Have you been to The Works? New gourmet burger place in Downtown Oakville
January 2nd, 2012 Categories: Downtown Oakville, Places to Eat, Things to Do in Oakville
Sweet potato fries, french fries and onion rings
We were there for an hour and there were line-ups for lunch the whole time. According to the manager, business has been brisk since “The Works” opened 17 days ago. A new gourmet burger bistro in Downtown Oakville. There is another gourmet burger restaurant in the Whole Foods Plaza.
Granted the new restaurant opened during the busy Yuletide season, but it is quite notable that this bistro is full, while other more traditional restaurants on Lakeshore Road in the heart of Downtown Oakville, have only a few patrons.
Families, older folks, young adults, there was a real mix of people checking out the new eatery. If you like burgers, fries and onion rings, you will like this place. Oh and if you like beer and loud music too.
A concept that started in Ottawa, The Works is opening up across Southern Ontario. Oakville needed a more casual joint in the downtown area.
The Works, new gourmet burger bistro in Downtown Oakville
Love the mural of the Oakville lighthouse, and the burgers named after Mayor Rob Burton, local athlete Donovan Bailey and Appleby College. Our Sheridan College waiter was well trained. Drinks were served in measuring cups. I like that it is all Canadian.
This place is going to do well, for sure.
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Kerr Village Art Gallery Opens in Oakville
December 1st, 2011 Categories: Around Kerr Village, Downtown Oakville, Oakville Events, Things to Do in Oakville, Why Move to Oakville?
Luigia Zilli, owner of Kerr Village Art Gallery, with Wayne
There’s a new art gallery in Oakville!
Tonight Wayne and I went to the Grand Opening of a new art gallery in our neighbourhood.
Located in Kerr Village, the gallery displays works of Canadian and International artists, starting from the owner, Oakville resident Luigia Zilli (www.luigiazilli.com) Working in acrylic, she is mostly known for her Italian landscapes and bright flowers, and also for her popular bicycle art.
Claudia Gonzalez, from Oakville as well, born in Venezuela, makes beautiful jewellery pieces in silver using Svarovsky glass, cultured pearls and other semi-precious stones.
Des Bell, trained as illustrator, he’s expressing himself through photography. He is a Waterdown’s resident.
James C. Swartz, from Toronto, working in oil and mixed media mostly using a wide palette knife.
Jorge Luis Ballart, from Cuba, painting in oil, communicating through his work what is his view of life in Cuba, the people dreams and frustrations.
Maria Teresa Febres, Venezuelan born from Toronto, sculpting beautiful pieces in ceramic.
Franco Anselmi, a very accomplished artist from Italy, painting in oil and offering high quality screen print mixed media depicting cats, owls, elephants and horses in a very unique style.
Marthy Nasato, a sculptor from Aurora, ON with her beautiful dancers and acrobats. Marina, another Italian artist, painting acrylic abstract landscapes on a textured ground.
The gallery is a great addition in the upcoming neighborhood of Kerr Village in Oakville, which in few years is forecast to be as booming as the Downtown area.
Luigia, owner of Kerr Village Art Gallery, The Shantz Team
“Our intent is also to cater good quality and affordable art and custom framing to the new residents that will come to live in Kerr Village when the new condos will be built, which will also increase pedestrian traffic on Kerr Street giving more exposure to all the businesses in the area.” says Luigia.
Looking to buy or sell real estate in Kerr Village or Oakville, call The Shantz Team, 905 599 3311 now!
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A Flat White at Kerr Street Cafe in Oakville
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Midnight Madness in Downtown Oakville. Come on down!
July 15th, 2011 Categories: Downtown Oakville, Food for Soul and Spirit, Things to Do in Oakville
Outdoor Oakville Festival - Midnight Madness
Come on down to Downtown Oakville tonight! Midnight Madness starts at 7 p.m.
Last year over 50,000 people came out. It was a lot of fun as we went down with our two teenagers. The bands were great and there were soooooo many Oakville residents out.
One of the things that makes this town so great to live in is all the downtown festivals that go on annually, and the Waterfront Summer Festival at Coronation Park on the lake.
Make sure to bring your family or special person down to hear some live music, eat some great food and meet some new people.
Check out oakvilledowntown.com for more info on bands and what’s going on this year. See you there!! Wayne and I will be at the Royal LePage kiosk between 8 and 10.
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Oakville 2011 Citizens Survey – Oakville is tops in livability say residents
May 16th, 2011 Categories: Downtown Oakville, Historical Oakville, Oakville Town Planning & Development
Oakville great place to live
What do Oakville residents think of living in this Town?
Most of us who live here agree that it’s a terrific place to live and raise a family. If you go around town and chat with locals you are likely to come to that conclusion.
Need some more hard facts?
Pollara Strategic Insights conducted a telephone survey on behalf of the Town of Oakville.
A random sample of 800 residents were asked about their views on living in Oakville.
Thought I would report back on the latest results from the 2011 Oakville Citizens Survey.
