Locke street: Perfect for a Sunday funday.

I've recently come to the conclusion that I just wasn't fashioned for big city living.

All of the places I've come to know and frequent since my return to Hamilton are small and intimate, reminiscent of the cozy cafes and hangouts I grew accustomed to in the less metropolitan city of Guelph. It's not surprising, then, that I've fallen in love with Locke street and its old-world charm.

One of the coolest things about the street itself is its history. Its development can be traced back all the way to the early 1800s when it was primarily a residential strip. In 1886-1897, the construction and remodeling of the Locke St. Presbyterian Church and St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church. Prior to 1853, the area of Locke just south of Herkimer was actually the site of Beasley Racetrack - if you could believe, trotting and steeplechase horse racing actually went on here and was extremely popular.
By 1920, Locke street had been fully established as a major commercial centre. The Library had been built, grocery and furniture stores were open for business and the street began to evolve into what it is today.

The most appealing aspect of the street itself is its humble-looking storefronts, abundance of greenery and the variety of things to see and do. Even in November when branches are sparse and the wind blows unforgivingly, Locke street retains its welcoming ambience and provides the sensation of living in a time when things were simpler.

As far as things to do on Locke street goes, the list is near infinite. A few of my favourite places are as follows:

Locke St. Bakery: If you're a lover of bread like I am, you're crazy if you don't pay a visit to this gem of a bakery. Perfect for grabbing a bite on-the-go or for a midday meal with a lover or friend, the Locke St. Bakery offers extraordinarily tasty bagels, pizzas, and gourmet sandwhiches. When you enter, you select the bagel of your choice from the front, take it up to the cash register and request how you want it prepared. My favourite combination is by far the pumpernickel bagel toasted with scallion cream cheese and topped with jalapeno peppers. Everything is made in-house and is always fresh. By 12:30pm the lineup tends to get a little bit crazy and seating is limited, but it's worth the wait and congestion. One of my favourite activites is reading the paper and people-watching at the counter near the window as I wait for my bagel to be prepared.

Second Chance Consignment Shop: This fantastic little shop is unlike Talize, Value Village or any other secondhand clothing shop you've ever visited. Though small in size, Second Chance is brimming with high quality, lightly used designer clothing, footwear and handbags. They offer a 40% consignment rate (above average) and feature magazine clippings near display mannequins demonstrating how to "mix and match" items to create perfectly stylish looks. The owner and manager is a lovely woman who is eager to help with sizing and incredibly suggestive when it comes to finding unique pieces for special occasions. My last find was a to die for BCBG Max Azria blazer.


La Jardinere Flowers: If a man ever bought me flowers, I would be offended. I have never been the type of girl to wish for roses or lilies or any other kind of botanical gift. It just isn't me. Only last week, I had to visit this little flower shop to pick up arrangements for a charity event my boss and I put together at McMaster Children's Hospital. Upon entry, I was greeted by the owner, Don, and his adorable Boston Terrier pup. The shop is absolutely beautiful and I was immediately overwhelmed by the scent of nature - something I've been missing in the absence of greenery and since the dropping temperature has sacrificed the pollen of plants. Though I don't foresee myself buying flowers for anyone other than my Mother in May, La Jardinere flower shop is someplace I know I'd go back to for a breath of fresh air; literally. There's lots of little trinkets and decorations to look at, an adorable dog to play with, and a Manager that's excited to share his knowledge of botany and beautiful things.

Boo's Bistro: Hidden gem of James street south

Some interesting sights can be seen on James street. I’ve seen a half-naked man try to push a bus backwards (unsuccessfully) and a Mother give her child an unlit cigarette so she could ‘pretend’ to smoke. What might not catch your eye is the tiny little wine bar tucked away in the bowels of 164 James St. S.

 



I have had the opportunity to dine at Boo’s Bistro and only learned of its existence because of my parents’ familiarity with the place. From its unassuming exterior, you would never guess such exquisite local dishes exist within. After one visit and a taste of Boo’s secret sweet chili shrimp recipe, I was hooked.

The dining room itself is beautifully decorated and candlelit tables contribute to the lounge’s tranquil ambience. Everything is impeccably clean from the polished wooden tables to the eggplant colored bathroom walls, and the table service parallels Chef Boo’s meticulous attention to detail. Every dish that emerges from his kitchen is not only palate-pleasing, but beautifully plated as well.


Though Boo is most comfortable in his kitchen setting, he often pops out and comes around to check on his guests to ensure that their appetites have been appeased. Although there are few vegetarian options on the menu, Boo has always catered to my food modification requests and has even offered impromptu vegetable-based suggestions to accommodate my dietary constraints. He features a daily vegetarian special that he willingly tweaks, which is something very few local chefs offer.


My last visit to Boo’s Bistro happened to fall during his Harvest Menu event, which included a set menu featuring all local and in-season delicacies. Because the harvest menu didn’t include a vegetarian option, I opted to start off with the most delicious cauliflower and lime soup it featured (unusual, I know!), but stuck with my traditional order of shrimp Caesar salad and crab cakes (possibly the best I’ve ever tasted). The gourmet dipping sauce it’s paired with is to die for; I could eat it with a spoon if it didn’t go against every etiquette lesson I’ve ever learned.


Though tenderloin is something I would never order,  the Spicy Beef Ancho is one of the most popular items on the menu; it’s a mouthwatering fix of java marinated beef, spicy ancho sauce and frites, accompanied by the richest, most flavor-intense mashed potatoes you’ve ever tasted. I’ve snagged a bite of these off of many plates, over the time span of many visits.

