Look Local Magazine - Winter Issue 2021

eat shop play local

Oakville & Burlington

IS

TT

W

AR

O

Volume 8 Issue 7

P WI TH R U M

PIZZA THE BEST LOCAL

O

WHAT'S INSIDE?

COZY BACKYARD PATIOS WELLNESS RESOLUTIONS FOR 2021

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GARDEN GIRLS

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OAKVILLE HOME LEISURE

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Shop These Bronte Businesses Online!

Lakeside Livin΄ Home Décor

Bogart Home & Décor Consignmment

Good Night Good Morning

Ananda Soul

Good Night Good Morning

Shop Online at LookLocal.ca

Help #SupportLocal

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D

C O V E I S R

BRONTE VILLAGE

STEP 1

BRONTE BIA

STEP 3

STEP 2 ENJOY A WALK

FIND THE HIDDEN LIGHTHOUSE

Bundle up and

STAY A WHILE

stroll to Bronte.

Visit 50 uniquely painted Muskoka

on each chair

Pick up takeout

chairs in the business district and

& tag your photos

or window shop.

heritage waterfront park.

@BronteEvents

brontevillage.net

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FOLLOW US @BronteEvents

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

an evening at the

BRANT INN Friday, March 12

In the 1940s and ‘50s, Burlington’s very own Brant Inn was host to some of the most famous entertainers in the world. Join us for “An Evening at the Brant Inn” for a joyful glimpse into our past.

Your ticket includes a take-out dinner prepared by Pepperwood Bistro Brewery & Catering, dessert from COBS Bread Headon Forest, beverage by Nickel Brook Brewing Co., dance lesson and demonstration by danceScape via Zoom, and live musical entertainment broadcast from the Joseph Brant Museum.

FILLER / BURLINGTON MUSEUM?

Order by March 5 for pick up on March 12 from Joseph Brant Museum between 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Tune in from home from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm for your evening entertainment. Regular price, $55/person, ($49.50 for Museum members), includes tax.

purchase your tickets at

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CONTENTS VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 7

WINTER 202 1

16

HOME & GARDEN

22

COMMUNITY

28

SHOP LOCAL

30

HEALTH & WELLNESS

40

JUST FOR FUN

48

Making Your Backyard Cozy

United Way's Annual Art Auction

Treat Yourself With Our Selection of Wellness Products

Tips for Health & Happiness in 2021

Virtual Birthday Parties

FOOD & DRINK Risotto - Origins, Flavours, Recipe & Wine Pairings

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ss e n ll e W utions Resolge 30 Pa

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FAIRHOME

CUSTOM JEWELLERY DESIGN

LAURA TEDESCO

# 1 - 1 9 5 L O C K E S T R E E T S O U T H, H A M I LTO N

905 528 4414

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Many people tell me that one of the hardest things to handle during this pandemic is our inability to plan ANYTHING. Certainly this has been true for the local independently owned businesses that we exist to serve, as well as our team here at Look Local.

But after another 2 month break from publishing a printed magazine, I am proud to say we are BACK, and it is so great to see that many of our small businesses are still with us.

I sense some tentative optimism, and an expectation that we are through the worst of this and 2021 will be a better year.

Our community has been amazing at doing what they can to support local businesses, and as we look forward to spring, please keep doing whatever you can to Shop Local. It is going to take some time for people to recover and the need is still great.

We hope you enjoy the first issue of Look Local in 2021!

Tim Root publisher

cf

LOOKLOCALMAGAZINE

looklocalmagazine.com

OAKVILLE & BURLINGTON

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 7 PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

Tim Root

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jonathon Root

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Beth Walder EDITOR

Anneliese Lawton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Denise Davy Jenny Ratcliffe-Wright Kristen Sanchioni ART DIRECTORS

Jennifer Brewster Sarah Lush Ashly Bowers MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Celina Ip For Advertising or General Inquiries 905.845.8732 info@looklocalmagazine.com Look Local Magazine is published 10 times per year and is distributed for free at over 550 locations in Oakville, Burlington and surrounding areas. Copies are also distributed to select neighbourhoods using direct mail.