Highlights:
Feelings of belonging/Being safe 94%
Quality of Buildings/overall appearance 90%
Protection of heritage 90%
Information to residents 85%
Responding to community needs 83%
Protection of environment 83%
Public involvement in government 77%
Managing tax dollars 67%
When residents were also asked whether or not they were satisfied with town services, Eight of the 11 services received satisfaction levels of over 80%, with more details below:
Parks 91%
Library 90%
Recreation facilities 90%
Recreation Programs 88%
Haabour/waterfront 87%
Roads 83%
Fire 82%
Cultural programs 81%
For more information on current and past survey results you can go to www.oakville.ca or contact the Strategy, Policy and Communications deptartment at 905-845-6601 ext. 3689 at the Town of Oakville.
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“Marbled Meats” Opens in Downtown Oakville: Locally Grown Free Range Meats
May 6th, 2011 Categories: Downtown Oakville, Places to Eat, Things to Do in Oakville
New meat store in downown Oakville
Wayne and I were finishing up viewing new listings in Central Oakville when we noticed a gentleman in an apron in front of a BBQ selling gourmet mini-burgers.
We decided to try out the tantalizing little morsels being offered by the owner of a new meat shop at 115 Lakeshore Road West, just west of Kerr.
From our chat with Tom Stasiuk, business owner, this is the first of a number of stores that he plans to open. He is planning to open stores in Streetsville and Port Credit, with a view to franchising.
According to Tom, these meats are locally grown, fresh, free range and being retailed at 30%-50% of similar quality meats in other venues.
Here’s a photo of Tom and his BBQ. If you want to check out this new addition to the downtown scene, check out marbledoakville.com for hours of operation.
Those mini-burgers with gourmet bbq sauce were just what we needed for a tasty mid-day nibble! See you around town!
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Walnut House: Award-winning B & B in Downtown Oakville
April 18th, 2011 Categories: Downtown Oakville, Food for Soul and Spirit, Historical Oakville, Things to Do in Oakville
Walnut House B&B Downtown Oakville
We recently dropped in on friends Gill and Barrie Sprawson at their lovely bed and breakfast, conveniently located in historic downtown Oakville adjacent to Sixteen Mile Creek, Oakville Harbour, and the Oakville Performing Arts Centre.
Designed by the Sprawson’s son Jonathan, architect and owner of DQI Design Quorum Inc., in Oakville, this unique home was given the name “Walnut House” because it is built around a 108 year old walnut tree! In fact, the unique design of this guest home was recognized by the Town of Oakville and awarded the 2002 Design Award of Distinction.
Walnut House has three guest suites equipped with TVs, DVD’s, ensuites and guest robes. One of the rooms has a small kitchenette and a whirlpool bath plus separate shower. The entire home is wheelchair accessible and has an elevator.
Wayne and Gill Sprawson- Walnut House B&B
Gill’s breakfast menu is flexible enough to accommodate your preference, ranging from a full breakfast to continental and vegetarian choices. Walnut House is open all year round and rooms can be booked by the day, week or month.
Originally from England, Barrie and Gill have been Oakville residents for 32 years and have 5 kids, two of whom live in Oakville.
I asked Barrie what initially attracted the family to move to Oakville. He said “it was a town where the downtown core was healthy, vibrant and thriving. Also there were lots of parks and green areas”.
That’s still a great reason to live in Oakville today!
Gill & Barrie, Hosts of Walnut House B&B in Downtown Oakville
If you are looking for a more intimate and relaxing atmosphere for your next get-away or business trip, the Walnut House would be a wonderful choice.
From this central location, the Oakville Harbour and waterfront, acclaimed restaurants, quaint boutiques and historic buildings of Downtown Oakville are at your doorstep and may be explored by foot. And, of course, the Sprawsons’ warm hospitality will make your stay memorable and comfortable.
For more information visit www.WalnutHouseBandB.com.
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Condominiums are on the rise in Oakville
April 11th, 2011 Categories: Downtown Oakville, Fifty-five plus, Oakville Town Planning & Development
One of Oakville's latest condominium projects
Oakville is enjoying a balanced real estate market so far this year unlike some of our neighbours in Mississauga who are still in the midst of a sellers market with multiple offers still occuring on a regular basis. Historically, Oakville has been a family-friendly community that has carefully balanced growth with maintaining proper infrastructure, green spaces and protection of heritage sites. As a result most residential development tended to focus on detached, semi and townhouse type developments. However of late, condominiums are playing a much bigger role in Oakville’s growth with new developments such as Rain Condos, The Shores & Edgemere Estate beginning to take form.
Condos are more popular in Oakville than ever. With Oakville’s geographical boundaries having stretched out pretty well as far as they can, real estate developers and town planners are looking for innovative ways to find more space to accomodate growth.
