Look Local Magazine Issue 11.3 | May 2023

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OAKVILLE & BURLINGTON

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 3

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

Tim Root

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jonathon Root

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Beth Walder

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lisa Evans

David Mosley

Julie Achtermeier

ART DIRECTORS

Sarah Noble

Jennifer Brewster

Vanessa Chong

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

This month, we are very sad to announce that our long-time editor, Anneliese Lawton, has decided to step back from her role as editor of the magazine in order to spend more time with her family. We are sad to see her go. She has been a terrificambassador for our brand and we appreciate everything she has done for Look Local and our community.

As the search for her replacement gets underway, our team has rallied around to help produce another issue of Look Local that is chock-a-block full of great seasonal stories. We love this issue as, with Father’s Day coming up, it is deliberately geared towards stories for the guys in our lives.

We have features on some of our top local public golf courses, on some extraordinary new gadgets that the male chefs in the kitchen will want to get their hands on, and a review of some of the “must have” essentials you will need to make the best cocktails and mocktails this summer. And our Shop Local gift ideas are focused on Dad too.

For our Community features, we explain the benefitsof belonging to a local Chamber of Commerce, and describe the options available to you if you are interested in volunteering with a local independent community theatre group.

If you are interested in planning a weekend or a week away in Ontario this summer, you should really consider Prince Edward County. It’s only about 3 hours drive away and has become a fabulous destination for delicious food and wine, relaxation, and enjoying the rural countryside and beaches of Lake Ontario. Read all about it in our Local Getaway feature.

Lastly, the warmer weather is here and that means it is time to enjoy some fresh air, food and drinks on a local patio. We have a selection for you to choose from in our annual Patio Guide, and even more for you to research online at looklocal.ca.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of Look Local. Happy Spring!

Watch

Dad Cook Like a Pro

WITH THESE TRENDY KITCHEN APPLIANCES

by LISA EVANS

Make dad the king of desserts with an ice cream maker

It’s no secret that dads love their tools. But tools aren’t just useful in the garage for fixingbikes. We’ve rounded up some of the best kitchen gadgets Dad is sure to love. Infuse a little tech and watch Dad whip up pub style french fries in the air fryer, the juiciest steak on the BBQ and weekend breakfast like he’s a sous chef.

An Air Fryer

Cooking is the art of patience, but not if you have an air fryer. This trendy kitchen gadget uses rapid hot air technology to cook food faster and allows you to cook Dad’s favourite pub style fries and chicken tenders in minutes. While an oven typically requires 10 minutes to heat up, an air fryer doesn’t require any pre-heating. Food comes out crunchy and golden every time.

The Kitchen Store

Summer Patioware

Table art that is beautiful enough to dress the table for any indoor or outdoor gathering while being functionally shatter resistant, dishwasher safe, and BPA free.

A Sous Vide

Pronounced “sue-veed” meaning “under vacuum” in French, this method of cooking has been used in high end restaurants for years and is now available to home cooks. Sous Vide consists of vacuum sealing food in a bag, then cooking it to a precise temperature in water. Perfect for cooking vegetables, fishor meat, you can attach the sous vide device to any pot, add water and drop in your food in a vacuum sealed bag or glass jar. Using precise temperature control, the food cooks in its own juices making it moist, tender and juicy. For those who enjoy a little kitchen tech, Anova has a sous vide device with bluetooth technology allowing you to monitor your food’s progress through the Anova Culinary App that sends notifictions to your smartphone to tell you when your food is ready.

A Breakfast Sandwich Maker

Let Dad be the breakfast hero. No more weekend morning drives to McDonald’s. The Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker delivers a hot and hearty breakfast sandwich in just fiveminutes. Use an English muffin bagels or pancake as your bread, add your egg, cheese and precooked meat. Top your egg with a second slice of bread, close and in fiveminutes you’ll have a delicious breakfast sammie at home.

A Waffle Maker

Your weekend mornings will never be the same again. Get a fresh, delicious restaurant quality waffle from the comfort of your own home. We like the Chef’s Choice Wafflero Classic Belgian 840B. Its customizable settings allow you to choose your brownness settings and adjust for a crisp exterior, moist interior or uniform texture, delivering your perfect waffle Top with fresh fruit and whipped cream and enjoy!

The MEATER+ Smart Meat Thermometer

For the grill master who enjoys a little tech, simply stick this smart cooking accessory into your steak or chicken, delivering a perfectly cooked meal every time. The Meater+ is a completely wireless meat thermometer and sends notifictions to your phone when your food is ready.

The Grillbot Automatic Grill Cleaning Robot

We can probably all agree that the worst part about cooking is the clean up. The Grillbot is essentially a Roomba for your barbeque. Its electric motors power its wire brushes and propel it across your grill, sounding an alarm to let you know when it’s finished

An Ice Cream Maker

Make dad the king of desserts with an ice cream maker. Whip up a delicious batch of ice cream using cream, milk, sugar and the fruit or flavourof your choice. One bonus, other than ice cream at your fingetips of course, is that you can be in control of your ingredients and accommodate family members’ dietary concerns. We particularly enjoy the Ninja Creami, a slightly more expensive ice cream maker that makes a smooth ice cream similar in texture to a Dairy Queen Blizzard and can also make gelato, milkshake and smoothie bowls.

Armed with all these amazing tools, you might need an extra cupboard in the kitchen to house them all, but Mum may never need to cook a meal again! Happy cooking!

TIME TO TEE IT UP!

BY DAVID MOSLEY AND TIM ROOT

As Canadians, we reluctantly accept that we have long winters and too-short summers. And it means we all understand that we have to pack in as much outdoor activity as we can in the summer months. So as the firstspring shoots poke through in the garden and the ice and snow finallymelt away, we are READY….. to spend some time lingering in the sun on a patio, open the pool, clean up the yard, make the firsttrip to the cottage, and if you are a golfer, to dust off the clubs and get out there for the first ound of the season.

