Oakville Magazine - Holiday 2015 Edition

A publication by Q4 Communications WINTER 2015 | $4.95

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Comfort Food

Seasonal recipes from two popular restaurants

Roman Holiday The best time of year to visit Rome

Winter Fashion

Latest styles for parties or casual

Coming Events

Things to do while in Oakville

Shop the

Neighbourhood November 29 – and every day

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DOWNTOWN OAKVILLE M A K I N G

Christmas MEMORIES

450+ UNIQUE SHOPS, RESTAURANTS & SERVICES FOR MORE INFO VISIT OAKVILLEDOWNTOWN.COM OR DOWNLOAD OUR APP! *ANDROID VERSION COMING SOON

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magazine

Holiday 2015 Celebrating the Town of Oakville – the shops, dining, businesses, events and tourism.

Table of Contents magazine

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Publisher

Steve McNeill sm@q4communications.ca

Creative Director

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Eric Pezik ep@q4communications.ca

Art Director Patti Whitefoot-Bobier

Contributor Suzy Godefroy, Nicolette Little

Director of Marketing Suzy Godefroy sg@q4communications.ca

Content Consultant Nicolette Little

Holiday at Home

Works of a Renowned Artist

Ernestine Tahedl at Trias Gallery in Bronte Village

Local retailers ready to make your home festive

Distributed in The Globe and Mail and available at local hotels, participating retailers and GO stations in Burlington and Oakville.

Oakville Magazine is published four times a year by Q4 Publishing, a division of Q4 Communications.

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Copyright 2014.

All rights reserved.

Winter Fashion

A publicAtion by Q4 communicAtions WINTER 2015 | $4.95

Outfits for every occasion in the boutiques along Lakeshore

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Gift Guide

Retailers tell us what’s hot this holiday season

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Comfort Food

An ideal serving from two of Oakville’s most popular restaurants

magazine

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yo Greatjust for -17 or s 14 page

Comfort Food

Seasonal recipes from two popular restaurants

Roman Holiday The best time of year to visit Rome

Winter Fashion Latest styles for parties or casual

Coming Events Things to do while in Oakville

Shop the

Neighbourhood november 29 – and every day

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4 Thanks to Men in High Heels Standing up (or tottering) for an important cause 8 Art in the Square Two art galleries add to the vibrancy of Oakville’s famous Towne Square 11 Oakville’s Sweet Revolution Let local bakeries tempt your taste buds this holiday season 21 Dangerous Christmas Trees? Preventing accidental fire during the holidays 23 Holiday Myths Debunked Stay healthy when faced with temptations 25 20 Years of Giving Oakville Community Foundation has been here for the community Oak ville Magazine

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SPECIAL MENTIONS

Thanks to Men in High Heels Standing up (or tottering) for an important cause

By Nicolette Little

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n Sept. 28, Oakville men walked in high heels to raise awareness about violence against women, and publicly spread the word that attitudes that lead to women’s physical, psychological and sexual suffering exist – and must stop.

Notable walkers included Mayor Rob Burton and councillors Jeff Knoll, Tom Adams, Marc Grant and Max Khan. Sheridan College President and CEO Jeff Zabudsky also strutted in heels, leading “Team Sheridan” in the effort to end the violence many women face.

Over $90,000 was raised in support of Halton Women’s Place, between the Oakville event and Burlington’s walk the day before. A record 119 men came out this year for the Oakville walk, and their pledges will go towards the shelter’s programs and services over the next year.

According to Halton Women’s Place’s Director of Development, Carm Bozzo, “Woman abuse is not a women’s issue. It is a human rights issue and this event demonstrates the fact that boys and men

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more boys and men will continue to walk – not just to raise money, but to spread further awareness about the issue of violence against women, and stand as role models in their community.

Until next year, gentlemen: For now, however, you’ve certainly made us proud!

Oakville’s First Film Festival

he inaugural Oakville Festival of Film & Art (OFFA) on Sept. 27 featured a full day of programming at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. The central theme was Rogues and Heroes, and both film and photographic art focusing on the good and bad in human nature, and the ongoing battle between good and evil, was shown.

OFFA is already in the process of creating a bigger festival for their sophomore outing. After the one-day red carpet affair in 2014, they will be looking to put on three days of events at the end of June next year. Executive Director Judah Hernandez believes that, after the success of this year’s film festival, they now have the foundation to build something fantastic in the Oakville community.

“We are in talks with several key distributors both in Canada and internationally to bring in even bigger and better films,” says Judah. “We are working to screen more than eight carefully curated features and a plethora of short films that we believe Oakville will be proud to host.”

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need and want to be a part of the solution in ending violence against women.”

She, and the Hope in High Heels (Oakville) committee, comprised of community members Tom Ormerod, Suzy Godefroy, Nadirah Nazeer, Marleen Filimon and Nicolette Little, hope that

Judah Hernandez, Executive Director of OFFA, with artist Bahman Tavoosi, Toronto-based film and television producer/director Paul Saltzman, and artist Louie Palu at the VIP Party for OFFA.

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HAPPENINGS

What’s On in Oakville

By Nicolette Little

NOVEMBER Santa in the Square Saturday, Nov. 29 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Surrounded by holiday music and treats, and against the backdrop of Oakville’s beautiful Towne Square Christmas tree, whisper your Christmas “wants” to Santa, who will be there for a visit from kids and families from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Warning: you’d better have been good!)