Look Local Magazine is owned and published by Novavita Publishing Limited 1464 Cornwall Road # 8, Oakville, Ontario L6J 7W5 Copyright: All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without written permission from the Publisher is strictly prohibited.

Editorial contributions: Look Local encourages contributions of articles, recipes, photographs and other creative materials from the community. Please email info@looklocalmagazine.com or mail to 1464 Cornwall Road # 8, Oakville, Ontario L6J 7W5. We reserve the right to edit materials received and can assume no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Select photos courtesy of Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation Disclaimer: Advertisements published in Look Local Magazine are supplied solely by the advertiser and the Publisher accepts no responsibility for opinions expressed in advertisements or for copyright issues with respect to them.

Printed in

Canada

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Furniture & Home Decor

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EDITOR’S LETTER

W

e’re officially on the other side of another lockdown – and I think I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t hard. As I analyze the ups and downs of this last year, I recognize how momentous life truly is, no matter how chaotic. Last year challenged many of us well beyond our comfort levels.

And while the pandemic may have followed us into this new year, I believe this year is a year of hope and new beginnings. Give yourself grace as we start to climb out from this pandemic. We are all in this together. It’s only up from here.

Resolutions usually sound like this: hit the gym, eat more veggies, take chances, reduce stress, live a healthier life – you know the drill. With help from local experts, we’re providing an alternative approach to the typical resolution. One that focuses on the mind, the spirit, and the body. Read our Wellness feature for inspiration.

Birthdays are special. And when it comes to celebrating a birthday, there isn’t a more monumental way than a birthday party. Check out creative virtual party ideas in our Just for Fun feature.

Outdoor entertaining has become a growing trend over the past year—and with good reason! Our Home and Garden feature will help you transform your patio, backyard, or balcony into a functional extension of your living space, even in the cooler months.

Want to try your hand at a popular dish? Risotto is simple and fun to make. Read our Food feature for wine pairings, interesting advice, and more!

With an Art Auction in March, the United Way of Halton and Hamilton needs support to continue with their important services. Read our Community feature for a spotlight on this wonderful initiative and what you can expect from their upcoming auction.

Brb, shopping local,

Anneliese Lawton

E DITOR

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| anneliese@looklocalmagazine.com

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Home & Garden

Season OUTDOOR LIVING FOR EVERY

by KRISTEN SANCHIONI

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O

utdoor

entertaining

has

become

a

growing

trend over the past year—and with good reason!

With more time spent with family at home, our

patios, backyards, and balconies have become a

wonderfully functional extension of our living space. Perfect for

socially distanced visits, they are the ideal spot to gather with

loved ones, while still conforming with our health guidelines.

We are almost through the worst of our frigid winter, and spring

is just around the corner. Many of us will be looking forward to venturing outdoors again, and enjoying some limited social interactions with friends or family. By incorporating a few key

design elements, you can create a patio or backyard that is both functional and cozy for outdoor entertaining all year round.

inspired home décor

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WARM AND TOASTY Perhaps the most important aspect of entertaining in cooler weather is keeping warm. While Canadians are no stranger to bundling up in winter, introducing a heat source to your space invites people to settle in for conversation and a visit.

Outdoor friendly fireplaces are the quintessential gathering place for cool-weather entertaining. If you don’t have the budget or you dislike the permanence of a built-in fireplace, there are stylish and portable options. Fire pits, chimineas, fire tables, and patio heaters are available in every size, style, and price point. At Oakville Home Leisure, Jeremy Kalapacz notes that this has been their busiest year-to-date. “The demand for fire pits and patio heaters has been incredible this year!” he says.

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“We are fully stocked for the upcoming season and expect to be just as busy, if not busier this year than last.”

Wood burning fire pits and chimineas are among the most popular, but there are loads of stylish gas-powered fire tables and pits that are convenient and easy to start.

Gathering with your friends and family around an open-air fire with a warm drink sounds pretty wonderful if you ask us!