We are fortunate in Halton to have an amazing selection of great public golf courses to choose from, all within a 45-minute drive of home. They offer a vast diversity of terrain and degree of difficult, so you can choose to experience them all, or pick a couple of favourites and focus on those.

If you are planning to play a lot this season, then it will make sense to take advantage of a coupon book. For example, the Greens Fee Passport available from www.golfpassport.com offers savings at 170 golf facilities in Ontario and upstate New York. Golf Fore All is another program that offers savings at about 120 courses in Ontario (www.golfforeall.ca ). You will findthe savings from these programs usually pay for the upfront cost within a couple of rounds.

Most golf courses in Ontario offer discounts for seniors playing on weekdays. Make sure to call ahead or do your research online, and book your tee times early. The popularity of the game has surged since the pandemic, and it may be difficultto get the tee time of your choice at many courses.

With so many great local courses to choose from, it is not easy to pick our favourites. But here are a few courses we recommend. You won’t be disappointed at any of them.

Tee it up and have fun this summer!

Carlisle Golf Club, 523 Carlisle Road, Carlisle

KANEFFGOLF.COM/GOLF/COURSES/CARLISLE

Part of the Kaneff Golf group, in the beautiful area between Carlisle and Kilbride. A cozy collection of three nine-hole courses, with rolling greens, tall pine trees, and generous fairways. This is a shot-maker’s course, so accuracy is key. Watch out for the signature 6th hole on the North course, a par 5 with a dog leg to the right and a very narrow fairway. Lots of balls have been lost in the farmer’s field to the let of the fairway!

CARLISLE GOLF CLUB

Lowville Golf Club, 2662 Brittania Road, Burlington

LOWVILLEGOLF.COM

In the picturesque village of Lowville, locally owned and operated, this 18-hole course is built into the side of the Escarpment. It may be helpful to have one leg longer than the other as you will need to play lots of side of hill shots! You can drive a mile from the long downhill par 5’s, but be prepared for a good workout if you choose to walk this course. The sunset views across the valley on a summer evening are spectacular.

Mount Nemo Golf Club, 5377 Walkers Line, Burlington

MOUNTNEMOGOLFCLUB.CA

Formerly known as Indian Wells, this 18-hole championship course is in a spectacular setting beneath the towering cliffs of Mount Nemo, with beautiful views from many of the holes. This is a challenging course with water hazards on 6 of the holes on the front 9, and narrow fairways and mature forests on the back 9.

LOWVILLE GOLF CLUB

HIDDEN LAKE GOLF CLUB

Hidden Lake Golf Club,

1137 # 1 Side Road, Burlington

HIDDENLAKE.CLUBLINK.CA

Just north of Burlington, and now part of the Clublink family, Hidden Lake has been in operation for over 60 years, and offers two distinct 18-hole championship courses. The Old Course is a more traditional tree-lined course with small greens, that allows glimpses of the “hidden lake” on the 16th and 17th holes. The New Course has larger greens, more generous fairways, and plenty of water.

Burlington Springs Golf & Country Club, 5235 Cedar Springs Road, Burlington

BURLINGTONSPRINGS.COM

This is a great course to play early in the season. The gently rolling fairways drain well, and they pride themselves on offering great value and a challenging experience for novice and experienced golfers alike. The back 9 is a bit more challenging than the front.

Oakville Executive Golf Course, 4414 Fourth Line, Oakville

OAKVILLEGOLF.CA

Located just north of Oakville, Angel’s View is a 9-hole regulation length course, and Mystic Ridge is a shorter 18-hole par 63 course. Both are ideal to introduce new players to the game and the par 3 is perfect for kids just starting out. Choose your club carefully on the 9th hole heading back to the club house – the hydro wires cross the fairway and present an interesting additional hazard!

OAKVILLE EXECUTIVE GOLF COURSE

MYSTIC GOLF CLUB

Mystic Golf Club, 1707 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster

GOLFNORTH.CA/MYSTIC

Located not far off the 403, just beyond Ancaster, is this very different and special gem. Set in beautiful countryside with no houses to be seen, this Tom Pearson designed course offers a unique wide-open experience for the serious passionate golfer. Most notable is the 10th hole – a par 6 (not a typo) which requires you to hit over 3 ravines! Beautifully maintained, carts only.

King’s Forest Golf Club, 100 Greenhill Avenue, Hamilton

HAMILTON.CA/THINGS-DO/ GOLF-HAMILTON

Owned and operated by the City of Hamilton, and located in the picturesque Red Hill Valley at the foot of the Escarpment, this municipal course is long and challenging. There are some terrificelevated tee shots, lots of interesting dogleg holes, and six holes requiring you to navigate the Red Hill Creek which traverses the course.

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE…

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN A LOCAL COMMUNITY THEATRE GROUP?

by TIM ROOT

In an era when so much of our entertainment is delivered digitally, there is something incredibly refreshing and wholesome about live theatre and live musical performances. Fortunately for us, there is a thriving network of locally owned and volunteer run community theatre groups in our area. It’s easy to get involved and volunteers are always needed. And it’s not just the actors and musicians you see on stage –live theatre requires directors, set and stage construction and design, marketing and “front of house” management, and so much more.

LANA’S BOUTIQUE

What are the benefitsof getting involved? Obviously if you love to act, sing, dance and perform, then participating will provide a creative outlet and a chance for you to express yourself in a supportive environment. Live theatre may also help you build selfconfidenceand self-esteem, and enable you to perfect new skills that will help in all aspects of your life. You are likely to make new friends with similar interests, and feel good about being involved in community life. Most of all, it is FUN, fulfilling and enriching

If you are interested in findingout more, here are a few local theatre groups to consider.

