In Articles

Eric Chong – From White Oaks to MasterChef and Beyond

April 10, 2019

Eric Chong, MasterChef Canada winner, restaurant owner and Oakville native is making his mark on the food scene. On the set of Canada’s MasterChef, he gained the attention of Michelin-starred chef Alvin Leung and together they opened Toronto restaurant R&D. We sat down with Eric to learn about his journey from White Oaks Secondary School to renowned chef.

Before the restaurant world came calling, you were an engineer. Was engineering the initial “dream” or was becoming a chef always the end goal?

I went to McMaster University and graduated as a Chemical Engineer. I worked as one for a bit but my dream was always to become a famous chef! To me, goals and dreams are two different things. A dream is something you hope for and a goal is something you work hard and strive for and can eventually attain. I never thought I would ever be able to be a professional chef because growing up in a traditional Asian household, you have the choice of being a doctor, lawyer or engineer. Being a chef was looked down upon, thus being a dream of mine.

What was it like being on MasterChef? Were you still living in Oakville at the time?

Being on the show was surreal. I watched MasterChef USA with my family, so getting to experience it first hand was crazy. I had never been so nervous and anxious in my whole life. That being said, it was so much fun! We all lived in a hotel downtown Toronto.

Do you come to Oakville from time to time? What is your go-to restaurant when you’re in town?

I do come to Oakville quite often because my parents still live here. I think 7 Enoteca is quite good! I know the owner there and every time I go the food and service is phenomenal!

Tell us about R&D and your partnership with Michelin-starred chef Alvin Leung. How did the restaurant come to fruition?… What inspired the menu? What is the atmosphere like?

Alvin first invited me to Hong Kong to work in his three Michelin-starred restaurant Bo Innovation and to try other Michelin-starred restaurants. From there, we decided to work together and open up R&D. R&D stands for Rebel and Demon. Alvin is the Demon chef of course, and I am the Rebel for deviating from the traditional path of being a doctor or an engineer. It is also an homage to both our engineering backgrounds as R&D is often known as Research & Development (which we did a lot of to create the menu).

The menu is inspired by classic Asian dishes that Alvin and I both love. We just add our own modern twist to it! The atmosphere at R&D is lively and fast-paced. We play old school hip hop and have trendy designs throughout the dining room. We have an open kitchen where guests can see us cook right before their eyes.

Do you mind sharing a recipe with us?

This recipe is very dear to my heart as it has been passed down from my grandpa. On the menu, it is called Grandpa’s Fun Guo and has been on the menu since the very first day we opened. The dough is similar to a traditional har gow dumpling, translucent and perfectly al dente. We fill our dough with chicken, truffle, bamboo, and carrots.

Grandpa’s Fun Guo Dough Recipe

You recently got engaged, congratulations! How does a chef pick a caterer for their wedding? I’m sure the bar is high (and we’re sure you have some wonderful connections in the industry!) Have you started planning the wedding menu?

Yes, we did! It was tough to pick a venue that would meet everyone’s expectations. We wanted to personalize our wedding menu so that each course had significance to my fiancée and I. We wanted to incorporate some of our favourite ingredients, but I will have to keep our 5-course dinner a secret for now!

What’s next for you?

I hope to open up a fine dining restaurant in the near future. I will also be heading back to Asia to film the second season of Wok the World, a show where Alvin and I travel around different parts of Asia to discover
the Chinese roots in other
Asian cuisines.

In Community

The Crêpe Kitchen wins Best Brunch 2019 Talk of the Town Award

March 27, 2019

Take it over easy this April at 2019 Best Brunch Talk of the Town Award-winner, The Crêpe Kitchen!

This rustic-chic family-run business has been a staple in Downtown Oakville since 2009, serving up a deliciously fresh menu of sweet and savoury crêpes.

Wake up with flavourful favourites like the Farmer’s Pick, the Cheesy Pesto, the Three Mushroom’s and the Dreamy (only available on weekends), or sample something sweet with the Dulce de Leche, the Crêpe Suchard, the Strawberry Tart Crêpe and many more.

Don’t skip their famous French Onion Soup or Croque Monsieur either, as you and your brunch buddies are transported to the streets of Paris through a single bite.

Do you prefer a plant-based menu? Try Best Brunch runner-up, Dar Nabati!

This Middle Eastern cafe serves up some delicious brunch options including a Middle Eastern platter, classic waffles, vegan fried eggs, bakon, home fries and more! You’ll feel good indulging in this meal, as all items at this Downtown Oakville staple are egg-free, dairy-free, preservative-free and refined sugar-free.