UNDER COVER With the heat source as your centerpiece, it’s still important that people are comfortable enough to stay for a while. Is there anything more bone-chilling than sitting for hours on a cold, hard chair? “The furniture we carry is all high end that can last for many years outdoors,” assures Jeremy. He also notes that a little maintenance goes a long way to preserving the look and longevity of your patio set.

W H O L E H O M E A U TO M AT I O N | H O M E T H E AT R E S | L I G H T I N G S O U N D S Y S T E M S | W I N D O W T R E AT M E N T S | S E C U R I T Y

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Local Links 1 Oakville Home Leisure, Oakville oakvillehomeleisure.ca

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3 Sheridan Nurseries, Mississauga sheridannurseries.com 4 Centro Garden, Burlington Centrogarden.com

“Although you don’t have to tarp or cover your furniture, it is good housekeeping to do so.” Oakville Home Leisure has many options for protective patio coverings that will keep the snow and rain off.

Padded and weather-resistant furniture is a must, but if you prefer the rustic charm of a Muskoka chair, consider draping a sheepskin throw over the back to provide some stylish cushion and warmth.

Adding or adapting an outdoor structure like a pergola is a relatively small project but can provide protection and shelter from the elements by adding a roof. Retractable roofs, plexiglass, or canvas will keep the snow and rain off and also help keep the fire heat contained.

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ACCESSORIZE! Creating that cozy hygge atmosphere outdoors requires a little ingenious thinking.

Many plants do well outside in winter, and nurseries like Sheridan have the knowledge to help you choose the right ones. Planters with potted greens such as yew and rosemary, and larger trees like boxwood, cyprus, and evergreens are useful for privacy and blocking a sudden gust of winter wind.

Even with the glow of a fire, additional lighting will make your space feel magical.

Strings of fairy lights or strips of solar lighting wrapped around planters immediately warm up the atmosphere.

Finally, remember that this space is an extension of your home. Layer winter-friendly textiles the same as you would indoors: decorative pillows, rugs, and sheepskin throws.

Having a pile of thick blankets on hand means that people are warm enough to settle in for a longer visit. Offer a warm drink and some s’mores and they might never leave! LL

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Community

women united TO SHOWCASE FEMALE ARTISTS

by DENISE DAVY

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I

t’s a way to introduce the community to some incredible artists.

It’s a way to bring strong, innovative women together. It’s a way to raise money for those in need. It’s the United Way of Halton and Hamilton’s Annual Art Auction, and it’s a win-win for all.

Running from March 1st to the 12th, the art auction is a chance to introduce the community to some of the best female artists in the area, while at the same time raising funds to support important programs.

Organized by a group within the United Way known as Women United, this national program has become an integral part of the United Way and is made up of female leaders and community members.

Jassy Hundal, Director, Resource Development, United Way Halton and Hamilton, says the group’s role is to work on fundraising initiatives, help raise awareness of the needs in the community, and showcase what programs are available to help people. Jassy says it’s a win-win because the women who are members get a chance

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to use their talents and resources to empower girls and women in the community and, in doing so, they help create lasting change by improving their communities.

This year’s co-chairs of the Women United cabinet are Margaret Grice and Jennifer Cooke.

“It’s a way to get amazing female art pieces to people and a great way to raise funds for the community,” says Jassy. Part of their role is to connect with local female artists. This year’s goal is to have at least 20 pieces from a variety of female artists who will donate their art for free. Last year’s auction raised $45,000 through the works of Oakville painter Leslea Mehltretter, a self-taught award-winning portrait artist who donated 42 pieces for the event.

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Was it a tough decision to go virtual this year? Jassy says "no". “The United Way has been amazing at pivoting and becoming creative

at raising funds. It’s another way we can do it that’s safe. We’re at the point with the pandemic where we’ve become innovative so it was a natural fit,” says Jassy.

The United Way of Halton and Hamilton supports Hamilton, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Halton Hills and, under the pillar of Women United, it invests $1.1 million annually into 12 agencies that fund 26 programs to support women and girls.

Those programs focus on intervention, mental health, girls’ empowerment

programs, crisis, and

prevention, including

sex trafficking, abuse counseling, violence against women counseling, and programs for young girls to build self-esteem.