KOOGLE THEATRE COMPANY, BURLINGTON

KOOGLETHEATRE.COM

The KooGle Theatre Company was established in 2007 by founders Leslie and Christopher Gray, who had been performing professionally across Ontario for years. When they married and started a family, they chose to start their own theatre company in Burlington, and have brought many high-quality productions to the stage since that time. They have also collaborated with many local artists and musicians from the thriving Burlington artistic community.

In 2017, KooGle established a performing arts training program to pass on their experience and passion for theatre and musical theatre. They now have a brand-new performing arts space for classes and rehearsals on Headon Road in Burlington.

DRURY LANE THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS, BURLINGTON

DRURYLANE.CA

Drury Lane is celebrating its 49th season as Burlington’s premiere musical theatre company, and they are proud of their heritage of musical storytelling and fun entertainment. All of their shows are staged at The Loft, located in Central Park in the heart of Burlington’s vibrant downtown. Each year they produce three ambitious musical productions as well as a special pantomime just in time for Christmas.

For the 2023-24 season, they will be presenting the classic family musical The Sound of Music, their always popular and wild variety show Music Hall, and finallya new Broadway musical called First Date You can buy tickets online and season tickets are also available.

Photo credit: "D. Montgomery"

VILLAGE THEATRE WATERDOWN

VILLAGETHEATREWATERDOWN.CA

Since 1973 (that’s 50 years!), Village Theatre Waterdown has provided a creative outlet for hundreds of local volunteer actors, directors and designers to express their ideas and share their passion for the performing arts. All shows take place in the downtown core of Waterdown at the historic Waterdown Memorial Hall, which in 2022 celebrated 100 years as a community meeting place. They pride themselves on producing challenging and entertaining dramas, comedies, thrillers, and mysteries for lovers of live theatre.

Upcoming performances include the comedy Girl in the Goldfish Bowl this spring, murder mystery The Art of Murder in the fall, and Bloom in the spring of 2024.

OAKVILLE PLAYERS, OAKVILLE

OAKVILLEPLAYERS.CA

Founded in 1962, The Oakville Players is a group dedicated to fostering the growth and development of community theatre in Oakville and the surrounding area, producing two main stage shows annually at The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. They also produce One Act training events, live radio plays, and participate in various community events.

Their last production The Top 10 Comeback Festival was staged in June 2022. Check out their website for upcoming plans and performances.

THE BURLOAK THEATRE GROUP, OAKVILLE

BOTG.CA

Established in 1976, The Burloak Theatre Group is one of the oldest community theatre groups in Oakville. They produce four shows annually and present them at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. The production of their annual holiday pantomime appeals to multi-generational families and people of all backgrounds, and has become a tradition for many in our community.

Shows produced in the 202223 season included The Last of the Red Hot Lovers in the fall, An Ideal Husband in January, and Cabaret in April. Check out their website to findout more about what’s planned for the 2023-24 season!

Member of Parliament, Burlington

Member of Parliament, Burlington

Your Voice in Ottawa

Here to Help

Here to Help

karinagouldmp.ca

karinagouldmp.ca

@karinagould

@karinagould

BY JONATHON ROOT

ook Local is a small business headquartered in Downtown Oakville, and we’ve been riding the entrepreneurial rollercoaster for about ten years now, navigating the ups and downs as best we can. Along the way there have been many lessons, successes, failures, and more challenges than we could list; but one of the best things we did when we started this business was join the local Chambers of Commerce. Like anything, you get what you put into it – but if you’re currently operating a local business, or thinking of starting one – joining your local Chamber of Commerce is a must.

“Joining and engaging with your local Chamber opens up a vast network and opportunity to tap into support that is unique to your business needs”, says France Fournier, President and CEO of the Oakville Chamber. One of the primary benefitsof joining the Chamber is access to networking opportunities. Both the Oakville and Burlington Chambers host regular events and meet ups where members can connect with other local businesses and build relationships. This can be especially valuable for small businesses looking to expand their customer base or establish partnerships with other businesses.

However, don’t expect to join your local Chamber and sit back and relax while the business pours in. You still have to be engaged, and participate – even if networking is outside your comfort zone. The best ROI on your membership often comes indirectly; a tip from a fellow local business, knowledge of a business grant you can apply to, or simply a referral from one business to another.

In addition to networking opportunities, the Chambers offer a variety of resources and services to their members. This includes access to educational resources and training programs. “All our members are different, so there is no one reason why they join. It’s always a combination of our three pillars; connecting leaders, active advocacy and educational opportunities”, says Terry Caddo, President and CEO of the Burlington Chamber. Both the local Chambers offer monthly educational sessions, such as social media best practices, key steps to starting a small business, networking 101, and so on.

On a larger scale, the Chambers of Commerce also play a vital role in advocating for the interests of their members on a local, provincial, and federal level, giving businesses a voice in the community and beyond. Both the Oakville and Burlington Chambers are part of the Ontario Chamber network, which has a direct line to Queen’s Park. They advocate for everything from business tax rates to summer student programs, and are often the unsung heroes of the business community. The trickle-down effect of these efforts is a vibrant business community, and in case this is your firsttime reading Look Local, that’s something we care about passionately! Without local businesses, in particular the small businesses that are independently owned and operated, our communities would not be the wonderful places to live that they are today.

Ready to learn more about your local Chamber of Commerce?

The best way to get started is to attend a networking event, or an open house. Find out more at oakvillechamber.com or burlingtonchamber.com and see you at the next event!

