December 2016 | Urbanicity Hamilton by UrbanicityHamOnt

URBANICITY.CA

DECEMBER 2016 COMPLIMENTARY MAGAZINE

NOVEMBURGER RESULTS AND THE WINNERS ARE...

THE BEST KEPT SECRET TUNDRA LEATHER

PARTY MONSTER FASHION FEATURE

TEMPLAR FLATS

FROM TEARDOWN TO TRANSFORMATION

CULTURE TRIP

10 CULTURAL GEMS IN BURLINGTON

restauRANT HUMOUR

IDEAS // ISSUES // EXPERIENCES // ARTS // CULTURE // BUSINESS // STYLE // CITY LIFE

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DECEMBER 2016

P U B L I S H E R + E D I TO R MARTINUS GELEYNSE martinus@urbanicity.ca L AYO U T & D ES I G N Tafari Anthony EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Taylor Evans

â&#x20AC;&#x160;FROM THE EDITOR + PUBLISHER

DISTRIBUTION urbanicity Omnimedia Inc.

urbanicity Magazine is wholly owned and published by urbanicity Omnimedia Inc. All content copyright ÂŠ 2016 and all rights to distribution are reserved by urbanicity Omnimedia. As a forum for ideas, issues, and experiences, the views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Publisher, Editor, other contributors, advertisers or distributors unless otherwise stated. DISTRIBUTION 40,000+ readers per month. Distributed throughout Hamilton, Dundas, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, Aldershot, and Burlington. 12 issues per year. ADVERTISING INQUIRES (905) 537-4819 ads@urbanicity.ca www.urbanicity.ca

How is it that I am once again writing my December editorial? It feels as though I just published my last December piece quite recently, but evidently that was a full year ago. Time flies when you're having fun, I suppose. Or maybe it just flies. Looking back on 2016, everyone will have their own experience to reflect on, but personally I can't say this was the best year of my life. Mind you, as the year draws to an end, I am not the only one saying that. I've seen countless posts on social media, and even heard newscasters saying the same thing. On a societal level, 2016 was a year of increased global tension that saw major terror attacks in Brussels, Orlando, Nice, and many more western cities. Violence in the far east was far greater, despite being underreported in our region. The future of the UK and the EU were both put into question with the successful Brexit 'Yes' vote. Closer to home, Donald Trump was elected as President of the United States, and a new wave of emboldened racism and redneck populism began an ugly surge across the United States, Canada, and even into Europe. When you consider the fact that North Korea is now boasting new atomic capabilities, and Mr. Trump is purportedly quite trigger-happy himself, it's safe to say that the doomsday clock is pointing frighteningly close to midnight. And just think, only a year ago, there was so much optimism in the air (in our progressive, urban corner of the world, that is). Justin Trudeau and the Liberals were elected federally, bringing sunny ways with them. The rise of Donald Trump in the USA seemed to all but ensure a Democratic victory was inevitable. Even the Light Rail file seemed to be moving along at a record pace at Hamilton City Hall. What a difference a year can make, even if it only feels like yesterday. Now, I'm not being dramatic, and yes, I admit that I sound a bit dark right now. The truth is, I'm actually pretty optimistic about the future. If you read this issue, you'll read the story of Tundra Leather, a family business that has survived through Hamilton's depressed years, and is now doing better than ever as the second generation has taken up the business. You'll read a feature about the Templar Flats development on King William Street, and how the developer dreams of future generations looking up at the building and seeing a legacy of quality and transformational development. You'll even read that our Novemburger festival grew substantially this year, raising an estimated $10,000+ for the United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton. It's easy to get bogged down when we have a tough day, week, or even year. The truth is, however, that there is still always good stuff happening all around us. When you gather with your family, friends, and colleagues this month to celebrate the holidays, toast with them to a new year ahead. 2017 is a new year with fresh possibilities and opportunities. We may not be able to achieve world peace, cure cancer, or make City Hall functional by ourselves, but we damn well better keep trying. From all of us at urbanicity Omnimedia and urbanicity Magazine, we wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season. Thank you for reading our magazine, eating Novemburgers, and staying optimistic. Here's to a brilliant 2017. MA RTI NUS GE LE YNSE

CORRECTIONS In the November 2016 issue of urbanicity Magazine, the incorrect advertisement was displayed for the Art Gallery of Hamilton. This error was entirely on the part of urbanicity Magazine, and the Publisher takes full responsibility for this. We regret and apologize for the error. In the November 2016 issue of urbanicity Magazine, David Carrothers (Hamilton Modern: David Carrothers) was described as "Hamilton architect David Carrothers". Mr. Carrothers is, in fact, and architectural technologist, and does not hold the designation of "Architect", which is a title that may only be used by licensed architects under the Ontario Architects Act. This error was entirely on the part of urbanicity Magazine, and the Publisher takes full responsibility for this. We regret and apologize for the error and retract this incorrect description.

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URBANICITY.CA

IDEAS

Ambitious City 2016: The Music City Hamilton can become a better music city by getting out of its own way. On an early November evening members of Hamilton’s arts and business community met at the Lincoln Alexander Theatre to discuss Hamilton’s ambitions to be a better "music city". The fourth annual Ambitious City symposium was hosted by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce to discuss the city’s strategies and ideas for moving forward on a particular theme gleaned from strategies identified by the city as being important to Hamilton’s progress. The evening began with a performance by Tom and Thomson Wilson, a spare, haunting collection of melodies that dug into Hamilton’s history as a folk-rock haven. The performance was followed by a keynote speech by Graham Henderson, head of Music Canada and the Chair of the Ontario Chamber, who addressed the ways in which Hamilton’s goals to be a Music City have aligned with the trends in other municipalities, as well as the Music City Toolkit, a roadmap and guide for city chambers of commerce to help them harness the power of music as a source of economic development. According to Mr. Henderson, Hamilton’s doing pretty well for itself. Of the five roles that a chamber can take to build a music city, Hamilton’s taken on all of them in some way since music was identified as a key strategy for Hamilton’s economic development in 2014. From the creation of the Music and Film Office to incorporating music into Chamber events themselves, Hamilton’s business community has created opportunities to build that identity out. Mr. Henderson’s speech was followed by a panel discussion of Hamilton music industry professionals moderated by music historian and legendary DJ Alan Cross. The panel included musician Terra Lightfoot, Amy Terrill, Executive Vice President of Music Canada; Madeline Wilson, Founder of Front Room Entertainment; Lara Farcasan, Networking and Outreach Manager of Music Canada Live; and Scott Warren, General Manager of Core Entertainment. The discussion ranged from Hamilton’s identity to venue spaces, music education, tourism and public transit, which was identified as an important factor that draws musicians to live and work in a particular city. Mr. Henderson was quick to point out that there’s a difference between a “musician-friendly” and a “musicfriendly” city. Affordable housing and transportation attracts more musicians to a city and as prices go up in Toronto, more and more musicians are looking for alternatives. Hamilton’s

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proximity and own culture and identity is becoming increasingly more attractive. Hamilton can become a better music city by “getting out of its own way”, according to Madeline Wilson. This includes inviting more music into the city, working together to make sure that a venue crisis like the one currently plaguing Vancouver, wherein musicians are not finding good, small to medium-sized venues to perform in, doesn’t hit Hamilton, and, more broadly, we build a city that can support music and musicians themselves with affordable housing and good local transportation. The LRT will be a huge boost in that direction. Earlier in the week, at another Chamber event, Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Keenan Loomis lamented the fact that Hamilton does not have “a champion” in city council yet who can help Hamilton become a better music city. This is a platform opportunity for anyone running in the 2018 city council election.