Santa’s headquarters on this day will be Towne Square, in Downtown Oakville. Call the Downtown Oakville BIA at (905) 844-4520 for more information.

Wagon Rides & Carollers in Downtown Oakville Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 29-Dec. 21 Dash through the snow in a horse-drawn carriage with family and friends, and take in the beautiful sounds of holiday carollers. There’s no better way to cheer yourself, with family friends in tow, during the chilly winter season! Wagon rides start in Towne Square, and carollers can be found throughout Downtown Oakville on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the pre-Christmas period.

Visit http://www.oakvilledowntown.com/events, call (905) 844-4520, or email events@oakvilledowntown. com for more information.

DECEMBER Bronte Creek Victorian Christmas Saturdays and Sundays throughout December Visit a Victorian home all trimmed and decorated

for Christmas; wish the petting barn critters a happy holiday; then don a 19th-century outfit for a picture with Santa! This December, Bronte Creek Provincial Park’s Spruce Lane Farm is holding its epic Victorian Christmas (formerly Homestead) – replete with traditional games, sleigh rides, wagon rides, storytelling and refreshments for the whole family.

You can access Bronte Creek Park from Burloak Drive, just North of the QEW. Call (905) 827-6911 or visit www.brontecreek.org for more information.

An Evening of Champions Saturday, Dec. 6 6:30 p.m.

Held at the prestigious Oakville Club, on the edge of Sixteen-Mile Creek, An Evening of Champions is a private Scotch tasting at which you can celebrate some of the world’s best single malt whiskies. Not only does this event bring people together for an impressive selection of Scotch, but it also has a Celtic flare with live Scottish entertainment, haggis, wines and a remarkably elegant ambiance.

To purchase tickets, contact James Sawyer in advance at james.sawyer.bagpipes@gmail.com or (905) 510-2801.

Outdoor Activities at Bronte Creek December – February, weather permitting Feel like tobogganing with the kids? What about some cross country skiing? Believe it or not, you don’t need to go as far as Collingwood to enjoy these outdoor sports, because Bronte Creek (as long as the weather permits) has hills and trails for public use.

The Park also maintains a massive outdoor skating

rink, so – while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding “centenarian” trees – dust off your skates and try a few spins on ice. You and your kids will make memories that will keep you warm throughout the winter months.

Call (905) 827-6911 or visit www.brontecreek.org for more information.

JANUARY Frozen for 30 Years The Courage Polar Bear Dip celebrates milestone Thursday, Jan. 1 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Coronation Park Each year, with brave hearts and chattering souls, hundreds of Oakvillians jump into the icy waters of Lake Ontario to raise funds for World Vision. Help Courage brothers Trent and Todd raise money for clean water projects around the globe by registering for this outrageously fun, if icy, event. Wear a funny costume to help show your New Year’s spirit, and bring the family along to enjoy a costume contest and great music – as well as cheer you on!

The fun begins at 12:30 p.m. with registration and live music, continues with the costume contest at 1:15 p.m. and culminates in the dip itself at 2 p.m. There’s a post-dip party at Tin Cup Sports Grill, 1540 North Service Road West, Oakville.

Visit www.polarbeardip.ca, email info@polarbeardip.ca, or call (905) 469-6677 or (800) COURAGE for more information. OM

The Courage Polar Bear Dip at Coronation Park celebrating its 30th anniversary.

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WINTER FASHION Outfits for every occasion in the boutiques along Lakeshore

By Suzy Godefroy

Oakville’s Lakeshore east to west offers a multitude of ladies’ clothing boutiques featuring designers from across North America to many popular European collections.

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ith the winter winds on their way, warm fuzzy sweaters, whimsical wraps and taunting tunics are a great way to jazz up the wardrobe and they go perfectly with tights, leggings and skinny jeans for the holidays.

A walk through both Downtown Oakville and Bronte Village offers the fashion conscious shoppers an amazing array of choices, featuring designers from all over the continent. From BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP, Desigual, Diane von Furstenberg, Paul Brial, Miik, Gerry Weber, Joseph Ribkoff, Stielmann, Sandwich, Simon Chang, Scape and

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Michelle Windheuser, there is an array of style to be found on Lakeshore Road.

Avante Anna Cammarata, owner of Avante Boutique in Downtown Oakville, is known as a true stylist by many of her loyal clients who often visit her to be outfitted from head-to-toe. Anna notes, “I love getting them out of their comfort zones and putting together a dynamite outfit with many of our designer lines.”

Oakville Magazine wanted to get the “skinny”

on holiday and winter trends in fashion. “For everyday comfort I would recommend a pair of Simon Chang leggings. The fabric is thicker, making it very flattering on the body, soft and cozy, user-friendly and comfortable. Simon Chang has included a detachable stirrup option to keep your legging in its proper place. These are available in plain and with pleather options, as well as some with beading for a more festive flavour,” says Anna.

Avante stocks a variety of beaded, lurex, tunics, sweaters and tops to complement their leggings

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selection. Red is always a fashionable choice during the holidays and Avante Boutique has provided a beautiful selection of these goods in this colour.

For the holidays, Avante offers a spectacular selection of cocktail dresses, as well as gowns.