Father’s Day

FLOURISH & BASK

OAKVILLE

This stainless steel bar tool set is the perfect addition to Dad’s home bar. These high-quality tools are displayed in a perfectly compact wooden holder that compliments traditional and modern décor. flourishandbask.ca

URBAN VINE DUNDAS

Good olive oil makes a great gift! Create your own unique sample set of fresh olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars, including flavours lik the outrageously delicious Aged Honey Ginger White Balsamic, or the spicy Cayenne Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Perfect for the foodie dad. urbanvineinc.com

BOS & CO BURLINGTON

Get dad off on the right foot with On Foot shoes, a new Men’s brand that is lightweight and super flexible. Made in Spain

ca.bosandco.com

TUNDRA LEATHER

HAMILTON

These handmade leather golf accessories are beautifully crafted by hand, right in Downtown Hamilton. tundraleather.ca

LAKESIDE LIVIN’

OAKVILLE

Find your grillmaster an awesome apron along with a large selection of condiments and other BBQ related gift ideas at Lakeside Livin’ in Bronte Village! lakesidelivin.com

TRADITION DOLLS & WATCHES

OAKVILLE

Give dad the ultimate vintage timepiece with this heavy pocket watch circa 1883. This restored example has a Hunter style case containing fiv ounces of silver. traditiondolls.com

NICETY'S OAKVILLE

Made for 'cheers' by the pool and toasts on the rooftop, this glassware is virtually unbreakable & totally dishwasher safe All carefully crafted with the incredible shine and clarity of Crystal Sapphire polycarbonate, these look good on any table.

shop.nicetys.com

JOSHUA CREEK FURNITURE

OAKVILLE

These exquisite charcuterie boards, hand crafted by Rustic Designs by Rich, are available in a variety of sizes, colours and styles at Joshua Creek Furniture. joshuacreekfurniture.com

RUSTIC DAISY'S WATERDOWN

Take your pancake breakfast to a whole new level with bourbon barrel aged maple syrup by Wabanaki. The perfect gift for any dads with a sweet tooth!

rusticdaisys.wordpress.com

BY JULIE ACHTERMEIER

PHOTO BY MIRAZULE

rince Edward County, an island in Lake Ontario with 800 km of shoreline and nine villages, has a history rooted in farming, agriculture, and trade-through waterways. Today, the County is home to artists, winemakers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and people with a flair for hospitalit.

At the centre of the County are small towns such as Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington - alive with activity as visitors take in the shops, restaurants and main strip. In the outskirts lie acres of farmland and the tiny, quiet towns of Ameliasburgh and Sophiasburg. The South Shore, and North and South Marysburgh are known for agricultural delights and craft beverages. Of course, the County is also home to Sandbanks Provincial Park, the world's largest baymouth barrier dune formation, along with its fabulous beaches and campsites.

There's so much to explore in Prince Edward County, from quiet retreats to live shows and entertainment. Whatever your pleasure, there is something for everyone.

A spectacular contemporary boutique inn on the shores of Lake Ontario in beautiful Prince Edward County

Mirazule

If it's theatre you love, The Eddie features a pre-show picnic dinner at the iconic 1860s Red Barn as the setting for an evening of entertainment. The 78-acre farm is located between Wellington and Bloomfield and features a pond, orchards, gardens, access to the Millennium Trail, and newly decorated suites. It is also home to the Wellington Farmers’ Market, which takes place on Saturdays from 9am to 1:30pm from May 13th until the end of October. For a list of shows throughout the season, visit www.countystage.ca.

newly constructed lakeside inn

A wedding on the horizon?

Compass Rose is a unique wedding venue in the heart of Prince Edward County's wine country. They offer wedding options for small groups or up to 2,000 people in their modern barn, farmhouse, greenhouse, and two outdoor ceremony sites. Wedding packages include two nights of accommodation in their elegant farmhouse that sleeps up to 12 people.

Reconnecting to the simplicity of the world around us is a rewarding experience when visiting the Fronterra Farm, a waterfront farm located on the legendary Hillier soils. Explore a healthier, sustainable lifestyle reconnecting to food while vacationing in their luxury prospector tents, complete with a summer kitchen and ensuite bathroom. The last three years during the pandemic provided the owner, Jens Burgen, an opportunity to open a farmbased forest school to plant flowersand botanicals for an elemental spa.

Accommodations in Prince Edward County range from rustic elegance to modern sophistication, so you're sure to find the perfect fi

Fronterra Farm

For a homey camping or cottage experience, Ray's Cottages are tucked onto the shores of West Lake, near Wellington and Bloomfield

The four-acre campground was purchased in 2019 by Nic and Alexia Conley, a local couple who grew up in Wellington and have a personal connection to the business. "Our vision for the property was a relaxed, pet-friendly vacation experience," Alexia says. "When guests pull in, we want them to feel like they are returning to their summer cottage." The Conleys provide cottages fully equipped with all the amenities (BBQ, fridge, stove, coffee maker, toaster) to create a natural cottage experience their guests want to return to again and again.

The Everly Inn Bed & Breakfast overlooks breathtaking farm fieldsand meadows and offers a rest haven for visitors. Located next to two regional wineries, guests can enjoy a quiet getaway or combine their stay with wine tours and tastings. The Inn's spacious lounge is ideal for morning coffee or an evening cocktail, or guests can retreat to their suite and private patio for a more intimate stay. The Inn offers contemporary comfort with an innovative design providing environmentally sustainable and renewable energy heating and cooling practices to create a netzero emission stay experience. How on trend!

For those who enjoy staying on the main strip, The Royal can be found on Main Street in Picton with two neighbouring buildings: The Hotel, with classic accommodations, and The Annex, with its Scandi-inspired studios for longer stays. The Royal is ideally suited for families or groups of friends wishing to gather in town and enjoy the many amenities Picton has to offer. The Royal provides a quiet refuge at the end of the day with a peaceful library, swimming pool, and private terrace for guests.

