Look Local Magazine - March 2021

eat shop play local Oakville & Burlington

Volume 9 Issue 1

Spring ISSUE 2021

WHAT'S INSIDE?

WELCOME TO NEW BUSINESSES SHOP LOCAL ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

looklocalmagazine.com

DESIGNER SERIES SHOWROOM

Large Format High Definition Italian Tile

EXCLUSIVE TO INSPIRED FLOORING

Ginger’s Picks!

INSPIRED FLOORS

Meet Ginger!

730 GUELPH LINE, UNIT 1,

BURLINGTON

905.633.8370

INSPIREDFLOORINGINC.COM

What could

Bronte Village be like at its very best?

Let us know by completing our survey and enter for a BRONTE BIA chance to win a $100 gift certificate to a local business!

PHOTO: HEART OF ONTARIO

Visit: bronte-village.ca/bronte-forward

BOS & CO

OAKVILLE HOME LEISURE

Oakville

Home Leisure

VISIT OAKVILLE

LIVE L IVE . LOVE LOVE . HOME HOME SOLID WOOD BEDROOMS | DINING | UPHOLSTERY | LEATHER

JOSHUA CREEK

VISIT OUR 10000 SQ. FT LOCAL SHOWROOM IN OAKVILLE

1029 SPEERS RD, OAKVI LLE (SPEERS & 4TH LINE) 905.842.3739 J OS HU AC R EEKF U R NI TU R E.C OM

since 1999

since 1999 since 1999

BEAUTIFUL HOMES HEALTHY HOMES BEAUTIFUL HOMES HEALTHY HOMES BEAUTIFUL HOMES HEALTHY HOMES

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YOUR INTERIOR DECOR PARTNER SINCE 1964

ANDERSON'S COMBINING BEAUTY AND UTILITY FOR EXCEPTIONAL LIVING We’re known for our close decorator-client relationships that let us get to know the true essence of those we’re designing for. We generate a holistic interior decor model to fulfill every requirement you have.

Style is essential to everything we do. Grace, modernity, and luxury are the sides of life we seek to display. But for us, style without functionality is ineffective.

Modern life, with all of its restrictions, can be eased by exceptional design.

Functionality can be applied to a home in order to offer comfort and utility throughout. This task is paramount for all of us here at Anderson’s, and has been for 50 years.

Come in to our showroom to see all of the latest styles and trends today!

CONTENTS VOLUME 9 | ISSUE 1 MARCH 202 1

16

HOME & GARDEN Professional and DIY Upholstery

COMMUNITY 22 &

44

Welcoming New Businesses Community Events

32 38 48 54&

62

SHOP LOCAL Local Eco-Friendly Products

LOCAL HISTORY Burlington & Oakville's Inns & Taverns

JUST FOR FUN Bird Watching Season!

FOOD & DRINK Oodles of Noodles Ramen & Pho Local Recipe: Easter Chocolate Cupcakes From The Sweestest Thing

NATURAL . COMFORTABLE . BREATHABLE

Georgeous Reversible Jacket

C'EST NATUREL BOUTIQUE

C’est Naturel Boutique NOW CARRYING:

BYLYSE SPENARD & LOUENHIDE

3300 FAIRVIEW STREET - 6B, BURLINGTON

|

VISIT US AT: CESTNATUREL.STORE

905.483.3705

FROM THE PUBLISHER

OAKVILLE & BURLINGTON

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1….WOW! This means that Look Local has been

published for 8 years and we are now

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

Tim Root

entering our 9th year in business. It

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

bumps along the way, especially over

ACCOUNT MANAGER

has been quite the journey, with some

Jonathon Root

the last 12 months. But we have met

Beth Walder

some incredible new friendships since

Anneliese Lawton

some wonderful people and made launching the business in 2013.

I would like to take this opportunity

to thank our amazing team here… all people who passionately believe in

the importance of our print and digital platforms in supporting our local

community, and who take enormous

pride in their work each and every day.

Most of all, we would like to thank

our advertisers and everyone in the

community who have embraced Look

Local and encouraged us to thrive over the last 8 years.

Onward and upward! We look forward to serving Oakville and Burlington for many more years to come!

Tim Root publisher

cf

LOOKLOCALMAGAZINE

looklocalmagazine.com

EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jenny Ratcliffe-Wright Kristen Sanchioni Julian Kingston Anwar Knight 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

FOUR FLOORS OF FURNITURE

Furniture & Home Decor

TRENDLINE VOGEL BY CHERVIN LEATHERCRAFT SWISS INTERIORS CANADEL DURHAM +MORE 217 Lakeshore Rd. East Downtown Oakville 905 844 3530 Check out our clearance page at

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The Kitchen Store

Spina Spin and strain colander

N0w in White!

supoon

Sit Up Scraping NICET Y'S Spoon

knibble Cheese knife with fork to serve

146 Lakeshore Rd. E Downtown Oakville 905.338.0275 | shop.nicetys.com

EDITOR’S LETTER

S

pring has sprung! And with cold winter days behind us, it’s only warm, sunny days ahead.