Some of the most popular condos in Oakville if you are looking to downsize or are looking for a more convenient, maintenance-free lifestyle are;
1. Emporium Condominiums – New condos in north Oakville’s Joshua Creek
2. The Granary Condos – 100 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
3. Ennisclare 1 Condos – 2175 & 2185 Marine Drive, Oakville
4. One Eleven Forsythe – 111 Forsythe St, Oakville | Luxury Downtown Oakville Condos
5. Edgemere Estate – Oakville Lakefront Luxury Condominium Residences
6. Bronte Harbour Club – 2511 Lakeshore Rd West, Oakville
7. Wyndham Place – New condos coming to downtown Oakville
8. The Shores – New luxury waterfront condos coming to Oakville’s Bronte Harbour
9. Oakridge Heights Condos – 40, 50, 60 Old Mill Road, Oakville
10. Rain Condos – New Condos coming to Oakville’s Kerr Village
Which is your favourite condo development? Do you believe that Oakville should continue to encourage condo construction or does it ruin the quaint, charming character of Canada’s most livable town. I look forward to your thoughts.
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A Flat White at Kerr Street Cafe in Oakville
December 13th, 2010 Categories: Downtown Oakville, Places to Eat, Things to Do in Oakville
Flat White with Latte Art
Have you ever had a “flat white”?
Our first experience was at the newly opened Kerr Street Cafe in Kerr Village.
Eggs Benedict on Corn Fritter
Saturday morning, after showing a property just up the street, Wayne and I had breakfast at this new eatery which opened in July. We ordered eggs benedict on corn fritters, with spinach. It was delicious AND nutritious, a winning combination in my book!
And of course a flat white.
A flat white hails from Australia and New Zealand. It is prepared by pouring microfoam (steamed milk from the bottom of a pitcher) over a single (30ml) or double shot (60ml) of espresso. It is similar to a latte or cafe au lait, with latte art.
Mark, co-owner of Kerr Street Cafe, Oakville
Brothers Mark and Shawn Waitzer are “Kiwis” from New Zealand, who joined forces with Alex Flye to create this informal cafe serving the public fresh, high quality food in the up and coming trendy area of Kerr Village. The decor is reminiscent of Greenwhich Village or Soho in New York City, unpretentious and edgy.
You can find this cafe at 298 Kerr Street in Oakville.
Love the way Kerr Street is evolving, look out for a fabulous new yoga studio “Some Like it Hot” on Kerr. More on that later…..
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New Restaurant in Downtown Oakville – The Crepe Kitchen
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No Oakville power plant! Victory party at Julia’s in downtown Oakville!
October 8th, 2010 Categories: Downtown Oakville, Green Trends, Oakville Events, Oakville Real Estate News, Places to Eat, South East Oakville
No Oakville power plant: Mayor Rob Burton, Hilary Shantz, Karen Khoury celebrate.
The mood was JUBILANT as C4CA (Citizens for Clean Air) members and locals streamed into Julia’s last night!!
For me it was still sinking in: How AMAZING a victory this is for Oakville, and for those of us who live in South East Oakville!
The possiblity of this dangerous and environmentally hazardous 900 megawatt power plant had certainly cast an ominous cloud over the area, and impacted property values.
Folks, not only is this a victory for Oakville, but for all the GTA, as the Premier has said there will not be a plant of this kind in the GTA area.
Wayne and I chatted with Mayor Rob Burton as we walked into the party together. Astute legislation on the municipal level by Mr. Burton along with intense and unrelenting lobby efforts by C4CA made all the difference!
This one-year long fight has been like David going up against Goliath.
Having Erin Brokovich come to Oakville last week (read Toronto Star article on her visit), along with the appointment of a full-time executive director, showed that Oakville residents were redoubling their efforts, AND NOT BACKING DOWN!
No Oakville power plant! Wendy Burton (wife of Mayor) Wayne Shantz
A huge big thank you to all those who gave time and resources to this fight.
Karen Khoury, Brenda Potter-Phelan, Nancy Robertson: as busy professionals and mothers, you sacrificed a great deal of personal time. We appreciate your hard work.
Rob Burton, thanks for your excellent leadership in fighting this.
My question is : When they make a movie about this, who will play the key roles? 
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New restaurant in downtown Oakville: The Crepe Kitchen
February 12th, 2010 Categories: Downtown Oakville, Food for Soul and Spirit, Places to Eat, Things to Do in Oakville
Since the closing of Cafe Los Libros, my husband Wayne and I have been looking for a good breakfast spot in downtown Oakville.
We were glad to find out about The Crepe Kitchen, which had its official opening a couple of months ago.
I met Eduardo Siles, the owner, a couple of years ago at an Oakville networking event. Now he and his wife Ana Maria, a chef, have opened this new eatery in Oakville.
The Siles moved from their native Peru six years ago. The open concept creperie has an old-fashioned open kitchen, and Ana Maria’s sense of style shows in the rustic country decor with Peruvian touches. “No two pieces of furniture are the same” says the owner. It’s a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
We’ve sampled the Popeye, Simple and Good, and Mediterranean savoury crepes, so far…all good. Homemade soups, desserts and salads also on the menu. I like the French-press brewed coffee served in Bodum individual pots.
Already they seem to be doing a brisk business. Check out menu and website. The Crepe Kitchen is located at 88 Dunn Street, just south of Lakeshore in downtown Oakville.
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