Make it Mediterranean at Ricarda’s jazz brunch!

This recent addition to Downtown Oakville has taken home third place honours in this month’s Talk of the Town Awards with their sensational Sunday all-you-can-eat jazz brunch! Pick from seafood and pastry platters or skip right to the menu for local favourites like Shakshouka, Porchetta Sandwiches, Toulon Flatbreads or Moroccan Cornish Hen.

Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our next category on April 1, 2019 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2019 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Brunch

The Crêpe Kitchen
Dar Nabati
Ricarda’s
Kerr Street Cafe
La Parisienne Crêperie

For more information about the Visit Oakville 2019 Talk of the Town Awards, visit visitoakville.com.

*this article was provided by visitoakville.com

In Community

Boon Burger Cafe wins 2019 Talk of the Town Award for Best Kid’s Menu

March 27, 2019

Looking for a place that can cater to the whole family this March Break? Get a lot of bang for your buck at Boon Burger Cafe, Visit Oakville’s 2019 Talk of the Town Award-winner for Best Kid’s Menu!

Kids can take matters into their own hands at this vegan burger joint by customizing their burgers or selecting from a menu featuring veggie dogs, grilled cheese, soup, chic’n strips, salad and more.

You won’t feel guilty indulging the family in a burger and fries at Boon, as their entire menu features 100% vegan plant-based options. This environmentally conscious location has also eliminated all plastic, opting for takeout cups and straws made from biodegradable cornstarch.

Turn up the heat at Bronte Village’s The Firehall, where kids feast for free on Mondays! This local staple took second place honours in this month’s Talk of the Town Awards with a flavourful kid’s menu featuring pizzas, pasta dishes, wings, quesadillas and more!

Stir up some sizzle with the most important meal of the day at Downtown Oakville’s Sunnyside Grill, second-runner up for the “Best Kid’s Menu” title. Kids can sink their teeth into pancakes, french toast or a hearty breakfast bundle featuring eggs, bacon, potatoes and toast.

Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our next category on March 1, 2019 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2019 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Kid’s Menu

Boon Burger Cafe
Firehall
Sunnyside Grill
Harper’s Landing
Adonis

For more information about the Visit Oakville 2019 Talk of the Town Awards, visit visitoakville.com.

*this article was provided by visitoakville.com

In Articles

A Community Hub With A Cultural Twist – What’s On At Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre

March 27, 2019

Within the grounds of a high school, there are decades of memories within lockers and bathroom stalls, under bleachers and on the football field. There have been broken hearts and championships, school dances and graduations. With diploma in hand, many of us begin the quest for bigger opportunity, leaving behind the memories, likely never to see those four walls again – except for maybe at a reunion.

However, the alumni of Queen Elizabeth Park high school have a unique opportunity to walk those halls again – though the halls may look vastly different. In March 2012, the school re-opened after an extensive renovation under new ownership of the Town of Oakville, a community rich in arts, culture and heritage. The multi-use facility is housed inside the old QE Park high school north of Rebecca Street in West Oakville and features more than 144,000 square feet of activity space, making it one of the largest venues of its kind in Canada. It was purchased and renovated by the Town of Oakville at a cost of $27 million and, as far as they know, there isn’t another building of its kind in Canada that provides so many activities under one roof.

Since the opening, the facility has exceeded community expectations, offering a clay studio, wood shop, fibre arts centre, gallery, swimming pool, fitness studio, performance theatre, and dance studio, among many other amenities.

Susan Amaral, Manager of QEPCCC, says the next few months will be busy at the facility with rotating exhibits, drop-in classes, workshops, and more. Now is a better time than ever to visit this community gem.

Gallery and Hallway Exhibits

The gallery and hallway spaces have rotating exhibits throughout
the year. Entrance to the gallery is free of charge during gallery hours.

Main Gallery:

January – February 2019 : Children’s Photo Exhibit

February – March 2019 : Canadian Tapestry Centre

March – April 2019 : Ontario Society of Artists

April – May 2019 : ArtWorks Oakville

Corridors (Winter Exhbits):

White Oaks High School IB Visual Art program final exhibition, ArtWorks Oakville, Oakville Arts Society, Oakville Camera Club, Oakville Fibre Artists, Oakville Quilters’ Guild, Studio 3 Members, Youth Centre Exhibition, Lisa Rubic, Jay Park, Pam Read & Gina Morewood, Suzana Poposka, Laura Kay Keeling

Call for Exhibition Submissions

The Town of Oakville is developing a Public Art program to integrate artists and artwork into the development of applicable public projects. Art is to be acquired through a public process with the specific intention of being in the public realm. Public art may be temporary or permanent artworks and may include but is not limited to sculptures, mosaics, banners, earthworks, or street furniture.