Now, being April – there will be rain. And with rain comes puddles. And with three young kids comes… well, you know. So, for the next little bit at least, I guess I’ll be jumping in puddles alongside 3 little pairs of feet. After all, we’ve been through A LOT in the past year. The winter was HARD. We deserve to let loose. So, grab your wellies, let’s jump in some puddles!

We all have a favourite pub in town, but did you know that many of them have a colourful past? Read our Local History feature to uncover the secrets of some of our hotels and inns.

It's likely that you have a piece of sentimental furniture in your home - maybe it was passed down from family, maybe you picked it up at a flea market. Maybe… it’s time to give it a facelift. Whether you’re keen to DIY or head to a professional, our Home feature will guide you through the world of upholstery.

Birds are the ambassadors of Burlington have a front-row seat time of year to catch a glimpse spring migration. Read where in Have you tried ramen or delicious, they’re actually into our Food feature to share where you can find

April, and Oakville and to the show. It's a great of beautiful birds during our Just for Fun feature.

pho? While both are equally a vastly different dish. Bite learn the difference - we also the best Asian soups in town.

While some businesses have had to, unfortunately, close their doors as a result of the pandemic, some were inspired to take a risk and open. Join us in welcoming these new businesses to our community in our Local Community feature.

Jump! Splash!

Anneliese Lawton

E DITOR

| anneliese@looklocalmagazine.com

You Dream It, We Create It!

OAKVILLE JEWELLERY

OAKVILLE JEWELLERY YOUR PERSONAL MASTER JEWELLER R E PA I R & C U S T O M W O R K D O N E I N P R E M I S E S . S A M E D AY S E R V I C E

905.845.5600 255 L AKE S HO R E RD. E, OA K VI L LE OA K V I L L E J E WL L E R Y.C A

GARDEN GIRLS

Home & Garden

W E ’ V E

G O T

I T

covered!

YOUR GUIDE TO PROFESSIONAL AND DIY UPHOLSTERY

by KRISTEN SANCHIONI

16

Look Local Volume 9 | Issue 1

"Refurbishing furniture is a wonderful, environmentally-friendly way to bring new life into worn, faded items"

I

t's likely that you have a piece or two of sentimental furniture in your home - maybe it was passed down from family, maybe you picked it up at a flea market. Maybe it's from your old dorm room and you just can't let it go. Whatever the case, your vintage couch or armchair has probably seen its day - frayed edges, thin fabric, and even out of style. However, if you have a well-built item or one with special sentimental value, reupholstering is a worthwhile investment.

Upholstering furniture is a job that requires skill and patience.

Knowing when to tackle the project on your own and when to hire a professional is crucial to ensure you love your finished product.

inspired home décor

LAKESIDE LIVIN'

Life is better at the Lake 100 Bronte Road, Oakville | 905.469.9990 | Shop Online at lakesidelivin.com

Try Your Hand Maybe you’ve found a lovely piece at a thrift store or perhaps you have an old hand-me-down that needs an upgrade. Refurbishing furniture is a wonderful, environmentally-friendly way to bring new life into worn, faded items, especially when those pieces have quality materials and craftsmanship. Bear in mind that do-it-yourself upholstering requires time, effort, and basic sewing skills. If you want to tackle the project on your own, assess your budget and skill level.

Some furniture is easier to reupholster than others. If you’re a newbie to the world of upholstery, choose your project carefully! One rule of thumb for beginners is to focus on pieces with straight lines.

A simple, hardbacked chair with a removable fabric seat is a good place to start. Similarly, a fabric ottoman, bench, or footstool can be completely transformed in an afternoon without much more than fabric, a screwdriver, and a staple gun.

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Look Local Volume 9 | Issue 1

With some basic sewing skills, recovering a worn fabric headboard or making a slipcover for a chair can be a weekend project. Avoid thick fabric which can be difficult to fold, sew, and lay flat. Pieces with foam and padding can often disintegrate, breed mold, and lose their shape. It’s worth replacing for comfort and longevity.

If reupholstering furniture is something you enjoy and want to do more of, consider enrolling in a local upholstery class to expand your skillset.

The Finishing Touch When is it time to call the professionals? If you’ve inherited a beautiful chair from a family member but the cushions are worn and the fabric is ripped, is it worth reupholstering rather than just buying a new item? It really comes down to quality and memorability.

FAIRHOME

Local Links 1 Fairhome Interiors, Burlington fairhome.ca 2 Andersons Interiors, Burlington andersonsinteriors.ca

Custom reupholstering is a labour-intensive art form that takes years of training and practice. Investing in a professional service to reupholster your furniture is worthwhile if the piece has sentimental value and good bones. A new piece might cost less, but the quality won’t be comparable.