Whether you are looking for a plain or beaded garment, they have it all. For house parties and more casual living, Avante offers a great selection of tops and tunics appropriately detailed for the holidays.

Saint Laurent, Michael Kors, Christian Louboutin, and Jimmy Choo, shopping is truly a treasure hunt at Closet 112, By Consignment and Second Chance!

Additional services include online viewing of the consigned merchandise and an opportunity to create your very own wish list, which is a great way to hone in on that gorgeous Chanel bag you’ve always wanted!

Ti Vesto

Fun in the Sun

In Bronte Village you will find Ti Vesto Boutique, another distinctive ladies’ fashion boutique featuring striking Italian and European designs.

Owners Claudia and Marila Russo opened the store 2.5 years ago and it has been going strong since, with exquisite Italian, French and Spanish lines including La Fabrique (Italy), Alessandro De Benetti (Italy), ONE (Italy), Scapa (Belgium), Gaffer and Fluf (Greece), Dola’ (Roma Italy), Andrea Turchi (Italy), Javier Sinorra (Spain), Charo Azscona (Spain), Kina Fernandez (Spain), Celena (Paris), and many more.

Shopping is always an event at Ti Vesto Boutique, twin sister to Italy’s “ELINA OGAY ROMA,” run by Claudia’s sister Marila Russo – who is a personal shopper and a qualified expert in exquisite textiles – and Claudia’s best friend Maria Salvi, designer and fashion consultant.

Maria is the creator of the Bas Bas and Mamoda lines of clothing found exclusively at Ti Vesto.

For winter and holidays, Claudia recommends lots of knits. Some of her favourites include Dola, Terre Alte Merino wool knits and the La Fabrique collection. La Fabrique features gorgeous fabrics and detailing which blends Mediterranean influences with modern styling.

For the holiday and New Year’s, Ti Vesto features Madrid-based designer Charo Azcona, who has been designing formal wear for over 30 years. Renowned for the quality of the fabrics used and their sharp cut, Azscona is a favourite for holiday wear.

Cruise season is on. As you make plans for a week of sand and sun, your resort wear wardrobe experts at Beachy Keen have you covered! Beachy Keen is Oakville’s only specialty swimwear boutique.

Located in the heart of beautiful Downtown Oakville, Beachy Keen carries an extensive collection of designer swimwear for all shapes and sizes.

Enjoy their top designers including Azura, Baku, Vix, and Seafolly.

These beautifully crafted bikinis come in every colour and print from floral, boho, peekaboo, sport, tribal to graphic. There is something for everyone. In addition to swimwear, your getaway resort wardrobe may include cover-ups, sarongs, pareos, beach dresses, sun hats, sandals, beach bags and flip flops.

Consignment Destinations Oakville has always been known for its high fashion, so it is no surprise that there are a number of designer resale stores. In the heart of Oakville’s Downtown you will find By Consignment on Trafalgar Road and one block west, both Closet 112 Consignment and Second Chance on Dunn.

These boutiques have become great fashion destinations for consignors and consignees. All items are hand selected for their quality and authentic design. Owners Jill Fioroni, Sandi Hicks and Nicole Jevons have collaborated together to build the pre-owned designer clothing business and have become a terrific trio!

From Gucci, Hermes, Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana, Burberry, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Yves

The place to shop for something different everyday...

Vibrant Reds Changing your hair colour is a brilliant way to begin the holiday season in style. One of the most fashionable colours this year is red with tones of violet and plum-berry. These rich tones of red look amazing on everyone. To get yourself in motion, book a hair colour consultation with a trained and qualified colour expert. As hair colouring is an art, a good colour expert will know how to take your hair to the next level.

Oakville has a wealth of hair and beauty studios and boutique salons such as Many Faces and Atelier Salon. Both offer a number of luxurious hair services to keep your style, cut and colour current.

Many Faces, a cornerstone in Oakville for nearly 30 years, features the best in technical hair expertise and superb hair products. Enjoy the friendly, warm and always avant garde atmosphere located on Reynolds Street in Downtown Oakville.

Just a block away is Atelier Salon, another staple for hair and beauty Downtown. At Atelier your hair will receive the very best treatment.

Enzo and his team are committed to bringing you the top knowledge and technical skills in the industry. Consider booking an Atelier Beauty Hair Colour Bar session this holiday season and fire it up! OM

312 Lakeshore Road East Downtown Oakville 905.815.9130 Oak ville Magazine

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Art in the Square Two art galleries add to the vibrancy of Oakville’s famous Towne Square

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hen Towne Square Gallery opened its doors in Downtown Oakville in 2007, it completed the casual flavour found in the heart of the town’s heritage commercial district. Visitors can linger over a delicious lunch in one of the square’s restaurants, chat over a coffee at the café, and browse through two floors of original works by artists from Canada and around the world.

Towne Square Gallery has since been joined by Native Art Gallery, offering a diverse and interesting display of indigenous Canadian works of art.

Together, these galleries carry a wealth of unique and original artwork that has attracted collectors from around the world and offers a wonderful opportunity for art lovers to drop in and simply browse.

Owners Joanna Tomal and Frank Bruno have transformed the square into an artistic and cultural hub and further created a buzz of activity with regular exhibitions and related events that they hold in their twostorey modern gallery.