The next deadline for submissions is September 1, 2019.

Drop-In Classes

All-Ages Ceramics Drop-In on Saturdays, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Check out the clay studio whether you are a novice or a pro, or just curious about clay! Children must be accompanied/supervised by an adult at all times.

Older Adult Centre
QEPCCC has an Older Adults Centre with a wide range of activities and programs for 50+. Upcoming events include:

March 13, St. Patrick’s Day Party
Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party in the Black Box featuring a Celtic trio called Erin’s Marlore. A light lunch will be served along with some good Irish tunes. Tickets are $15 per person.

April 10, Easter Bonnet Tea & Flower Arranging Workshop
Celebrate the start of spring with tea and a flower arranging demonstration by a local florist.
Wear your favourite Easter bonnet. Tickets are $8.00
which includes light refreshments.

Youth

Every year, Oakville celebrates National Youth Week with FREE activities, learning opportunities and events for youth
ages 11-19.

Throughout the week of May 1 to May 6, youth will have FREE access to all drop-in youth programs, open houses at all Town of Oakville youth centres, creative activities with the Oakville Public Library, and so much more!

School and Group Visits

With unique programming options, students can experience hands-on learning in performing arts, studio arts, recreation, youth education, heritage programs, and more.

Want to be added to the teacher’s email list about upcoming school curriculum events? Please email shelly.datseris@oakville.ca

by Annieliese Lawton

Local Link

Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre
Oakville.ca

In Articles

Hayley Verrall – Healing The Heart and Singing for Smiles

March 21, 2019

Some people spend a lifetime trying to find their calling. Many never find it.

For Hayley Verrall, it came in a single moment as she looked into her grandmother’s eyes and saw the joy that she was feeling from hearing Hayley sing.

“I had always loved singing but in that moment, to see her eyes light up and see that she was trying to sing along, it was like a miracle that happened. I discovered then that my purpose was to sing,” said Hayley, who is now 21.

Hayley was born and raised in Burlington and, by the age of 13, was doing open mic shows as well as performing at restaurants and street festivals. She never took it seriously as a career option.

“I was just sort of exploring it,” said Hayley, who lives in Brant Hills.

In 2015 her grandmother had a stroke which paralyzed the right side of her body. She was also struggling with dementia. Both left her unable to speak. During one of Hayley’s visits, she decided to sing to her grandmother.

“When I started singing and she tried to sing along, it was such a special moment. It was a really big moment for me and I knew then that it was my purpose to sing for people and inspire people.”

Afterwards, Hayley’s family noticed that her grandmother had more movement on her right side and less paralysis in her throat. That moment was so powerful that it stayed with Hayley into her college years when she was studying in the Music Industry Arts and Performance Program at Centennial College.

During a project, she came up with the idea of Singing for Smiles. She would use her talents as a country singer and songwriter to perform for seniors. She started out slow and the demand now has her performing at various retirement homes every month plus other venues.

“All of a sudden all of these other places started contacting me,” said Hayley, who graduated from college last April. The requests have come from as far away as Paris and Toronto.

One thing she noticed was that a lot of seniors’ homes were playing classical music for residents but it was the old country classics by performers like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Patsy Cline, that got the biggest responses.

“It’s because they tell a story and for a lot of them, the songs bring back memories and take them back to their childhoods.”

For Hayley, it’s the response from people that is the best part.

“They’re just loving it. Even nursing home staff say they see a change. When I sang Jolene (by Dolly Parton), a guy was crying on the couch. Another time, I was singing and this lady was dancing.”

Photo courtesy of Jill Lunn (LUNN Music Media and Consulting)

Hayley also performed over Christmas for patients at Joseph Brant Hospital, local Canada Day celebrations, and during the Inauguration of City Council. Her dream is to develop a music therapy program to run concurrently with her music performance business.

Her talents haven’t gone unnoticed. Last November she won a place in the Ontario Country Music Association International competition. In March she will represent Ontario at the North American Country Music Associations International competition in front of music industry professionals in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Representatives from all over the U.S., plus three chapters in Canada, will be present.

Hayley’s mom, Kim Verrall, says she’s “very proud” of her daughter.

