Hamilton and all their products can be ordered online. They have a hot sauce that is rated 10/10 in heat called XXX Ghost Pepper Mash…if you’re brave enough to try it. Or they have milder sauces for the calmer palates.

Florence Meats on Speers Road in Oakville has a large range of sauces. Wildly Delicious, founded over 25 years ago by a Toronto husband and wife team, has a Peri-Peri Chili and Garlic Portuguese Grilling Sauce. Both are excellent as a sauce or marinade to make the most perfect and authentic Portuguese chicken. Their Chimichurri Cilantro Chili Argentinian Steak Sauce, crammed full of herbs and lemon, is also a winner and is particularly good on flank steak.

Philippens, located in Kitchener, is new on the shelves at Florence and is a small-batch product that uses naturally smoked and locally sourced ingredients. The Smoked Hot Sauce is a favourite, especially on pork back ribs.

Niagara Habanero sauces hail from Niagara but are inspired by Trinidad. They produce pure pepper sauces in five different flavours, each with their own heat intensity, with Signature Scorpion being the hottest at a 5 out of 5. They are a perfect accompaniment to eggs, nachos, and meat.

Wine Pairings for BBQ and HOT Sauces

It is generally best to choose something with full flavour to pair with these sauces, to combat the strong flavours of either smoky BBQ or fiery hot sauce. On the other hand, with the days so hot and humid, we tend to look for lighter wines, so something in the middle might suit.

On the light side, try the Chateau des Charmes Brut Sparkling from Niagara ($25.95). It is made from the classic Champagne varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and is delightfully fresh, served super-chilled.

One of my favourite go-to white blends from Prince Edward County is the Norman Hardie wine, Calcaire. It is an unusual yet genius blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer. It is a great patio wine served on its own or goes with almost any food because of its  fruity flavours – $23.20 from LCBO or the farm directly (they conveniently deliver to your door).

Another great and versatile wine is the Flat Rock Unplugged Unoaked Chardonnay ($17.95). It will please those who don’t like their Chardonnay oaky and is fresh, zesty, and easy to pair with BBQ food.

For a deliciously light summer red, try the medium-bodied 13th Street Burger Blend Gamay Pinot Noir ($14.95). This wine is best if served slightly chilled.

It is fruity enough to combat most sauces and not too heavy for a hot evening. Now all that is left is to chill the wine, fire-up the BBQ and enjoy the summer.

Local Links

Wicked Gourmet – wickedgourmet.ca

BBQs Galore – barbequesgalore.ca

Florence Meats – florencemeats.com

13th Street Winery – 13thstreetwinery.com

Flat Rock Cellars – flatrockcellars.com

Norman Hardie – normanhardie.com

Chateau des Charmes – chateaudescharmes.com

In Articles

Thinking of a Fun Day Trip? Discover 13th Street Winery!

July 15, 2021 No Comments

Many families in our area have not booked their usual summer vacations this year due to the pandemic, and are planning a “staycation” close to home instead. If that’s the case, there are many fabulous opportunities for day trips from your base in Oakville or Burlington.

One destination that should be on your list is 13th Street Winery in St. Catharines, on the western border of the Niagara wine district and only a 45 minute drive from Oakville or Burlington. With three generations of agricultural expertise and over 20 years of winemaking experience in Niagara, the winery produces an array of delicious Niagara wines including their award-winning Gamay Noir.

This winery offers so much more though… Chef Josh Berry will be serving locally-inspired seasonal dishes in the Farmhouse Bistro on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. And on Mondays and Fridays, you can enjoy a pizza from Avella’s Wood Fired Pizza. The wine bar will be open and you can enjoy live music and a relaxing glass of wine on the patio on Thursday and Friday evenings.

There is also an art gallery which is open Mondays to Saturdays, with exhibits from Canadian artists that change regularly.

The winery offers guests the opportunity to relax in the beautiful grounds with the Niagara Escarpment as the backdrop, and enjoy Wine, Food & Art. For more details, visit 13thstreetwinery.com.