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Members of Women United work together to raise awareness of the needs and to support the programs. Jassy says this year’s auction is especially important because of the challenges the pandemic has created for some people. “We know that there are so many people on the edge of crisis who are facing significant barriers. For example, gender-based violence has increased by 20 to 30 percent and there are a lot of single moms living with food insecurity who need support.”

Since the pandemic hit, there have been many signs that people are feeling stress. Almost 40 percent of non-profit groups in Ontario have seen increased demand for their services and many people, including families, are accessing United Way programs for the first time.

The demand at food banks and the need for income support have increased in Halton and Hamilton by 13 percent in the past year and 45 percent of Ontarians have reported that their mental health has deteriorated since COVID-19 began. As a result, distress centres have seen a 300 percent increase in the number of calls.

“It’s a tough time for everyone, so with this year’s auction we definitely wanted to come together to support United Way initiatives,” says Jassy.

For more information on the Art Auction, please visit uwhh.ca or contact Jassy Hundal at jhundal@uwhh.ca LL

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#TAKEOUTTOHELPOUT

Presented by

FEBRUARY 18 - MARCH 21 Special Take Out Options

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Visit tasteofburlington.ca for Participating Restaurants and Specials.

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The Chill Essentials Kit was created with your favourite self-care rituals in mind. CHILL (Black Lava Salt Soak) will create a relaxing bath experience, while WILD ONE (Restoring Mist Spray) will uplift your mind and spirit throughout the day.

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Make self-care a 2021 priority and treat yourself to these relaxing (all-natural) bath bombs and salts in three different scents, including: Eucalyptus Lavender, Just Breathe and Cashmere. Light a candle, drop them in a tub, relax and enjoy!

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IN

U

ACHIEVING

N

R

L

IO

E

H

THE R ES NG O KI

T

-T

Health & Wellness

health + happiness I N 2021

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T

he New Year isn’t the only time to make resolutions – but anytime someone says the word resolution, it’s usually followed by something like this: hit the gym, eat more veggies, take chances, reduce stress, live a healthier life – you know the drill. Each and every year we craft a list with the intention to finally start living our best life. And each and every year, without fail, we always seem to fall off the wagon.

I think I speak for many when I say that 2020 was the year that changed everything. For many of us, it put life into perspective. Twentytwenty forced us out of our comfort zones, into stressful situations, and provided the opportunity to learn what truly matters.

Now, in 2021, we have the chance to take this new perspective and act on it. With help from local experts, we’re providing an alternative approach to the typical resolution…. one that focuses on the mind, the spirit, and the body. We understand fitting into that old pair of jeans is nice – but how we feel on the inside is what truly counts.

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Karen Sue-A-Quan, Pediatric Clinical Care Pharmacist at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto and Spiritual Life Coach, is an Oakville resident and mom. With a special interest in medication that treats anxiety and pain management, Karen has been directly exposed to the mental health implications of COVID-19. As a Clinical Pharmacist and Life Coach, Karen has created a dual role for herself that complements one another – using science and intuition to help others focus on their soul health.

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When it comes to setting goals, Karen says setting goals that are in harmony with who we truly are is key. While it sounds easier said than done, Karen says it’s important to think about the conversations we’re having with ourselves and open our awareness to who we are rather than what’s projected on us. “Everything we experience shapes us.

COVID-19 is providing less physical noise and more time to reevaluate what we want from life – but the emotional noise from all of this is loud.”

Karen says things like sleep and nutrition are great for our physical well-being.

She stresses, “it’s important to make time for joy. Put it at the top of your to-do list – whether it’s music, nature, conversations, or dancing.”

Learning about new things such as plants, starting a new program, or taking on a new project can also shift our mindset.

Brenda Jasmin, Public Speaker with a B.A. in Psychology is no stranger to changes that a shift in mindset can bring.

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Through her studies in positive psychology, Brenda has learned that a positive mindset helps with not only mental health but physical health as well. Research has shown that people with a positive attitude are less prone to depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. They also have less stress, better coping skills (especially during times of hardship), and a better overall mood.

