Food For Thought: Harbour House Waterfront Eatery

© Can Stock Photo/Kurhan

FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOOD FOR THOUGHT

THIS ISSUE FEATURES…

Harbour House Waterfront Eatery 9550 Riverside Drive East, Windsor

By David Clark Photos courtesy of the Harbour House

Anchored right next door to the Lakeview Park Marina — on the site of the former Lilly Kazzilly’s restaurant — a new Riverside eatery proudly opened its doors in March of 2021, in its place.

The Harbour House Waterfront Eatery has a great location, a world class menu and the kind of service fit for a king and queen.

At the helm of it all are Owner/Operators Kash Hasan, Patrick Kim, Dan Janik, Scott Morency and Zach Parent.

Hasan additionally runs an empire of restaurants across the country, making him fully qualified to steer the Harbour House (HH) to success. His restaurant/food experience includes ARIIUS @ Caesars Casino, Tequila Bobs, The Chelsea Restaurants and now, the newly minted Harbour House.

According to Moe Ansari, Director of Operations at Harbour House: “HH is a Hampton-inspired eatery where many renovations were done to the property, including a big new fireplace for those winter months and a rebuilt patio area, where it is always great to watch the boats and tide come in during warmer days. For those chilly days and nights, the patio is retrofitted with a heated patio enclosure where you can still get those views including Peche Island, regardless of the season. Couches are strategically placed in this area for your comfort.”

This waterfront eatery provides indoor treasures too, with a long hall and a chandelier on the ceiling. You also have the grand banquet area and the bar strategically placed in the centre that gives you an entire view of the restaurant.

Regarding docking your boat at Lakeview, five boat docks are reserved and designated for 40 and 50 foot boats for Harbour House customers. Lakeview Park Marina recently completed a multi-million-dollar upgrade.

During the summer, you can dock your boat, grab a seat on the patio, raise a cold one, listen to the music and look over a menu with all your favourites on it. It’s the only way to go for those seafaring travellers!

Additionally, expect more surprises in the summer of 2023, on the patio.

Diving into the menu, one interesting appetizer is a seafood choice that is swimming to your table. The Coconut Shrimp is breaded and deep-fried until golden brown and served with a Thai chili sauce.

Another dish, the Crab Cakes are delicately fried with onion, egg, crab and lobster, served with a lime aioli.

The granddaddy of them all on the Dinner Menu is an amazing entrée, — the 14 oz New York Strip Loin — topped with a creamy mushroom sauce, accompanied by house vegetables and mashed potatoes. A lobster tail, 1/2 lb of snow crab and shrimp skewers can be added on for an additional cost.

Also from the land section, there is a braised short rib with a red-wine demi sauce, chicken pot pie, honey orange duck breast and Chateaubriand.

With lots of seafood choices at HH, you may choose the Seafood Linguini and many other pasta/seafood selections. This delectable dish has Linguini noodles tossed in spicy marinara with shrimp, mussels and scallops.

The Daily Specials, Crab Cakes and the Wings are a best seller from the late-night menu with your choice of sauce.

And let’s not forget about their classic Sunday brunch!

“Sunday brunch day is fantastic at Harbour House where on average we get 200 heads popping by,” Ansari states. “You are treated with a variety of dishes including salmon, chicken, ham, bacon, fruits, desserts and more. Recently Open Table awarded us

Presenting the Seafood Plate for one with Broiled Canadian lobster tail, a 1/2 lb of snow crab, shrimp skewers, rice and house vegetables. The Seafood Platter for two includes grilled shrimp skewers, perch, two lobster tails and rice.

as a Best Brunch restaurant in Canada (OpenTable.ca/lists/best-brunch-ca-2022). It’s a family friendly mood and great eats for all.”

Locally sourced products are used as much as possible at HH, including the wine selection. Cab Merlot, a deep red wine from Harrow’s Colio Estate Wines, is an instant favourite. For the white wines, the Santa Margarita (Pinot Grigio) pairs well with the food items on the dinner menu.

