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5 Healthy Local Restaurants in Oakville and Burlington

March 31, 2017 2 Comments

With alternative diets becoming much more common, it’s easier to find accommodating foods and restaurants that cater to special dietary needs or habits. As new trends unfold, people are realizing eating healthy does not have to feel restrictive or boring. In fact, healthy local options are often more flavourful!

March is National Nutrition Month, the perfect opportunity to give those New Year Resolutions a second round, or even better, a chance try something new! As a Holistic Nutritionist, I naturally love going to healthy restaurants, but what I love even more is getting others to try them and see how great wholesome foods can be.
Here are my Top 5 Healthy Local Restaurants to visit (if you haven’t yet):

Raw Aura | 94 Lakeshore Road East, Mississauga | raw–aura.com
Raw Aura is located in Port Credit on Lakeshore and has a small intimate atmosphere with rustic décor. It is 100% vegan, dairy and gluten-free, using only fresh, living foods. Utilizing raw ingredients means nothing is heated above 105F, maximizing the enzymes and nutrients in the food that are typically killed while cooking. All their meals are fresh and nutritious and bursting with flavor. When you think raw, you probably think bland and tasteless, but if you want to take your taste buds on a delicious mouth-watering adventure, this is the place to go. Each time I visit, I try something new. Some meals I’ve had are their “Burrito” using a sundried tomato wrap, “Falafel Wrap” containing sprouted chickpea falafels wrapped in collard greens, their “Pasta Bolognese” and “Yellow Coconut Curry Noodles”, both made with zucchini noodles. If you have room for more, I recommend the chocolate banana cake. Their deserts are like nothing you’ve ever had and the best part, you don’t have to feel guilty after indulging!

Lettuce Love Café | 399 John St., Burlington | lettucelovecafe.com

Located in downtown Burlington, this restaurant has a cozy feel. Their menu is completely vegan and gluten-free but the options are endless. Their motto is “healthy never tasted so good” and you know why once you try the food. Avocado fries, loaded salads, power bowls, burgers, sandwiches, grilled cheese, even vegan nachos! This place has it all and you would never know they use alternative, allergen-friendly ingredients because everything tastes amazing. They also serve wine and beer, perfect for a (healthy) date night!

Kelly’s Bake Shoppe | 401 Brant Street, Burlington | kellysxo.com

If you live in Burlington, you have likely seen or heard of Kelly’s Bake Shoppe. It is located a block over from Lettuce Love Café and it’s their sister eatery. It was voted the Top 3^rd bakeshop to visit in the world. I like to call this place my non-guilty pleasure because it is your one-stop shop to satisfy your sweet tooth. 100% vegan, gluten-free, peanut-free and refined sugar-free, they use nothing but quality ingredients, without compromising taste! Their specialty is cupcakes but my personal favorites are their muffins and cookies. They also make donuts, banana bread, brownies and cake pops. They do cakes and large cupcake orders for special events. There is a daily menu so be sure to check out what they offer each day of the week. I highly recommend a visit for a coffee and a treat; you will probably end up bringing home a box of assorted goods!

Green Press | 270 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville, ON | greenpress.ca

Green Press is situated in the heart of Downtown Oakville, and offers a fantastic variety of cold pressed juices. The interior is fresh and clean against a backdrop of rustic barn board, complete with a couple of tables where you can sit and watch the world go by outside. These juices are organic, raw and unpasteurized – and if you can’t make it downtown, fear not, they deliver!

b.good | 487 Cornwall Rd, Oakville | bgood.ca

b.good has multiple locations around the GTA and plans to open several more in Halton. They offer healthy, fresh and hand-cooked meals, including kale and grain bowls, seasonal salads, hand-cut real fries, all-natural burgers, seasonal smoothies and more. b.good is an easy and fast way to eat nutritious and delicious local food fare. On the menu at b.good’s Oakville location is cheese from Bright farms, ice cream from Kawartha Dairy, meats from Hayters Farm and bread from Tre Mari bakery. They also offer catering, which is handy for parties or a boardroom lunch.