Adult-only destinationseekers looking for a uniquely modern experience can findstunning architectural design at Mirazule, a newly constructed lakeside inn offering luxury-hosted accommodation on 45 private acres. Be transported away by its intimate, contemporary surroundings and leave refreshed and 'County chilled.' Mirazule is located on South Bay, just 15 minutes from Picton and 30 minutes from Sandbanks and Wellington, and is surrounded by awardwinning wineries.

Don't leave the County without visiting The Local Store in Picton! The unique building is a restored dairy barn built in the 19th century and houses many local products and décor. Original works of art from local artisans and indigenous artists are fondly displayed in The Loft Gallery, along with sweet and savoury treats to enjoy. While there, don't forget to check out The Hayloft Antique Store and the Silks Vintage Room.

RAY’S COTTAGES

Prince Edward County is about a 3 hour drive from Oakville or Burlington, and once you get through Toronto, it’s an easy journey eastbound along the 401. Whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend or a week’s vacation, it is worth the drive.

JUNE 10

Moon in June Road Race

For over 30 years, the Moon

In June has supported local charities, donating over $1 million directly to local causes during that time. In 2023, all monies donated will go directly to Radius Child & Youth Services, an agency that supports families impacted by abuse, neglect, and domestic violence. At present, Radius has upwards of a two year wait list for these children in dire need. The event starts with Kidsfest at 4 pm, races start at 630 pm, 640 pm, and 730 pm. Become a sponsor or register for the race of your choice online. Starting at Burlington Town Square, 426 Brant Street, Burlington Mooninjune.ca

MAY 12

Mom’s Night Out: Tea & Chocolate

Tasting Workshop

Enjoy the delicious combination of tea and chocolate in this one-hour interactive workshop pairing tea blends with chocolates. 6 to 8 pm. Tickets are $55 and include admission to the current special museum exhibit “Trailblazing: Women in Canada since 1867”

Joseph Brant Museum, 1240 North Shore Blvd East, Burlington Museumsofburlington.ca

MAY 14

Mother’s Day –Free Blooms Stop by Towne Square for a free bloom from the Blue Belle flower truck, courtesy of your local Downtown Oakville flower shops Fiori and Moons Flowers. 10 am to 11 am on Mother’s Day.

Towne Square, Downtown Oakville Oakvilledowntown.com

MAY 25

Bronte Bluff

Wine Mixer

Catch Hospitality presents Pop-Ups on the Bronte Bluffs in support of the Bronte Historical Society. Support Sovereign House, mix and mingle while enjoying some amazing food from Plank Restobar. Tickets are $60 + tax which includes a donation to the Historical Society. 5 - 7 pm. The Sovereign House, 7 West River Street, Oakville

MAY

Waterside Art Group Art Show & Sale

26-28 Run 4 Lighthouse

MAY 27

Please join the Waterside Art Group, a collective of 20 Oakville artists, for their 9th Annual Art Show and Sale “Colour Crush”, celebrating the joy of colour. Art works by group members are represented in private collections internationally. 15% of the proceeds from art sales will be donated to The Lighthouse for Grieving Children. 10 am -5 pm daily. Free admission.

Gairloch Gardens, 1308 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville

JUNE 3

Basics to Birding: Walk and Workshop

Join Oakville Green and the Bronte Village BIA for a 2 km walk around the harbour, looking for different birds in different environments, and learn tips and tricks for spotting, identifying and supporting local birds. Space is limited, advance registration is recommended. 8.30 – 1030 am.

Butterfly Gazebo, Bronte Harbour, Oakville Oakvillegreen.org

JUNE 10

Burlington Hooking Craft Guild

Bring a chair and come and see the work of the guild in the Sovereign House on the bluffs above Lake Ontario. Free parking and entry, tea, coffee and nibbles provided. 1 pm to 4 pm each day. June 10, 11 and 14.

The Sovereign House, 7 West River Street, Oakville

Gather your friends and family and come walk or run a scenic 5K or 1K route to support Lighthouse for Grieving Children and Families. All money raised goes directly to fund Lighthouse grief support groups to ensure their services remain free for families who need them.

St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre, 1280 Dundas Street West, Oakville Lighthousegriefsupport.org

JUNE 4

Heritage Worskshop: Crazy Quilting with Helen Sluis

Join heritage arts instructor Helen Sluis in this 2-hour workshop to learn how to make “crazy quilts”, which were very popular in the late 1800s and into the early part of the 20th Century. All supplies will be provided, no previous sewing experience is required, just bring your imagination! 1 – 3 pm. $60/ person.

Ireland House Museum, 2168 Guelph Line, Burlington Museumsofburlington.ca

JUNE 15-18

Burlington Sound of Music Festival

Canada’s largest free outdoor music festival is back! Get organized early to enjoy everything on offer this Father’s Day weekend in Downtown Burlington. 3 stages with live music, food trucks, rides and games at the Midway, craft and retail vendors, there is something for everyone. VIP and front row tickets can be purchased now!

Spencer Smith Park, Downtown Burlington Soundofmusic.ca

PATIO GUIDE

It’s spring at last, and one of the things we Canadians look forward to at this time of year is visiting a local patio. Whether it’s for a cappuccino as the firstwarmth of the morning sun filtersthrough, or an icy gelato in the heat of the midday, or a delicious meal and a glass of wine under the stars at night, there is something extra special about being outdoors.

If you are excited about patio season, there is an almost endless assortment of restaurants, coffee shops and bistros getting ready to welcome you in our community. Plus, dare we admit it, there has been at least one positive outcome of the pandemic. Our local municipalities have recognized how popular dining outdoors has become, and are assisting our restaurants with more liberal and accommodating rules for their on-street patios.