Giving you those smooth winter vibes, one of the tastiest cocktails they serve is the Old Fashioned, an amazing drink with your choice of 2 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey.

Of course, there are plenty of beers, ciders, seltzers and speciality drinks to choose from, as well.

“Throughout the year we change the menu according to the season, so for sure we are all optimistic about changing it as per the demand, but we always keep our best sellers,” explains Ansari.

Don’t have time to dine-in? No worries, delivery is available on all platforms and they specialize in takeout orders.

They can also cater events like corporate, weddings and birthdays at the restaurant or off site.

“Our full-service team can handle any event at your residence or a private event in our party rooms,” he adds.

Holiday catering is a speciality and some of the menu choices for private events include Ahi Tuna, Chicken Scallopini and Blackened Salmon. They may also appear on the regular menu as well, from time to time.

“Our customer service is over the top and we take great pride in it,” Ansari expresses. “No matter what, we take the utmost care of our customers. The food is always consistent and we have specials every day. There’s always something happening at Harbour House in terms of events, music (themed nights inside as well) and weekly food specials.”

Reservations are not required, but recommended for parties of 10 or more.

To view the hours of operation and their fabulous menu, check their website: HarbourHouseWindsor.com. And to see a few photos guaranteed to make your mouth water, refer to their social media page: Facebook.com/harbourhousewindsor.

Out on the heated and sealed patio, diners can enjoy a 14 oz New York strip loin steak topped with a creamy mushroom sauce, accompanied by house vegetables and mashed potatoes. Add on a 1/2 lb of delicious snow crab if you choose, as well . . . and lots of melted butter!

THE PARENTING BIZ Battling Rising Costs

Extending Your Budget In 2023

FEATURE STORY By Victoria Rose

It’s 2023 and there have been talks of an upcoming recession, cost of living is going up and consumer spending behaviour is shifting.

For some, it’s time to cut costs in order to pay the bills.

The family budget has been dramatically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply chain disruptions, rising oil prices, and increased demand continue to affect our day-to-day spending, so Biz X is starting the new year with some advice on how to manage your expenses from food, entertainment, clothing and more.

FOOD & GROCERIES EAT WELL & SAVE MONEY

Food prices show no signs of going back to pre-pandemic levels so how can you cut costs on your grocery bill? Try to review flyers and plan your meals ahead of time based on those sales, and make a list (and stick to it!) to avoid impulse buying.

Look online for ideas about cooking freezer meals for one to two weeks in advance, or even a month. For families on the go, purchasing prepared meals can save time and money as well.

Zuleeats (Windsor)

Chef Zule Ankamah, Owner of Zuleeats, suggests buying or utilizing ingredients that you can use for multiple recipes.

“Plan your meal with what’s already in your pantry and fridge,” she suggests. “Use the same ingredients for two or more completely different dishes so nothing gets wasted.”

For busy families, picking up prepared meals not only saves time, but Ankamah believes selecting a variety of pies (or keeping them in the freezer) that she sells, can also satisfy different palettes at the table.

Swing by Zuleeats at 2760 Howard Avenue (Unit 7) to take home delicious meat pies, sausage rolls, Ghanaian dishes, snacks, and sweet treats.

Go to: Zuleeats.ca to find more information about their fresh and frozen offerings, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

As we welcome in 2023, a new year means a fresh start, however, families may have to pinch their wallets as the cost of living skyrockets and a recession looms large. Saving every little bit helps and The Parenting Biz feature story hopes to give you some cost cutting tips!

Owner/Chef Zule Ankamah of Zuleeats shows off some of the savoury pies available at her store on Howard Avenue in Windsor. The delicious graband-go foods not only save you time during the week, they can also help save money, reducing the need for ordering a delivery meal on impulse. At Zuleeats, customers can choose from fresh or frozen pies, sweet treats, and Ghanaian dishes. There are also vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. Photo by Sanja Tabor.