“The benefit of a professional is, of course, the fact that your finished project looks beautifully and skillfully done,” says Tori Brock from Fairhome Interiors in Burlington. From choosing the types of fabric that will work best with your piece to envisioning the finished product, their team walks clients through the process. “We gently guide you with help choosing a fabric that is appropriate for the piece’s purpose and

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Look Local Volume 9 | Issue 1

your lifestyle,” she notes. “We then take your furniture and our upholsterer masterfully and magically transforms your piece to look like new!”

Still think you can tackle Grandpa’s special chair? “A botched DIY project is often how we get new clients!” laughs Tori. “It isn’t as easy as Pinterest makes it look.” She explains that fully reupholstering requires removing old fabric and cushioning if necessary, fixing any flaws, possibly changing the style, restuffing, and applying new textile and decorative features.

Professionals have the tools and skills necessary to do this without damaging the piece.

Furniture, especially vintage, left in untrained hands can be permanently ruined.

Choosing to DIY on a memorable piece will likely leave you feeling as though you’ve overextended yourself and risks the finished product looking sloppy. Opting to work with a professional will result in a stunning piece, that upholds the quality of the item for years to come. LL

A delightful consignment boutique that provides outstanding value and an extraordinary shopping experience.

BOGART HOME

IN THE HEART OF BRONTE VILL AGE

2448 Lakeshore Rd, W.- Entrance on Bronte Road bogarthome.com | 289.837.4333 |

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TRIAS GALLERY

www.triasgallery.com 11 Bronte Rd, #29, Bronte Harbour 905.465.1113 Free local delivery

Community

! e m o c l e W AN INTRODUCTION TO SOME NEW LOCAL BUSINESSES

by ANNELIESE LAWTON

22

Look Local Volume 9 | Issue 1

e’ve

officially

been

living

in

pandemic

pandemonium for a year now. And how things

have changed. Washing hands, wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance at the grocery

store – these have all become second nature to us. While we’ve all been learning how to live in and adapt to a pandemic – some of us have taken this opportunity to dive into a new experience

of our own. While we have, unfortunately, seen some local brick and mortar retailers and restaurants close their doors as a direct result of the pandemic, we have also seen others open their doors for the very first time.

Here,

we

celebrate

these

local

community

members,

entrepreneurs, and visionaries, and rejoice in the opening of their new establishments.

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 L AURATEDESCO.COM

905 528 4414

STOLEN HEARTS BRIDAL

WAVES IN THE VILL AGE

STOLEN HEARTS BRIDAL 37 M A IN S T S OUT H, WAT E R D OWN

St o l e n h e a r t s b r i d a l .c o m Up until last year, Amelia Chiarelli was working full-time in audio postproduction in Toronto. “I was commuting 4-hours a day, was constantly stressed and was not living in my best state,” says Amelia. She adds, “One positive thing that came out of this pandemic for me was the opportunity to step back from the routine I was stuck in and really get in touch with what I wanted for myself.” And as a soon-to-be pandemic bride, Amelia decided she wanted to open her own bridal salon, Stolen Hearts Bridal.

As an appointment-only boutique, Amelia can focus on one bride at a time, making it easier to follow guidelines, distance, and keep people safe.

The grand opening was a live virtual event on March 2nd, allowing people to tune-in to see the space for the first time, view gowns, and win prizes.

Stolen Hearts Bridal will be setting up an online store for accessories and will be moving sample sales online as well.

You can shop Stolen Hearts Bridal online at stolenheartsbridal.com and be sure to check them out on Instagram and Facebook @stolenheartsbridal.

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Look Local Volume 9 | Issue 1

WAVES IN THE VILL AGE 415 ELIZ ABE T H S T U N I T 37, BUR L INGTO N

S h o p w av e s .c a Waves in the Village, which opened in November 2020, was founded by Caitlin McGillivray and her husband Mike Ledgerwood after they fell in love with the atmosphere and community of Downtown Burlington, specifically The Village. “Opening a boutique has always been a goal, it was just the question of where and when,” says Caitlin. So, when she found the perfect retail spot – despite the pandemic – she knew it was time.

While owning a retail boutique had been a lifelong dream, Caitlin explains, “It was scary deciding to move forward with a new business in the middle of a pandemic.”

Through the use of social media, Caitlin created excitement about Waves in the Village before its doors even opened, and in the first few months of business, the boutique has thrived.

Waves in the Village has trendy clothing, fun accessories, shoes, and even items from local makers such as bath bombs and cards.

You can shop Waves in the Village online at shopwaves.ca, and be sure to visit them on Instagram @waves_inthevillage.