Joanna and Frank have developed a wide following, not only with their selection of artists, but through their decades of experience in residential and corporate art consulting and installation. Gallery services also include an impressive array of wooden

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frame mouldings from leading Canadian suppliers, including the exclusive Roma Elite collection.

Dedicated to the promotion and sale of artwork created by Canada’s indigenous peoples, Native Art Gallery has been a staple of the picturesque downtown since 1995. The gallery is under new ownership, Joanna and Frank, who moved it from its previous street location to Towne Square – next door to their contemporary gallery.

As the only gallery dedicated to promoting this work between Toronto and London, Native Art Gallery plays a critical role in presenting indigenous Canadian art from the northern reaches of Nunavut to the Six Nations Confederacy in Southern Ontario.

The gallery features a vibrant and varied collection of sculpture, paintings, ceramics and prints. It recently launched an e-commerce section on its website.

Towne Square Gallery, 94 George Street www.townesquaregallery.com Native Art Gallery, 94 George Street www.nativeartgallery.ca

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Works of Renowned Artist,

Ernestine Tahedl at Trias Gallery in Bronte Village

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rnestine Tahedl is a celebrated Canadian artist who continues to push boundaries with her work. Her stained glass creations and paintings can be seen in public, corporate and private collections and galleries in Canada, the United States, France, Switzerland, Austria and Japan.

The special appreciation of Canada’s mountains, coastlines and dramatic vastness is evident in many of her large-sized paintings, which also reveal an emphasis on the poetic.

Born in Austria, Ernestine started to draw, paint and print at the age of 5 in the studio of her father, renowned artist Heinrich Tahedl, and was only 15 when she was accepted to the Vienna Academy of Applied Arts in 1955.

In 1963 she was invited to Canada to create large murals for the Alberta School of Technology in Edmonton. While the project never materialized, she stayed in Edmonton for two years working on several stained glass commissions, as well as a

terrazzo mural for the Federal Post Office Terminal.

In 1966 Ernestine received the Allied Arts Medal from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in recognition of her advancement and excellence in stained glass work. A year later she created a large glass commission for “The Sanctuary,” for the Canadian Pavilion at Expo ’67 in Montreal.

Ernestine moved to Ontario in 1983, experimenting with painting and printmaking while making the Canadian landscape her predominant subject. Her relationship with Trias Gallery started in 1999, when she exhibited in their former downtown Toronto location. Reflecting on her Canada Series in 2000 she explains, “The landscape of Canada had the strongest and most lasting impact on my decision to make this country my home. Although my paintings are recognizable as landscape paintings, each work does not represent a particular motif or place. It is the essence of a place that I strive for in painting. My

inspiration comes from experience in travels in the Canadian Arctic and other regions of Canada, South and Central America and the Antarctic.”

Bravo Network followed her studio process and technique in Michael Glassbourg’s production of An Artist’s Life in 2007.

More recently, Ernestine is transporting the classical music she loves into her paintings. The result is more abstract than her previous work, but she continues to draw inspiration from her strong connection with nature. She mounted a large European solo exhibition in 2013 and 2014, showing in Bratislava, Slovakia and Zagreb, Croatia. This past summer, her latest paintings were shown in the medieval Austrian castle, Schloss Pöggstall.

The art of Ernestine Tahedl can be seen at Trias Gallery in Bronte.

Trias Gallery is located at Unit 29, 11 Bronte Road. Visit www.triasgallery.com for more information.

Godefroy Marketing Concepts & Design Integrated Marketing, Event Production & Communications every tree has a story

Suzy Godefroy ~ 905-599-1907

Wishing you and your trees a Merry Christmas. storybooktreeservices.com Oak ville Magazine

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twitter / bronteevents facebook / bronteevents youtube / brontebiaoakville

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From the Merchants, Board and Staff of the Bronte Business Improvement Area

2014-11-24 6:32 AM

Oakville’s Sweet Revolution Let local cafés and bakeries tempt your taste buds this holiday season

By Nicolette Little

Oakville is getting sweeter by the minute. As if the big old trees, kilometers of lakefront paths, and attractive Downtown and Bronte cores weren’t compelling enough reasons to visit, local bakeries and tea shops have been doing some pretty sweet things, both culinary and conceptual, to tempt the curious Lakeshore Road wanderer.

Sweet! Bakery and Tea House

CJs Café

Aroma Espresso Bar

Craving a sugary “pick-me-up” on a recent stroll in Bronte, I decided to pop into Bronte’s Sweet! Bakery and Tea House. Surprise number one was that I knew the owner! Ashley Armstrong and I had grown up as neighbours, but hadn’t seen each other since childhood.

The second piece of news, however, was what Ash told me about her shop. It had been up and running for a couple years, and had developed quite the clientele: Baking 14 flavours of cupcakes fresh, every day, proved to be a hit – as had the uniqueness of those flavours (think pumpkin cheesecake, butter pecan and Coffee Crisp, for example).

This Christmas, Sweet! will be creating holidayflavoured cupcakes like gingerbread, candy cane and “drunken eggnog.” Ashley invites all Oakvillians to try the shop’s range of cupcakes, or come by for a coffee. Cupcake and cake orders for holiday parties and events are now being taken.