Brenda says, “You can experience sadness surrounding COVID-19 and still have a positive outlook for the future. Look for the good (we typically look for what’s negative) and ask yourself what you can be grateful for at this moment.” No commute, more time with family, and time to explore your neighbourhood trails are just some to consider.

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As for a well-rounded resolution, Brenda suggests setting time aside to replenish your energy with gratitude, self-compassion, and time to commiserate with friends and family. Brenda says it’s important to find activities that fill you up rather than drain your energy.

LEATHER LOFT

Like Brenda and Karen, yoga instructor and life coach, Renée Walker, is passionate about helping people cultivate self-awareness to help to align their energy level and create more peace in their day. Renée says that now more than ever it’s important to disconnect from external noise and simply “be”.

“I hesitate to talk about resolutions as I prefer to think of them as daily practices that focus on your ‘being’ instead of your ‘doing’”, says Renée.

She recommends finding ways to find peace and being present in the moment. “I love the idea of daily rituals because they are unique for each person. They can include activities such as meditation, journaling, visualization, a walk outside or simply taking a moment to drink your

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coffee/tea each morning free of distractions.” This provides an opportunity to begin your day with intention instead of moving straight into a more reactive mode which usually involves giving to others.

If you’re not sure how to get started on this new approach to the resolution, one that focuses on the health of your mind and body – our experts know just where to start.

Karen (karensueaquan.com) runs a class called ‘Soul School’ which helps people connect with their true self – Karen stresses that if we understand who we are, our mind will be more at ease and we’ll be more likely to achieve what’s important to us.

This January, Brenda (brendajasmin.com) started running an online class called ‘Happiness Habits’, where you can learn how to apply positive psychology tools to your life. Brenda will also be running a corporate program in resilience training.

As for Renée (reneewalkerwellness.com), she’s running a series of mental wellness courses on her website, covering everything from meditation, finding balance, and teaching you how to be accountable to your goals as you honour and make yourself a priority.

Resolutions should make your life less stressful – so with guidance from these three ladies, kick-off new goals that truly matter to you! LL

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A GREENER PLACE

VISIT OAKVILLE

Frontline Rates.

Oakville hotels are offering special rates for essential workers.

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your favourite local shops all in one place looklocal.ca

If you are a local business Interested in joining the marketplace, email us at info@looklocal.ca to learn more.

Shop your

Add items

Choose

favourite local

to your cart

between

supporting local

businesses all

from multiple

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in one place

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Feel good about

2021-02-11 4:09 PM

B E TA V E Fusion Mineral Paint - Champness Sold By: Pure Boutique, Burlington

Bistro Cream and Sugar Set Sold By: Lakeside Livin', Oakville

iPhone 11 Pro Max Smart Battery Case Sold By: Core 1, Oakville

Sock Monkey Toy Sold By: Bogart Home, Oakville

$24.99

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Stay in the loop!

Our marketplace is now live and growing everyday! If you love shopping locally, check us out regularly. New merchants joining daily!

looklocal.ca

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R

Just for Fun

VIRTUAL

BIRTHDAY PARTIES YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

by ANNELIESE LAWTON

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B

irthdays are special. And when it comes to celebrating a birthday, there isn’t a more monumental way than a birthday party. Over the last year, the traditional birthday has taken a creative twist. From decorated lawns, birthday car parades, and even Zoom parties – there have been plenty of original ideas to share the love with those we love on their big day. However, when it comes to the little ones in our lives, it’s not always easy for them to understand why they're blowing out their candles in front of a computer rather than in a bowling alley.

But thanks to some clever and innovative businesses, virtual birthdays can be more fun than ever! Here are some of our favourite ways to celebrate:

Take-Home Activities from Chickadee Kids Co.

When Nathan turned 6 in January, there was only one thing he wanted – a dino-party – and mom, Lisa Evans, knew just what to do.

As the owner of Chickadee Kids Co., Burlington’s family toy store,

OAKVILLE MUSEUM

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Local Links 1 Chickadee Kids Co., Burlington

Chickadeekidsco.com

2 My Gym, Oakville Mygym.com

3 Snapology, Milton Snapology.com

4 MollyCake, Burlington Mollycake.ca

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she

had

access

variety

of

dream

come

activities Lisa

bags”

to

help

a

and

this

to

life.

friends

and

created for

toys

to

Looking for a custom piece?