In the following pages, you will findsome information about some of our favourite local restaurants with patios. Over the course of this summer, we will be enriching and expanding our selection of restaurants on our online portal. To see more options, please visit looklocal.ca/find a-restaurant. You can search by area and by type of cuisine, and view reviews and multiple photos of the dining establishments of your choice. We hope this will be your definitiveguide to exploring all of the great dining options in our community.

13TH STREET WINERY & FARMHOUSE BISTRO

cove bar & Restaurant

You don’t get much closer to the water than this! You’ll find Cove in a renovated historic house right on the water in Bronte. Take in the hustle and bustle of the harbour while savouring their innovative menu with a strong emphasis on seafood. Make sure you try the fresh oysters, fried chicken sandwichs & burgers, or their always popular fishand chips.

The main patio is open to the street throughout the summer, and Cove will again be expanding their outdoor dining space this year onto Bronte Road as well as their rear tree-shaded deck.

SEAFOOD | CASUAL FINE DINING

oakville

kerr street Café

Located on trendy Kerr Street in the heart of Oakville, The Kerr Street Café has a well-earned reputation for being THE place in town for a delicious brunch, served daily until 3 pm. Start your day early with their “Kerr Breakfast” with eggs, sourdough bread, organic greens, fingerlingpotatoes, roasted tomato, and bacon. Or come later for lunch and tuck into their incredible “Smash Burger”. Brothers Coffee Roasters, owned by the same team who own the cafe, provide the coffee. You can enjoy a beer or a glass of prosecco with your meal if you wish.

In the summer months, Kerr Street Café has a delightful patio right on the street, so you can take in the cool vibes while you eat. But this place is popular and does not take reservations, so be prepared to be patient and wait for your table at peak times.

Take out is available, and the café also offers a delicious selection of prepared and oven-ready meals for you to enjoy at home.

oakville

13TH STREET WINERY

13th Street Winery, located in Niagara’s Wine Country, was named the No.1 winery in Ontario and #2 in Canada at the 2022 National Wine Awards of Canada. They are also proud to be Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario certified Their mission is to create exceptional wines that reflectthe unique terroir of Niagara. You can enjoy a guided sampling of their wines and wander the grounds and discover the sculptures and artwork that adorn the property. Discover the 13th Street Gallery featuring works by many of Canada’s most celebrated artists. And of course, no visit is complete without a trip to the 13th Street Bakery to try their famous butter tarts.

Enjoy great wine and delicious food from the seasonal Bistro in an outdoor pavilion and on the extensive patio overlooking the sculpture gardens and vineyards. The Farmhouse Bistro menu is created by Chef Josh Berry and features locally inspired, seasonal plates and changes throughout the season to reflect Niagara’s bounty.

Call in advance or visit their website to confirm their hours and dtes of opening.

NIAGARA

KAMOOSH BISTRO

Located in the heart of Waterdown village, you will findthis picturesque upscale Italian Bistro. Kamoosh Bistro is a from scratch, farm to table restaurant that values fresh, high-quality locally sourced ingredients.

Kamoosh Bistro has two beautiful patios, one with multiple Trillium awards and the other with a European feel. Join them and experience their fresh handcrafted cocktails, impeccable food, service and atmosphere.

The perfect choice for any occasion.

SPENCER’S AT THE WATERFRONT

Spencer’s at the Waterfront is a landmark waterfront restaurant on Lake Ontario beside Spencer Smith Park in Downtown Burlington. Whatever the season, the views from the dining room are second to none. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house from which to enjoy the outlook from the glass-walled dining room.

As the weather gets warmer, you can migrate to a coveted seat on the extensive patio, and enjoy a spectacular moonrise with the lights across the lake by night, or sip a cocktail under the stars.

In addition to the elegant atmosphere and picturesque setting, Spencer’s is renowned for their menu. Whether it’s a mouth-watering steak from their butcher, sustainably sourced seafood, or freshly harvested produce from their farm, each ingredient is transformed into something delightfully delicious. A robust selection of local and international wines are also available.

STEAKHOUSE | CAUSAL ELEGANT

burlington

isabelle

Located within the luxurious Pearle Hotel

overlooking Burlington’s sparkling waterfront, Isabelle is the perfect spot to relax in Downtown Burlington. With their farm-to-table approach, they have crafted a unique menu inspired by the Mediterranean and Californian coastal climates. Discover vibrant and globally inspired flavoursbrought to life through local ingredients, including those sourced from their own highly-productive 5-acre market garden. Many of their dishes are intended for sharing, from snacks, dips and small plates, to the mains and sides.

Isabelle’s massive patio is heated and covered, so – rain or shine – you can enjoy being outdoors and making the most of spring, summer and fall. And the views can’t be beat!

Isabelle is the perfect spot to reconnect with friends for a quick bite and a cocktail, or for a more formal evening or special event.

MEDITERRANEAN | CASUAL ELEGANT

& Spa

LoonDocks

Chef Kevin and his wife Brittany welcome you to Loondocks, a casual finedining experience with industry leading standards for both food quality and service. Rated as one of Canada’s top 100 restaurants in 2022, Loondocks cuisine is always made fresh, from scratch, using only the highest quality ingredients. The menu features creative French and Italian variations, using mostly local, seasonal Canadian ingredients. As for beverages, there is an extensive wine list featuring new and old world selections, a wonderful creative and seasonal cocktail menu, and a great selection of local craft beers.

In addition to their cottage-inspired main dining room, Loondocks features a rooftop patio, complete with an herb and vegetable garden. There is also a second patio on the main level, along with a cozy bar/lounge area.

CANADIAN | CASUAL FINE DINING

burlington

Buvette Restaurant & Wine Bar

Located in the heart of Downtown Burlington in the historic Village Square, Buvette opened in 2022 and offers a casual fine dining experience. The authentic menu features thoughtfully selected, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients including steaks, seafood and oysters. They also offer some interesting options for platters to share, such as the Seafood Share Platter which includes shrimp, lobster tails, calamari, and salmon with beurre blanc and chimichurri! There is also a full bar where you can enjoy handcrafted cocktails as well as a great wine selection by the glass or the bottle.