Overhead Door Co. of Hamilton-BurlingtonTM

OVERHEAD DOORS High-Quality

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BUBBLES AND BLOW BEAUT Y BAR 399 EL IZ A B ET H S T #5, B U R L I N G TO N

B u b b l e s a n d b l o w.c a Bubbles and Blow, founded by 27-year-old New Jersey native, Nikki Gray, had its grand opening in November 2020 – eight months into the pandemic.

Nikki had always loved hair and has worked in salons since the early age of 14. She trained in New Jersey, and in Manhattan, Soho and Tribeca in New York City. Bringing her career with her to Canada was a dream. “I used the pandemic to bring my dreams to life…when else in life would we have this moment where time kind of...stops?”, explains Nikki.

Though Toronto may have been an obvious choice for city-loving Nikki, there was something special about the smaller city of Burlington - the people. Not long after moving to the area with her husband, Dale, Nikki was introduced to a warm, inviting, loving community - and she knew it was destiny.

Bubbles and Blow offer extension services, blowouts, bridal, blonding and balayage, and more! Visit them on Instagram @bubblesandblow. burlington.

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Look Local Volume 9 | Issue 1

MAISON APOTHECARE 6 L AKESH O R E RD WES T, OAKVI LLE

M a i s o n a p ot h e c a re . c a Born in France and raised on an organic farm in Ontario, Natacha Rey spent her childhood making potions and lotions for her loved ones using the ingredients she collected from nature. As an adult, she pursued this passion and studied homeopathic medicine at the Australian College of Natural Medicine where she earned a Bachelor of Health Science.

Natacha’s early career focused on formulating bespoke skincare products. With the birth of her first child in 2010, her creative energy materialized as Sleepy Owl Baby Care, one of Maison Apothecare’s popular product lines.

20

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MAISON APOTHECARE

Today, Natacha continues to formulate new products (including Lemon Aide Surface Cleaner) for the whole family as she leads Maison Apothecare along the sometimes-bumpy road of business.

Maison Apothecare took a major hit during the pandemic and Natacha was forced to permanently close two of her three locations — Niagara-onthe-Lake and Bloor West Village. But the company has moved into a new location in Oakville, offering a much larger, brighter space, and allowing Natacha to share her products in an environment that offers better distance, incredible natural light, and more.

Visit Maison Apothecare on Instagram and Facebook @maisonapothecare or shop Natacha’s incredible line of products online at maisonapothecare.ca.

SEEK STUDIO 131 L AKES H OR E R D E AS T, OAKVI L L E

Seekstudio.ca On a sunny afternoon in late November 2020, Marie-Josee Boisvert was sitting on the Paradiso patio in Oakville with some friends, when they noticed a lease available next door. After viewing the space, and experiencing the crowds and energy of Downtown Oakville, Marie-Josee decided to take on a little passion project. She would open an art studio to showcase her friend Bill Boyko’s art and décor for the Christmas season – just to see how it would go.

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Look Local Volume 9 | Issue 1

Within three days, Seek Studio was painted and ready, officially opening in December 2020. Six days later, the art gallery was closed due to the lockdown. With a creative storefront and eCommerce site, Josee ended up selling pieces both online and through the gallery window.

While this is her first retail venture, MarieJosee hasn’t let the pandemic scare her. “We have been welcomed by Downtown Oakville and the BIA with great enthusiasm. It lifts our spirits”.

Visit Seek Studio for everything interesting; curated consignment art, decor, and cool finds. The New, The Vintage, The Up-Cycled, and the Re-Born. It’s all in the Hunt! You can also check them out on Instagram @seekstudiooakville. LL

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“Butter Butter Butter” Oven Mitt Sold By: Bogart Home, Oakville

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ecofriendly locally

THE CASUAL GOURMET HAMILTON Experience the power of Pure.

This vegan, eco-friendly dish soap is tough on grease but safe for both your skin and the environment. A great sink-side companion for easy dish cleaning!

casualgourmet.ca

OLIVE + SPLASH BURLINGTON The ‘90s style is making a comeback! Add a fresh rotation of scrunchies to your collection with this playful set made from eco-friendly bamboo.

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MAISON APOTHECARE OAKVILLE Pamper your skin and be kind to the environment, with Maison Apothecare's organic soap bars. Handmade with allnatural essential oils and ingredients that will cleanse and moisturize your skin, while invigorating your senses with delightful scents like spruce, lavender or sage.

maisonapothecare.ca coming soon to looklocal.ca

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Look Local Volume 9 | Issue 1

A GREENER PLACE WATERDOWN Unpaper Towels are a great starter item for people making eco-friendly swaps for the kitchen! This product allows you to drastically reduce or completely eliminate single-use disposable paper towels in your home.

agreenerplace.ca and on looklocal.ca

NICETY'S OAKVILLE These reusable lids eliminate the need for single-use plastic wrap. Air-tight and leakproof they'll keep your food fresh for longer!