“birthday

family to pick-up and take

home the day of the party.

In the bags, she included

a dig-it-up dino egg to

excavate during the call

and all of the ingredients to make dinosaur snot (aka slime). Lisa started

the party with dinosaur

trivia cards and walked

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the kids through each

step of the party together.

“When we excavated the eggs together, the kids

got so excited to show

for your home and fa mily

each other the dinosaur

they had found in their

eggs. It was really fun

and felt like we were all together.” Chickadee Kids Co. has everything from

dolls and spaceships to

RUSTIC DAISY'S GREENER PLACE

books and loot bags – and Lisa is there to make recommendations

and

bring your party to fruition every step of the way.

Canadian made items Coming in weekly RUSTICDAISYS.CA 25 Main St S. Waterdown ON | 289 260 7414

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Get Active with My Gym My Gym LIVE brings exciting, customized birthday parties to your home, living room, or backyard. Kids will have loads of fun as they dance, play games, party, and make memories together with LIVE entertainment delivered by an energetic My Gym Party Specialist! Depending on the age of your child, your party will feature captivating activities, games, puppets, songs, and more! Perfect for ages 1-10 years.

Lego Themed Birthday with Snapology If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate your child’s birthday, Snapology has a ton of options! This hands-on experience is great for kids who love to tinker and build. Perfect for ages 1 to 14, Snapology engages children using LEGO bricks, K’Nex, and technology. While kids are having fun building and chatting with their friends, Snapology

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sneaks in learning (shhh, don’t tell them it’s educational). Up to 20 kids can join the party via webcam and their Snapologist will lead a themed group activity of the birthday star’s choosing.

Themes range from Hello Kitty and Paw Patrol to Star Wars and Fortnite. The options for fun are endless!

2020 Talk Of The Town Award Winner

BEST SANDWICHES

SANDWICHLEATHER SOCIET Y TUNDRA

The Great Birthday Bake-Off At this birthday party, you can have your cake and eat it too! MollyCake sells a variety of ready-to-scoop and bake cookie doughs (AND vanilla swiss buttercream icing)!

Before the party, drop-off some pre-packaged cookie dough, icing, and sprinkles to your guests. When the party starts, have everyone bring out their baked cookies and decorate them together. Add some games and activities to make the day extra magical!

905.338.5377 or info@sandwichsociety.ca to book your order

!"$

sandwichsociety.ca

Your Voice in Ottawa

KARINA GOULD GREENER PLACE

And there you have it! You might be home, but you can still have a memorable celebration. LL

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CALLING ALL FOOD LOVERS

TASTE OF

Oakville

W

is Back!

e are happy to announce that Taste of Oakville will be returning this year with a new twist! From February 15 to March 6, 2021, participating restaurants in Bronte Village, Kerr Village, Downtown Oakville and across Oakville will be hosting prix fixe lunch and/or dinner menus available for takeout and delivery.

In the past, Taste of Oakville has solely been an in-room dining experience, but this year you will be able to enjoy a two- or three-course meal from the comfort of your own home.

Throughout last year, Oakville’s restaurants have adapted to the everchanging circumstances by maintaining proper COVID-19 protocols, and will maintain their high safety standards during our Taste of Oakville event.

Keep your eyes peeled on Visit Oakville’s Instagram, as you could have a chance to win a gift card to a participating restaurant during our special prize giveaways leading up to and during the event.

Taste of Oakville is the perfect opportunity to explore some of Oakville’s wonderful restaurants and help support local businesses. Please visit our website atasteofoakville.com to see all participating restaurants and to find out more about our Taste of Oakville event. LL

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8.7_Ta

TASTE OF OAKVILLE

FEBRUARY 15 - MARCH 6 , 2021 A CULINARY EVENT

Featuring restaurants from Bronte Village, Downtown Oakville, Kerr Village and across Oakville offering prix fixe lunch and dinner menus.