Buvette has a stunning indoor glass solarium in the dining room with a doublesided gas fieplace, and in the warmer months you can dine al fresco on their beautiful luxurious covered patio.

STEAK + SEAFOOD | CASUAL FINE DINING

Jake’s Grill & Oyster House

Proprietor and Burlington resident Jamie Myers built and opened this restaurant in 1985. In 1998, it was remodeled and changed its name to become the popular destination it is today. The restaurant has a comfortable and nautical ambience, and features market fresh oysters as well as the area’s best selection of fresh fishand shell fish You can’t go wrong ordering their fresh haddock and chips, or try the Catch of the Day – always fresh and expertly prepared.

Not a seafood lover? Not a problem…. Jake’s also offers steaks, hand cut from fresh Canadian AAA aged beef grilled over a natural hardwood fie, or BBQ ribs glazed with their “snake bite” BBQ sauce!

Jake’s has a comfortable covered and outdoor patio for the summer months.

SEAFOOD | CASUAL DINING

burlington

Turtle Jack’s Muskoka Grill

With two locations in Burlington, one in Oakville, and a total of 18 restaurants across Ontario, Turtle Jack’s makes it easy for you to findcottage hospitality close to home. Plus, the chain was founded right here in Burlington! They offer a premium casual dining experience, and an atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind with friends and family after a long day. You can expect to find high quality, fresh ingredients, handcrafted cocktails and a cottage-inspired menu including steaks, pasta, burgers, wings, premium salads and more. Menus change with the seasons, and their new burger menu will be available from May 9th to June 18th.

All of their restaurants have comfortable patios in the summer months, surrounded by beautiful flowers making you feel like you are on vacation.

CANADIAN | CASUAL FINE DINING

oakville + burlington

STACK SMMMOKED

Conveniently located in Oakville Place in Oakville, Stack Smmmoked is THE destination for genuine slow-cooked Texas BBQ. Their smoker was built in Mesquite, Texas and is designed to cook food without a flame– only heat and smoke. The hardwood fie generates a smoky heat, so that the meat is slow cooked for up to 12 hours, and ends up with that distinctive sweet and smoky flavou.

Stack’s authentic and meticulous method begins with only the best never-frozen meat. Homemade and cooked from scratch, guests love their salads, tacos, sausages, burgers, ribs and brisket. From pit to table, it all tastes sloooow good. You can also choose from a wide selection of local craft beers and an eclectic list of southern-inspired cocktails.

In the summer months, Stack has an extensive patio so you can enjoy your ribs outdoors, Texas style.

BARBEQUE | CASUAL DINING

oakville

Cheers to Sunshine

ESSENTIAL SUMMER COCKTAILS + MOCKTAILS

BY LISA EVANS

The hot and hazy days of backyard barbecues, celebrations, and lazy summer weekends are upon us. But before you dip your feet in the kiddie pool, don’t forget to stock the bar!

Sarah Burns, owner of Trail Mix Mobile Bar recommends stocking your bar with a few staple beverages that can be used to make a variety of summer mixed drinks your guests will love.

“There are a number of basics we always recommend be stocked in a bar for any summer event,” says Burns. Vodka, Rum, Gin, Triple Sec and Prosecco are some of her must-have basics. Add a couple of simple syrups, fruit juices, ginger ale, aperol and soda water and some fresh fruits such as peaches, strawberries, raspberries, lemons and limes. “Stocking these staples will allow you to make a wide variety of refreshing summer cocktails,” says Burns.

We asked Burns to share her favourite go-to Summer Cocktails and Mocktails using these ingredients. If you’re planning a party this summer, you’re going to want to add these to your menu!

Margarita

This classic Mexican cocktail is made with tequila, lime juice and triple sec and can be customized by adding different fruit flavoursand garnishes.

Mojito

This light and refreshing drink, popular in Cuba and the Caribbean, is made with white rum, lime juice, fresh mint and club soda. It can also be made without the rum for a delicious mocktail as well by adding simple syrup.

Aperol Spritz

This popular Italian cocktail is made with Aperol, Prosecco and soda water.

Sangria

Always a crowd favourite, Sangria is made in advance making it an easy drink to serve. Simply mix red or white wine with chipped fruits and brandy or orange juice and chill in the refrigerator overnight. You can add soda water if you prefer a less alcoholic mix.

Shirley Temple

A classic mocktail, the Shirley Temple is made with orange juice, ginger ale and grenadine topped with a fun cherry garnish.

Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade

Up your lemonade game with fresh raspberries, lemon juice and sparkling water served over ice with a lemon wedge garnish. This isn’t your typical “lemonade stand” lemonade.

TIME TO PARTY!

If you want to spend your party relaxing with your guests rather than tending the bar, check out these mobile bar rental options.

Trail Mixer Mobile Bar

TRAILMIXER.CA

Sisters Emma and Sarah completely restored this vintage 1960’s Shasta Camper to serve up some delicious bevvies for your special event. The trailer is equipped with fridges, an ice maker, sink, wine racks and storage and counter space and can be rented with or without their SMART Serve certified batenders.

Hitch and Barrel

HITCHANDBARREL.CA

Lady Liquor, an adorable 15 ft horse trailer, has been transformed into a modern and elegant mobile bar. Staffed by two SMART serve certifiedbartenders, Hitch and Barrel provides services anywhere within 50 km of Guelph, Ontario.

Take Note: When renting a mobile bar service, you are responsible for stocking your own beverages (alcohol, mixers and garnishes) and must obtain a Special Occasion Permit through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (www.agco.ca) to serve alcohol at your event.