Featuring Interior ribbing and pull tabs to ensure a snug fit and easy removal.

nicetys.com

ELVA'S ALL NATURALS MILTON Gentle, sustainable and made with all-natural ingredients and plant extracts (including organic lavender oil). LOVELY Laundry Wash will leave your linens and clothing with a calming scent that will feel like a warm hug on a cold day.

elvasallnaturals.com and on looklocal.ca

THE ARTISANVILLE OAKVILLE Made from organically-grown bamboo, these toothbrushes will protect your smile and the environment at the same time! The BPA-free, vegan, soft bristles are infused with premium activated white charcoal and have powerful antibacterial properties that will naturally clean, whiten and brighten your teeth!

theartisanville.ca and on looklocal.ca looklocalmagazine.com

33

CENTRO GARDEN BURLINGTON Become an eco-mindful shopper with a French Mesh Market Tote from Centro Garden. Ideal for trips to the market, grocery store or day-to-day use, these pair perfectly with our produce drawstring bags. Available in a variety of colours.

centrogarden.com

ENFLEURAGE ORGANICS OAKVILLE Enfleurage Organics' plant-based goodies will pamper your body from head to toe!

Gentle, non-toxic, organic and created to work in balance with your natural beauty!

enfleurage-organics.com and on looklocal.ca

REFILLERY MARKET BURLINGTON Be kind to the earth with these reusable bowl covers that fit snugly over bowls and plates while reducing your use of plastic wrap. Made in Canada from organic cotton, they are available in a variety of prints and either waxed or unwaxed.

refillerymarket.ca and on looklocal.ca

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Look Local Volume 9 | Issue 1

MOTHER AND NATURE

GREENER PLACE

BURLINGTON These reusable and washable cotton facial rounds are your solution to reducing waste in the bathroom. Perfect for applying toner and removing makeup or nail polish, these are a great alternative to disposable cotton rounds.

motherandnature.ca and on looklocal.ca

RUSTIC DAISY'S

BODEGA

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One of a Kind Handmade Items Perfect For Back Yard Bird Watching!

RUSTICDAISYS.CA 25 Main St S. Waterdown ON | 289 260 7414

TRENDING NOW Don’t miss out on the latest stories online at looklocalmagazine.com!

COMMUNITY

Say 'I Do!'

FOOD & DRINK

Rice & Shine!

With Stolen Hearts Bridal Boutique

Discovering Risotto

FOOD & DRINK

Stir & Splash

The Best Wines to Pair With Risotto

JUST FOR FUN

Virtual Birthday Parties You Won't Want to Miss

READ THESE STORIES ONLINE looklocalmagazine.com Visit our website:

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LANA’S B O U T IQ U E

Spring Styles

LANA'S

HAVE ARRIVED

905.847.8148 | BRONTE HARBOUR 100 BRONTE ROAD, UNIT 5, OAKVILLE LANASBRONTE.COM

SALON 360

SPRING IS IN THE HAIR

Local History

I G H T • N

O N

T H E •

OLD TOWN A HISTORIC TALE OF H O T E L S A N D TAV E R N S

by JULIAN KINGSTON

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Look Local Volume 9 | Issue 1

eople have always enjoyed a little cheer with their food, and Oakville and Burlington have provided both to our community for almost 200 years. Of course, the past holds secrets and surprises, so let’s look back and see what we find.

The idea of animal entertainment isn’t new, but the variety provided by one of Oakville’s most infamous taverns wouldn’t fly today.

Thomas Lloyd kept a bear chained outside his tavern on Dunn Street and when business was slow, the bear would be fed a live pig to both excite and attract customers!

Oakville House, the town’s first inn, was more respectable.

Owner William Sumner boasted that he offered “beds [that] are clean and comfortable – a larder well stored [and] good liquors purified by Ontario’s beautiful waters.” This building too has a bear in its origin story. Legend tells that during construction, local dogs treed a bear nearby. That bear faced a different fate as it soon became a rug to adorn the floor in front of the main fireplace.

ARS OF CUSTOM 0 YE LEA G3 TH TIN ER A W R B O E RK L E C

TUNDRA LEATHER

313 King Street East, Hamilton | 905.527.7745

tundraleather.ca | Follow us!

!"$%

STEPHEN CRAWFORD

When well-known writer Anna Jamieson visited Sumner’s Inn in 1837, she was not impressed by the “vile prints” on the walls but was amused to find a copy of Don Juan in the parlour, a most sophisticated and modern addition. Sumner also hosted the to-be Lieutenant-Governor Sir Francis Bond Head, who “observed that it was the best tavern he had been to since leaving Albany”.

The Oakville House remained a fixture until the 1950’s when it was demolished - but only after surviving an astonishing seven fires! Luckily the tradition of good food continues today, as the building that houses Paradiso stands in that spot.