Auntie Aldoo’s Kitchen (Cottam)

“Buying a prepared meal gives you a chance to slow down and spend more time at home with your family,” says Alexandrea Anber-Lumadue, Owner of Auntie Aldoo’s Kitchen.

Along with saving you time in the kitchen and resisting impulse takeout dinners, Anber-Lumadue points out that shopping at a small business like hers means no long lineups that eat up your valuable time.

As well, her products use local seasonal ingredients so you can support area growers and try new things without driving too far.

“You’re putting money right back into the community,” she expresses.

When it comes to groceries, Anber-

Add prepared meals like this homemade Italian wedding soup (left) and lasagna (right) to your freezer for dinners that are ready to go on the days when you don’t have enough time to cook. The Farm House Market offers a convenient location to shop for fresh produce, dairy, baked goods and specialty items. Photos courtesy of The Farm House Market.

Lumadue recommends buying seasonally, buying in bulk when possible, and preparing and freezing food in large quantities.

Savoury pot pies, homemade soups and poptarts are always on the menu at Auntie Aldoo’s Kitchen, 123 County Road 34 in Cottam and their products are sold at select local businesses in the region.

Visit: AuntieAldoosKitchen.com to shop ahead, order specialty pies and desserts, and check out seasonal items.

The Farm House Market (Amherstburg)

“Everyone suffers from running out of time, with busy lives and kids activities . . . it’s no surprise that dinner is the last thing on people’s minds,” comments Elisa Quaggiotto, Owner of The Farm House Market. “By stocking up on local, pre-made meals that are nutritious and delicious, families can save money, time, and energy on figuring out dinner every single night.”

You can find a large variety of prepared meals and locally-sourced goods at The Farm House Market, 7601 Middle Side Road in Amherstburg.

The choices include local seafood from The Fish Guys, Oven 360 pizzas, Quinlan Farms meats, Picard’s nuts, and Chalice Spice.

To find out what is coming out of the kitchen alongside lasagna, Italian wedding soup, cabbage rolls, quiche, and other ready-to-go meals, check on their website: TheFarmHouseMarket.ca.

Schwab’s & Primo’s (Windsor)

“The best way to save money is to purchase in bulk,” indicates Brad March, Owner of Schwab’s & Primo’s.

The full service butcher shop and deli sells a large variety of foods including meats and sausages that can be bundled into a freezer order to save money.

March suggests that if your local butcher does not have a freezer package available, talk to them to get some ideas on bundling.

“Come up with the various cuts you use the most and speak with the butcher at your favourite meat shop to see how you can save money,” March states.

He continues by giving more details on his business: “We specialize in fresh beef, pork, chicken and lamb. We are also well known for our authentic Italian sausage and we also carry a wide variety of sausages, and a few grocery items including desserts, cheese bread and salads.”

Schwab’s & Primo’s is located at 1587 Tecumseh Road East.

Freezer orders and weekly specials are listed on their site and all you have to do to see them is click on: SchwabsMeats.com.

COZY UP WITH A GOOD BOOK

Find cheap secondhand reads in our book department!

THRIFT ON MILL

mccthriftontario.com/leamington 58 Mill St. W., Leamington

CLOTHING PRE-LOVED IS RE-LOVED

If you have a child who is growing faster than you can do their laundry, or a teen who wants to keep up with the latest fashion trends, you may be making frequent trips to the mall −− and that adds up.

Consider thrifted fashion: it’s ecoconscious, budget-friendly, and a big trend last year that certainly will continue in 2023. (In addition to the two shops listed here in this section please also see the home décor section for information on Thrift On Mill, which also carries clothing and footwear).

Plato’s Closet (Windsor)

Newly opened in Windsor in December 2022, Plato’s Closet carries gently used clothing and accessories that are in fashion and up to 70% off retail prices.

“Check in frequently as our inventory is made up of lots of unique items, so it changes daily,” says Scott Doerr, Owner of the Windsor location with his wife Lisa, who also owns a London location of Plato’s Closet and Once Upon A Child. “Watch our social media posts for information about events, sales and in store promotions.”

