M A R C H 2 0 1 9 | T H E AT R E I S S U E C O M P L I M E N TA R Y
Reviving Hamilton’s oldest operating theatre When John Tutt opened Waterloo’s Princess Twin Cinemas in 2005, the term ‘twin cinema’ simply referred to the theatre being able to show two different movies at the same time. With the grand opening of the Playhouse Cinema this month, the term twin cinema has come to mean something a little different for Tutt — operating independent cinemas in two separate cities. Originally built in 1914, the Playhouse Cinema was a destination for working class Hamiltonians back when Barton Street enjoyed a level of vibrancy similar to what James Street North is today. The theatre’s stage made it a popular place for vaudeville until switching to an Italian cinema in the 1960s. During the 1990s, a live theatre company purchased the property in an effort to return the cinema to live performances but failed to rejuvenate the space, vacating the premises shortly after. The city then stepped in by purchasing the property and selling it to City Kidz Ministry in 1998. City Kidz is a charity that provides programming for low-income children and the theatre made for a good home for continues on page 15
THE COMMUNITY THEATRE THAT COULD
THE HEIGHT OF AMBITION
HOW THE WESTDALE THEATRE WAS BROUGHT BACK
DO HAMILTONIANS HAVE A FEAR OF BUILDING TALL?
HAMILTON'S MOST UNIQUE JAPANESE DINING EXPERIENCE
WHAT'S IN HAMILTON'S BEER FRIDGE?
TRUST THE CHEF ON THIS ONE
HAMILTON'S T.J. MCGIBBON STARS IN NETFLIX'S THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE YOUNG ACTRESS
A GUIDE TO HAMILTON-BREWED CRAFT BEER
TFSA CHEAT SHEET THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR 2019
VISIT. EXPLORE. APPLY.
SATURDAY
MARCH 30 10 am – 1 pm
FENNELL CAMPUS All Programs
TUESDAY
APRIL 2 5 pm – 8 pm
INSTITUTE FOR APPLIED HEALTH SCIENCES AT MCMASTER Health Sciences Programs
Join us at Open House! mohawkcollege.ca/openhouse
THURSDAY
APRIL 4 5 pm – 8 pm
STONEY CREEK CAMPUS FOR SKILLED TRADES Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Programs
Connect with us
is where I catch up on podcasts
For school, play and everything in between the HSR wants to take you there. That’s why it’s time to think about the Hamilton of tomorrow and how you’ll help to shape it. Join us in this opportunity to make transit your first choice. Tell us how you would (Re)envision the HSR.
Take the survey: hamilton.ca/reenvision
SEE WHAT’S HATCHING AT NEST! Unique Canadian handmade gifts and home decor items for animal lovers.
171 Locke St. S. Unit 2 nesthamilton.com info@nesthamilton.com
URBANICITY.COM
3
P U B L I S H E R + E D I TO R Robert Cekan robert@urbanicity.com L AYOU T & D ES I G N Ta fa ri A n t h o ny DISTRIBUTION Urbanicity Canada
Urbanicity magazine is wholly owned and published by Urbanicity Canada Inc. All content copyright © 2019 and all rights to distribution are reserved by Urbanicity Canada 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. (905) 531-7778 ADVERTISING INQUIRES robert@urbanicity.com www.urbanicity.com
With the reopening of two independent Hamilton cinemas, I’ve decided to theme our March edition of Urbanicity as the theatre issue. The revival of small theatre in Hamilton is more evidence of the city’s growing love and support for the arts. How far we’ve come from the James North art studios who sparked the movement nearly 20 years ago. Hamilton is forever indebted to the creatives who took a chance on this city when no one else would; a cultural seed that continues to pay dividends to present day. In this copy, you’ll find articles on Hamilton’s newest revived independent cinemas — the Westdale Theatre and the Playhouse Cinema — as well as an exclusive interview with Hamilton-born actress T.J. McGibbon who stars in the Netflix superhero series The Umbrella Academy which has taken North America by storm. There’s also a phenomenal amount of non-cinema related articles that I’m very proud to have in this issue including an interview with The Other Bird’s CEO Erin Dunham on her latest restaurant Paper Crane, a superb breakdown of Hamilton’s latest craft beer offerings, an
FOLLOW US
editorial on the fear of building tall, and a Top 10 on the best desserts in Hamilton, among many more original stories. There’s so much to write about that we brought the magazine to a healthy 20 pages again; a page count that will be set as the minimum from here on out. As mentioned in last month’s letter, my brand TrueResident merged with Urbanicity in February, unifying print and digital under one company. We’ve taken the opportunity to refresh the logo and layout of the magazine to reflect this important milestone as we continue to build Hamilton’s largest independent news source and city discovery platform. Thank you for picking up this copy and having a read through. It truly means so much to me to see Hamiltonians expressing interest in what’s happening locally. If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to send an email to me directly via robert@urbanicity.com ROBERT CEKAN
TRIVIA: 1. What is the tallest waterfall in the Hamilton area? 2. The first public work ever undertaken with the backing of a provincial government was completed for this particular Hamilton project back in 1832. What was the project? 3. Garth Street is the only major North/South Mountain roadway that isn’t named after its lower city counterpart. If Garth Street was to be renamed, it would be known as Upper _____________? 4. Built in 1924, this James North commercial and office building was restored in 2011 and now houses City of Hamilton offices on the upper floors. What is the name of the building? Answers on page 17
4
MARCH 2019
The community theatre that could Annette Paiement, the former Founder and Director of the AGH BMO World Film Festival as executive director) and captured the imagination and support of the local community along the way.
JULIA KOLLECK
Julia Kollek found herself playing the voice of a robot in Hell or Tide Water. The rest of the time she has just as much fun running her Hamilton communications business.