Sweet! Bakery can be found at the corner of Lakeshore Road West and Bronte Road. Visit www.sweetbakery.ca or call (289) 837-1193 for more information.

CJ’s eclectic café has long been a cornerstone of Bronte. Organic salads, sandwiches, breakfast teas and coffees are mainstays of the shop, which specializes in food that contributes to “personal and planetary health.” Vegans and those with gluten-free diets will also find treats they can enjoy.

Anyone who’s ever visited CJ’s will attest to the wealth of unique, handcrafted gifts it carries.

Creations by local jewellers, painters and ceramicists are regularly featured, so if you’re interested in supporting Oakville artists and the local economy, or looking to buy Christmas presents for your friends and family, be sure to stop by.

When asked what treats CJ’s has in store for the holidays, the café’s eponymous owner describes her cranberry-turkey wrap, made with organic turkey from a local small farm, and roasted by CJ Martin herself. This dish – paired with an organic salad topped with hemp-hearts, chia, and pumpkin and sunflower seeds, not to mention CJ’s homemade organic dressing – is not to be missed. Of course, CJ’s candy cane hot chocolate has also been known to warm the hearts and hands of Oakville’s winter wanderers.

CJ’s can be found at 2416 Lakeshore Road West, in Bronte. Visit www.cjscafeinbronte.com or call (905) 465-0411.

‘Tis the season…for a S’more Hot Chocolate or a Fig and Goat Cheese Croissant. Aroma Espresso Bar opened its doors in August.

This being said, its steamed hot drinks and unique culinary creations – like the seasonal ones noted above – have made it immediately popular with locals. According to owner and manager Juliana Brasil, there’s something for everyone at this café: Whether you’re vegan, require a gluten or nut-free diet, or just enjoy freshly prepared, healthy foods and breads, it’s worth stopping in to try the drink or food menu items. Juliana invites you to “keep warm, this winter, at Aroma Oakville, where everyone is welcomed like an old friend!”

Aroma Espresso Bar is located at 321 Lakeshore Road East, in Downtown Oakville. Visit aroma.ca, or call (905) 582-0302 for more details.

So the Sweet Revolution has come to Oakville.

The abovementioned cafés and bakeries – along with a plethora of other quaint and delightful spots in the Bronte and Downtown cores – will warm you inside and out this holiday season.

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Holiday at home

By Suzy Godefroy

Local retailers ready to make your home festive

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s we all know, getting ready for the holiday is like a double-edged sword. On the one hand, transforming your home into a winter wonderland with all the holiday shimmer and shine brings back those child-like feelings of wonderment, awe and excitement. On the flipside, shopping, cooking, cleaning, decorating, wrapping and entertaining can be downright frightful. A visit to Downtown Oakville will take a little bit of the heat off for you, as many retailers there are eager to assist you with all of your holiday entertaining needs.

Be it Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or New Year’s, holiday preparations raise a lot of angst for most of us. Add your career and the kids, and you certainly could feel like taking the high road!

From the perfect turkey, to that special festive table setting, to your living room and dining room, chances are you have everything covered 12

for a fantastic family dinner.

Christmas décor gives a home that special festive look that puts you and your guests “in the spirit” and adds warmth to the room, says Yvonne Little, local resident and broker at RE/MAX ABOUTOWNE Realty Corp. “What are the holidays without the wreaths on the doors, the lit fireplaces, the holiday-themed candles, and of course, the carols playing and scents of home-baked gingerbread in the background?”

To Set A Table offers the latest in cookware and tabletop products. Enjoy their colourful table linens and all of the holiday finishing touches such as candles, napkins and serving trays.

The folks at Canadian Sound will also get you set up with the state-of-the-art home theatre perfect for the Christmas season and New Year. Canadian Sound is located on Navy Street in the historic

home of Oakville’s founder William Chisholm, just footsteps from Lakeshore. So surprise the gang with great sound and lights on Christmas morning.

If you love vintage barn board furniture, head over to see Murray and Gaye at Murron’s Cabinetree. Known to many during the holidays as the “Christmas Store,” their shop is decked out with colourful holiday accessories and unique stocking stuffers. Specializing in handcrafted reclaimed barn board furniture from Gettysburg, VA, and timeless home accessories, you will feel right at home at Murron’s Cabinetree.

Another notable landmark in Oakville is Swiss Interiors, offering four floors of home furnishings and accessories featuring mainly Canadian-made furniture in all styles. Whatever your home decorating needs are, Swiss Interiors will help you dress your home up for the holidays. OM

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GIFT GUIDE

Silver Reindeer Stainless steel $12.95 – $27.95 Mercury Glass Trees $21.95 - $79.95 Murron’s Cabintree

BLACK WHISKY STONES Polished soapstone beverage cubes; chill without diluting. $27.95 Murron’s Cabintree

WINE TWIRLS Keep the chill in the glass. $24.95 Set of 4 Murron’s Cabintree

carving set made in Switzerland by Victorinox Lovely rosewood-handled knife and fork carving set, includes a large wood cutting board with a juice trough. $199.99 To Set A Table

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Spiralfix by Gefu The hottest trend in raw food diets or just for fun: the Spiralfix creates pasta out of vegetables such as zucchini or carrots. Easily make fettucine and ribbons of beets, sweet potatoes, peppers, and more. $55.00.

To Set A Table

The Rotary Candle Made in Sweden, brings back memories of childhood.