ATASTEOFOAKVILLE.COM

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Food & Drink

rice shine!

AND

DISCOVERING RISOTTO

by J E NNY

48

RATCLIFFE-WRIG

HT

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R

isotto, in its simplest form, is a hearty, warming rice dish which takes on the flavour of added ingredients as well as the richness from the broth or stock used. Regardless of the flavouring, it is usually finished with butter and Parmesan cheese. Risotto is not only popular, it is simple and fun to make.

Rice is, naturally, the star of the dish. It produces starch from the gentle stirring in the cooking process which rubs the starch off the surface of the rice, thereby thickening the cooking liquid. Choosing a rice that doesn’t have enough starch means that the classic creamy texture cannot be achieved.

People frequently ask which is the perfect rice for risotto? The grain should be short to medium in size with a high amylopectin (starch) content. This will ensure it holds up well to the constant stirring: the final texture should be soft, but with a slight chew or bite. Arborio rice is the easiest to find and therefore most popular, but it can result in a mushy dish if stirred too much. The real purists use Carnaroli rice, which is

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Local Links RESTAURANTS FEATURED IN THE STORY:

1 Di Mario’s Trattoria, Burlington Dimarios.com

2 Casalinga Ristorante, Mississauga

Casalingaristorante.com 3 Loondocks Restaurant, Burlington

Loondocks.ca

4 Rust Bistrobar, Burlington Rustbistrobar.ca

OTHER LOCAL ITALIAN RESTAURANTS WORTH EXPLORING:

5 Ritorno Restaurant, Oakville Ritorno.ca

6 Piazza Bistro, Oakville Piazzabistro.ca

7 Borgo Antico Cucina Bar, Oakville

Borgoantico.ca 8 Capra’s Kitchen, Mississauga

Capraskitchen.com 9 Buca di Bacco, Oakville Bucadibacco.ca 10 Pasquale’s Trattoria, Oakville Pasqualestrattoria.ca

called the king or caviar of risotto rice, as it maintains its shape in cooking better than Arborio rice and produces a super creamy texture. When shopping for risotto rice you may see the words: superfino, semifino and fino on the rice packet and this refers to the size of the grain as well as the firmness that the grains maintain on cooking. Superfino is the recommended size grain for the creamiest risotto. You should ensure you never rinse the rice before cooking.

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The story of risotto began in the 14th century when the Arabs brought rice to Spain and Sicily during their rule. Italy had an ideal climate to grow short grain rice and there was plenty of available land on which to cultivate it, so rice quickly became part of Italian food culture. Legend has it that a young apprentice in Milan named Valerius was the father of risotto. In 1574, he was responsible for making the stained glass window to be fitted in the Duomo, the Milan cathedral, using saffron to create the pigment. People made fun of his methods and techniques and he became angry, so in retaliation, he added saffron to the rice at his master’s wedding, hoping to ruin the festivities. But on the contrary, the rice was so delicious it launched risotto to fame.

There are countless flavours of risotto often depending on seasonality or availability of ingredients. Risotto Milanese, flavoured with saffron, and finished with butter and Parmesan is certainly the most classic style and is traditionally served as an accompaniment to osso buco. Di Mario’s Trattoria in Burlington serves a delicious osso buco with mushroom risotto. Risotto ai frutti di mare would be served in coastal towns in Italy

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EESE

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with mixed seafood, garlic, onion, white wine and fish stock. Casalinga Restaurant in Mississauga serves a fantastic Risotto Pescatore with shrimp, scallops, calamari and clams doused in a herb tomato sauce and finished with Parmesan, as well as a decadent Risotto ai Funghi with wild mushrooms, smoked Provolone and truffle purée. Rust Bistro in Burlington offers a risotto with seared scallops, asparagus and mushrooms. In the fall, risotto ai funghi porcini (Porcini mushroom) or risotto alla zucca (pumpkin) would be popular choices. In the springtime, Italians would serve risotto primavera (meaning spring) with any seasonal vegetables available like asparagus, spring onion, shallot, peas and broad beans. Loondocks in Burlington has a particularly exotic risotto with Tiger shrimp, wild boar bacon, asparagus and sweet potato.