BAR SHOPPING IN HALTON

Flourish and Bask, Oakville

FLOURISHANDBASK.CA

From syrups and cocktail garnishes to shakers and beautiful glassware, you can be sure your bar will be the talk of the summer. This cocktail and entertaining supply store has everything you need to mix craft cocktails at home and look like a pro while doing it.

CENTRO GARDEN NOCA, BURLINGTON

CENTROGARDEN.COM

The new Centro Garden NOCA is just up the street from their flagshi location at 590 Brant Street, and houses an incredible selection of barware, including interesting glassware, fantastic garnishes, bitters and a selection of shakers, decanters and other bar tools. Plus you can sample their gelato while you shop.

Nicetys Kitchen Supply Store, Oakville

SHOP.NICETYS.COM

From tableware to dishes, candles, table linens, cookware, bakeware and kitchen electrics, this Oakville kitchenware store has all your entertaining needs covered. For your summer cocktail wish list, they carry cocktail glasses including some ideal for serving on the patio, and a full range of bar accessories.

MARNIE’S MARGARITA

A CANADIAN SPIN ON A MEXICAN CLASSIC

Add Canadian maple syrup to sweeten the margarita. It adds a clean refreshing taste, but if you prefer, you can easily make your own simple syrup at home by mixing equal parts of white sugar and water, and boiling until the sugar is dissolved.

INGREDIENTS

 6 oz Tequila

 2 oz Cointreau

 12 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

 2 oz maple syrup or simple sweetener

METHOD

1 Fill your cocktail shaker about half full with either cubed or crushed ice. Add the ingredients and give it all a good shake.

2 Serve in a tumbler glass. Pour a little salt into a shallow plate, use a wedge of lime to moisten the rim of the glass, and then rub the glass into the salt so that it sticks to the rim. Serve with a generous garnish of lime!

LOONDOCKS CHEF’S TIP

We prefer to serve duck no more than medium rare, or the duck may become tough and chewy. We remove from the oven when the duck reaches an internal temperature of 120 F. After resting, the duck will be a perfect medium rare.

INGREDIENTS

 3 - 4 Fresh Duck Breasts

 6 tbsp Wild Blueberries

 6 tbsp Honey

 6 oz Balsamic Vinegar

 Salt and Pepper

SERVES 4

WILD BLUEBERRY GASTRIQUE

1 Simmer the wild blueberries and honey in a small pot for 3 - 4 minutes on medium-high until the sugar begins to caramelize.

2 Add the balsamic vinegar. Boil and simmer until reduced by half, or to desired thickness.

3 The sauce should be tangy and acidic, with a mild sweetness. Add more honey if desired.

4 Set aside until ready to use. Serve warm.

COOKING THE DUCK BREAST

5 Trim the fat cap of the duck breast down to around 3 – 5 mm thick. Also trim off any fat, veins and silver skin on the flesh side of the breast, as these parts will be chewy once cooked. Score the fat cap by making 8 - 10 diagonal, perpendicular slices partially into the fat, but not all the way through.

6 Preheat frying pan to medium-high (do not add any oil, the natural duck fat will provide enough lubricant). Add salt to the skin of the duck breast, and season the flesh side with both salt and pepper. Place the duck in the frying pan, skin side down, for 2 - 3 minutes until the skin is crispy all the way through.

7 Once the skin is crispy, flip the duck breast and pan sear the flesh side for 30 seconds.

8 Finish cooking by roasting the duck breast in the oven at 400 F for around 6 - 8 minutes (depending on size) or until desired temperature is reached. Let rest for 3 - 4 minutes before slicing (rest in a warm place, or covered in foil). Serve immediately once sliced.

9 Serve with fingerling potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables.

ALL GUILDS/23

May 6 - June 4, 2023

This annual exhibition celebrates the guilds who make, learn, share, and teach at the Art Gallery of Burlington with Arts Burlington including the Burlington Fine Arts Association, Burlington Handweavers and Spinners Guild, Latow Photographers Guild, Burlington Potters Guild, Burlington Rug Hooking Craft Guild, and the Burlington Sculptors and Carvers.

Akash Inbakumar Era of the Moon: Phases

June 2 - September 17, 2023

Era of the Moon: Phases connects the body to the cyclical nature of the moon and its tidal lock to the earth. Inbakumar’s interdisciplinary practice uses installation, costumes, and performance to explore ideas of world-building, mythology, and kinship. Entering partnerships with multiple mediums, tools, and processes, they build a world where craft objects play the role of carrying family lineage and storyteller.  Live performance of Era of the Moon: Phases is set on the full moon in Sagittarius on Sunday June 4, 6 - 7:00 pm outside of the AGB featuring Akash Inbakumar (Dancer), Sofi Gudiño (Choreographer/Dancer) and Cindy Adhiambo Ochieng (DJ/Composer).

Living Library

January 2023 – January 2024

Living Library program is a year-long initiative with rotating and overlapping artists and authors’ projects, which provides free and equitable access to events, a maker space, books, and room to sprawl. Like a library, it encourages the exchange of a broad range of human knowledge, experience, traditions, and ideas in a welcoming and supportive environment. It is an all-ages, flexible space designed for sharing resources and stories through resting, writing, reading, listening, and looking.

The AGB is generously supported by the Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Trillium Foundation, and the Canada Council for the Arts. AGB’s learning programming has been generously supported by The Burlington Foundation and The incite Foundation for the Arts.

1333 Lakeshore Road Burlington, ON

40 years of the collection

June 16 – October 8, 2023

Opening Reception, June 15, 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Opening Reception, June 15, 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Brendan Lee Satish Tang, Manga Ormolu Version 4.0r, 2013, Ceramic and mixed media, 16 × 13 × 20 inches. Purchased in part through the