Photos by: Olga Kwak Ambitious City 2016

Given that Hamilton’s identity has shifted from manufacturing to culture, a city council that supports building Hamilton’s cultural identity and recognizes its power for economic development would truly make Hamilton an ambitious music city.

BY OLGA KWAK Olga Kwak is a Hamilton-based writer and marketer. Her work has appeared in She Does the City, Torontoist, Toronto Star, The Genteel, and PRODUCT Magazine. She builds websites and writes from her office on Barton St. East. Visit www.olgakwak.com for more advice on doing the right thing online.

@olgakwak

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DECEMBER 2016

BUSINESS

The Best Kept Secret in Hamilton The next generation steps up at Tundra Leather

“I didn’t know if it was going to work,” she said. “My mom was supportive. My husband was supportive and that’s all that mattered to me.”

hen you walk through the doors of Tundra Leather the distinct smell hits your senses. The colourful and eclectic style of the shop guides your eye to the many shelves that feature hand-made messenger bags and purses. The shop is cozy and charming. The walls are decorated with an array of tools and supplies. At the helm of this long-time family owned business is Kristi Grove Cino, a 31-year-old determined to continue what her father started 25-years-ago. She sits quietly at the back of the store, answering phone calls, filling orders and making sure the business is running smoothly. Her smile is bright and genuine just like her personality. Next to her is Sean Dalgetty. He’s surrounded by a collection of tools and a sewing machine while he stands at a work table, putting the finishing touches on a custom order of dog leashes.

Taken at the 2013 Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft (CSCL) Annual Meeting. "I had just won an award for Best Novice Leatherworker, for this scrapbook that my Dad taught me to make. It features hand-carving & hand-stitching. I designed it myself, with his guidance." -Kristi Grove Cino

Photo by: Julian Cino

Cino took over the business after losing her father – Peter Grove – to brain cancer in May 2015. Grove was 59 at the time. “This was his life,” Cino said of growing up in her father’s shop. As a child, she watched and learned from him. Though his passing took a toll on her, she didn’t question her next move quitting her job as finance assistant at McMaster University to take over running the store before her father died. “I didn’t know if it was going to work,” she said. “My mom was supportive. My husband was supportive and that’s all that mattered to me.” The charming downtown business is located at 313 King Street East, just west of the Wellington Street gates in Hamilton’s bustling International Village. But this isn’t where Tundra Leather started. Grove began working at Tandy Craft when he was just 12-years-old washing windows and mopping floors in exchange for tools and supplies, then selling belts and wallets door to door. He stayed with the business, refining his art until 1991 when Tandy Craft closed several of its retail locations including its Hamilton store. Convinced he could “go it alone”, Grove decided to buy the store and its inventory. Several years later, Grove hired Sean Dalgetty and moved to its current location. Dalgetty was Grove’s right-hand craftsman for two decades. He watched Cino grow up and now she depends on him; his artistic talent, his knowledge and his skills.

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“I couldn’t do it without him and he couldn’t do it without me and we both say that all the time. He’s like my older brother.” At Tundra Leather, you’ll find all the things you need to create your own project from different types and colours of leather, furs and skins to dyes and other essentials. Dalgetty does all the custom leather work filling requests for items like; briefcases, tote bags, pouches, belts, wallets as well as accessories for gun clubs, the military and even re-enactors. While the majority of their work comes from people who walk in off the street, Dalgetty says they have gained world-wide attention. “Being a destination store we do get a lot of people contacting us through email,” he said. “Last December we did a custom Santa belt which we sent down to Georgia.” This year, Cino says has been their “best year ever”. She attributes that to mirroring her father’s unwavering passion for customer satisfaction as well as social media. “It’s knowing your people and treating them like they’re all your best customer because that’s what my dad did,” she explained. “We didn’t have social media. We had Facebook but then we got Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.”

“He would be happy his name was getting out there even though he isn’t here,” she added. She says having regular Do-It-Yourself classes hosted by Dalgetty have also been beneficial to retaining a strong customer base. “We want people to know they can do leather work. You can make your own belt, your own bag,” she said. “Doing it yourself, it’s going to last you forever … People are gravitating to things that are going to last and this is where you get that.” With the construction of LRT looming, Cino and Dalgetty agree they’ll embrace it. “We made it through the other parts which makes me think we’ll make it through this part,” Cino said. “Our strategy is social media, use the back door if we have to and just to be positive.” Cino certainly is ambitious and has her own vision for keeping her father’s legacy alive. At the core, she and Dalgetty agree, Grove’s strong business sense and passion for his customers are the pillars of a successful venture. “If we make it, it will last forever.”

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FAR LEFT: Peter Grove teaching at Leatherworks, 2008 TOP MIDDLE: Santa Belt designed by Peter Grove TOP RIGHT: Messenger-Bag by Sean Dalgetty. BOTTOM: Binder by Peter Grove Photos by: Kristi Grove Cino

BY KELLY NOSEWORTHY Kelly is an international award-winning journalist based in Hamilton. Her 15 years of experience combines; radio, television and film, digital and print journalism. She also enjoys entertaining family and friends, trail running, hiking, exploring other cultures/countries, reading, cooking/baking and gardening.

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DECEMBER 2016

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

Novemburger 2016 Hamilton's annual burger festival sets new records Since 2014, Novemburger has been staple on the annual calendar of Hamilton's burgeoning culinar scene. The festival concept is simple: restaurants create special burgers that are offered on their menus for the month of November only. That burger is designated as their "Novemburger". All of the burgers are promoted by urbanicity Omnimedia and displayed on the festival website: novemburger.ca. The burger-loving public then spends the month enjoying the best burgers they've ever had, discovering new restaurants, and rating the burgers on the festival site. When the dough settles, one burger is crowned the Novemburger of the Year, and one restaurant wins the title for selling the most burgers during the festival. Then, a dollar from the sale of every single Novemburger is donated to the United Way or Burlington and Greater Hamilton! These funds are used to support social programs and initiatives in the local community. This year, the festival broke every single record it had previously set. While the final figures are still being tabulated at the time of printing this magazine (the reality of being a monthly magazine reporting on a festival that ends at the end of the month!), estimates are that over 10,000 Novemburgers were sold in the 30 days of November this year. The previous high was just shy of 7,000 burgers in 2014. Web traffic climbed by nearly 50%, the festival trended #1 in Hamilton on Twitter, and 56 restaurants participated (up from a previous high of 31). A huge THANK YOU is due to all Novemburger participants, restaurants, and promoters this year. While everyone may have gained a few pounds in the process, an estimated $10,000+ was raised for local programming through the United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton. Beyond that, there's a strong chance you've discovered a new restaurant or two in the process!