“She’s doing very well and I think she’s making quite a name for herself in the Halton region.”

Hayley will be performing her country rock and pop songs as well as some originals at:

Pepperwood Bistro, Burlington:
March 29 & 30 from 8.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.

Uncorked On Main, Georgetown:
March 28 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

by Denise Davy

Local Link

Hayley Verrall
Hayleyverrallmusic.com

In Community

Lawn Bowling in Downtown Oakville

March 19, 2019

If you have never lawn bowled it is well worth trying. It’s a bit like curling, but without as much shouting, and of course, warmer as it is played in the summer on grass and not ice. And there’s no sweeping!
Bowls are biased, or weighted by dimension one side, to create a curve at the end of the roll along the green. Allowing for that curve, which is affected by speed and weight, makes the game interesting and challenging.
Most games, especially when played by a novice, are relaxed and known as “casuals”. Teams are assigned with whoever turns up to play. And more experienced players will help new members to learn the game. With more experience, competitive games can be played. There are ladies’ mornings, mens nights, Aussie bowls, pairs leagues and a junior program held on Sundays for 7 years of age and up. This is just to name a few of the activities available.
The club holds open houses each year to encourage new members.

This year they are:

Saturday May 11th 2019 from 1:30 – 3:30pm
Sunday May 12th 2019 from 1:30 -3:30pm
Saturday May 18th 11:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday May 19th 12:00 – 2:00pm

People can come to the club on the above dates and find out about the club and give bowling a try at no charge. The club offers an introductory week of free lessons from May 13th – 18th. Bowls are provided in a variety of colours and sizes and these bowls are available to use free of charge for the first year of membership. So, the only equipment needed is a flat pair of shoes (so the grass is not damaged). The cost of membership is $170 for the year May – October (weather permitting).
The Oakville Club has been around since 1908 and it is no wonder that it is in one of the most attractive spots in Old Oakville.

If you miss the Open Houses in May, please visit www.oakvillelawnbowling.ca to learn more.

Oakville Lawn Bowling

111 King St, Oakville, ON L6J 1B3

(905) 842-1849

In Community

An Exceptional Jazz Series in Oakville: West End Jazz

February 25, 2019

Jazz music knows no boundaries. Created from experience, thoughts, and wisdom of performers, this genre of music is a vehicle of expression for both musicians and dancers alike. For 26 years, the streets of downtown Oakville celebrated the distinct sound, richness, and diversity of jazz music over a weekend festival called the Oakville Jazz Festival. The free event showcased hundreds of local and international musicians until it was canceled in 2016.

To fill the void created by the ending of the festival, a small but dedicated group of volunteers created West End Jazz. This year-round dinner theatre style event brings high-quality music to the region once a month from February to November. The 2017 and 2018 season had an unqualified success thanks to the public, the artists, and the community.

The jazz artists and the community were vital to getting a project of this magnitude off the ground. Many of the artists offered to perform in the initial seasons for well below their regular fees, while the Town of Oakville, Public Library, the BIA, and local merchants provided tremendous support and publicity for the event.

The 2019 season opener, held on February 16, was another great success and dedicated to one of the giants of jazz, Louis Armstrong. Since he was inseparable to Ella Fitzgerald, they added a “sprinkle” of Ella.

West End Jazz is thrilled to announce upcoming shows:

March 9, “Two great composers” A tribute to Duke Ellington and George Gershwin

Link to ticket purchase: https://oakville.snapd.com/events/view/1223115

April 27, “Here’s to Life” Remembering Miss Shirley Horn

Link to ticket purchase: https://oakville.snapd.com/events/view/1216681

May 25, “The very best of Broadway” A big band show with a large cast.

Link to ticket purchase: https://oakville.snapd.com/events/view/1228254

West End Jazz has fast become regular entertainment for a large number of local residents. Only about 30% of the audience is first-time attendees. Get your tickets before they sell out!

In Community

Jonathans wins 2019 Talk of the Town Award for Best Fine Dining

January 31, 2019

Pull out all the stops for the one you love this Valentine’s Day with a dinner at Jonathans, Talk of the Town Award-winner for Best Fine Dining!

This award-winning restaurant has been serving up incredible dishes in Downtown Oakville for 30 years, becoming one of the most well-known fine dining establishments in town.

Reserve a table in one of their seven fine dining rooms and treat yourself to dynamic dishes such as fresh Australian lamb rack, roasted butternut squash risotto and orange-fig crème brûlée paired with a drink from their unparalleled wine list.