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In 1896 The Toronto Cycling Club had a track built from Toronto to Oakville, and the Queen’s Hotel at the corner of Dunn and Colborne billed itself as the “Headquarters for horsemen and bicyclists” - hoping to attract the thirsty “wheelmen” after their races.

Heading West, the oldest hotel remaining in Oakville sits at Navy and Robinson Streets. It began as the Canadian Hotel in 1857, but became the Murray House in 1896. Now restored as offices, this handsome building is worth taking a minute to admire.

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In 1845, adventurers continuing along the lake road would come to Thompson’s Hotel in Bronte. Over the years, the site was a grocery store, candy shop, post office, and a summer hotel! Named “Glendella” since 1887, it has recently been restored and is in use as boutique suites.

Today you can stroll around the corner to the Cove Bar and Restaurant, a trendy spot inhabiting an original 1840’s house. By 1900 a family of fishers lived here, making the prevalence of fish on Cove’s menu seem historically appropriate.

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Steady your legs as we hop on the stagecoach to Burlington, where you could linger at “the Zimmerman house … a first-class resting place for The weary traveller.” Later it became the Queen’s Hotel, and today the same spot is The Queen’s Head, which operates as a classic British Pub. On the waterfront stood the Estaminet Standard Hotel, managed by Emma and George Byrens. In 1919, “Canada’s House of Hospitality” served notables from Louis St. Laurent to Liberace! Emma would greet patrons accompanied by her parrot. The venue lived on to become the well-known Emma’s Back Porch named in her honour.

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Our final stop is the once fabulous Brant Inn. In the 1940’s, people came to dance the night away with Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, and Count Basie. Demolished in 1969, only a plaque now sits on the site. But don’t despair, nearby Spencer's at The Waterfront affords dining with virtually the same lovely view of the lake.

The names may have changed but you can still have an excellent food and drink adventure while retracing the steps and places in our local hospitality history. LL

JULIAN KINGSTON has deep experience interpreting culture, art, history and the natural world. He currently takes care of the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate, exploring as many ways as possible to tell Oakville's stories. You should totally go.

13TH STREET WINERY

Community Events

MARCH

6

Sugarbush Season at Mountsberg

The Mountsberg sugarbush has been producing maple magic for more than 150 years and educating the public for over 40 years. The park will tap about 300 sugar maples this spring and the crystal-clear sap will be magically transformed into sweet maple syrup in the Sugar Shanty. This year will be different than in previous years, but Conservation Halton is pleased to have worked with Halton Public Health to provide a safe, and cherished Canadian tradition. Reservations required.

March 6 to April 5 Mountsberg 2259 Milburough Line, Campbellville Conservationhalton.ca

MARCH

27

Earth Hour

Join millions of people around the world and switch off your lights in support of nature and our planet.

At-Home Saturday 27 March, 2021 at 8:30pm.

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APRIL

2-5

Around the Town Easter Hunt

Explore and learn about some of Burlington’s most notable heritage sites on an Easter egg hunt around the city. Your ticket includes an Egg Hunt passport, Easter popcorn, and supplies for Easter crafts that will be led through virtual instruction. Ideal for children ages 6 – 12 years old. Purchase your ticket by March 26.

April 2 to April 5 Museums of Burlington Museumsofburlington.ca

APRIL

22

Earth Day

2021 will mark the 51st anniversary of Earth Day. Typically, Earth Day is assigned a different theme or area of focus each year; and this year’s theme is “Restore Our Earth.”

Most years, Earth Day events range from river cleanups to invasive removals. With social distancing still in place for many of us this April, Earth Day has gone digital. Virtual events, like environmental lectures and films, will take place online instead.

To see a catalogue of official events, visit earthday.org.

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| Oakville: 905-484-1468 gregfreepoolandspa@live.com

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Environment Just for Fun

APRIL'S AMBASSADORS

abound!

By ANWAR KNIGHT

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“Our feathered friends play a crucial role in our local ecosystem. Birds not only help control insect populations, but they also help with plant pollination and offer seed dispersal services that benefit forestry and agriculture.” t’s here! Spring, at long last! With longer days and shorter nights, that cozy spring sunshine beams sweeter than Easter chocolate and does wonders for the soul.

All around us, green spaces - forests, parks, and your own backyard - are all waking up. With each passing day, the sights and sounds of this new season are returning: a migration, both figuratively and literally.

OAKVILLE MUSEUM

Birds are the ambassadors of April, and Oakville and Burlington have a front-row seat to the show. This region is a primary “flyway” (think invisible highways in the sky) for feathered creatures passing through on their journey to return home. For some, the trip is completed here, while for others it is a mere pit stop for rest, food, and to wait out less-than-ideal weather before continuing north to nesting grounds in Canada’s boreal forest and the Arctic.