And the 2016 winners are... Nellie James Too

Novemburger of the Year 2016

HAMBRGR

Most Novemburgers Sold (2013 Novemburgers)

e d i s r e h t o e From th . . . r e t n u o c e of th THIRSTY CACTUS - Cathy Nesbitt, GM You're known for being die-hard about this festival. Why did you get involved this year? What do you like about the festival? We've been doing Novemburger since the beginning so it was only natural for us to participate this year. The buzz around the festival gives us a chance to bring folks out who might not come to Dundas otherwise. Our head chef Pete is a remarkably talented guy and it's fun for us to let him take the brakes off and just come up with something original and exciting every November.

GREEN BAR - Sara Wiseman Why did you get involved with the festival this year? We got involved in the event to help support the United Way and also because we thought it would be a fun event to participate in. We wanted to show people how delicious a meatless burger can be.

BLISS KITCHEN - Meagan Wright Most restaurants in Novemburger are in older urban Hamilton. What attracted you as a Waterdown business?

ARCHITECT HAIR DESIGN - Peter Mokrycke As the only "not really a restaurant" participating, what did you find worked and didn't work? What worked best for us as a non-restaurant is understanding, and respecting that we are not a restaurant. Our business is barbering, not burgering. So, instead of trying to drive sales by focusing on restaurant things, we decided to focus on driving volume by price. Because we were essentially selling a product that is outside of our business model, we were at an honest advantage; we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to make a profit. With that said, we chose to sell our Man Buns at cost (and at a loss with a haircut!). Obviously, this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t something that a restaurant should sensibly replicate, because that would cannibalize their profits, but for a non-restaurant like us it creates a pretty low cost participation option for customers. As a result, we were able to have some fun and participate, while helping to create value for the event, its partners, and also, our customers. Win-win-win.

UNIQUE RESTAURANT GROUP - Frank McKinney What did your restaurants learn through participating in Novemburger this year that you'll bring to the festival in 2017? We at Unique Restaurant Group always look to be innovative, and creating fun and tasteful burgers for Novemburger allows us to have our own internal burger champion and the bragging rights for the year. We believe our price points were very competitive for each burger (each one included a choice of side) and worked well for us. Each location endorsed the festival with multiple levels of print advertising along with all the wait staff verbally promoting the burger. Now the bar just gets raised for next year across our locations.

HAMBRGR - Patricia Savoie What happens to Jonald now that the festival is done?

We very proudly consider ourselves a part of Hamilton. We love the food movement happening in Hamilton and are happy that we could spread the vibe to our hometown of Waterdown.

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Without saying too much, Jonald is pretty busy planning a huge party for our newest location on Ottawa Street North opening early 2017.

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#Novemburger

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DECEMBER 2016

PEOPLE

Adi Development Group Q: Adi Development Group has grown rapidly over the last few years, becoming a major player in the western GTHA development scene. What do you attribute your success to? A: We pay attention to how people live. It may sound simple, but today’s buyers have different motivations and wants than 10 years ago. Success is about understanding not only your competition, but also the behaviour of your buyer. With Stationwest, for example, Adi identified a generation of first-time buyers who put an emphasis on community spaces and convenience over that single-car garage that their parents had. We are meeting this demand gap with larger amenities spaces and unbeatable proximity to transit. Most buyers simply cannot afford that white picket fence anymore, and given the red-hot housing market, people are looking for alternate options. Our homes provide an accessible entry onto the property ladder that buyers can get excited about.

Q: Describe the Stationwest project, and tell us your personal feelings about this project. What about this project stands out to you as unique or special? A: Stationwest reflects Adi’s emphasis on green space and livability. It’s a transit-orientated community that’s surrounded by some of the most gorgeous natural scenery in the GTA, including an integrated acre of parkland and the Royal Botanical Gardens and marina only minutes away. The community proves you can easily commute in to downtown Toronto and have the great outdoors at your doorstep.

We also wanted to create a community with a minimal impact on the environment, and that’s reflected throughout Stationwest. Not only is there a bike and car share program, the homes are built to be energy efficient, with thermal concrete walls that reduce temperature swings. The concrete-build also makes the homes extremely durable meaning lower maintenance and fewer repairs.

Q: Obviously, proximity to a transit hub (train station) is a major selling feature for Stationwest. How important is transit infrastructure to development of properties in general? A: In Burlington, a single-family home markets for around $1.3 million, which is inconceivable for most home-buyers, especially with Ontario’s new housing rules. The new reality is that density isn’t confined to downtown Toronto any more. In order to support the evolving demands of buyers, cities such as Burlington would benefit from rethinking the residential mix of their downtown. Not only do projects such as Nautique provide a more attainable option to that million-dollar-mortgage, they also attract a younger generation of residents to the area, which, ultimately, helps support a healthy economy.

Q: What is next for Adi? Can we look forward to any new announcements coming? A project in Hamilton, perhaps? A: You can expect to see Adi Development Group projects popping up across the Golden Horseshoe in the very near future!

BY MARTINUS GELEYNSE Martinus is the editor and publisher of urbanicity Magazine and the creative director of urbanicity Omnimedia. He's a passionate urbanist with a love of architecture, design, and cities. Martinus lives in a downtown Hamilton condo with his wife and daughter.

@martinus_g

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Above left: Tariq (L) and Saud (R) Adi or Adi Development Group Above: Artist rendering of Stationwest Phase 3 by Adi Development Group Images courtesy of Adi Development Group

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Special advertising feature

The Ultimate Driving Experience Presented by Budds' BMW of Hamilton Budds' BMW of Hamilton is offering to put someone you know behind the wheel of a brand new BMW for a weekend for free! It's a great way to congratulate a colleague, friend, or relative for a recent success in their life. Perhaps they were just promoted, got engaged, or had a new baby. Maybe they're simply the hardest working person you know, and you believe they deserve the enjoy the ultimate driving experience for a few days. Nominations are accepted at www.heybudds.ca, and a new driver is selected each month! November 2016 Ultimate Driving Experience: This past month, the nominee selected for the ultimate driving experience was Angela Lefebvre. Her husband nominated her after they sold their house in less than 24 hours. Budd's BMW of Hamilton gave them a brand new BMW 435i Coupe! Congrats Angela!