In Articles

Summer Must-Reads by Local Authors

July 14, 2021 No Comments

Releasing a book at any time can be a challenge – but doing so during a pandemic, well, that comes with its own unique obstacles. But our summer reading list is brought to you by authors who did just that. Meet local authors who took a leap of faith and published their book during uncertain times – and we’re so glad they did!

Jane Austen Society

by Natalie Jenner

When Natalie Jenner of Oakville wrote Jane Austen Society, she likely didn’t expect it would take off the way it did. As an instant international bestseller, Jane Austen Society has snagged copious awards and nominations, including Historical Fiction and Debut Novel nominations from the Goodreads Choice Awards.

A fictionalized account of the real Jane Austen Society – the book takes place in the 1940s in the village of Chawton, England, where Austen lived and wrote her six famous novels.Before Jenner tried her hand at writing, she was a corporate lawyer and founder of the independent bookstore, Archetype Books, in Oakville. Jane Austen Society was so successful, that Jenner is scheduled to release a second novel next spring.

nataliejenner.com

Find You First

by Linwood Barclay

Since retiring from the Toronto Star in 2006 where he worked for more than 30 years, Linwood Barclay has become an international bestseller. He’s written more than twenty “edge of your seat” thrillers, including such bestsellers as Elevator Pitch, Never Saw it Coming, and Find You First.

Find You First introduces Miles Cookson, a Connecticut-based tech entrepreneur and multimillionaire who seems to have life under control. But near the start of Mr. Barclay’s whirligig of a novel, the unmarried Miles is hit with life-changing information: he has a debilitating hereditary disease that will leave him physically helpless before killing him.Barclay’s books have sold millions of copies in more than two dozen languages, and many have made it onto the New York Times Best Seller List.

linwoodbarclay.com

Oh She Glows for Dinner

by Angela Liddon

When you find the recipe for success, why change it? That’s Angela Liddon’s motto anyway. In 2009 she released her first book, Oh She Glows, and since then, Liddon has become an international phenomenon. In her new cookbook, Oh She Glows for Dinner, Angela shares many favourite recipes from her first book, along with meal prep plans and new easy dishes.

ohsheglows.com

Idia of the Benin Kingdom

by Ekiuwa Air

Nigerian-Canadian author, Ekiuwa Aire, noticed a frustrating gap in children’s books – a lack of Black characters and African heroes. As a mother of two, Ekiuwa was determined to change that, and she began writing Idia of the Benin Kingdom.

Idia of the Benin Kingdom is an empowering children’s picture book that takes readers on a beautifully illustrated journey to the 1500s in ancient Africa. Readers are captivated as they watch Idia transform herself from the young and curious daughter of a village warrior to becoming the Queen of the Kingdom of Benin.

Her Name Was Margaret

by Denise Davy

In the 26 years that she worked at The Hamilton Spectator; Denise wrote stories on an almost daily basis. The one that stayed with her the most was about a homeless woman named Margaret.

After years of research, Denise turned her story into a book called Her Name Was Margaret: Life and Death on the Streets. It’s not only Margaret’s story but the story of thousands of people who were impacted by cuts to psychiatric hospital beds which began in the 1960s.

The homeless we see on the streets today are the legacy of those cuts. Denise believes this story needs be told as the lack of community supports and housing created a sub-culture of homeless people who struggle with a mental illness.

denisedavy.ca

Maybe: A Life of Choice & Chance

by R.J. Barnett

Born at the start of the Second World War, Burlington’s R.J. Barnett has maintained a lifelong fascination with world history, having devoted many hours to reseraching historical events and reading memoirs of wartime personalities.