Author:
Amanda Santalucia is a Nutritionist [R.H.N] and foodie who appreciates healthy food that tastes great! She does mobile in-home Nutrition counseling, Pantry Makeovers and more. Visit her website or Facebook page for more information and to connect.
Web: https://santaluciaamanda.wix.com/generationu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/generation.u.nutrition

In Articles

Leaving On a Floatplane: Fly-in fishing resorts offer great fishing in Ontario’s north

August 25, 2016 No Comments

Afly-in fishing trip is probably an angler’s dream vacation; and even if you are not so keen on fishing, it may be something you should add to your bucket list. The adventure starts right from the get go. No baggage checking required – take your gear down to the dock, climb aboard and take off. Before long, you’ll gaze over wilderness, forests, valleys, lakes and rivers. The floatplane will hold just you and any immediate companions, your gear and the pilot.

There are several fly-in resorts in the Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury area; Tornados Resorts in Armstrong is the closest. If you’d rather not board the plane, you can stay and enjoy your fishing trip right at the main lodge which has nine cottages, a motel and Settler’s Lodge, a five bedroom cottage with views of Pickerel River. There’s also a full-service licensed restaurant and lounge with WiFi (so your Instagram followers will believe that fish was actually “this big”). The main lodge is your base for floatplane charters and sightseeing adventures. There are four fly-in fishing outposts: Smokey Lake Lodge, Portage Lake, Straight Lake and Sinclair Lake. No matter where you go, most fishing lodges offer either an American Plan (maid service and meals served) or Housekeeping Plan (guests are responsible for their own cooking and cleaning).
Smokey Lake Lodge is on an island where secluded two or three bedroom housekeeping cottages have electricity, fully equipped kitchens and all the necessary kitchen utensils. You’ll need to bring your own bedding and towels (plus your fishing gear and personal effects of course). If you go for the American Plan the same-sized cottages offer electricity, hot water, bathrooms (with showers), electric heat, a fridge and daily maid service. This package also includes bed linen and towels. Breakfast and dinner are served in the dining room, while lunches are provided picnic-style or as shore lunch.

Portage Lake is completely private, and together with four surrounding bodies of water plus the Magnetawan River, it is very popular for great bass, pike and walleye fishing. Portage Lake’s outpost is a large three-bedroom cottage that can accommodate up to 11 guests. There’s no electricity here, but it is equipped with propane lighting, a fridge, wood stove and bathroom with hot water. A separate cook’s cabin holds the kitchen and eating area.
Straight Lake is peaceful and private for those wanting to troll for large and smallmouth bass or try to land a large northern pike. You can portage 100 yards over to Courtney Lake where there’s a beach with the perfect shoreline for shore lunch. This outpost cabin has a wood stove, propane-powered fridge, range and lighting. All cooking utensils are provided. Straight Lake Fly-In Cabin is equipped with a BBQ, wood stove, propane refrigerator, range and lights. Although there isn’t any electricity here, there’s no need to stumble out to the outhouse since there’s a three-piece bathroom inside the cottage. There are two bedrooms with two bunk beds each. You’ll need to bring your own pillow and linen.

Sinclair Lake, the fourth outpost was built just four years ago – small and largemouth bass seekers will find both species here. It’s an electricity-free camping style cabin that sleeps up to four people. Cooking is done outside over the fire pit and guests must bring their own linen and food supplies.
People who have done fly-in fishing trips will tell you that it is not just about the fishing. It is about experiencing the beauty and tranquility of Ontario’s north, about truly “getting away from it all”, and about quality time spent with friends and family. Combine that with the adventure and excitement of some great fresh water fishing, and you have a winning formula.

written by Becky Dumais

Local Link
Tornados Resorts
tornadosresorts.com

In Articles

Glean to be Green – Natural cleaning solutions are better for your health and the environment

October 22, 2015 No Comments

There’s something to be said about walking into a clean home, but we can do without inhaling an onslaught of harsh chemical odours and fumes. What about using natural or “green” cleaning products? You can lessen your exposure to harmful ingredients that may have negative effects on your health, and the planet.