Plato’s Closet also buys used clothing so you can get cash for things you no longer need or your teens have outgrown. Doerr adds that when you bring clothing in to sell, if you plan on shopping in store the same day, you can save the HST.

“If the offer is $20 for us to buy the clothing that you are selling to us, let us know that you have been shopping and you won’t pay tax on the first $20 of your bill,” he notes as an example. “You would pay tax only on the difference.”

Check out the large selection of clothing (women’s size 00 to 30 and men’s size 26 to 44) Plato’s Closet offers, at

Plato’s Closet buys and sells gently used clothing and accessories allowing families to make money from things they no longer need and to save money buying the latest trends. Lisa Doerr (left in the racks) and her husband, Scott, recently opened the 500th Plato’s Closet store in North America at 7555 Tecumseh Road East in Windsor. Lisa is surrounded by staff members — Gabrielle (seated), Robert, Cheyenne and Hope (in the rack on right). Photo by Sanja Tabor.

7555 Tecumseh Road East. For hours, directions, and the latest updates, refer to: PlatosCloset.com/locations/windsor-on.

Siblings Children’s Consignment Shop (Windsor)

To save money on new and used clothing, baby gear and toys, parents should consider Siblings Children’s Consignment Shop.

Owner Jessica Ryan says that families can even make a few dollars on items that children have outgrown or did not use.

“You are saving money by buying second hand, but you can also make money by just going through your closet,” Ryan comments.

Sellers get 40% of what an item sells for and since the shop only accepts current items that are high quality, the turnover is high. Part of those sales is thanks to Ryan realizing how consumers wanted to shop. She tried launching a website during the pandemic, but it was time consuming to update and social media was generating a ton of traffic.

Ryan has kept that Facebook option and busy parents are taking advantage of the ability to shop from home or the office during breaks; she sends an invoice for payment and the item is then held for pick up.

“I was a mom working 9 to 5 and I just couldn’t get to the shops,” says Ryan, noting that adjusting to what customers want now accounts for 75% of her sales. “Parents like the convenience of online.”

Her extra tip for buyers is to remember that when they need a present or shower gift, they can make their budget go further at Siblings as there are many new items in stock as well.

Browse a large selection of new and used items at Siblings, at 1471 Ottawa Street, or to see the latest items go to: Facebook.com/ siblingsconsignment.

The kids always need fun activities to do after school and on the weekends that are close by. Plus staycations are still popular as people explore their own regions to save money on gas and costly hotels. So search for local businesses and organizations that can help you entertain the fam jam!

ENTERTAINMENT THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE

Museum Windsor

“Museum Windsor offers several opportunities throughout the year to access museums free of charge,” indicates Craig Capacchione, Museum Coordinator, Exhibitions, at Museum Windsor.

The François Baby House, located at 254 Pitt Street West, offers free admission all year long and the Chimczuk Museum, located at 401 Riverside Drive West, offers 12 free admission days a year.

“Our next free day at the Chimczuk Museum is Saturday, January 14, when we are hosting a Family Dino Day to celebrate our temporary exhibition Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas,” Capacchione points out.

Museum Windsor has also partnered with the Windsor Public Library to offer a free family day pass to the Chimczuk Museum, which can be found at participating library branches.

For future upcoming free admission dates and events go to their website: MuseumWindsor.ca.

Windsor Public Library

Magazine subscriptions or buying the latest best sellers can get expensive and where do you put them after you read them? Consider visiting your local library where popular magazines and books are on the shelves to be taken out and returned.

You can also utilize a phone app like Hoopla that connects to your library card so you can read magazines and other media digitally. And you can stream movies, music, and TV shows!

A great feature available to Windsor Public Library cardholders is access to e-resources like LinkedIn Learning, where your library card gets you free access to courses instead of paying a monthly fee.

Local libraries also offer free events for families year-round, so check the events calendar of your nearest library for some winter fun under the branch locations on: WindsorPublicLibrary.com.

Essex County Library

“We’re all looking for ways to save money, especially after the holidays!” comments Manuela Denes, Manager, Community Services at Essex County Library.