Nominate someone YOU know at www.heybudds.ca So… how was it? Wow! What a car and an experience! I have personally never driven or even been in a BMW, and I was overwhelmed with the style, quality and the drive of this vehicle. To start… I didn’t even want to drive it, I made my husband drive it out of the dealership lot, as I was nervous! While we were out for the weekend we had multiple people approach us and ask how we liked our car, and we both pretended it was ours and responded… “Amazing!” What did you do with the vehicle while you had it? We asked for the vehicle over a weekend where we could sneak out of work a little early on the Friday and have some time to spend with the car to enjoy it. On the Saturday and Sunday, we spent some time in Niagara-on-the-Lake, explored the downtown core with some shopping and went out for dinner later. We had a chance to explore some back country roads with the windows down and the sunroof open. Would you consider buying a BMW in the future? Absolutely! First off, the service we received from Budds' in Hamilton was unbelievable. Even before we arrived to pick up the car, they were incredibly pleasant over email and setting our dates up. When we arrived to pick up the car, they took their time to show us all the features, and how to use all the bells and whistles

on the car. After we returned the car, we even received a call that exact day asking us how our experience had been. I have bought numerous cars, and I have never received 2017 BMW the level X3of service or professionalism at any dealership before. Thanks to Greg and his team, we had an AMAZING experience, and I have a good feeling the next car we buy might be a BMW from Budds'. Thanks again urbanicity and Budds' BMW for our weekend with the 435i Coupe, we had a blast!

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P A R T Y S T E R

FAS H I O N P H OTO G R A P H S

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S T Y L E D

E L E N A BA L AS K A

M A RTA H E WS O N

H A I R M E N

E D I TO R :

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C A R L A C R I M I N I S I

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H U N T

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CATHERINE: Stretch snakeskin denim tunic style dress by Designs by Mallory. Multicolour snakeskin pumps by Miller shoes. P ORTIA: Green double breasted jacket dress by Designs by Mallory, John Fluevog boots by Miller Shoes. ANDREA: Satin yellow & black & white polka dot top by Designs by Mallory, large flower print skirt by ME Boutique, black Roberto Capucci pumps by Miller shoes. Hand moulded leather cat mask by The Leather Parlour. MARKO: Men's Suede/Snake Print Leather Tuxedo & Black Snake Print Tie all by DeMontigny Boutique/ Gallery. Ted Baker Geoprint Shirt & Coppley Cade Tuxedo Trousers. Donald J Pliner Ziggy Monk Strap Shoe by Miller Shoes.

MODELS: A N D R E A K AT I C , P O R T I A L E G G AT & MARKO KERKEZBY VOGUE MODELS & TA L E N T, C AT H E R I N E C H A N & JASON

TOP LEFT:

PORTIA: Silver Lace Lamb Skin Top & Lamb Stretch Jeans all by DeMontigny Boutique Gallery. CATHERINE: White cotton sateen top with teal feathers & trumpet style teal skirt all by Designs by Mallory. Hand moulded leather bunny mask by The Leather Parlour. JASON: Men's Suede/Snake Print Leather Tuxedo & silver leather bowtie all by DeMontigny Boutique/ Gallery. Ted Baker Geoprint Shirt & Coppley Cade Tuxedo Trousers.

PA PA D O P O U L O S SPECIAL THANKS TO THIS AIN'T H O L LY W O O D

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PORTIA: Red print dress by ME Boutique & Gadea ankle boots by Miller Shoes. CATHERINE: Gold collar & cuffs blouse by ME Boutique, Acid Wash Cow Hide Skirt by DeMontigny Boutique/ Gallery & Gadea pumps by Miller Shoes. ANDREA: Yellow satin & black lace hi-lo dress by Blackbird Studios & black Roberto Capucci pumps by Miller shoes.

MIDDLE:

JASON: Coppley Gibson Dotted Sportcoat, H&M Slim Fit Waxed Denim, Ted Baker Geoprint Shirt & Silver/Sparkle Suede Bowtie by DeMontigny Boutique/ Gallery. Donald J Pliner Ziggy Monk Strap Shoe by Miller Shoes. CATHERINE: Unique Vintage beaded flapper dress & black satin & sequence jacket, all by Blackbird Studios. United Nuds bootie by Miller Shoes. PORTIA: Shimmer Suede Pants with Slash Details & Shimmer Suede/Bronze Leather Halter Vest all by DeMontigny Boutique/ Gallery. Gadea ankle boots by Miller Shoes. MARKO: Coppley Poole Contrast-Lapel Tuxedo, Linea In Dot Dress Shirt & Maroon Suede Bowtie by DeMontigny Boutique/ Gallery. Mezlan Albecht Lace Up Shoe by Miller Shoes. ANDREA: Black & white lace dress by ME Boutique & Gadea pumps by Miller Shoes.

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PORTIA: Nude lycra gown with black lace overlay by Blackbird Studios. CATHERINE: Polka dot and striped crop top by Designs by Mallory and black sequin skirt by ME Boutique. ANDREA: Red and nude print dress by ME Boutique, mink possible bag by DeMontigny Boutique/ Gallery.

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ME BOUTIQUE

Thursday, December 22 at 7:30pm Friday, December 23 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm

2016-12-01 4:46 PM

DECEMBER 2016

TEMPLAR FLATS From teardown to transformation It was a 5-minute conversation followed by a 30-day closing period and a price tag that many people thought was absurd, but the deal to purchase the four storey building at the corner of King William and Hughson Streets was the genesis of one of Hamilton's most catalytic developments. It was the fall of 2014, and Core Urban Inc., the local development firm known for their landmark redevelopments of old urban properties, had caught wind of a methadone clinic that was planned for the old building. Fresh off their redevelopment of the Empire Times next door, the Core Urban team moved swiftly to buy the building. With the possibility of a meth clinic now averted, the team needed to figure out a plan for their new property. Unfortunately, due to the limiting size and configuration of the building, it offered few options for redevelopment. It was determined that a larger package of land was needed to create a project that would do justice to the beautiful pedestrian-friendly street. What happened next is a typical example of genuine Hamilton goodwill, says Steve Kulakowsy of Core Urban. The empty lot next door was owned by labour union LIUNA, known to rarely part with land assets. However, understanding the vision that Core Urban had for the property, the union graciously sold the lot for a reasonable sum. The third piece of the puzzle came together when Synergy Developments, a young development group made up of several passionate Hamiltonians, sold the former Framing Gallery building to Core Urban despite having a more lucrative offer on the table at the time. "Both LIUNA and Synergy talked about collaborating for the greater benefit of the downtown" says Kulakowsky. "They weren't willing to sacrifice that for bigger money". With the land package assembled, Lintack Architects worked with Core Urban to design what would become the Templar Flats. The building on the corner was originally two 2.5 storey buildings built in 1867 of stone. Somewhere around the turn of the century, two more storeys were added using red brick. The old look of the facade made Kulakowsky think of Old Montreal, and so he took to researching and gathering design ideas from the redevelopment of similar properties. The result was a spectacular fusion of old, less old, new, and ultra-modern. While the facade of the original 1867 structure has been sandblasted and cleaned to reveal the old limestone, the building on the former empty lot has been clad in new, locally sourced limestone. These sections are divided by modern glass balconies, and capped with two stunning all-glass storeys that are set back from the street out of respect for the streetscape. The old Framing Gallery facade has been meticulously restored, including the intricate gable, the custom rounded windows, and the ornate window frames and mouldings. New corbels adorn all three sections of the development, contrasting with the large modern roof overhand of the middle building, where fresh cedar cladding adds warmth and vibrancy to the soaring glass walls. The development of the Templar Flats goes far beyond its remarkable facade. It's 25 residential units and four commercial storefronts are serviced by a state-of-the-art heating and cooling system. The building is, in fact, the first private property to be serviced by HCE Energy, a central generating station at Bay and Wilson that also services FirstOntario Centre, The Art Gallery of Hamilton, Hamilton Place, and several other major public properties. Combined with nearly soundproof triple-glazed windows, minimal HVAC venting, and the use of reclaimed and original materials, the project is equivalent to the LEED silver level of sustainable building.