When Hollywood producer Fred Fuchs moved to Dundas four years ago, he took his wife Mary Pat to a movie at the Westdale Theatre. He had no idea this would become more than an evening out. The couple had just returned to the Hamilton area; Mary Pat’s hometown. Waiting for the film to begin, they noticed the peeling paint, and the sprinkling of broken seats. Then Mary Pat said the immortal words, “Wouldn’t it be great if someone bought this movie theatre and restored it?” Last month Fuchs moved shoulder to shoulder through the throngs of curious open house visitors, munching popcorn and sipping craft beer as they peeked inside every inch — yes, even the washrooms — of one of the city’s most remarkable feats of rejuvenation. Less than two years ago, Fuchs and a group of other local volunteer visionaries set up a charitable organization, bought the deteriorating building for $1.7 million, fundraised towards the $4.6 million budget, hired staff (with
The group actively supported Heritage Designation — a step most developers shun because of the prohibitive and costly restrictions. But with the original blueprints to consult, The Westdale Theatre Group was determined to bring the much-loved building back to its Art Deco glory, right down to the original colours of the auditorium walls. “We want to do it right,” said Fuchs. “This has been here more than 80 years and we want it to be around for another 80,” he said. Built in 1935, the theatre was touted to have “every modern device to add to your comfort and amusement”, which included “Dunlopillo seats, the latest air condition… and R.C.A Victor Photophones High Fidelity sound reproduction”. It was designed by two of our city’s most prolific architects: William James Walsh (with landmark legacies such as the Hamilton Armouries and the former Dundas District High) together with W. Bruce Willard, whose portfolio included Parkdale Elementary School. The only major deviation from the original theatre’s layout was the change in the number of seats. At one point, the theatre could hold 500 people for a single screening but that number has been
dramatically trimmed down to around 300 to accommodate comfier seats (with cup holders and ample leg room), a viewing area for those with mobility issues, and most notably the removal of two front rows to allow for a stage. The installation of a stage makes the Westdale Theatre live up to its name by becoming a performance theatre as well as a medium-sized music venue. To do this, an event-ready sound system, acoustic wall covering, and theatrical lighting were all added. Executive director Annette Paiement noted that the split between films to theatre would be roughly 70/30.
“THIS HAS BEEN HERE MORE THAN 80 YEARS AND WE WANT IT TO BE AROUND FOR ANOTHER 80”
With true movie inspiration, it seems that if you build it, they really will come as Artsfest — Waterdown’s popular music and arts event — is renting the Westdale for its 3-day festival this June. The theatre is now on the wedding venue map too, with one already booked for later this year. Many of Hamilton’s leading philanthropists had contributed and lent their support, but Fuchs was adamant
that the Westdale be accessible in every way. Membership at $10 a year gets you in for $9 a show (the price for kids, students and seniors) with admission for non-members at $12. Upcoming screenings are a mix of classic favourites, such as the 1927 silent movie Sunrise, to Jackie Chan in Police Story, right up to current films like Mary Poppins Returns and Green Book. “We’re not elitist,” Fuchs was at pains to emphasize. “We’ve built this with the public’s money and we respect that. This is for everybody.” He’s no stranger to making dreams a reality. Fuchs has fundraised and project-managed his entire career. That’s what producers do. And he’s won plenty of accolades, including Emmy awards, as well as working on Oscarwinning movies with Francis Ford Coppola, and Al Pacino. At the CBC, he supervised top TV favourites such as Little House on the Prairie and The Tudors. Although no longer in Los Angeles, he’s still in demand as an executive producer and is currently involved in a movie project featuring veteran actor Anthony Hopkins. But stars of a different kind aligned for this venture. “Five years ago, this wouldn’t have been possible,” he said. “The cultural renaissance here made the difference.” That – and a large measure of true inspiration.
URBANICITY.COM
5
The height of ambition
ADRIAN MEKLI Adrian Mekli is a REALTOR® and graduate from McMaster’s Degroote School of Business. He is a life-long Hamiltonian who has worked for various local firms such as CIBC, McMaster University, and Dofasco.
The past year was full of events that will significantly impact downtown living in Hamilton for decades to come. Whether it was the municipal election or the continued LRT saga (sometimes we forget these are separate events), 2018 will be remembered as a defining year for future development. The most impactful, yet less covered, event was arguably the City of Hamilton’s update to the Downtown Hamilton Secondary Plan. “The Plan” — which covers an area bounded by Cannon Street to the North, Hunter Street to the South, Victoria Avenue to the East, and Queen Street to the West — is a subsection of the City’s Official Plan and will guide all zoning and by-law decisions within that area. Its goal (full of good intentions as most municipal initiatives are) is to promote objectives such as ‘creating quality neighbourhoods’, ‘respecting design and heritage’, and ‘carving out a distinct economic role’ — just to name a few of the Plan’s seven objectives. The City felt it necessary to update the Downtown Hamilton Secondary Plan due to the increasing and purportedly overwhelming number of proposed high-rise projects the core has seen over the past 5 years (which, by my count is less than 10). Fearing that the rampant development might get out of control, the City wanted to clearly outline its vision for the future of the downtown core. Beyond the rules it sets for zoning allowances, setbacks, and parking ratios, the most debated and controversial aspect of the plan deals with building heights. The Plan has become a contentious document, evidenced by its vehement opposition from developers who seek to build denser, taller projects. Such opposition is in stark contrast with support from the vocal neighbourhood associations who appear to resist any project that has a chance to increase traffic, noise, or cast a shadow. Take, for instance, an 11-storey proposal on the corner of MacNab and Stuart located right beside the new West Harbour GO Station. This is an area perfectly suited for density (by way of
increased height) given its proximity to the inter-municipal GO transit line, yet it faces great opposition for being too tall. More noteworthy is Toronto developer Brad Lamb’s multi-year struggle to get his skyline-changing Television City project off the ground, one he’s still battling the City over at the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal (formerly called the Ontario Municipal Board; where land use planning disputes with municipalities are adjudicated). Both sides of course have their arguments. Developers tout the economics of supply and demand and argue that denser projects will increase the housing supply, thereby mitigating the affordable housing crisis, while at the same time creating more construction jobs, increasing property tax revenues and making use of existing infrastructure. Developers often cite provincial policies (such as the Provincial Policy Statement and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe) as support for their positions, given the direction within these provincial documents for intensification and increased density within existing urban boundaries.
height the city wants to allow in the future. The second tallest, located at 150 Charlton, was built two years later and is 33 storeys. In total, Hamilton only has 3 buildings over 30 storeys. So even though the development community wants to bring our downtown into the 21st century, our skyline may unfortunately be stuck in the ‘70s along with our one-way streets and our economic reliance on the steel industry. To put things in perspective, let’s compare Hamilton to other cities in Southern Ontario and see how Hamilton stacks up. Toronto, which is probably an unfair comparison, currently has 61 buildings over 30 storeys with over forty more under construction and dozens more awaiting approval. Of the
I GUESS MY GRUDGE SHOULD BE WITH THE FORCES OF NATURE, ICE AGES, AND GLACIAL ACTIVITY WHICH LIMITED OUR ESCARPMENT TO ITS CURRENT HEIGHT
The arguments against high-rise development are of a more qualitative nature, about how a city should feel and look. Although varied, such arguments include that high-rise development is not suited for the downtown core as taller buildings will block views from the escarpment. The new and allegedly-improved Downtown Hamilton Secondary Plan has surely pleased the opponents to high-rise development, as it proposes that no new development can exceed 30 storeys in height — preventing buildings from being taller than the escarpment. How fortunate we would be if our escarpment was 80 storeys, or the opposite where it was only 10. I guess my grudge should be with the forces of nature, ice ages, and glacial activity which limited our escarpment to its current height. The sound and wellresearched economic arguments of efficient land use, which are supported by provincial policy, seem to have been summarily dismissed without reason as a result of feelings — perhaps held by only a vocal minority of residents — that a skyline with buildings higher than the escarpment would look ugly. As a result of the City’s adversarial approach to high-rise development, the Ambitious City’s tallest building — dominator of the skyline and symbol of the city — has been and will continue to be the 1974 relic Landmark Place at 43 storeys. This giant concrete structure, seemingly modeled after a cigarette, is a full 13 storeys taller than the maximum
61 currently standing, 50 have been built since the year 2000. Mississauga, which used to be one massive sprawl of suburbia, is now home to 18 buildings over 30 storeys with nine under construction including the ambitious M3 tower which is a staggering 80 storeys tall. Even Niagara Falls, with its population of only fifty thousand, has five buildings over 30 storeys, with the tallest soaring to 53 storeys. Apparently these cities are of a magnitude more ambitious than Hamilton. I’m not here to argue that a city’s ambition is intrinsically tied to the height of its skyline, but rather that there’s a line of thought that apex of ambition is the pursuit of the superlative and it’s most tangible measurement is size. Words such as biggest, largest, tallest, and any word preceded by “most” come to mind. When China wants to show ambition they build the world’s largest dam: the Three Gorges. When the United Arab Emirates wants to show ambition they build the world’s tallest building: the Burj Khalifa. When Hamilton wants to show ambition we… well, we limit ourselves to 30 storeys.