Since the mid 20^th century, about 85,000 new chemicals have been introduced to the market through various products. I recall the strong scent of vinegar on cleaning day from my childhood. Perhaps it’s time to get back to sourcing more natural ingredients in our cleaning routines, and feeling healthier and enjoying cleaner household air at the same time.

Chemical-laden cleaning products can cause myriad short term or immediate health problems. You might feel satisfied at how the house smells after scouring and scrubbing, but those strong fumes can lead to headaches; dizziness; skin, respiratory and eye irritation; and asthma attacks. Some cleaners also contain known or suspected carcinogens, neurotoxins, reproductive system toxins and hormone disruptors. Jerry Balice, owner at NEX Wellness in Burlington notes that even though manufacturers say that in small amounts these toxic ingredients aren’t likely to be a problem, continued exposure, also known as “toxic load” can contribute to disease.

The smaller members of the home are even more vulnerable. “Because of their smaller size and weight, and because their vital organs are still developing, children have a reduced ability to eliminate toxins from their developing bodies and are at greater risk of being affected by these toxins over the long term,” says Balice. Topping the toxicity list are drain, oven and toilet-bowl cleaners; chlorinated disinfectants; mildew removers; and wood and metal polishes. Even benign products, such as dish detergent, can contain toxic chemicals, he advises.

Whether you choose to make your own vinegar solution to remove mold and mildew, or you decide to purchase natural, chemical-free products, you’ll feel better knowing that you’ve eliminated chemicals from your home along with the mold, mildew and spaghetti stains. Plus, you won’t have to worry any more about accidentally spilling bleach on your beige bathroom towels.

What to Watch For
Often you can more accurately assess a product’s safety by reading through its ingredients list. Watch out for these toxins as you shop:

Phthalates (in fragranced household products such as air fresheners and dish soap). Known endocrine (hormone) disruptors may not be listed, but if the label says “fragrance”, chances are phthalates are present.

Perc (perchloroethylene) – a neurotoxin found in dry-cleaning solutions, spot removers, and carpet and upholstery cleaners.

Triclosan (antibacterial foaming agent used in dishwashing detergents, hand soaps and even toothpaste). In addition to contributing to antibiotic resistant microbes, it’s also suspected of being a hormone disruptor and possible carcinogen.

2-Butoxyethanol can cause sore throats, pulmonary edema, and liver and kidney damage.

Ammonia (a polishing agent for bathroom fixtures and sinks, also a glass cleaner). It can cause chronic bronchitis and asthma. Avoid the combination of ammonia and chlorine bleach – together these create highly toxic chloramine gas that can injure lung tissue.

Chlorine (in scouring powders, toilet bowl cleaners, mildew removers, laundry whiteners and household tap water). These compounds can severely irritate the lungs or burn skin and eyes and may be a thyroid disruptor.

Sodium hydroxide (in oven cleaners and drain openers) is extremely corrosive, causing severe burns if it touches the skin or eyes. Inhaling sodium hydroxide can cause a sore throat that lasts for many days.

Article courtesy of NEX Wellness | nexwellness.com | 672 Brant Street | 905-634-5000

Local Links for natural cleaning products:
Centro Garden, Burlington
centrogarden.com

Goodness Me, Burlington
goodnessme.ca

Simply Green Baby, Bronte
simplygreenbaby.com

Whole Foods, Oakville
wholefoodsmarket.com

Soap & Water, Oakville
soapandwatereveryday.com

By Rebecca Dumais

In Articles

Best Ghost Walks – “Spirited” tours of historic haunted locales

September 24, 2015 No Comments

Fall walks are an ideal way to enjoy the seasonal colours and refreshingly crisp air. When you participate in a ghost walk, learning about local history and ghostly lore, it might be more than the cooler temps that send a chill down your spine.