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While the completed project is a visual and technological showpiece, it's important to note that the redevelopment was extremely involved. By the standards of many developers, both original buildings would be considered teardowns. Years of neglect, halfrenovations, and simple age had left the buildings in serious disrepair. The Framing Gallery building had a seven-inch discrepancy between walls, while the corner building was out five inches. Significant structural work was required to make redeveloping the buildings viable, but Core Urban simply counted that as the cost of doing business. "We go into projects expecting that everything is broken and in need of rebuilding," explains Kulakowsky. "Then, when we find something that isn't completely destroyed, we consider it a bonus. You can't take on any redevelopment projects hoping for, or expecting the best - you have to be realistic". When asked about the etched frieze at the top of the limestone facade of the middle section, Kulakowsky smiles and becomes a bit wistful. "You know that saying 'They don't build 'em like the used to'? Well, we wanted to build it even better than that. Templar Flats will be standing long after we're gone, but we wanted passersby to be able to look up at the building, and see something beautiful that our generation built." Such a consideration isn't out of character for Kulakowsky or his partners, the truth is that everything Core Urban does appears to be very intentional. From the austere frieze to the careful selection of restaurant tenants that will occupy the street-level storefronts, this team seems to be committed to the long game. Instead of simply putting up a "For Rent" sign in the front windows, Kulakowsky identified specific restauranteurs that he felt would benefit the street and the growing local market for quality dining experiences. Core Urban would rather have a storefront sit vacant than have the wrong tenant giving them cheques each month. Their approach is paying off, as all of the four restaurant units are leased, with one restaurant merging two units into the large space they'll need for the crowds they are anticipating. Berkeley North, a west coast-style pescatarian restaurant is already open, attracting an upscale audience and no shortage of great reviews. Opening this month is The French, the hotly anticipated new restaurant by Jason Cassis of Aberdeen Tavern fame. The third restaurant is a new venture by the venerable Tortoise Group, a highend pizza parlour called "Frat's". With only a handful of residential units still available for lease, the project is in the final stages of completion. It wasn't an easy project, notes Kulakowsky, but he points out that, as the old adage goes, nothing worth doing right ever is. These buildings could have been demolished or left vacant upstairs while the rent was paid by a meth clinic. Instead, lights glow each night on six floors, two heritage properties were given new life, and King William Street is officially becoming the city's restaurant row. The story of Templar Flats in some ways mirrors that of Hamilton itself: rise, fall, and renewal. As Core Urban would have it, that's the story people will remember when they look up at Templar Flats a hundred years from now.

@martinus_g

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URBANICITY.CA

Opposite page: Templar Flats under construction. Photos courtesy of Core Urban Inc. From top, left to right, this page: Templar Flats facade, Berkeley North, Residential unit kitchen, 5th floor view to roof, Residential unit living room, Residential unit bedroom. Photos by Martinus Geleynse

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2016-12-01 4:46 PM

DECEMBER 2016

PLACES

Culture Trip 10 Cultural Gems in Burlington

REFRESH & REMIND: BURLINGTON’S CULTURAL GEMS Deemed just another bedroom community by some, Burlington has more to offer than meets the eye of those passing through. While the suburb is best known for its waterfront views and downtown food favorites, the buzz of things to see and do reaches beyond the central intersection of Lakeshore Road and Brant Street. Let this serve as an introduction (or in some cases a reminder) to a number of Burlington based spaces and places worth visiting.

01. CENTRO GARDEN

02. CLIMBER’S ROCK

03. NO VACANCY

Centro’s season-to-season mission: live outside inside. The one-of-akind shop is rooted in a love for all things green. Described on the company’s website as living and breathing a plant centric culture, Centro displays an emerging lifestyle design and local artisan work. A wide and sorted collection of old and new, pieces for sale feature a blend of styles, and more often than not, a transformation of sorts.

As pointed out on Climber’s Rock website, the indoor climbing facility is only a handful (or two) minutes away from Mount Nemo and Rattlesnake Point. Found on Harvester Road, the fully equipped site is a win for those challenged by a rainy day or just short on time. Offering a climbing + yoga combo, Climber’s Rock is home to multiple ways for strength training and sweat breaking.

What can be described as a literal hidden cultural gem, No Vacancy finds temporary homes across the city throughout the year – marking its territory along the way. Operating completely on a volunteer basis, the Burlington based nonprofit arts organization is a leader in the arts and culture community with strong ties to Burlington Downtown and City of Burlington. As described online, No Vacancy’s mission is “to expand public awareness of contemporary art and prompt creative innovation.”

When it comes to Centro, it’s not always about the product, but more so the presentation that makes for a worthwhile walk around. Think: a mix between home and gallery – with a twist on the art and a double twist on the no-touching policy. For those interested in an even more hands-on experience, a variety of workshops are available throughout the year. In store this fall – to get ahead of the holiday hunt – spend an hour learning how to create a personal apple crate planter, indoor succulent garden or terrarium. While the seasonal Centro Farmer’s Market is now closed for business, the shop continues to connect creativity with community all year-around.

Centro Garden, 437 Brant Street, Burlington, ON, Canada +1 289 337 5755

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After a quick sign of the waiver, options for elevation include bouldering, top roping and lead climbing. Providing support to a full range of movers and climbers, the team encourages everything from learning the ropes to finding the perfect “partner in climb.” Beyond general lessons and tests for certification, Climber’s Rock offers a full list of adult and youth programs – for both recreational and competitive levels.

Relying on a communal interest in modern, abstract, installation, interactive and technology-based art, No Vacancy transforms public spaces, hosts contemporary pop-up art events and invites Burlington residents to take part in full, engaging experiences.