Leading the flock are waterfowl by the thousands, including ducks, geese, swans, and cranes. These are the largest migratory birds and their arrival signals the new season. For many “birders" however, the true harbinger of springtime is the arrival of the RedWinged Blackbird. The males are out the gate and arrive early, so they can scout and claim a prime spot for a nest, while also doing everything they can to get noticed. These very vocal birds will sit high on a perch and belt out their signature “conk-la-ree” call.

Joining them are the American Robins, Killdeer, Common Grackles, and, later this month, the Warblers. Warblers are amazing, colourful little songbirds that fly thousands of kilometres to feast on Ontario mosquitoes, all while weighing no more than a quarter!

There are over 350 species of birds that call Ontario home. For those that are returning, they arrive exhausted and hungry. Imagine if you took flight and flapped your wings from a warm tropical retreat as far away as the southern tip of South America!

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“A notable presence, the over 50 million birds that return home during their annual spring migration”.

Here are a few ways that you and your family can help welcome April’s ambassadors: •K eep a clean birdbath. Birds will love it for the dual purpose of drinking as well as yes, bathing!

• Consider

marking large windows with decals or sun catchers to prevent bird strikes.

• Plant

small native trees and shrubs, especially fruit-bearing species, like dogwood, serviceberry, and sumac. This provides berries and encourages native insects to flourish, offering a further source of food for birds.

CASUAL GOURMET

casualgourmet.ca HAMILTON - 1027 KING ST. WEST

Feathered-Friend Family Fun: Play Bird Detective Spring is a great time to engage kids to discover nature by becoming a bird detective. Screen time gives lots of stimulation, but it’s mostly visual. Explore a green space as a family and encourage kids to close their eyes and focus on what they can hear first. From there, the bird detectives can start searching for and recording various other clues like size, colour, and eventually, the type of birds that they hear.

Royal Botanical Gardens 680 PLAINS ROAD WEST, BURLINGTON | RBG.CA

Try visiting the garden areas during spring bloom festivals. Common species include Broadwing Hawks visiting the Rock Garden spring ephemerals, Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks frequenting the Arboretum lilacs, Baltimore Orioles enjoying the Laking Garden irises, and Chimney Swifts speeding through the Hendrie Park roses.

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LaSalle Park and Marina 831 LASALLE PARK ROAD, BURLINGTON

A photographer's dream, LaSalle Park is the birthplace of a Trumpeter Swan reproduction program. There are great opportunities to catch sight of these beautiful birds both in and out of the water.

Here to Help

KARINA GOULD

Bronte Provincial Park 1219 BURLOAK DRIVE, OAKVILLE ONTARIOPARKS.COM/BRONTECREEK

The trail along the top of the east bank of Bronte Creek has been excellent for spring migrants. A good selection of grassland species usually nest in the general area of the new campground. LL

ANWAR KNIGHT is an

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Food & Drink

oodles noodles!

OF

by JENNY RATCLIFFE-WRIGHT

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O

ntario has such a rich cultural diversity that international food trends are bound to flourish. Ramen and pho are on the hot list and although they may have similarities, they actually have many differences.

Ramen is a Japanese soup that consists of chewy noodles served in a hearty meat broth, often flavoured with soy sauce or miso and garnished with toppings of various sorts. Many regions in Japan have their own ramen or variation thereof, but there are some basic types to get you started.

Pho (pronounced fuh), on the other hand, is a Vietnamese noodle dish that uses rice noodles instead of wheat, with a broth that is lighter and more aromatic. This is achieved by using whole spices such as cinnamon, peppercorns, and star anise, rather than ground ones which could make the broth heavier. It also contains sliced beef, and is predominantly a breakfast dish, although many street-side restaurants in Vietnam serve it all day.

li De

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us H

omemade Prepared M eal

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y

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Ramen is known for its noodles that are fairly chewy and a rich bone broth that is achieved by slow-cooking pork and chicken creating a thick, rich liquid. The noodles are wheat-based with water and salt with the addition of kansui, a baking soda-like ingredient that leaves the noodles firm to the bite and stops them from disintegrating in the broth.

Ramen, although Japanese, is believed to have been introduced to Japan by Chinese immigrants in the 1900s, the broth being the Japanese addition to the dish. By the Second World War, it was a thriving part of Japanese culture. It is interesting to note that there are more ramen shops per square mile in Japan than pizza shops in the US. Ramen is classified into 4 types, according to the broth. It can be likened to choosing the base for your pizza.

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Tonkotsu broth is cooked for longer so it is thicker. Shio broth is flavoured only with salt while Shoyu is flavoured with soy sauce so it has a darker colour. Finally, miso ramen uses miso, a fermented soya bean paste to give it a depth of flavour.

Once your base is decided, just like a pizza, one chooses toppings.

The traditional variants are nori, scallions, a soft-boiled egg, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, shitake mushrooms, corn, or sliced pork. There are many non-traditional fusion variants. Ivan Orkin from Ivan Ramen in New York City is famous for his non-ramen fusion styles, with one of his signature dishes being fried tofu with mushroom chili and yellow mustard; a fusion of Japanese cuisine and American junk food.