Hamilton has been fortunate to attract the interest of established and wellrespected developers aiming to push boundaries and show what they can make of the City. These developers, along with the residents of Hamilton, however, have been unfortunate in that they face a municipality pandering to NIMBY-ism and set on hindering such ambition without valid and thoughtful reason. There is a famous quote by Landmark Place’s builder Al Frisina who claimed that no other building will be built in Hamilton that’s taller than Landmark Place because, as he put it, “the demand's not there and nobody's crazy enough to do it”. In the 45 years since Landmark Place’s completion, we’ve had several opportunities to prove this statement false, yet like some selffulfilling prophecy, we deliberately choose to either cut ambitious projects down or scrap them altogether. We can’t continue scaring off developers to other cities and living in the shadows of the Golden Horseshoe’s tall buildings. It is time to grow up, Hamilton.
6
MARCH 2019
Hamilton’s most unique Japanese dining experience their company to collaborate on a new sushi concept. Knowing the quality of the food Simon produced, the group set to fill the gap in Hamilton for a highend sushi restaurant, giving birth to Paper Crane. STEFANI SOLIMAN
Stefani Soliman is a social media marketer & freelance editor. She's an avid supporter of local businesses, Canadian-made goods & fashion. Along with her love of dogs, punctuation, & the ‘90s, Stefani is a keen recycler and instrument collector. Tell her a corny joke and you’ll be friends for life.
Trust the chef. When you head to Paper Crane for a meal, co-owner Erin Dunham urges you, trust the chef. The Other Bird hospitality group opened Paper Crane sushi restaurant in December 2018 with chef Simon in the space that formerly housed previous dining venture Two Black Sheep. A serendipitous set of events set the ball rolling, beginning with a popular sushi spot in Dundas that was frequented by Erin and The Other Bird co-owner Chef Matt Kershaw. Sad to hear their favourite sushi restaurant was no longer open, the pair were elated when former Dundas chef Simon approached
“I never would have opened a sushi restaurant,” says Erin. “But we did because of Simon. Everything is based on Simon’s talent”. With 28 years of experience, Simon worked in several sushi restaurants, including studying under Sushi Master Nobu Terauchi in Tulsa, Oklahoma. When you ask Simon what makes his food so good, he’ll tell you, “It’s not me, it’s the ingredients”.
WE WANT TO SHOW PEOPLE IN HAMILTON NEW PARTS OF JAPANESE CUISINE
Roughly translated, omakase means “I trust you [the chef ]”. Both Drew and Erin have seen many guests embracing omakase and choosing that option on consecutive visits as the menu always changes. “You can come back multiple times and it will always be different,” says Drew. Even better, request a seat at the bar to watch Simon preWith extensive time spent in a kitchen pare the meal. The omakase menu comes a passion for quality compo- often includes contributions from Chef nents. Simon heads to Toronto for fish daily, choosing only the best for the à la carte menu and the omakase — the chef’s tasting menu that changes each day. The rice is meticulously prepared to complement the fish. Combined with Simon’s skill set, you’re sure to have a delicious meal. If you want to really savour your visit, manager Drew Burke-Gaffney recommends requesting omakase. “We want to show people in Hamilton new parts of Japanese cuisine”. Enjoying omakase allows you to experience a wide range of flavours, prepared in an order crafted daily by the chef.
Kershaw, featuring Japanese-inspired hot dishes. Because it offers a more refined sushi experience, diners may find that they’re eating fewer pieces. “Smaller portions, more flavour,” says Erin. “The portioning is different, but once people try it, they get it. With Simon’s food, you eat half as much”. Another unique aspect of dining at Paper Crane is the lack of soy sauce. While they do have it on hand, they hold back serving it with most of the dishes, as very few require it. “It’s like putting ketchup on steak,” Drew explains. The chef designed the flavours of the meal and the taste is altered from what it was intended when condiments are added. Once again, Drew and Erin both advise guests to trust the chef.
URBANICITY.COM
7
Lastly, if you do choose to order à la carte, talk to your servers. Everyone working is an expert in their field and can help guide your choices based on your taste preferences. The restaurant also offers several options for vegetarians, as well as a fully gluten-free menu (including celiac-friendly soy sauce) to accommodate various dietary restrictions. Want a suggestion? Both Erin and Drew’s favourite piece off the menu is Hotagai (scallop), with special mention going to Uni (sea urchin), available only on Friday and Saturday. Manager Drew also has a comprehensive background in Japanese cuisine, having worked in Toronto at several acclaimed restaurants. This allowed him to hone his knowledge of sake and carry that into his work here. Paper Crane carries high-end sake, with blends that begin at introductory level and progress to intermediate. The restaurant also carries Godspeed; a Japanese-style beer brewed in Toronto with local ingredients by someone who was trained in Japan. Diners will notice the decor has changed since the space held Two Black Sheep, including a new back wall that features dozens of paper cranes that were meticulously hand-folded by Drew and his fiancée. The restaurant consists mostly of a black and white
palette, with pops of colour found in the form of artwork created by Erin herself. These painted canvases with epoxy provide a lively backdrop to the meal, though Erin notes, “the art is really the food”.
The Other Bird aims to push diners into new experiences and new flavours and provide a broader reach into Japanese cuisine. Paper Crane allows Hamiltonians to encounter this in their own city. Paper Crane is located on 163 John Street South.
For reservations, please call the restaurant at (905) 525-1001. To keep up to date with Paper Crane and see daily omakase features, head to their Instagram @papercranehamilton.
c’mon DOWNTOWN APRIL
20
11AM - 3PM
Egg-stravaganza!