04. A DIFFERENT DRUMMER BOOKS It only takes a quick

study of the name to realize that A Different Drummer Books is not your average find. Tucked away downtown on Locust Street, the independent community bookstore has been welcoming readers of all types for over forty-five years. While the company’s online profile reflects its year of establishment, its website includes the standard need to knows: hours, location and e-mail subscription. However, true to the saying: you can’t judge a book by its cover, A Different Drummer Books has so much more to offer than initially meets the eye. Similar to the books housed inside, the building itself is full of history, stories and character.

Check online for registration, pricing, scheduling and some cool trick pics.

Having exchanged hands last year, the bookstore continues to cater to the book lover, someone who spends their time exploring aisles and flipping pages. Giving reason for its success, current owner, Ian Elliot reveals, “the place has a certain rhythm,” a communal shared passion for reading. Along with being able to find a comfy corner, visitors are likely to come across scheduled events as part of the bookstore’s Book and Author Series.

Climber’s Rock, 5155 Harvester Road #1, Burlington, ON, Canada +1 905 633 7625

A Different Drummer Books, 513 Locust Street, Burlington, ON, Canada +1 905 639 0925

Or keep your feet to the floor and sign up for yoga teacher training. With the studio at Climber’s Rock a registered yoga school, its mission is to “teach the person, not the pose.”

No Vacancy, connect online or out and about.

05. BOON BURGER Boon Burger has officially boomed in Burlington. Originally established in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Boon has gone on to cross borders and open five locations – it’s most recent in Burlington, Ontario. Dubbed “the world’s first vegan burger café,” Boon’s food plan works to positively impact both the overall environment and personal health. With top values including the elimination of animal suffering, educating others about the vegan lifestyle and sourcing local ingredients, Boon expands its reach through available catering, delivery and App options. Aside from the recently cooked up Boon Blog, the best thing about the burger café’s first rate website: the farm animal pop up imagery – with thought bubbles and all. Always love for a company that can handle both a good joke and the rules of the kitchen.

Boon Burger, 399 Elizabeth Street, Burlington, ON, Canada +1 905 632 2666

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06. REVOLVER With a list of familiar brand names completing its list of top sellers, Revolver provides gently used clothing and accessories to Burlington trendsetters. Targeting the junior/adult market, the independent consignment shop tackles issues of nature and nurture by recycling old fit favorites in quality condition. Even with a few years under their belt, inventory continues to reflect a causal and cool sense of style. In addition to finding new shelves thanks to local families and charities, outgrown clothing has also been shipped worldwide to those in need. Short on change? Read more online about Revolver’s Cash for Clothes program, where the shop pays customers for designer clothes. Keep in mind their top priority: no junk allowed. Or drop in to check out new to you products.

Revolver, 3455 Fairview Street, Burlington, ON, Canada +1 905 639 9105

07. CINESTARZ BURLINGTON

08. K1 KICKBOXING ACADEMY

Head north less than half a block and trade in the long lines and over-priced tickets that define Cineplex for a cozy evening out to the cinema (yes, cinema). Cinestarz, which recently put the finishing touches on a major and much needed facelift, now shows off bigger screens, brighter projection equipment and better taste. For filmgoers craving range, the theatre’s ‘now playing’ selection features a classified artistic film.

Outside of the downtown core, K1 Kickboxing Academy is located between Walkers and Appleby Lines and works to break a sweat from inside the ring. A member of the team notes, “Burlington is a city for families, and families will feel right at home at K1. From kickboxing and boxing, to weight and personal training, K1 Kickboxing has training available for beginners to pros.”

While offering a reduced and perhaps somewhat dated movie list in comparison to its competition, Cinestarz proves better bang for your buck with a fivedollar movie option for all. With new releases rotating within weeks, this Burlington gem promises audiences a second chance to catch the latest flicks – along with a little old school charm.

Cinestarz Burlington, 460 Brant Street #3, Burlington, ON, Canada +1 905 632 1919

Having recently celebrated its first year anniversary, the academy strives to make a longstanding impression through its commitment to exercise and mission to revolutionize working out for all ages. Decorated trainers Vic Costa and Amy Reid offer a free week trial pass for the chance to see what it takes and how it feels to train like a champion.

K1 Kickboxing Academy, 4129 Harvester Road, Unit E, Burlington, ON, Canada +1 905 333 5425

09. LASALLE PARK Located on the water, between Burlington Sailing and Boating Club and Burlington Golf and Country Club, LaSalle Park is a go-to for family fun. Among the greenery and open space, the park’s biggest draw is its popular public pairing: splash pad and playground. With surrounding picnic areas available, parents and guardians can keep a close watch while catching some rays of their own before calling for a communal lunch break. Open seasonally, rules of admission and direct supervision are clear when it comes to age, swimming ability and the facility swim test. Outside of the splash zone, LaSalle Park is also known for weddings and group photography – having hosted more than just a couple of walks down the aisle and tosses of the bouquet.

LaSalle Park, 50 North Shore Boulevard, Burlington, ON, Canada +1 905 335 7738

10. ANISE APOTHECARY Recently re-located to Brant Street, Burlington’s main downtown strip, Anise Apothecary’s change in venue has welcomed an increase in foot traffic. With the tagline: inspiring natural health, central to the company is its belief in ethically and sustainably produced products. Recognizing a new wave of beauty, Anise Apothecary offers everything from lip balm to lotions, from clothes to cleansers – and all the good stuff in between. Check online for a full list of available brands or check out the shop for a full flavor and test to impress experience. With products that specifically target, men, women and mom and baby, the heavy lifting and hours of research are left to the professionals. Shopping online is as easy as adding to cart, adding to routine.

Anise Apothecary, 446 Brant Street, Burlington, ON, Canada +1 905 632 8041

BY LAURA SHIRK Currently, Laura works as a freelance writer for Marketing Trendz, the retail marketing mag, and has been featured by a number of gems including: Elite Daily, The Culture Trip and Remark Magazine. She has no fear when it comes to dancing in public.

@ elleeshirk

Urbanicity_December_2016-M.indd 21

2016-12-01 4:46 PM

DECEMBER 2016

EXPERIENCES

2:24 AM According to Nics Smile? Well, that took a sharp turn down, “what the f$#k are you talking about lane” if I ever did see one. Trust me, I even threw myself off with this one. Something inside of me has shifted. I’ve felt this way for a while now, but haven’t been able to quite put my finger on it (and to be completely honest, I’m still not sure that I have a handle on the entire amazing picture, but I’m getting damn close to at least making out the edges). To the naked eye, I’m still the same Nics - I look the same, I dress the same, I talk the same, I laugh the same, I work in the same place, I hang out with the same people, and yet as I stare up at the ceiling on this cool November morning, I feel like an entirely different person. Difficult conversations have a habit of sneaking into your life now and again - I’ve recently had my fair share. Conversations that were inevitable regardless of how long I put them off. Conversations filled with love and frustration and fear. Conversations that saw smiles emerge through the many (and I mean many) tears. Conversations that didn’t end the way I had hoped, but ended nonetheless.

