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Hilary Shantz Hilary Shantz, MBA
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Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage



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Have you been to The Works? New gourmet burger place in Downtown Oakville

Sweet potato fries, french fries and onion rings

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

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.

Authored by hilaryshantz | Discussion: No Comments »

“Cinderella”, A Family Musical for the Christmas Season in Oakville

Cinderella Pantomime OakvilleLooking for something special to do with kids, grand-kids, the whole family over the holidays?

“Cinderella”, a pantomime, is being performed right here in Oakville.

A pantomime, according to British tradition, is a fun musical performed over the holiday season.  I remember going to pantomimes as a child in Scotland.

Rikki Wright, Oakville resident has written and directed this musical. The Meeting House, in Oakville, has a large auditorium that is the venue for this theatrical performance.  Showtime runs December 16-18 and 27-31, 2011.

You can order tickets here and find out more about the show here.

Authored by hilaryshantz | Discussion: No Comments »

Kerr Village Art Gallery Opens in Oakville

Luigia Zilli, owner of Kerr Village Art Gallery, with Wayne

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.

Sunflowers by Luigia ZilliJames 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

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!

Like this post? Read also:

A Flat White at Kerr Street Cafe in Oakville

Authored by hilaryshantz | Discussion: No Comments »

Midnight Madness in Downtown Oakville. Come on down!

Outdoor Oakville Festival - Midnight Madness

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.

Authored by hilaryshantz | Discussion: No Comments »

“Marbled Meats” Opens in Downtown Oakville: Locally Grown Free Range Meats

New meat store in downown 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!

Authored by hilaryshantz | Discussion: No Comments »

Walnut House: Award-winning B & B in Downtown Oakville

Walnut House B&B Downtown 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

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

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.

Authored by hilaryshantz | Discussion: No Comments »

A Flat White at Kerr Street Cafe in Oakville

Flat White with Latte Art

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

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

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…..

Read also:

New Restaurant in Downtown Oakville – The Crepe Kitchen

Authored by hilaryshantz | Discussion: 4 Comments »

Oakville Candidates for Mayor Answer Questions

Wayne and I attended an all-candidates question and answer session last night at Glen Abbey United Church, hosted by the Oakville Chamber of Commerce.  It was an opportunity for townsfolk to ask questions of our 2010 Oakville mayoral candidates. 

Four Oakville mayoral candidates answer questions

Four Oakville mayoral candidates answer questions

The church was packed, with standing room only (about 450 attendees).  Incumbent Rob Burton (who lives on my street), previous  mayor, Ann Muvale, John McLaughlin and Raymond Ray are this year’s candidates.

I have attended quite a few Town of Oakville sessions where Mayor Burton and his staff have talked about all the “state of the art” improvements (more extensive bus system, sports complexes, community centre, etc. ) that have already and will be added, under his administration.  All of these new initiatives have  positively impacted Oakville quality of life over the last 4 years.  This cannot be denied.

Some 450 or more Oakville residents attended

Some 450 or more Oakville residents attended

But the main thrust of last night’s debate was the other three contenders accusing Mr. Burton of “fiscal irresponsibility”.  How will all this get paid for?   Is it not  inevitable that our property taxes will go up?

Also the portion of the  cost of the new hospital for which the Town is responsible is going to be a burden on us and our kids. 

Another point raised by Mr. McLaughlin and Mr Ray was that businesses are not being attracted to Oakville because it costs so much to operate a business here, versus, say Markham.  This will mean that residents will bear the brunt of the costs incurred going forward.  

With respect to the proposed power plant, there was, as you can imagine, much discussion.  Ms. Mulvale said “this would not have been a possibility, under my watch!”  While Mayor Burton contended “I am convinced it will never get built”. 

We had to duck out near the end to pick up our daughter.

I have yet to make up my mind about who will get my vote on October 25th.  But I am certainly more informed about the issues, having attended this session.  This is why the democratic process is so important!  When I only listened to Mr. Burton speak over the last few years, I had not thought about the issues from another point of view.

I was impressed by all the candidates, and their knowledge of the issues that are at the forefront of most of our minds, whether the new Oakville hospital, power plant, property taxes, environmental issues, attracting businesses to Oakville, creating more world class festivals that draw visitors and fostering the arts. 

What are your thoughts?

 

 

Authored by hilaryshantz | Discussion: No Comments »

Why move to Oakville?: Lots of great reasons!

Oakville Harbour Lighthouse

Oakville Harbour Lighthouse

I’m always bragging on my town. 

So I thought for a change, dear readers, you might like to get the perspective of someone else who is chronicling our local charms. 

Darrell is a newcomer to our town, a very observant person, and good writer.  Here’s his blog about why he picked Oakville.   I sold his family a home last week, and they are preparing to move back this way shortly.

By the way the number of people from Alberta, B.C. that are contemplating returning to Ontario seems to be on the incline, and so often they wind up in Oakville, our fair town.

Authored by hilaryshantz | Discussion: 4 Comments »

New restaurant in downtown Oakville: The Crepe Kitchen

Ana Maria Siles makes scrumptious crepes in downtown 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.

Authored by hilaryshantz | Discussion: 1 Comment »

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