IN-STORE DRAWS for over 60 PLUSH FRIENDS At participating merchants
EASTER BUNNY SEARCH
FIND OUR EASTER BUNNY & GET YOUR SPECIAL TREATS!
FREE HORSE DRAWN TROLLEY RIDES Pick up location at The Collins Brewhouse 33 King Street West
WIN
SH A PLU R T S EA E ! D FRIEN
Little trackS petting zoo
At Eccles Auto Service 121 King Street West
free face painting At Memorial Square
Corner of King Street & Memorial Square
8
MARCH 2019
What's in Hamilton's beer fridge? COLLECTIVE ARTS FAIRWEATHER BREWING BREWING
THOMAS LEWINGTON
Thomas is a craft beer enthusiast from Hamilton currently working at Great Lakes Brewery. See what he’s sipping on his Instagram @tomdrinkscraftbeer
Ontario's craft beer scene is exploding, and Hamilton has been playing a big part in that. While Collective Arts was the major player up until 2017, a few other breweries have opened up shop making the Hamilton brewery tour an extensive one. No matter what your taste preferences are, there's a locally brewed beer that's right for you. Here's what's in Hamilton's beer fridge this month.
207 Burlington St E, Hamilton (289) 426-2374
5 Ofield Rd Unit, Hamilton (289) 426-2374
SURROUND SOUND V2
LATE LUNCH
Double IPA w/ Simcoe & Amarillo Hops, 8.2% Collective launched their flagship, rotating hop double IPA Surround Sound last September. In the same vein as their also excellent double IPAs Radio the Mothership and IPA No 5, the first edition of Surround Sound was a tropical and dank brew which hid the booze well. This season's version features Simcoe and Amarillo hops, giving it tasty aromas and flavours of stone fruit, melon, and pineapple. However, it’s lacking the piney bitterness from V1, which for a hop head like me is a bit of a bummer. But for newcomers to boozy double IPAs, this is a delicious, tropical, and approachable beer — can't wait for V3!
Fruited Sour IPA, 7.8% Fairweather has already built quite a reputation for itself in the Ontario craft beer scene since opening in 2017. Their IPAs and sours easily rank with the best in the province, and with Late Lunch the brewers are just showing off at this point. Brewed with pineapple, lemon, ginger, vanilla, and lactose, I was worried that this many additions would be overkill. Why did I doubt you Fairweather? This is one of the best sours they've made; it has a creamy, vanilla-lactose sweetness that reminds me of a milkshake IPA. The pineapple and subtle ginger pair beautifully with the citrusy hops. Do not miss out on this one sour fans!
PINEAPPLE TEPACHE BERLINER
MENAGERIE - SIMCOE
Berliner Weisse, 5% Continuing their streak of tropical Berliners comes this Pineapple Tepache edition. Tepache is a popular drink in Mexico made with pineapple, cinnamon, and demerara sugar and it works very well in sour ale form. While I'm left wondering what a straight up pineapple Berliner would taste like instead, I'm glad that Collective went exotic on this one. I look forward to the tropical sour ales they release in the warmer months!
Single Hop APA, 5.5% Fairweather's single hop, American style pale ale series is an education on the flavours of different hops. Simcoe is the third Menagerie release following Citra and Idaho 7, both of which were deliciously tropical and dank. The Simcoe edition is a bit different as it has a big orange aroma yet very dank, peppery, and dry. It really brings out the earthy bitterness from the Simcoe hop, but the zesty and dank Idaho 7 is still my favourite. I hope Galaxy is next!
IPA NO 8
BARBAROSSA
Double IPA w/ Simcoe, Moutere & Columbus Hops, 8% While we await the release of IPA No 9 — a Double Dry Hopped Brut IPA with Azacca and Citra hops — we can continue to acquaint ourselves with the most recent beer in this stellar numbered series of IPAs. The second double IPA after the legendary IPA No 5, the eighth release balances sweet stone fruit and citrus with dank and bitter pine. If you need a boozy double IPA to keep you warm for the rest of the winter, Collective has you covered with this and Surround Sound!
Dry Hopped Imperial Pilsner, 7.7% I associate light and crispy pilsners with the summertime, but in true Fairweather fashion Barbarossa is a boozy and citrusy pilsner for the winter months. The dry hop gives it a great aroma of melon and white grapes. The flavour is very citrusy with notes of tangerine and bready malt. Don't be scared of the hops here if you're not an IPA fan; there is very little bitterness here.
FRUIT SOUR Dry Hopped Sour w/ Peach, Passionfruit & Raspberry, 5.5% Collective has teased a new dry hopped sour simply known as Fruit Sour. It will feature peach, passionfruit, and raspberry for what I'm sure will be a deliciously tropical and sour brew. As of now "releasing in March" is the most we know, but if you’ve had their amazing Raspberry Dry Hopped Sour you know that this is going to be a banger! It also gives you another reason to visit the brewery for a flight.
DREAM POP Sour Ale, 6.2% Returning to Fairweather's fridge is Dream Pop, which is more or less their flagship sour at this point. This one is refreshingly tart with a bright citrus profile of lemon, lime and grapefruit. If you're a Fairweather fan you’ve probably already had this one, but if you haven't you should get your hands on this batch while the hops are still fresh!
URBANICITY.COM
GRAIN & GRIT 11 Ewen Rd, Hamilton (905) 769-1320
9
MERIT BREWING 107 James St N, Hamilton (905) 393-1024
398 Nash Rd N, Hamilton (905) 560-5444
CLOUDED JUDGEMENT
2019 BBA NOWHERE
Double IPA, 7.9%
Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, 10.6% MERIT's imperial stout Nowhere is always a treat in the winter months, and now the 2019 barrel aged release is upon us. I haven’t had this year's version yet, but if it’s anything like last year's then we can expect it to be rich, chocolatey, and boozy. Buy a few bottles of this one to age — their website says they can be cellared for up to five years.
February saw a huge release for Grain & Grit which included the old school, West coast style double IPA. I was very excited to try this one as I love me a good West coast IPA. It definitely met my expectations as it’s very dank, piney, and bitter but balanced by sweet caramel and citrus notes. Highly recommended if you liked Collective Arts' Way Before Hashtags IPA last summer.
LA LA LOVELY Belgian Wheat w/ Tea, 5.2% I'm a big fan of white tea and Belgian style wheat beers, so I'm happy that Grain & Grit decided to combine these into one beer. Brewed with La La Lavender white tea from Ancaster's Sipology, I really pick up the white tea and lavender flavours. Recommended to fans of Belgian wits and hefeweizens!
WEST END IPA IPA w/ Chinook Hops, 6.6% If the new Clouded Judgement is too boozy for you, their classic West End IPA gives you the same West coast style beer in a single IPA format. Brewed with Chinook hops from VQH Farms near Tillsonburg, it delivers the piney hop bitterness that make West coast IPAs so delicious.