The twinkle of the candle spins the fan above, throwing spots of light everywhere. $12.99 To Set A Table

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house & home Oakville is the place to find cool gifts for around the house

Felt seasonal decorations Cardinal $15.95 Mouse $5.95 Swiss Interiors

Aluminum car bookends $65/pair Swiss Interiors

Aluminum bicycle bookends $39/pair Swiss Interiors

Pyramid Nativity Comes in an array of styles and sizes. $79 – $129 Swiss Interiors

Native sculpture Swimming Bear by Joanie Ragee $875 Native Art Gallery

Inuit Art 2015 Calendar $19.95 Native Art Gallery

Talking Bowl by Veran $29 Native Art Gallery

oak ville magazine

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OAKVILLE This is your Downtown

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Comfort Food Seasonal sensations from two of Oakville’s most popular restaurants

W

ith the cold weather comes the craving for warm comfort foods that nourish the body and soul such as hearty soups, goulashes and stroganoffs. These dishes are filling, easy to prepare and a great choice for a family gathering.

Every home cook has their favourite recipe, perhaps from a cookbook or handed down through the family. For something special, Oakville Magazine turned to Peter Gotterson, Executive Chef at Seasons Restaurant in Downtown Oakville, to get

his suggestions for a menu that would impress your guests.

“Venison ragout is a popular seasonal dish at Seasons, and for dessert, I would choose Beer-a-misu – one of the specials at bru, our sister restaurant next door to Seasons,” Peter says.

“The venison ragout is a hearty dish that is served over a handmade chestnut pappardelle at the restaurant, but would go well over any fresh pasta noodle, baked into a canneloni or ladled

onto soft polenta.

“Beer-a-misu is a delectable choice that will have your guests craving for seconds. The dessert carries the classic flavours of Tiramisu blended with the roasty deliciousness of Imperial Stout.”

These two dishes, like the recipes at all four of their restaurants (Seasons, Corks, bru, Maluca), are original creations of the restaurant chefs.

Below are Peter’s recipes so you can try your hand at restaurant cooking at home. Bon appetite!

Venison Ragout

Beer-a-misu

Yields 8 entree-sized pasta dishes

The classic flavours of Tiramisu blended with the roasty deliciousness of Imperial Stout!

1 kg diced venison stewing meat 1 large Spanish onion 4 stalks celery 4 cloves garlic 3 tbsp cooking oil 1/4 vanilla pod, or 1 tsp vanilla extract 75 ml ruby Port 1 L beef stock 2 tbsp white sugar 1 scant tsp allspice In a large, heavy bottomed pot, over medium-high heat, warm 1 tbsp of oil and brown half of the venison. Using a slotted spoon, remove the meat and add a second tbsp of oil. Sear the remaining half of the meat and once again remove using a slotted spoon.

Lower the heat to medium, add the final tbsp of oil and the vegetables, all cut into medium-sized pieces.

Stir in the sugar and caramelize the vegetables. Add the meat back to the pot and deglaze with Port. Season to your taste with salt and pepper, but remember that as the sauce reduces and concentrates, so will the saltiness. Add the remaining ingredients and cook, covered, over medium-low heat until the meat is tender and the liquid has reduced to a sauce-like consistency. This can be served immediately, but is better served the day after, once the flavours have had time to meld and develop.

Yields 12 large dessert portions 1 500g tub Mascarpone 1 L heavy (whipping) cream 250 ml white sugar 3 double shots (~175 mL) of espresso 175 ml of Imperial Stout (such as Wellington’s Russian Imperial or Nickelbrook’s Bolshevik Bastard) 50 Savoiardi (Lady Finger) biscuits Using a standing mixer, whip the cheese, sugar and cream until it forms stiff peaks (depending on the moisture content of your cheese and the strength of your mixer, this can take up to 10 minutes). Combine the coffee and beer and dip the cookies into the mix individually. Layer into the bottom of a 6˝ x 10˝ pan. Pack in as many cookies as you can so that they form a firm, compact layer.

Add half of the cream mixture. Make another layer of dipped cookies and top with the remaining cream. Dust the top with cinnamon or powdered cocoa if you are feeling artistic! OM

Oak ville Magazine

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2014-11-23 10:30 PM

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Dangerous Christmas Trees?

I

t’s the holiday season, our most festive time of the year. It’s a time of celebration, joy and connecting with family and friends.

Unfortunately, this important time can also be one marked by tragedy if precautions are not taken against accidental fire.

According to the Canadian Safety Council, every year about 400 Canadians lose their lives in an accidental household fire. In fact, it’s during the holiday season that the number of deaths caused by accidental household fires is at its highest.

Patrice De Luca, Vice President of Marketing and Customer Care for Reliance Protectron Security Services, says the major culprit for this significant increase is the Christmas tree. “You need to take every possible precaution to minimize the risks of fire, especially if you choose a natural tree,” he says. “Fire is one of the greatest threats to your family and home. People do not realize the emotional toll a fire can take, even if there is no loss of life.”

Here are safety tips to consider from Protectron’s free “Saving Lives Program”: • If possible, consider an artificial tree. They are much safer and cleaner.

• Leave the tree outside until you’re ready to decorate.

• The tree stand should hold at least 1 gallon of water. It’s crucial to check the water level every day.