From a simple Sunday night supper to a glamourous meal, risotto can be dressed up or down to suit your needs and lifestyle. The question is - what flavour will you be making? LL

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WANT TO MAKE YOUR OWN

risotto at home?

YOU CAN TRY THIS SIMPLE RECIPE!

Making your own risotto at home is very easy. italianfoodforever.com suggests a great basic risotto recipe that could be followed by even the most timid of cooks.

This recipe is a good way to introduce the technique of making Italian risotto. Once you are satisfied with the results, you can begin experimenting with some of the flavouring ingredients according to the season. This recipe serves 4-6 people.

ingredients & method 6 cups chicken broth, heated 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon removed to finish the dish 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 2 cups Arborio rice 1/2 cup dry white wine 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Sauté the chopped onion in the butter until soft and translucent.

Add the rice, and stir to coat well with the butter. Next add the wine, and stir constantly until the rice has absorbed it and begins to dry.

Cooking over medium low heat, begin adding the hot broth in 1/4 increments, stirring continually.

Continue in this manner until the risotto is al dente, or remains slightly firm to the bite. Generally cooking time is between 20 and 25 minutes.

Once cooked, remove from the heat, and stir in the reserved butter and cheese.

Serve immediately while hot.

If you don’t want to fuss with all the stirring that is needed for traditional risotto, it can also just be baked in the oven.

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stir splash AND

THE BEST ONTARIO WINES TO PAIR WITH RISOTTO

Riesling is an elegant and light white wine

and will pair well with a lighter style of risotto, such as risotto primavera, with fresh spring vegetables or risotto al limone.

Try the Keint-he from Prince Edward County or the Cave Springs riesling from near Beamsville for a slightly off-dry fruity version.

Chardonnay is a variety that does very well in the cool climate

of Ontario, along with the soils that are rich in limestone. Try the Norman Hardie County Chardonnay from near Wellington in Prince Edward County with a classic risotto Milanese or a risotto gamberi made with shrimp, onion and celery.

Gamay Noir is a favourite of those who like a lighter style of red wine. Because of the wine’s fruity notes, it could go well with a meat based risotto such as bacon or sausage risotto. Adding a little chilli could round the combination off beautifully.

Pinot Noir has become the jewel in the crown of Ontario reds and is a great food wine, specially with creamy dishes such as risotto. A mushroom and truffle risotto would pair well here.

Try Cloudsley Cellars or Westcott Vineyards for great examples.

If you prefer a slightly heavier red, have a glass of Cabernet Franc which grows so well in Ontario and produces fragrant wines. Head for a heavier dish such as osso buco with risotto for this and try it with Tawse Grower’s Blend Cabernet Franc.

looklocalmagazine.com

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MASERATI

LEVANTE. THE MASERATI OF SUVS. STARTING FROM $96,990 The Maserati Levante goes far beyond the limits of ordinary SUVs, combining sports-car performance and off-road capability with the luxury and exclusivity of a Maserati. The Levante and Levante S feature a powerful Ferrari-built, 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 engine and Maserati Q4 intelligent all-wheel drive for sure-footed traction in virtually all conditions.

Standard five-way air suspension adjusts within milliseconds for seamless driving dynamics on-and off-road, while Maserati Skyhook adaptive dampers deliver the comfort of a luxury SUV with the handling agility of a sports car. Meanwhile, distinctive Italian styling, a luxurious interior and a unique exhaust note affirm its Maserati heritage. Go beyond the limits of ordinary and arrive at Levante. By Maserati.

MASERATI OF OAKVILLE 2475 Wyecroft Road, Oakville, ON L6L 6R5/ 905.847.8329

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*Maserati Levante MY2021 base MSRP $96,990. Not including dealer prep and transportation. Actual selling price may vary. Taxes, title, license and registration feeas not included. ©2021 Maserati Canada, Inc. All rights reserved. Maserati and the Trident logo are registered trademarks of Maserati SpA. Maserati urges you to obey all posted speed limits.

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