It’s 2:24 AM and my eyes are glued to my bedroom ceiling. I can hear with perfect clarity, the swoosh of the odd car as it drives past my window, the sound of my refrigerator as it hums softly in the distance and the slow steady drip of the faucet that I didn’t completely shut off after my last trip to the kitchen to get a drink of magical insomnia-curing water. While there is no doubt that when my alarm goes off in a mere 4 hours and I’m forced to walk out into the world, that I will do so as a sleep deprived, aggressively sarcastic and easily irritable human being, but in this moment all I can do is smile.

Last year, these exchanges would have knocked me on my ass and sucked the air right out of my lungs. Last year I would have walked out the door and instantly been hit by a wave of self-doubt, insecurity and anger so large that I would have had no choice but to throw my hands up and be taken under by the sheer force of it all. Yet here I am, staring at my ceiling in stillness…smiling. Like I said, an entirely different person. Through the moments of frustration and happiness, of fear and love, I’ve found strength within myself that I never knew was there. A strength that I wouldn’t have discovered unless placed in this very situation at this very time in my life. I’ve learned that the most important love is that which you have for yourself. Self-love is the thing that so many of us overlook, but is what I believe to be the key to our happiness. When you love yourself, you can love others fiercely and fearlessly. When you love yourself, you can live each day openly and without expectations. When you love yourself, you can accept others for who they are as opposed to what you need them to be. When you love yourself, you can face anything that life places at your feet because the only thing you really need is to love and accept yourself. Isn’t that what we’re all searching for anyways, love and acceptance? The secret is that instead of looking outside, you need to turn your focus within. I don’t know when or where (actually, I’d bet good money that it was on my yoga mat) or how, but I’ve found that self-love within myself. It’s not perfect, it’s not without it’s moments of doubt, and it’s most definitely still a work in progress, but the point is that it’s there. This doesn’t mean that I don’t need or want love from others in my life, what it means that I’m able to love freely. Self-love teaches the priceless lesson that your happiness is not rooted in someone else, but can only be truly found deep within yourself. Once you’ve come to this mind blowing realization, you can truly enjoy the people, places and moments that life brings you because you know that regardless of what changes, the happiness that you’ve found within can never be taken away. While I can’t tell you where I’ll be a year from now or who will be there with me, I’m beginning to trust that life has a funny way of giving you exactly what you need exactly when you need it (even if you’re unsure of it at the time). And at 4:17 AM, that’s more than enough for me. According to Nics…

BY NICOLE GROSEL A born and raised Hamiltonian with a passion for writing, Nicole Grosel is the author of the blog “According to Nics.” With the city that she loves as the backdrop, Nicole openly shares her perspective on life as it has been shaped by the unique people, beautiful spaces, and oftentimes unexpected events that touch her life on a daily basis."

accordingtonics.tumblr.com

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URBANICITY.CA

HUMOUR

restauRANT A "Different" Perspective on Hamilton's Food Scene attractive only to kids, who have a tendency to choke on them. If you're going to give out candy to customers, Halloween-style, how about mini chocolate bars -- such as Twix, O'Henry, Wunderbar, etc. -- instead? Or a free shot of vodka to all grown-ups, for the road?

rbanicity is widely-read in Hamilton's restaurant industry. Eatery profiles in the "Food + Drink" section, the Novemburger and April Salads campaigns, the ads, Erin Dunham's articles, etc., make this magazine an influential voice in the local hospitality community. Once I realized that my column has a large audience of restaurant owners, I decided to write about all the things that bug me about restaurants - a restauRANT - hoping that my restaurant-owning readers will take my insights to heart and make their establishments less annoying. Meal dealers of Hamilton, I expect immediate reforms. First of all, tipping. Customers hate tipping. We only do it out of fear of being considered a cheapskate or as a pathetic attempt to bribe a server into liking us. After a relaxing meal, the last thing in the world I feel like thinking about is the exact amount of money I should voluntarily give away. Is 15% the standard? If there is a problem with the service, should you give less? If the food is not great - no fault of the server do you reduce the tip? Is it okay to triple a tip because the server looks hot? Once you figure out the server's performance-review, then comes the math. Unless paying by debit, you might have to use a calculator or remember how to do long division. Arghgh! Some restaurants state on the menu that, for large groups, they will add an automatic tip. Restaurant owners -- include a set tip in all the prices and, as in Europe, instruct your servers to refuse any extra donations. Customers would like this change and if servers were paid a living wage, I'm sure they would like it too. Homer Simpson may not be a sophisticated gourmet, but he was right. Every food can be made better with the addition of bacon and/or caramel. Adjust your menus accordingly. Next, ripping off beer drinkers. Measurement Canada defines a "pint" as 20 imperial ounces, not including the foam, with an acceptable margin of error of 0.5 of an ounce. If you know what a 20 ounce glass looks like, as many of us do, then it is

Urbanicity_December_2016-M.indd 23

obvious that the so-called "pints" sold by many local restaurants and bars are much smaller than a pint. Some of them look to be smaller than 15 ounces, but are deceptively sold as "pints". It's like going to the gas station, paying for 20 litres of gas and only getting 15. How can you even try to get away with this? It is unethical and a breach of the federal Fairness at the Pump Act, with fines of up to $50,000. So, the next time I'm at your establishment and ask for a pint, slide me my rightful 20 ounces or say, "We don't sell it by the pint." Food trucks, yawn. Hot next thing: food hovercraft.

Despite my complaints, restaurant owners of Hamilton, you're doing good. There are many restaurants in Hamilton that have delighted me. Just in my own neighbourhood of Ainslie Wood, we have several outstanding eateries: Joya Sushi (try the seafood pancake), Maccheroni's (cajun pasta), Mr. Gao's (griddled duck), the West End Diner (breakfast), Pinks Burgers (duh), the West End Pub (wings), Talley Ho (roast beef sandwich) and Eden (gyro). A Hamilton-wide list of restaurants that have brought me great joy would include My Thai, the Mule, the Black Forest Inn, Denningers, La

Spaghett, Papagayo, La Luna, Papa Leo's, the MacNab Cafe, August 8, Mex-I-Can, Gates of India, One Duke and that Ethiopian place on James South (near where the LRT loop-de-loop is going to be built). If you're a local meal dealer and I've left your place off my lists, don't feel bad. Just follow all my advice -- including the purchase of a kitchen-equipped hovercraft, to dish out succulent treats on both land and sea -- and you will probably make my list next year.