• Detectors for smoke and carbon monoxide should be installed at strategic locations – your kitchen, stairwell, bedroom hallways and other

high-traffic household areas. Monitored smoke detectors can save lives by having operators standing by 24-7 and dispatching emergency services if required (for example if fire occurs while sleeping).

• Keep the tree away from floor heaters, fireplaces, or other heat sources.

• Use only CSA-listed lights, and no more than three strands linked together.

• Use miniature lights, which have cool-burning bulbs.

• Turn off the Christmas lights when you sleep, or if you leave your home for very long.

• Examine light strings each year, and discard worn ones.

• Fasten the bulbs securely and point the sockets down to avoid moisture build up.

• Avoid overloading wall outlets and extension cords.

• Have an operable fire extinguisher readily available.

• Practice an escape plan at least once a year.

Make sure the whole family is involved.

• Finally, dispose of your tree properly at the end of the season.

Protectron’s “Saving Lives Program” is offered free to families considering home security solutions. More information on the program or on fire safety and home security is available online at www.protectron.com. www.newscanada.com

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Keep it Light 10 expert strategies for enjoying holiday foods without the weight gain

F

un, family, food – the holidays are packed with enjoyable activities. But hectic schedules, holiday stress, and tasty indulgences at every turn can lead to a few extra pounds by the year’s end. Fortunately, with a few smart strategies, joyful eating doesn’t have to result in holiday weight gain.

Dr. Aimee Gould Shunney, a licensed naturopathic doctor specializing in women’s health and family medicine, says to forget the all-or-nothing attitude during the holiday season. “Depriving yourself of holiday foods isn’t part of a healthy eating strategy and it’s no fun! It will make you more likely to overeat other foods and less likely to feel satisfied. Allow yourself a small portion of your favourite food and enjoy it.”

Dr. Shunney offers these 10 tips for enjoying holiday foods to the fullest without gaining weight: 1. Be realistic. Setting goals to lose weight over the holidays is unrealistic. Strive to maintain your weight and not gain.

2. Don’t skip meals. Skipping meals will cause your blood sugar to drop, making you irritable and causing you to burn calories less efficiently.

You are also more likely to overeat if you arrive at a party famished.

3. Eat a light snack. Having a small piece of fruit, yogurt, cheese, or almond butter on an apple or banana before going out will make you less likely to binge on fattening or sweet foods later.

4. Eat slowly. Chew your food thoroughly so you can taste it and enjoy it! Plus, chewing well aids in the digestion process. Remember, it takes up to 15 minutes to feel the effects of food.

5. Be selective. Take small portions of all your favourite foods, emphasizing protein, vegetables, and high-fibre options. Don’t eat sweets or carbohydrates alone, and keep your protein intake regular throughout the day.

6. Make a plan. Decide when you are done.

When you have tried a little bit of all your favourite foods and feel satisfied, put your napkin on your plate, have a mint or a piece of gum and pour yourself a glass of water to sip.

7. Choose your beverages wisely. Alcohol is high in calories – about 7 calories per gram. Liquors, sweet wine, and sweet mixed drinks (holy eggnog!) contain 150–450 calories per glass. Try to alternate your alcoholic beverage with water or a fruit juice spritzer.

8. Eat Omega-3 fats. Fish oil is important all year long for its anti-inflammatory properties and proven ability to reduce risk for heart disease, improve insulin sensitivity, decrease pain, and improve age-related cognitive function.

9. Exercise. Classes and group activities are great, but this time of year it’s extra helpful to have a form of exercise in your pocket that can be done on your own schedule, like walking, running, swimming, or doing an exercise video. Another option: Grab a family member or the dog and go for a walk before or after a large meal. It’s a great way to get some time with a loved one, or maybe a bit of alone time for yourself.

10. Focus on life’s sweet moments. Sometimes, when things get stressful and hectic, dessert or a glass of wine can seem like the quickest, easiest way to reward yourself. But does it really get the job done? And more importantly, does it serve you in the long run? Make a list of all the things that bring you pleasure and joy. Try to do one every day.

Dr. Shunney reminds people it’s important to maintain perspective during the holidays. “Overeating one day won’t make you gain weight. It takes days of overeating to do that,” she says.

“Choose your foods wisely, eat healthful foods more often, and limit fatty foods, sugars and alcohol. If you overindulge at a party, put it behind you. The most important things to remember are balance and moderation.” (BPT)

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Holiday

Holiday Myths Debunked Stay healthy when faced with temptations By lisa P.

T

he snow falls, carols play, and a new sense of excitement fills the air. This time of year is magical, but also busy! It’s easy to feel stressed, overwhelmed and run-down – and our pants begin to fit tighter as well.

A variety of foods confuse our taste buds and brain. It takes longer to trigger that we are full.

Eat a balanced meal earlier in the day and a healthy snack later on. Stick to one dish, or put together a protein, carbohydrate, and vegetable.

This season avoid these common traps:

3) “I’m too busy to work out, but I will be doing lots of walking and standing on my feet.”

A busy schedule will not increase your bone density, raise your heart rate, or boost fat burning.

Three 10-minute workouts are just as effective as one 30-minute workout. Take the stairs 20 times.

Do squats, push-ups and plank on your lunch break. Focus on yoga poses before bed.