Burlington Ghost Walks
Paranormal researcher and resident of Burlington for the last 25 years, Patrick Cross guides ghost-seekers through “ 200 years of history in two hours”. The tour starts and ends at Emma’s Back Porch, Burlington’s oldest restaurant. It was once known as the Estaminet and was owned and operated by Emma Byrens and her husband. It opened in 1910.

Employees might get more than supplies when they venture into the basement at Emma’s. It’s known for cold spots, temperature changes, voices and mysteriously moving objects. Emma herself may appear on the original staircase.

Other stops include the Cenotaph at Burlington’s City Hall, and St. Luke’s Anglican Church cemetery. St. Luke’s is the oldest church in Burlington and was the original burial place of Joseph Brant.

Oakville Ghost Walks
Run by the Oakville Historical Society, downtown ghost walks run just after Thanksgiving to Halloween. The tour is about an hour long, running about a block and a half south of Lakeshore. Stops include the Erchless Estate and historic homes.

Two years ago during a tour, OHS member Wendy Belcher and her group stopped at the Erchless Estate. When she stopped talking every light in the house went on. Did the building cleaners come early? Belcher doubts it, because there were no cars in the parking lot that night.

Participate in one of these fun, educational walks this fall, but beware: your eyes and ears may play tricks on you. Did something really go bump in the night, or was it just your imagination?

by Becky Dumais

Local Links:
Burlington Ghost Walks
burlingtonghostwalks.com

Oakville Ghost Walks
oakvillehistory.org/ghost-walk

Downtown Hamilton Ghost Walks
ghostwalks.com/downtownhamilton

Check out our EVENTS page for dates.

In Articles

Halton Pumpkin Trail: An all-encompassing route into nature.

September 24, 2015 No Comments

With the onset of October, two classic images of fall come to mind: brilliantly coloured fall leaves and pumpkins. In addition to celebrating the fall season at your Thanksgiving dinner, the best way to embrace and experience the season locally is on the Halton Pumpkin Trail. This self-guided route highlights unique pumpkin and harvest-themed experiences including local, seasonal cuisine and many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Local Fare & Tastings
Pumkpin gets spiced up at several restaurants along the trail. For example, head to Latitude Food & Drink in Georgetown for their weekly pumpkin specials. Café Carthago on Cornwall Street in Oakville will be offering homemade foods, including an enticing pumpkin butter tart. Stoney’s Bread Company in Kerr Village in Oakville will be adding pumpkin soup to the menu. Try a pint of pumpkin craft beer at Nickel Brook Brewing in Burlington.

Events & Attractions
In keeping with the season, one of the fun Halloween events includes the Milton Haunted House fundraiser. It’s an eerie experience customized to be extra frightening for adults but mild for children. Civic Square in Burlington will once again have Treats in Our Streets for trick or treaters downtown.

The trails at the Royal Botanical Gardens are yours for the hiking. The Great Pumpkin Trail is a magical nighttime adventure. The glow of hundreds of jack-o-lanterns will light the way and guide you along a kilometre of woodland and garden trails. Enjoy hot squash soup in the café. For a ton of outdoor fun, Conservation Halton has a wonderful Fall into Nature program.

Farms
Local farms in Milton have acres and acres of pumpkins to pick from. Andrews’ Scenic Acres has grown them in every size, shape and colour. Springridge Farm’s annual Harvest Festival includes wagon rides, a Boo barn, baked goods, and a corn trail. At Stonehaven Farm Market, navigate the giant corn maze, sip hot apple cider and savour some baked goods.

After your trail trekking, appropriately themed accommodations can be found in Georgetown at the Stone Edge Bed & Breakfast.

These are just a few samples of what’s happening on this year’s trail. Experience it yourself from September 14 – October 31.