Across the county, there are 11 branches to serve the region.

Craig Capacchione, Museum Coordinator, Exhibitions at Museum Windsor stands in a part of the travelling display on loan from the American Museum of Natural History. This family friendly exhibition, held at the Chimczuk Museum, 401 Riverside Drive West in Windsor, explores the evolution of current theories about dinosaurs using fossil finds, computer simulations and provocative models. Photo by Rod Denis.

A child looks through books at Riverside Public Library in Windsor. Get access to the Internet, audio books, movies, games, magazines, special events, and more at your local library branch. Photo by Victoria Rose.

“With an Essex County Library card you have free access to not only books but, magazines, movies, and TV series,” says Denes. “Come and check out a board game to play with friends and family. We also have story kits, filled with picture books and activities to keep your little ones occupied on a cold winter’s day.”

Beyond media, cardholders can find things like Ontario Provincial Park passes that allow free access to provincial parks. There’s always more than just books at the library!

To find your nearest branch, sign up for one of the library’s many programs (for adults or children), and browse the catalogue, visit their website at: EssexCountyLibrary.ca/ client/en_US/home.

HOME DÉCOR SECOND HAND AND THRIFT TREASURES

Start the new year off by getting rid of anything you have not used in a long time. You can sell the items online, donate them, or take them to a reseller.

If you are getting ready to decorate, use free online tools to put your ideas together and then spend some time looking for new-to-you accessories.

George & Alice’s Place Inc. Antiques & Collectables (Windsor)

If you want to find something unique for your home, you need to visit George & Alice’s Place for antiques and collectables that cover a wide range of styles and eras.

“Buying second hand will save your pocket book in these trying times,” states Judy Trealout who owns George & Alice’s Place with her husband, Larry. “Second hand/antique furniture is made from real wood, is good quality, and lasts 20 to 30 years longer. You will pay less than new furniture prices and it can be refinished to your style.”

The store buys and sells items, offers consignment, does restorations, and can search for special items as needed.

“If we don’t have it, we strive to find it for the customers,” Trealout mentions.

Stop in at George and Alice’s large store at 1477 Wyandotte Street East to look through the broad assortment of everchanging inventory, including glassware, records, clocks, radios, décor (like old bottles and signs), and furniture.

They also carry toys, cameras, tools and sports’ collectables.

You can learn more about the business and see a few photos of inside the store on: GeorgeAndAlicesPlace.com.

MCC Thrift On Mill (Leamington)

“Perhaps the only thing good about this recession is that more and more people are realizing the benefits of shopping thrift!” expresses Cindy Epp, General Manager of MCC Thrift on Mill, a non-profit thrift shop that supports local and global relief projects through the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).

Epps adds: “Once home, that thrifted lululemon hoodie or New York Times bestseller novel, looks no different than if you paid five times the price of typical retail.”

The 12,875 sq. ft thrift shop — housed at 58 Mill Street West — offers a wide selection of items for your home including artwork, décor items, furniture, bedding, dishes, cookware and tools. They also stock books, craft and art supplies, toys, sports equipment, footwear and clothing. There’s even a colourof-the-week sale where selected in-store items are 75% off.

In Epp’s opinion: “Thrift is for everyone and can save you a lot of money that can help you pay for other things that cannot be discounted, like mortgages or a utilities bill.”

To learn more about how your shopping can be eco-friendly and make a bigger impact, view their website: MCCThriftOntario.com/leamington.

ENERGY BILLS RIGHT ON THE GREEN BUTTON

Saving money on energy bills takes a bit of research and planning, but can save homeowners lots of money over time.

Check your water bill and determine how you can reduce water usage, run the dishwasher or laundry only during select times, use LED light bulbs, buy energyefficient appliances, replace furnace filters regularly, unplug unused items, and look for possible sources of heat loss in the home (like around windows and doors).

ENWIN Utilities (Windsor)

In December 2022, ENWIN Utilities officially launched Green Button, a standard format for billing and consumption data that allows customers to track their energy use through third-party applications.