Fancy some French food? Take a trip to Paris right in the heart of Downtown Oakville with a meal at Hexagon, a modern French restaurant that has taken second place in this fine dining duel. Indulge your taste buds with these tantalizing twists on classic French cuisine.

You can also cozy up with an Italian spread at Cucci, Oakville’s third-favourite fine dining restaurant! Bring your date down to Bronte Village for a four course Italian adventure featuring dishes such as lobster linguini, roasted veal chop saltimbocca and osso bucco.

Thank you to everyone who participated! Visit Oakville will be announcing the next category on Feb. 1, 2019 over Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.

2019 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Fine Dining

Jonathans
Hexagon
Cucci
Seasons
Ricarda’s

For more information about the Visit Oakville 2019 Talk of the Town Awards, visit visitoakville.com.

In Community

Vereda Central Wins 2019 Talk of the Town Award for Best Café

January 30, 2019

Congratulations to Vereda Central Coffee Roasters for winning the title of Oakville’s best café as voted by the public!

Mad Hatter Tea Co. followed closely in second while Taste of Columbia – Fair Trade Coffee and Gift Shop nabbed the third spot.

Vereda Central Coffee Roasters might be new to Kerr Village, but they have sure made their mark by serving a host of terrific teas, hearty hot chocolates and freshly roasted coffee straight from the heart of Colombia.

Their pastries and desserts are also knockouts and their cozy upstairs alcove is available to rent for small gatherings, meetings or parties. Stay warm this winter and stop by this award-winning café for a cup of Oakville’s best.

Mad Hatter Tea Co. is also a beloved Kerr Village staple that makes all of their organic fair-trade loose leaf tea blends in-house and specializes in creating one-of-a-kind High Tea experiences. Stop by for a takeaway, sit down for the full Mad Hatter experience or book a private party at this wacky wonderland.

Exploring Bronte Village? Stop by Taste of Colombia – Fair Trade Coffee and Gift Shop for hot drinks made with 100% organic, fair trade, shade-grown, bird-friendly espresso arabica beans! Sit down and take in the Colombian culture through song, dance and drink.

Thank you so much to everyone who voted! Visit Oakville will be announcing their next category on Jan. 1, 2019 over Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.

2019 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Cafe

1. Vereda Central Coffee Roasters
2. Mad Hatter Tea Co.
3. Taste of Colombia – Fair Trade Coffee and Gift Shop
4. Marylebone Café + Creamery
5. Tribeca Coffee Co.

For more information about the Visit Oakville 2019 Talk of the Town Awards, visit visitoakville.com.

In Community

Indulge in decadence at Days of Wine & Chocolate this February

January 24, 2019

Is there anything better than wine and chocolate? The only thing better is when they are expertly paired to deliver a harmonious balance of flavours. This is what you can experience at Days of Wine & Chocolate. So mark your calendars as this popular touring pass program is less than two weeks away! Get ready to explore the decadently sweet and savoury art of wine and chocolate pairing at the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake every weekend in February. Visit member wineries and taste over 20 premium VQA wines perfectly paired with chocolate-infused dishes. There is something to satisfy everyone’s palate from classically sweet flavour combinations to unexpected surprises.

The Days of Wine & Chocolate pass entitles you to one VQA wine tasting and food pairing at each of the 26 member wineries and is valid February 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, and 22-24 from 11am to 5pm. Driver passes are also available for purchase and they include one non-alcoholic beverage and food pairing at each member winery.

Take a look at this year’s pairings! The wineries have come up with some brilliant combinations that are sure to impress. From rich and indulgent sweet treats to inspired savoury creations – these mouth-watering delights are enhanced by the exceptional VQA wines that accompany them.

The Days of Wine & Chocolate touring pass program offers exceptional value and it’s a great way to embrace the winter season in the heart of wine country. We encourage you to plan your winery visits over a few weekends so you can savour the decadent pairings at a relaxed pace and make the most of the experience. If you are travelling with a group of eight or more we recommend calling ahead to wineries you plan to visit with an approximate arrival time so hosts can plan for your group’s arrival.

Whether you are interested in a romantic celebration for two or a fun girls’ getaway weekend, Days of Wine & Chocolate is the must-do event of the season in Niagara-on-the-Lake. PURCHASE YOUR PASS today and download the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake map to plan your personalized route.

Presented by Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake

Visit our website at wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com

Follow us on Facebook @wineriesofniagaraonthelake, Instagram @niagarawine, and Twitter @NiagaraWine