For the ramen aficionados, there is gourmet ramen. Head to Tokyo to Tsuta, a little restaurant that caused a big stir in 2015 when it was the first noodle shop to be awarded a Michelin star. Tsuta’s trademark dish is Shoyu Soba: soy sauce ramen with chicken and seafood broth with sliced pork and black truffle oil, delivering a true umami experience.

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Kenzo Ramen, with branches in Oakville and Hamilton, has fresh noodles made in-house and has an endless number of ramen to try.

The Tan Tan Men consists of toasted sesame and chili oil ramen topped with marinated ground pork, corn, baby bokchoy, and scallions.

Ramen Houzz in southeast Oakville has many options from basic ramen to stirred ramen and finally its own house specialties, with beef, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian options, including all the toppings you could possibly want.

Pho, Vietnam’s favourite dish, was invented under French colonialism in the late 19th Century. Before the arrival of the French, cows were used as work animals, not food, but during the French occupation, a lot of beef was consumed and the bones and tougher cuts of meat were a by-product, which were quickly put to use in broth and pho.

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There are two distinct types of pho: Pho Bac from northern Vietnam with its simpler flavour, minimal garnish, and thin slices of beef. Pho Nam from the south is more complex and contains many more garnishes like fresh lime, basil, and bean sprouts. Siracha can also be added for some heat.

Apart from the north and south versions, pho is split into three groups: beef (pho bo), chicken (pho ga), and vegetable (pho chay), although many less authentic styles do occur. The final decision to be made is the topping or garnish which can vary from mint, cilantro, and basil to jalapeno and bean sprout.

Pho Mama in Oakville has a wide range of classic Vietnamese dishes as well as pho options. There is a make-your-own option where you select your beef and rice noodle soup (pho) and pick your toppings, from rare beef to stewed tripe for the more adventurous.

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Local Links 1 Kenzo Ramen,

1122 Dorval Dr, Oakville kenzoramen.ca 2 Ramen Houzz,

511 Maple Grove Dr, Oakville ramen-houzz.com

3 Pho Mama, 515 Dundas St West, Oakville phomama.ca

4 Pho Vuho, 360 Dundas St East, Oakville phovuho.ca

5 Mikado Japanese Restaurant,

415 Elizabeth St, Burlington mikadosushiburlington.com 6 Bento Box,

2405 Fairview St, Burlington bentoboxburlington.ca 7 Ichiban Sushi House,

3315 Fairview St, Burlington ichibansushi.com 8 Ben Thanh,

2080 Appleby Line, Burlington benthanhburlington.ca

Pho Vuho in Oakville has so many dishes that the novice would struggle with where to start. Perhaps start with something simpler like pho tai ga, a rice noodle soup with medium-rare beef and chicken, and plan to end with the spicy pho bo sate, a rice noodle soup with satay beef.

With the differences between pho and ramen completely understood, the only choice now is which one you would prefer for your dinner tonight. LL

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FLORENCE MEATS

KELLY'S

Local Recipe

C H O C O L A T E

cupcakes ∙ Is there a better treat than cupcakes? These Easter

inspired cupcakes are ridiculously cute, and sure to get the whole family feeling festive. Make them at home or order yours from Sweetest Thing in Kerr Village!

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C H O C O L AT E C U P C A K E S

VA N I L L A F R O S T I N G

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

∙ ¾ cup cocoa powder

∙ 2 cups softened butter

∙ ¾ cup flour

∙ 8 cups icing sugar

∙ ½ teaspoon baking powder

∙ 1 – 3 tablespoons of milk

∙ ¼ teaspoon salt

∙ Vanilla

∙ ¾ cup softened butter ∙ 1 cup sugar ∙ 3 eggs ∙ ½ cup sour cream

METHOD 1

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

2

Sift together your dry ingredients and set aside.

3

In the bowl of your mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4

Add in the eggs one at a time.

5

Mix in your flour mixture, followed by the sour cream.

6

Spoon the batter into a muffin tin.

7

METHOD 1

In the bowl of a mixer cream together your butter and sugar.

2

Add milk to thin to the right consistency.

3

Add a splash of vanilla.

4

Set aside ½ cup of frosting and dye it brown.

5

Fill a piping bag with vanilla frosting and ice the tops of your cupcakes.

6

Put the brown frosting into another piping bag fitted with the grass tip.

7

Using the brown frosting, pipe several circles on top of your frosted cupcake creating a nest.

8

Nestle in 3-4 mini eggs.

Bake for 20 – 25 minutes. Cool before frosting!

cakes • cookies • cupcakes

Erin Nocent www.thesweetestthing.com 905.466.7976

looklocalmagazine.com

63

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*Maserati Levante MY2021 base MSRP $97,190. 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.