BY MARK COAKLEY Mark lives in Ainslie Wood. He's the author of Tip and Trade: How Two Lawyers Made Millions From Insider Trading (2011) and Hidden Harvest: The Rise And Fall Of North America's Biggest Cannabis Grow Op (2014). He is now writing a legal thriller set in Hamilton.

markcoakley.wordpress.com

Sound can set a mood, entertain, provide valuable information and enhance the customer experience. It can also drive a customer freaking crazy. A few weeks ago, I met a friend at a Hamilton diner for breakfast. I got there first and sat near the front window. A couple of TVs were on, showing sports. The TV sound was annoying, so I moved to a booth near the back. There I found that I could still hear the noise of the TVs and also, coming from speakers overhead, a radio playing Y108. The confused blend of sounds was much worse than the TV or the radio alone. When I asked the waitress to turn the radio off, she looked at me like I was asking her to turn the lights off. That is an extreme example, but far too many Hamilton bars have TVs and radios blaring annoying noise. Pull the plug, please, and give us peace when we eat at your place. Let's talk menu language. If you use the word "fresh" to describe certain items on your menu, does that mean that every other item is not fresh? Use of French terms is pretentious; it's "mashed potatoes," not "pommes puree," okay? And if you're going to use fancy gourmet terms like "confit," "emulsion," "essence," "frisee," "artisanal," "aioli," "jus," "fondant," etc., could you please include explanatory footnotes on your menu, as many of us have no idea what you mean? Finally -- after the bill has been paid, many place give you free candies with the receipt. I don't want to sound ungrateful, but these candies are usually hard and tiny and

2016-12-01 4:46 PM

DECEMBER 2016

FOOD CULTURE

Salvatore's Authentic Italian in Burlington

Previously located on Lakeshore East in Oakville, Salvatoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moved this year to downtown Burlington. Sure enough, it is located on Lakeshore again, facing Spencer Smith Park and the famous pier. The dĂŠcor is simple but elegant with white cloth table covers and a small patio a couple of steps above the public sidewalk.

The grilled calamari comes in a light sauce made of actual cherry tomatoes - very tasty. Next was the Buratta cheese with tomatoes, very similar to the Caprese but with more texture and moisture. The way I was looking at it, this was a relaxed late lunch and we were tasting what the end of summer could still give us; remnants of freshness and goodness. Chef Salvatore delivered beautifully.

You can smell the good food being cooked in the kitchen as soon as you enter. That is a sign of fresh ingredients being used, in particular fresh herbs such as basil and rosemary, pillars of Mediterranean cooking for millennia.

A few words on the wine list. It is expertly put together and has enough variety to choose from. We zeroed in on a Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano, a wine you can never go wrong with. Its complex, nice finish pairs with many dishes, offering just the right acidity and flavour.

The namesake of this establishment is the chef and owner. Hard working and always busy, he still finds time to talk to patrons. His staff is made up of professionals; attentive, discreet and efficient, delivering the kind of great service you would expect in Europe.

Browsing through the menu, you could easily find a dish that will strike your fancy, from salads in the antipasti or pastas including meatless pasta, and finally for carnivores all manners of meats available including veal, beef, chicken and duck.

The food is classic Italian: antipasti, primi and secundi. The choices and quality are excellent. At our visit in September, the bruschetta was made with fresh tomatoes on a crusty toasted rustic bread and fresh basil, oregano and extra virgin oil. It literally melts in the mouth. Then we tried the Caprese Di Bufala Nostrana, again fresh heirloom tomatoes and herbs with Mozzarella Di Bufala topped with house made reduction of balsamic vinegar.

The main attributes of this place are the quality of the cooking, ingredients and execution and the excellent service. This will fast become an institution with a large following in Burlington and beyond.

TOP LEFT: The dining room and bar TOP RIGHT: Caprese Di Bufala Nostrana ABOVE: Bruschetta NEXT PAGE: The bar at Nonna's Cucina Ristorante Photos by Mel Gedruj S O L U T I O N S TO S T E V E DO K U S ( P g 2 6 )

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BY MEL GEDRUJ Mel is an Oleologist and Food Culture Enthusiast. He has written for urbanicity Magazine for over a year, telling the stories behind the restaurants, chefs, and dishes of many local restaurants and wineries. These December columns mark the end of his Food Culture series. Thanks Mel!

donemilio.com

2016-12-01 4:46 PM

URBANICITY.CA

FOOD CULTURE

Nonna's Cucina Ristorante Great Food, Great Service The staff is very accommodating: just ask and they will find a way to satisfy the most discerning of palates. What I truly like about this place is that they didn’t try to wow us with molecular cuisine and some other avant-garde concept, instead they called the restaurant “Nonna’s Cucina”, Grandma’s kitchen in Italian, signifying that tradition and down to earth cooking, like real home cooking is available here. It is made with fresh and wholesome ingredients, the portions are generous and the atmosphere pleasant and enjoyable. A word on the pasta and sauces: great. However, I can’t conclude without talking about the hot sauce that they make on-site. It’s called “Nonna’s”! It’s not for the faint-hearted as it is very spicy but tasty. Although located in a suburban setting, commercial plaza type, once inside, Nonna’s Cucina feels like a comfortable and familiar neighbourhood restaurant. Avail yourself of their specials every day of the week and when live music is on. Definitely worth a visit anytime.

BY MEL GEDRUJ

Nonna’s Cucina is like a mini complex, featuring a wine bar, a full service restaurant and a bakery/cafe. As implied in the title of this review, the service is great; discrete, fast and pleasant. As for food, the pizzas are fantastic, but there’s so much more. Every day of the week has a feature. My favorite is half-priced wines on Wednesday! The pizzas seem to be their own creations as they are neither Roman nor Napolitano; more something in between. The pie is firm, yet very thin and is not at all soggy in the middle. The toppings options are for every taste.

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Mel is an Oleologist and Food Culture Enthusiast. He has written for urbanicity Magazine for over a year, telling the stories behind the restaurants, chefs, and dishes of many local restaurants and wineries. These December columns mark the end of his Food Culture series. Thanks Mel!

donemilio.com

2016-12-01 4:46 PM

DECEMBER 2016

STEVEDOKU P UZZLE 1 LEVEL: EASY Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.44)

4 9

PPuzzle U Z Z2 L E 2 LEVEL: MEDIUM (Medium, difficulty rating 0.57)

5 9

S O L U T I O N S TO P U Z Z L E S O N PAG E 2 4

7 3

6 9

LITTLE

SHOP

2 3

6 2

8 7

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Tue Nov 29 16:00:37 2016 GMT. Enjoy!

1 5

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Tue Nov 29 16:00:37 2016 GMT. Enjoy!

THE

9 7

6 3

4 5

5 6

1 2

P UZZLE 3 LEVEL: HARD Puzzle 3 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.63)

9 3

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Tue Nov 29 16:00:37 2016 GMT. Enjoy!

DIFFERENT

1 YOUNG ST. MEDICAL ARTS BUILDING

905-527-2020

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Wishing everyone a safe and happy Holiday Season.

TEL: 905.526.9800 | FAX: 905.526.0732 1 King Street West, 10th Floor Hamilton, ON L8P 1A4 www.rossmcbride.com

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