1) “Lighter drinks make it OK to indulge just a little bit, right?”

A 4 oz. drink with tonic water or soda has 10 grams of sugar. A 4 oz. glass of wine has 2 grams of sugar. Keep it simple. Excess sugar equals excess weight gain.

2) I skipped lunch. It’s OK, there will be tons of food at the potluck later!”

Potluck foods are filled with fat, sugar and sauces.

No one wants to be the person who brings the vegetable tray!

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2014-11-19 8:02 23 AM Oak Magazine oak ville ville Magazine

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Comfort Food

Seasonal recipes from two popular restaurants

Roman Holiday

The best time of year to visit Rome

Winter Fashion

Latest styles for parties or casual

Coming Events

Things to do while in Oakville

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community

20 Years of Giving Oakville Community Foundation has been here for the community

S

o often we are asked at The Foundation about the needs in the community, and where people can help. The ability to provide those answers to our Fundholders, those people who have decided to establish a Fund with The Foundation, so it can continually grow year-afteryear, and be able to provide income to give to charities, is the essence of what The Foundation does.

Just over 20 years ago, this not-for-profit charity called The Community Foundation of Oakville (renamed The Oakville Community Foundation) was established. In the first year The Foundation made an initial grant of $10,000 to the waterfront stage in Coronation Park and today The Foundation is able to grant over $2 million to charities annually.

Pictured are representatives from Foundation partners Kyle Barber, YMCA, Melissa Cameron, Acclaim and Brad Park, United Way Oakville.

What Has Been The Success?

Investment strategies and due diligence are keys to The Foundation’s growth and success. At the helm of The Foundation’s Investment Committee is Jeff Black, who shares his insights in The Foundation’s Investment approach and purpose.

In Jeff ’s words, ‘The Community Foundation is ‘a win-win-win’ model. It’s a win for the Fundholder in terms of well-managed funds plus matching them to local needs, a win for the charitable agencies who receive funding so they can make a difference and a win for The Foundation in terms of sustainability and being able to be that ‘go to’ place for Oakville. There is just no downside.”

Jeff says the process behind the investment results is based on detailed work, experts around the table and extreme due diligence. The focus is continued vigilance around risk. While The Foundation does have a long-term time horizon in managing endowments, good returns still come from properly managed risk.

There are great people on the Board and committees, and due to their leadership, The Foundation has connected with other large-scale

charitable organizations like the Lions Foundation and the Oakville Hospital Foundation such that The Foundation now stewards their investments. This speaks volumes.

The Community Foundation movement is the fastest growing form of philanthropy worldwide.

More and more community foundations are being organized. Canada has 191 community foundations and we have had other countries visit to learn more about the model. So thank you for being part of this movement.

Foundation volunteer Christine Szustaczek.

What Is The Oakville Community Foundation?

We all care about our homes, our communities, the places we have lived, played, worked, and raised a family and many of us want to find a way to give back to these places. The Foundation has been making it possible to give back to the community now, and leave a legacy for the future, since 1994.

There are several ways that you can make a

difference today and for years to come. Contact The Oakville Community Foundation to learn more about the ways you can get involved.

(905) 844-3562. To learn more about The Foundation, visit theocf.org . OM Oak ville Magazine

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2014-11-23 10:51 PM

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Roman Holiday How to avoid crowds in Rome

T

Rome has been a starring city on the world stage throughout history. Art is all around you in this cultural centre where pieces by Bernini, Raphael, Caravaggio and Michelangelo are daily décor.

he city surrounds you with masterpieces from throughout the ages, making it a highly coveted destination with plenty of crowds.

DreamPlanGo has provided some tips to help you avoid long lines and enjoy the city in peace: Time your trip. Certain times of the year bring in more crowds than others. If you truly can’t stand masses of gawkers, it’s best to avoid Rome during June, July, August, Easter, Christmas and New Year’s. Cooler weather, but also quiet sites and lower prices, will great you in November, early December, January and February.

Evade long lines at the Colosseum. The Colosseum in Rome is one of the biggest attractions in the country and a bucket list stop for many. Don’t let the winding long lines deter you from seeing this world wonder. Start by purchasing your ticket, but not at the Colosseum. Buy a combo ticket for two sights at Palatine Hill. The line at Palatine Hill is short or even non-existent. You’ll get your ticket purchased, tour the ancient parts of the city at the hill and still get into the Colosseum with time to spare.

Mind the time of day you visit the Vatican. It pays to be organized. Book your tickets to the Vatican in advance online. Try to make it for first thing in the morning and as the doors open, make your way directly to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel or the Raphael rooms. These masterpieces by the Renaissance artists get very crowded. If you’re not a morning person, visit at 1 p.m., while people are elsewhere eating lunch. Alternatively, save the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael rooms for last, right before the Vatican closes at 4 p.m.

Enjoy Via Appia Antica (The Appian Way). Get a breath of fresh air and stretch your limbs in this Roman road that feels like an exclusive escape.

Spreading out on the south side of the city, it reaches nearly 545 kilometers outward to Brindisi. Take a bus tour through the Italian countryside, or bike the path on Sunday when all vehicles are barred.

If you want to escape the Roman crowds altogether, visit Dreamplango.com to learn more about the 5 Day Trips You Must Take From Rome.

(BPT)

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