Local Link:
Halton Pumpkin Trail (download the map route or view online)
halton.ca/pumpkintrail

In Articles

BURLINGTON, BRONTE AND OAKVILLE’S BEST PATIOS

September 1, 2015 No Comments

Our Favourite Patios in Burlington – Refreshingly Al Fresco!

Article Written by Becky Dumais

Every Canadian knows that summer here in the Great White North is blissful but brief. When the temperature hits “patio season”, we faithfully flock to our nearest and dearest eateries to enjoy food and drink in the company of friends and family. If these fine patios in Burlington aren’t already on your list of haunts, they soon will be. Here’s to patio hopping all summer long!

BURLINGTON PATIOS

Paradiso | 2041 Pine Street | paradisorestaurant.com

As downtown Burlington’s culinary cornerstone for 10 years, the cozy L-shaped patio sits partly along Pine Street and is nestled in a picturesque brickwork alley. “Dinner is the show”, and the show’s always guaranteed to please (along with the scenery).

The Queen’s Head | 400 Brant Street | thequeenshead.ca
Enjoy the surroundings of what was once the Queen’s Hotel back in 1840. In the centre of downtown Burlington, the patio sits on the eventful corners of Brant and Elgin Street. Sit, sip and surf (Wi-Fi is available).

Pepperwood Bistro | 1455 Lakeshore Road | pepperwood.on.ca
Treat yourself to a spectacular view of Lake Ontario while you sit at Pepperwood’s euro-inspired patio in Burlington. Intimate bistro tables offer the perfect place to enjoy a meal or a pint from the onsite microbrewery.

Emma’s Back Porch | 2084 Old Lakeshore Road | emmasbackporch.ca
Emma’s has been a faithful Burlington locale since 1992. Feel like a weekend cottager at this laid-back patio right on the water that allows a fabulous panoramic view of the lake.

Spencer’s on the Waterfront | 1340 Lakeshore Road | spencers.ca
Overlooking a summer pond and Lake Ontario, every table on the heated patio (with a retractable roof) offers a spectacular view of the sparkling lake. This is easily one of the most epic patios in Burlington.

The Beaver & Bulldog Neighbourhood Taps & Grille | 2020 Lakeshore Road | beaverandbulldog.com

Situated beneath the downtown Burlington’s Waterfront Hotel, the Beaver & Bulldog has food and beverage specials for practically every day of the week – all of which can be enjoyed on the spectacular waterfront patio in Burlington. Gluten free menu also available.

Celli’s Osteria | 421 Brant Street | cellisosteria.com

Tavern or Inn in Italian, this “Osteria” serves up rustic Italian dishes and wines.

Dimario’s Trattoria | 1455 Lakeshore Road | dimarios.com

A dash of Little Italy serving authentic Italian dishes with a great view of downtown. Up to 10 specials served daily.

Test Kitchen | 455 Brant Street | testkitchenrestaurants.com

A dash of Little Italy serving authentic Italian dishes with a great view of downtown. Up to 10 specials served daily and their famous $10 lunch (including wine & beer)! UPDATE: This restaurant is now closed.

Table 34 | 1455 Lakeshore Road East Unit #3 | table34.com
A new addition to Burlington with a fabulous view of Spencer Smith Park and Lake Ontario. Live music Thursdays and Sundays.

Lowville Bistro | 6179 Guelph Line | lowvillebistro.ca
If you feel like a drive in the country, stop here in the heart of picturesque Lowville. The lush, serene patio is a great spot for a delicious drink, breakfast, lunch or dinner. One of the prettiest patios in Burlington!

For Oakville patios click here. For Bronte patios click here.

Do you have a favourite patio in Burlington that isn’t on this list? Tell us about it and we’ll add it! You can write us here.

Looking for a local restaurant review? Head over to our restaurant review page and find something that fits your fancy! Click here to see our restaurant reviews.