Oatmeal Stout w/ Chai, 6% Attention chai spice fans! This oatmeal stout has big chocolate and roasted malt flavours and finishes with chai spice. This beer was a collaboration with Beer Diversity, an organization from Kitchener that focuses on diversity in the beer industry.
CLIFFORD PORTER Porter, 5.9%
Located in Stoney Creek near Eastgate Mall and Wild Waterworks, Clifford Brewing should not be skipped on any Hamilton brewery tour! The beer that really put them on the map is their flagship Porter: a robust and roasty porter with notes of chocolate and espresso. Highly recommended for fans of Collective Arts’ Stranger Than Fiction or Fairweather's Silky.
EITHER WAY: VIDAL & RIESLING Super Saison Grape Ale, 8.2% Another release getting an update in 2019 is the Either Way super saison, with this year's versions featuring Vidal and Riesling grapes. MERIT is known for blurring the line between beer, wine, and other liquors and this saison series is a must for beer and wine fans alike.
WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Tequila Barrel Aged Gose w/ Salted Lime Skins, 6.6% Tequila fans should seek this one out as you definitely taste that tequila flavour in this one. And with the salted limes skins it’s like taking the full shot! A slow sipper for me even at the modest ABV. This is a tasty and unique beer, but quite intense for a gose.
REN & SPINNEY PLAY THING
CLIFFORD BREWING
Young Coconut IPA, 5.6% This was a collaboration between MERIT's head brewer Aaron Spinney and Ren Navarro. It has an enticing coconut aroma, but the young coconut flavour is very mild with dank and bitter citrus pith dominating. An interesting experiment but I’m craving more coconut!
PINBALL WIZARD APA American Pale Ale, 5.7% Another one of Clifford's original brews, this West coast APA is citrusy, piney, and bitter which is great for fans of traditional, American style pale ales like Sierra Nevada. Along with their Porter, this beer became a hit in the LCBO and bars in the Hamilton area, which led to the opening of their own brewery and taproom space last year.
ARTIFICIAL PARADISE IPA India Pale Ale, 7.1% Clifford released an American style IPA late last year called Artificial Paradise, which was brewed with Citra, Amarillo, and Galaxy hops. It has some subtle tropical fruit and citrus flavours while still having a great, grassy hop bitterness. Drink it fresh!
DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL ISL India Session Lager, 4.8% Named after Stoney Creek's famous waterfall, this India session lager is smooth and easy drinking while giving off some great citrus aromas from the Citra dry hop. A crushable beer that will be present in my fridge all summer long!
WE ARE AC C EPTING NEW PATIENTS!
CALL US TODAY! •
DR. BRYAN STEIN
DR. ELICIA KOBLIK
• www.pathwaysdental.com
R0014205965
WE OFFER SERVICES IN PORTUGUESE
12
MARCH 2019
Hamilton's T.J. McGibbon stars in Netflix's The Umbrella Academy When she began to seriously consider acting, she spoke with her aunt who knew exactly who to send her to. Not long after, she landed her first gig on a TV series called ‘Lucky 7’ on ABC. The first episode happened to be filmed in Hamilton, as a matter of fact. ROBERT CEKAN
Robert is the owner and editor-in-chief of Urbanicity. Born and raised in Hamilton, his aim is to connect residents with the city beat and familiarize readers with what makes Hamilton unique.
At only 13 years of age, Hamilton-based actress T.J. McGibbon has already amassed quite a resume for herself. Credits so far include Magneto’s daughter in the X-Men franchise, the voice of Red Riding Hood in ‘Super Why!’, and most recently as Young Vanya in the Netflix hit series ‘The Umbrella Academy’. McGibbon comes from a family with creative roots. Her father’s side of the family is filled with directors, actors, musicians, and artists. The field of work appears to be in her DNA. At age five, she taught herself to read chapter books and eventually her own scripts. “I knew I wanted to be on TV since a young age,” says McGibbon.
As the years went on, McGibbon continued to land small roles in various TV shows and movies until one particular audition changed her career’s trajectory. “I wasn’t even sure what I was auditioning for at first. I said my lines and they asked my mom to come in [...] which was very unusual”. McGibbon was then made aware that she was auditioning for the role of Nina in ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’, eventually landing the character. That brought her face to the big screen and in front of millions of people. A couple years later she auditioned to be part of Netflix’s original series ‘The Umbrella Academy’ based on the comic book series of the same name. She was chosen to play the role of Young Vanya, who’s the child counterpart of the show’s lead actress played by no other than Halifax-born Ellen Page. To prepare for her role, McGibbon studied the comics for how she could transition herself into the older version of her character.
While filming TV series generally take longer than movies, McGibbon lucked out as the entire series was filmed between Toronto and Hamilton meaning she didn’t have to live in a hotel for weeks on end. Some notable local locations in the show are Gore Park, LIUNA Station, the International Village, Dyment’s Farm, and Gage Park.
an IMDB user score of 8.3/10 and overall positive reviews from critics.
A typical day on the set includes many hours of hair, makeup, and costuming. A travelling ‘set school’ is established at the shooting locations that’s mandatory for actors under the age of 18 to attend, ensuring they’re learning course equivalents to what children in a regular school curriculum would. A minimum of two school hours is required during the day.
When McGibbon isn’t on set, she’s busy advocating for affordable housing projects in the city. So much so that she recently became an Indwell ambassador and helps out by painting rooms and sharing projects on social media.
McGibbon and her peers would do a few takes and then go to set school if the gap between shoots would exceed 30 minutes. This was one of the greatest challenges in the role, McGibbon admits, as she was forced to break in and out of character throughout the day. It certainly makes focusing on the subject at hand much more challenging. The end result appears to have been well worth the struggle as ‘The Umbrella Academy’ has swept North America. IMDB currently has the show ranked #1 on its popularity meter with
McGibbon will be starring in another role come August in the upcoming ‘The War with Grandpa’ featuring the likes of Robert De Niro, Uma Thurman, and Christopher Walken. Talk about being in good company!
For a girl who has such a bright future ahead of her, it’s humbling to see how much she cares in the wellbeing of her fellow neighbours. McGibbon made it no secret that she loves being from Hamilton and I must admit, so are we. It’s a prideful moment when we catch Hamilton in a show or movie, but it’s even more impactful when we see Hamilton-based actors on screen. And this is only the start for this promising actress. You can follow T.J. McGibbon on Instagram @tjmcgibbon
URBANICITY.COM
13
Do you have a Delightful art installation idea?
ELIZABETH SEIDL
Elizabeth is a member Dialogues and has been LIGHT, Hamilton’s Light but on the Pipeline Trail
of the Hamilton involved with deFest since its dein winter 2016.