According to Todd Smith, Minister of Energy for the Government of Ontario: “Families and businesses want to be in the driver’s seat when it comes to their energy bills. Green Button is part of our commitment to give consumers more choice when it comes to their energy use and will enable easy, quick and secure access to their consumption data through smartphone or computer apps, so they can find customized tips to reduce energy use or switch electricity price plans to save money.”

Studies have found that access to energy data, which Green Button along with smart home devices enables, can help consumers achieve energy savings of up to 18 percent.

Ontario becomes the first province in Canada to mandate the standard.

Helga Reidel, President and CEO of ENWIN Utilities adds: “We are introducing a solution that can help over 90,000 customers better track their energy usage, and help them save on utility costs.”

Customers can access this functionality through their account via: My.Enwin.com.

Start with your budget. Are you able to put anything into savings or investments?

LOOK FOR SALES AND DISCOUNTS GET YOUR COUP-ON

If you have a student or a senior (or even a CAA member) in the family, look for discounts everywhere you shop. Many stores have special days for seniors or offer additional savings when you show a student card, military ID, or membership card.

Don’t forget about those coupons either!

Check the front of the grocery store or shelves for coupons, load up your phone apps with offers, or — if you can wait on a specific purchase — ask the store about upcoming sales and incentives.

And if you are on social media, use Facebook or Instagram to follow Windsor or Ontario couponing accounts to learn about sales near you.

Remember to support local as much as you can as your favourite retailers in Windsor and Essex County feature clearance sales throughout the year. One current example is that you can save up to 40% on fall/winter fashions at Three Lambs Registry & Baby Boutique, 13444 Tecumseh Road East in Tecumseh, but there are lots more sales to find as well!

SAVINGS FILL UP THE PIGGY BANK

Set some time aside to review credit card and bank statements and take a look at your spending habits.

Take time to discuss finances with your children and encourage healthy spending habits.

Financial literacy can start at a young age; start small . . . set up a savings account and as your child receives money, discuss their options for saving and spending.

For your child’s future, talk to your bank, credit union contact or a financial planner, about a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), a special account that helps pay for post-secondary education.

The minimum investment is often quite low and allows families to access other incentives to maximize the fund.

Family Services Windsor-Essex

“My advice would be to set a budget and learn to live off cash and track spending,” says Jody Bridgewater, Voluntary Trusteeship Program Worker at Family Services Windsor Essex, a non-profit, charitable counselling and advocacy centre that offers mental wellness counselling and individual support services including income tax completion.

“Be realistic when setting the budget and each month look at your receipts and bank statements to see where you could have saved more,” Bridgewater suggests.

Questions about the programs offered by Family Services?

Visit the office at 1770 Langlois Avenue in Windsor or check out: FSWE.ca.

© Can Stock Photo/iqoncept

HELPING CHILDREN AND YOUTH REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL SINCE 1978

We’re here for you!

Does your child have any difficulties with everyday activities like crawling, walking, feeding, or talking?

John McGivney Children’s Centre proudly serves children and youth throughout Windsor-Essex from birth to 19 years of age, and up to 21 if attending high school.

You do not need a diagnosis, or a physician referral to access our services. Services provided in all languages.

OUR SPECIALTY SERVICES:

P Occupational Therapy P Physiotherapy P Speech Language Therapy P Augmentative Communication P Seating & Mobility P Therapeutic Recreation P Social Work & Service Navigation P Specialty Medical Clinics P Autism Services

3945 Matchette Road Windsor, ON

Services are available virtually, in your home, in school, and in our Centre.

2023 FAMILY BUDGET CUT BACK ON EXPENSES

A new year is a good time to get a fresh start, check your finances, and get creative.

Consider the advice of the business owners and organizational contacts interviewed here to see if there are ways to save money and cut down on your expenses in 2023.

Regular Operating Hours:

Monday — Friday 8:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

519.252.7281 info@jmccentre.ca

Funded by the Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services