Through his acclaimed historical fiction ‘Maybe: A Life of Choice & Chance’, Barnett’s historical insight and passionate storytelling bring to life the intriguing tale of an emerging Nazi German star, Reinhart Adler. The page-turner takes readers along a journey as they experience Adler’s rapid rise, sudden fall and harrowing escape from death, as he plots his revenge during bedlam of WWII politics.

www.rjbarnett.ca/

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Splish Splash: Backyard Waterworks

July 13, 2021 No Comments

There are two kinds of people in the summer: people with a pool and people who look to befriend people with a pool… Due to the high demand for pool installations and a multi-year waitlist (thanks, pandemic), you may be the latter. But fear not. Whether you have a pool, are waiting on a pool, or have nothing more than a garden hose – there are tons of ways to play in the water all summer long.

If you have a pool…

Can we come over? Kidding. Kind of.

If you have a pool, the chances are you at least have a pool noodle or two. But there are so many other… dare we say “#trending” ways you can lounge this summer. Like, the Instagram-worthy giant ride-on swan and flamingo, available at Pioneer Family Pools. Want to put your baby in a swan, too? You can do it; Leisure Industries in  Oakville carries an infant size. Or, if you like to be more active in the pool, there are basketball nets, dive rings, and goggles available at both locations. Pool toys and accessories from inflatables, games, and even drink holders, are the perfect way to splash the day away.

If you don’t have a pool…

But you have some unused space in the yard, you can actually install an above-ground pool fairly easily.

 Resin or steel pools are ultra-durable, long-lasting, and easy to assemble (and importantly, NOT permanent). They come in different sizes, heights, and shapes, and usually come as a kit including jets and skimmers. The great thing is you can set up these pools and leave them up – or if you happen to move or want to relocate the pool, you can simply disassemble it. These pools are available at places like Pioneer Pools, Leisure Industries, and Jameson Pool – all located in Oakville or Burlington.

Even easier, you can purchase a quick set ring pool at your local Home Hardware. These pools usually cost anywhere from $90-$150. They’re larger than a traditional inflatable pool, are semi-inflatable, and above ground. Ring pools still require maintenance such as chlorine checks and they require a pump, but overall, they are more affordable and easier to maintain.

Really tight on space? Chickadee Kids Co. has adorable and colourful kids-sized inflatable pools. Perfect to get your feet wet, or for the kids to splash around.

If you don’t have room for a pool…

There are still tons of fun ways to splash in your yard! My Giant Games, located in Burlington, has an outdoor mud kitchen the kids will love! Mud, leaves, sand, play toys…no matter what your kids like to play with, this kitchen can accommodate it. Kids can make stove-top mud pies, or whip up a grass soup. You can also provide easy access to water through a hose!

Chickadee Kids Co. also has a new take on the traditional sprinkler – large, inflatable, perfect-for-all ages sprinklers! Run through water sprayed by a giant unicorn or dinosaur, or splash on a donut sprinkler mat.

Ready for a water balloon fight? Grab reusable ones from The Refillery Market. These water balloons are a great addition to the summer! They are handmade in Hamilton Ontario from baby blanket yarn which is super absorbent! Just dunk the balloon in water and it will absorb up to 20 times its weight. Next, throw it at an unexpected victim and wait for the SPLASH (you also don’t have to worry about picking up tiny bits of balloon after all the fun).

Now, with all these options for wet and wild fun – do you really need a friend with a pool?

Local Links

Pioneer Family Pools – pioneerfamilypools.ca

Chickadee Kids Co – chickadeekidsco.com

Leisure Industries – leisureindustries.ca

Jameson Pool – jamesonpool.com

My Giant Games – mygiantgames.com

Home Hardware – homehardware.ca

Refillery Market – refillerymarket.ca

Just for Fun

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Wine Pairings for BBQ and HOT Sauces

Local Links

Jane Austen Society

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Oh She Glows for Dinner

Idia of the Benin Kingdom

Her Name Was Margaret

Maybe: A Life of Choice & Chance

If you have a pool…

If you don’t have a pool…

If you don’t have room for a pool…

Local Links

looklocal.ca

Local Links 