We hear that some of you are missing Delight — Hamilton’s only light festival — and we’re here to put your worries to rest. Delight will be reborn this coming June in a new, exciting way. With three successful Delight installations behind us and after changes within the organizational team, there was a desire to re-imagine the role of the Hamilton Dialogues (the organizing body behind much of Delight, among other projects) to one where we would nurture and facilitate creative endeavours rather than envision them ourselves. With this shift in approach, we are hoping to continue developing lasting partnerships with Hamilton artists and collectives as well as community members, coming together in meaningful collaborations year-round through Delight, Hamilton Arts Week, and other great community events like the annual Winter Solstice at Corktown Park. That’s why we’re now calling all artists, students, and community members to hear your ideas and help #MakeYourDelight during this year’s Hamilton Arts Week (June 14 – 21, 2019). Delight has always been about sparking conversation within the community, in a public outdoor space and this year is no different. Delight proposals must be artist-led, involve the community, contain principles of accessibility, social justice, respect for the environment, and be supportive of principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. We want to help you make it happen by providing support in a few different ways. As organizers, we can provide some start-up funds whether you’re an artist, member of a collective, community member, or a student. We can also help with the technical and administrative details for bringing your idea to life and connect you with volunteers to help with installation and promotion.
The Hamilton Dialogues are passionate about culture, politics, and community building, and we truly believe in the power of conversations as the starting point for amazing projects and change. We have engaged with Hamilton in the past through community cinema festivals and recently provided financial support to Red Tree Artists’ Collective for its multi-generational and multi-disciplinary art program for grades 1 to 4 at Prince of Wales Elementary School. At Winter Solstice, in collaboration with Red Tree and other Hamilton artists, we set up the LED rope labyrinth (in its past life it was the Delta Park plastic bottle waterfall for Delight 2017) and an inflated plastic bag tree (from the Delight 2018 garbage forest at Gage Park). Our goal is to stay small but relevant to the neighbourhoods we call home, helping to bring about creative opportunities while maintaining solid relationships with our partners and friends in planning these activities. Please visit us at thehamiltondialogues. ca to apply and tell us how your delightful idea will spark conversation within a public outdoor setting. We will be accepting proposals for #MakeYourDelight until March 31st, 2019. We are excited to hear from you!
ARTIST TALKS
Thursday, March 14, 7 pm Author Talk: Carmen Robertson on Norval Morrisseau AGH Members $10 | General $15 Sunday, March 17, 2 pm Artist Talk: Speaking for Herself Panel Discussion with Rosalie Favell, Barbara Astman, and Vessna Perunovich Free admission Thursday, March 21, 7 pm Artist Talk: Object Lessons #2 with Christopher Reid Flock, Carmen Laganse, Laura Marotta Free admission
Barbara Astman
123 King Street West 905.527.6610 artgalleryofhamilton.com Vessna Perunovich
Rosalie Favell
14
MARCH 2019
Library card holders can now get into Hamilton’s museums for free National Historic Site, Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum, Griffin House Museum, Hamilton Children’s Museum, Hamilton Military Museum, Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology, and Whitehern Historic House and Garden. NATASHA BROWN
To gain access to the museums, one must have a Library Card. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t used your card in years or you have overdue fees — as long as you have a card you are free to enter. Each member of your party needs their own Library Card, and it must either be a physical or e-Library Card.
Natasha is a born and raised Hamiltonian. A Queen's University Alumni, she loves pop culture, concerts, trivia, and writes as an occasional food blogger.
From the city’s incredible food and arts scene to its rich history, Hamilton is home to many exciting places to see, visit, and discover.
entry into Hamilton’s Civic museums are free whenever guests show their Hamilton Public Library (HPL) card.
Last month, the City of Hamilton and Hamilton Public Library came together to make exploring the city’s history more accessible. Since February 18th,
Hamilton Public Library, the City’s museums, and Hamilton City Council all share the same vision of Hamilton being one of the best places in Ontario to raise a family and age successfully.
This program was created to give all individuals who live, work, or study in Hamilton the opportunity to get out, meet new people, and explore what makes Hamilton so special. The museums included in the partnership program include: Battlefield House Museum and Park, Dundurn
If you or someone in your family doesn’t have a Library Card, you can visit any Library branch to register for a card at no charge. The Museum Library partnership is initially a one-year pilot program. If the program is a huge success, it’ll likely continue into the future so get out there and explore some of our city’s finest attractions!
.
Join us at
OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, March 30 10 am - 1 pm Fennell Campus, Hamilton
CONTINUING
Professional. Practical. Personal.
IN-CLASS OR ONLINE
• Take a program part-time while you work
EDUCATION
Flexible learning options. • Enhance your education with a specialized course • Train for a certification
ce.mohawkcollege.ca Spring registration opens March 21.
URBANICITY.COM
CONTI NU E D F RO M FRO N T PAG E
nearly two decades. In 2017 the charity put the building up for sale, relocated to 601 Burlington St E, and sold it to Tutt and his family, closing the deal in February 2018. It took John Tutt, his wife Wendy, and son Jacob nearly a year to the day until their grand re-opening on March 1st to a sold out crowd. Mayor Fred Eisenberger had the pleasure of cutting a 35mm film ribbon to celebrate this momentous occasion. The premiere showing was Academy Award winning 1988 ‘Cinema Paradiso’, a throwback to the theatre’s earlier Italian era. Also included in the opening night was a showing of 2018 Polish film “Cold War”, a war-time love story. Cinephiles are flocking to the Playhouse to see the beautiful high dome ceilings, floral plaster motifs, and stunning architecture that survived the last 105 years. The Tutt family has invested $450,000 in renovations to breathe fresh air into the space including a new digital projector, screen, and surround sound system. Halving the number of seats originally held, the old, smaller seats have been removed to make space for larger, comfier chairs with adjustable armrests. There is a raised viewing platform used for wheelchair accessible seating and pre-show mingling. Audiences will also enjoy the revamped lobby area, which includes a new concession stand and stamped tin ceiling. To make the experience even more enticing, Tutt plans to obtain a liquor and beer licence in the near future. The entire cinema has been redesigned with a rich gold, burgundy, and grey colour palette. To top it all off, a new marquee will be added to the front visage. The previous sign has been removed and the new one will actually be an old, refurbished marquee from Brantford’s classic theatre, the Sanderson Centre. The new owners sure have a lot to be proud of. For over 30 years, they have been showcasing non-mainstream films in their original Princess and Princess Twin Cinemas in Waterloo. Extending their love of art, independent, foreign language, and classic films to Hamilton, this family-run business is welcomed with open arms. The Playhouse Cinema will no doubt become a tourist attraction for Barton Village, providing an economic boost and increasing the sense of community in the area. Already, the Playhouse has sold over 500 memberships. Memberships are a $10 annual incentive that allows
cardholders to enjoy discounts on movie tickets and concession snacks, as well as free mailings of monthly movie guides and invites to sneak previews. Members can also enjoy these perks at the Waterloo locations. Entrance tickets are $8 for members, $12 for nonmembers, $9 for seniors 65+ and for students, and $8 for children aged 12 and under. There will be daily showings for the month of March which will include features such as “The Wife”, “Free Solo”, “Shoplifters”, “Stan and Ollie”, and “The Room”. Stanley Kubrick fans will be thrilled to see “Dr. Strangelove”, “A Clockwork Orange”, “2001: A Space Odyssey”, and “The Shining” this month as well. For full listings, visit playhousecinema.ca
A beautiful new stamped tin ceiling spans the entire lobby.
This spectacular building has seen many changes over the generations. From vaudeville and silent films to being a refuge for workers and activists, from Italian blockbusters to sultry flicks and live performances, and from an oasis for children to a revitalized movie house — we couldn’t be happier to see the historic Playhouse Cinema reclaim the title of being the oldest operating theatre in Hamilton.
ROBERT CEKAN
Robert is the owner and editor-in-chief of Urbanicity. Born and raised in Hamilton, his aim is to connect residents with the city beat and familiarize readers with what makes Hamilton unique.
The new facade matches the existing architecture. A new marquee will soon be installed.
15
16
MARCH 2019
TFSA cheat sheet: three things you need to know for 2019 Hamiltonians can save and invest to afford a house.
LIZ ENRIQUEZ
Liz is an adventurer, researcher, and social media maven. Liz loves Hamilton and recognizes the businesses and citizens of the city on social media under Shoutouts Hamilton.
There’s a lot of talk about the Hamilton housing market. A May 2018 study from Ryerson University's Centre for Urban Research and Land Development was examined if millennials in Hamilton were A Generation Stuck in Apartments. Jeffrey Martin, lead author of the report, called "The Generation Effect surveyed 1,200 working millennials in Hamilton and found that financial security is affected because of precarious employment. But is a future in Hamilton doom and gloom for millennials? Can people afford to buy houses? Is rent too high? What’s happening with affordable housing? While these questions are valid and necessary, there doesn’t seem to be much public discourse on the ways
Many people remain perplexed on the differences between the RRSP and the TFSA. It’s obvious that the lack of personal finance education is creating confusion and that’s a disservice to personal growth and city advancement. A piece of the puzzle is to increase financial literacy. Today, we share a tax-free savings account (TFSA) cheat sheet with 3 things you need to know about this account for 2019. This is for anyone who wants to do more of what they love, but doesn’t know where to start. The cheat sheet will help you understand the different choices you have to grow and store your money.
The limit is increasing! One exciting thing that happened in 2019 is that the TFSA contribution limit went up from $5,500 to $6,000. If you’ve never put money into your TFSA and you are old enough to have one since it started in 2009, you can put in $63,500 in 2019! Don’t have $63,500 laying around? Don’t worry, there is no minimum limit on how much money you put in your TFSA to start. Start with what you have. Don’t know what the point of a TFSA is? Here’s the rundown.
A tax-free savings account (TFSA) lets you save and invest money without paying any tax on the growth within the account. You also don’t pay taxes on the money you take out of your TFSA if you need it. Essentially, a TFSA lets you store your money tax-free. If you invest that money within the account, you don’t pay taxes on it.
The TFSA is not a savings account. The TFSA is, first and foremost, an investment account. It’s confusing because the name literally has the word savings in it but a TFSA is simply a ‘basket’ where someone can hold investments. In your TFSA “basket” you can buy stocks, bonds, ETFs, Mutual funds and other assets. To figure out what to buy, you can work with a financial planner or advisor. To find a certified financial planner, search the Financial Planning Standards Council directory (http://www. fpsc.ca/find-a-planner-certificant). If you prefer to handle your own investments, consider a robo-advisor or discount brokerage. Robo-advisors are an online platform that customize portfolios to your needs. They’re a way to save fees and invest using a hands-off approach.
The TFSA is flexible. We’re told from a young age that saving for retirement is important. It makes sense that many people think that the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is the best place for this goal. However, the TFSA is way more flexible because you can withdraw funds when you need them without incurring any penalties or having to pay taxes. At the same time, funds can be left untouched and used for retirement. In the end, the TFSA is a great place to invest or store your money for short- and medium-term savings goals, including an emergency fund, a wedding, or a trip. The best part is you don’t have to choose between a TFSA and an RRSP. All eligible Canadians can use both. It’s a matter of personal situations and goals to determine the best plan but keep in mind that the TFSA is the more flexible option of the two. Having your finances optimized and streamlined will help you reach your goals faster. Whether you’re planning for retirement, or looking to get a piece of Hamilton’s real estate pie, it’s important to have your finances in order. Hamilton is a wonderful place to live and work. With the proper tools, services, and supports to help people be more financially secure, the potentials for this city are endless.
URBANICITY.COM
17
Hamilton is home (to a vibrant arts and music scene) While Hamilton will forever be known as Steel Town, we are also quickly becoming known as a music and arts mecca.
ANDRU VALPY
Andru Valpy has over 17 years of broadcasting & photography experience, working with such companies as Clear Channel Communication in the United States, and Shaw Communications in Canada. He currently sits as a full time Social Media Manager, while volunteering as a producer with Cable 14 TV in Hamilton.
When I first moved to Hamilton, all I’d ever hear were negative things. Having moved from Winnipeg to Burlington, and later Toronto, all anyone ever said at the time was “stay away from Hamilton” or “Hamilton is a dump”. But then I had the opportunity to move to the Hammer, and while I was reluctant at first, I’m so glad I did. Hamilton has been called “Canada’s Answer to Brooklyn” and having been through Brooklyn multiple times, prerenaissance and post, I couldn’t agree more. Similar to what Brooklyn experienced years ago, we too are in the midst of our own resurgence.
Within the last three to four years, Hamilton has taken the spotlight in many national and international events, with each sold-out performance adding fuel to our reputational fire. For example, last year Hamilton played home to both the Canadian Country Music Awards, the 6thannual HUM Awards, and acted as the kick-off to The Arkells’ Rally Cry Tour. Let’s also not forget 2015, when we welcomed The Juno Awards to our backyard. It’s events such as these that have brought people to our city and given us the chance to make them feel at home. More and more, musicians and artists are choosing to make Hamilton home, or at the very least, a stop on their tour. As a result, a greater number of venues have been popping up to offer their space to bands. Core Entertainment was one of the first groups to spearhead this initiative, offering three choices of venues that
can cater to crowds of various sizes. The Studio offers an intimate space, capable of bringing fans up-close and personal to their favourite acts, while FirstOntario Concert Hall serves as a solution for bands and shows not quite ready to fill full-size arenas. Then there’s FirstOntario Centre, which has served as the home for many sold-out arena shows, including the only Canadian stop for internationally known K-pop stars BTS. Another K-pop band BlackPink is also making Hamilton their only Canadian stop — a show that sold out months in advance. But for those looking for other options, various well-known local venues have also played their part. This Ain’t Hollywood, The Corktown Pub, Absinthe, Theatre Aquarius, The Zoetic, Tim Hortons Field, and of course Supercrawl, are all staples in the community which often fill up quickly with each show announcement. As the city builds on its reputation, more and more venues seem to be popping up to fill the void and serve as new options for those looking to entertain our city’s arts lovers.
The Westdale Theatre recently reopened after a stunning $4.6 milliondollar renovation, as did the vaudevilleera Playhouse Theatre. Other venues like The New Vison United Church offer even more medium-sized options to musicians and artists looking to perform in the Downtown Core. Just as our city grows and attracts new residents, so too does our vibrant music, arts and culture scene. As long as we continue to play host to artists of all calibres, and continue to keep up with the growing demand, the sky is the limit as to where we go from here. It’s for these reasons (and many more) that I am happy to now call Hamilton my home.
WITHIN THE LAST THREE TO FOUR YEARS, HAMILTON HAS TAKEN THE SPOTLIGHT IN MANY NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
TRIVIA - ANSWERS: 1. Tews Falls in Dundas is the tallest at 41 metres in height. 2. The project was the original widening and deepening of the Burlington Bay Canal. 3. Look a map and you’ll see Garth Street aligns perfectly with Dundurn Street. As such, the street was very close to being name Upper Dundurn. 4. The Lister Block. The current Lister Block actually stands where the original 1886 Lister Block stood before it was destroyed by a fire.
18
MARCH 2019
10 Incredibly Delicious DessertsYou Need To Enjoy in Hamilton R AD IU S
151 James St S, Hamilton (905) 393-1658
With a huge wine list and incredible menu, it’s no surprise Radius is a hot spot for many dates and celebrations; in fact, they have seating for 340 guests! In the summer, enjoy their phenomenal patio, and live music too! Their crème brûlée is a must and for the nutella lovers out there, you have to give their nutella and caramel bread pudding a try!
CA N D I W ERX
554 Concession St, Hamilton (905) 920-8937
Candi Werx has a reputation for quality treats! They have chocolate, candy, fudge, and sweets from around the world. Looking for a British treat? They carry goods like Twirl and Double Decker. Are you a fan of a popular wizard? Candi Werx has Harry Potter Bertie Botts too! Want to enjoy desserts but have some intolerances? They offer sugar-free and gluten-free options too!
G RANDAD'S DONUTS 574 James St N, Hamilton (289) 700-0905
A Hamilton classic, Grandad’s Donuts are baked fresh daily on site at 3 AM. Grandad's Donuts is a family owned and operated coffee and donut shop that has been making donuts for over 30 years now. Located near the waterfront, they offer amazing donuts, muffins, and other goods. Thumbs up to their delicious flavours including the Orange Twist. An old fashioned donut with a citrus tang.
PANE DE L SOLE 175 John St N, Hamilton (905) 529-0949
For a variety of Italian desserts, Pane Del Sole is your place to go! This shop on John and Cannon is home to hot food, pastries, and Italian products at excellent prices! They have different kinds of cannolis, cookies, squares & pastries, but the Pesche Dolci (Italian Peach Cookies) are what keeps me coming back! Not sure what you want? Grab a box and fill it with a mix of desserts!
PL A N TED I N HA MI L TON 225 John St S, Hamilton (289) 389-6676
At Planted, desserts can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of food restrictions or choices. This vegan cafe offers dairy-free alternatives of the most popular sweets out there including a delicious Tiramisu. Visit Planted and try the Vanilla ladyfingers soaked in coffee liqueur, layered in a rich maple cashew custard and topped with cocoa powder. They have nutfree options as well and all dishes are free from dairy, eggs, and gluten.
CAK E & L OAF
321 Dundurn St S & Hamilton Farmer’s Market (289) 389-6581 (905) 577-9900
The Cake & Loaf sweets are out of this world! Whimsical, magical, delectable and unique! Made from scratch and with seasonal ingredients, Cake & Loaf has a selection of sweet & savoury items. They’re also known for one-of-a-kind custom designs.
URBANICITY.COM
19
Hamilton has no shortage of good food! With hundreds of restaurants and cafes all over the city, it’s hard to try each one! This list narrows down the dessert places and sweet shops you need to try! From candy and chocolates to sweet vegan treats, Hamilton’s sweet scene really delivers!
CH OCO L AT O N JA M ES 123 James St N, Hamilton (289) 396-5097
If you love variety, Chocolat on James is not to be missed. Pick from truffles, fudge, barks, or novelty items like chocolate frogs, bugs and letters. Chocolat on James is an extraordinary experience. Watch the chocolate being made in-house and the staff pour and wrap each treat with perfection. Fill your senses with the aroma of sweet treats and pick and choose the toppings and flavours you want. Want to try something unlike anything else? Try their chocolate cheesecake on a stick!
B E AN BAR
1012 King St W, Hamilton (905) 524-2326
It’s hard to choose the best dessert in Westdale but we can narrow it down to the cakes at Bean Bar. They have a huge selection of unique cheesecake flavours and other sweet treats. Some reviews online exclaim that the desserts at Bean Bar are “heaven on earth” and a “slice of heaven” and I agree! Special shout out to the key lime cheesecake and the white chocolate cheesecake. These two really stand out!
O L A B A K ERY & PAS T RIE S 230 James St N, Hamilton (905) 296-6064
On the top of the list is a not-so-hidden gem on James St N — Ola Bakery. It's a traditional Portuguese cafe in the heart of downtown. Stepping into Ola gives you a tiny taste of Europe. Order up front and sit for a while to enjoy authentic Portuguese treats or lunches prepared fresh daily. One of the best items on the menu are the pastel de natas, otherwise known as Portuguese custard tarts. These tarts alone are worth a visit to the downtown core. A crispy, flaky crust filled with creamy custard in the middle, baked to perfection and topped with some cinnamon. While the interior is old fashioned, there's a certain charm about this place that makes coming back a delightful experience.
COPPER K ETTL E 312 Dundas St E, Waterdown (905) 690-3696
There are a few places you go out of your way for, and Copper Kettle is one of them. Known for their famed apple fritters, Copper Kettle is nestled in the heart of Waterdown. This treat has a warm apple filling, inside a fried exterior covered in cinnamon sugar. Pick some up today! These make for the perfect party favour that are sure to please all guests.
ODDS Close to you, close to other places you like. (Maybe grab a drink here while you’re waiting for a table at Mezcal?)
164 James St. S. | oddsbar.ca | @oddsbar