                                                 

Appetizers start off at around $12, while entrees are in the range of $18-$20. Boo’s Bistro may not be somewhere to go for a budget lunch, but the atmosphere and unbelievable dishes offered make this tiny wine bar a great location to share a meal with someone special, or for a well-deserved Sunday dinner.


I will continue to visit Boo’s Bistro as long as it’s open, and I highly recommend it to anyone with an adventurous palate that appreciates well thought out and well cooked food.

Exploring Hess after a five year hiatus.

If you've ever met or known someone who went to UofG and you ask them what it is they loved so much about the city, I'm willing to bet they'll tell you the downtown core. MacDonell street is essentially a bar-goers wet dream with pubs and clubs that appeal to everyone's social niche. There's the dimly lit, strangely comforting Jimmy Jazz, where everyone seems to know each other. Van Gogh's Ear, my former place of employment just across the street, serves the most delectable Chilean cuisine and was always a pit stop on the post-bar walk home. Of course there's the loathed Trappers Alley & Palace Nightclub, my former bar's competition, where mini cups of beer are a dollar and everyone tends to migrate once liquor has diminished their sense of shame.

As I returned to Hamilton, I was sad to think that no longer will the bouncers have my back and I won't be able to linger in the entranceways after-hours with friends, waiting for cabs in heels, in December. I've never been much of a drinker, but my involvement in the downtown scene as the head bartender of VGE made it feel like a second home; a sanctuary, some place I was accepted, known and loved.

When my two Guelphian best friends decided to come down for a two-day staycation, I decided to take them to Hess Village (the equivalent of MacDonell), and was a little uncertain as to whether we'd fit in and enjoy ourselves; after all, it was a Wednesday. I thought we'd feel overwhelmingly removed from our stompin' grounds, but I have to admit I was wrong.

Our first stop was Sidebar, the tiniest bar in the village. I thought my friends would be amused because of its size and the prices of their shooters, which is the only form they sell their liquor in. We were the only patrons in the place. The bartender and owner who introduced himself as Steve was accompanied by two security guards named Jay and Ken. We struck up some conversation with them, had a few shots of Steve's "Hardcore Pornstar" shots (made with raspberry bacardi instead of sourpuss ras, oh yeah) and got on the topic of music. My former roommate - being the fabulous singer and songwriter she is - inquired as to why there were guitars behind the bar. Steve's reply was nothing other than, "to play them, of course".



I proceeded to ramble on about Samantha's musical talent and Steve, sliding his freshly delivered box of pizza towards us, requested a serenade. Sam played some Mumford and Sons and all of us sat back and enjoyed the jam session; Steve had a second guitar behind the bar and joined in with additional chords. It was a truly memorable experience, as my roommate has never played or sang for an unfamiliar audience before. The unexpected kindness of Steve the bartender made us feel at home; his cordiality was reminiscent of Guelphian goodwill.

Steve decided to lock up at about 12:30am with only us in the establishment and few potential customers on the horizon. We were invited to join our two new bouncer friends as they made their way to Absinthe (on King st), gladly accepted, and danced the rest of the night away.

Although Sidebar isn't exactly a substitute for the Jimmy Jazz, it's definitely a place I will continue returning to. $3 shots and a bartender genuinely happy to serve: I dig it.

You are what you eat.

I love to shop. Whether it's from behind a window without the intent to purchase or in the aisles of a supermarket, I find myself always drawn to beautiful things.

I have the most fond memories of my weekly trips to the Silvercreek No Frills in Guelph with my old roommate. No matter the weather, we'd trek to that bright yellow store and fill our cart to its brim. The market wasn't an option for us; working as a bartender made Saturday sleep-ins necessary, and my wild child, beautiful roommate would rise only if the words "Breakfast at Molly's!" were exclaimed. (God, I miss her).

I haven't always paid attention to the things I consume but made the decision to do so a few years back, looking to be enlightened. The result was a more healthy, vibrant and energized Kyra, and I had to make sure my habits followed me to Hamilton. You can only imagine my excitement when I learned that the HFM stays open til' 6pm.

My first experience at the market was extremely positive. It was a very busy place and visually overwhelming at first. So many colors! So much movement, so much to look at. The open concept floorplan made navigation a little simpler, though, and signage guided me to vendors I sought.  First stop of the day: Coffee. Red Hill Coffee, to be exact.

For those who don't know me well or at all, I am a coffee snob. I have even been known to turn my nose up at Tim Horton's... I'm sorry, but I find it tastes a bit chemical-y. The coffee at Red Hill was probably the best I've had since I left Guelph over 2 months ago. Their old-world method initially caught my eye; I had never seen coffee commercially brewed in a Chemex pot before, so I was naturally drawn to the spectacle. The dainty-looking glass carafes added a little bit of elegance to my daily caffeine gluttony.

 What's even better was the price: I think it was $1.75, and talking to the charming baristo while he individually brewed my cup added to the deal. I guess it worked out to be $2.75, after tip..

The second vendor I visited was Ercilia's Fine Foods. I was looking to purchase some all natural peanut butter and was beckoned to this booth by the gigantic wall of fruit preserves and jellies. Ercilia herself greeted me enthusiastically as I entered and offered me samplings of all sorts of delicacies, including pure unpasteurized honeycomb! At a whopping $13 a "brick" and not having budgeted for such a purchase, I asked her to explain the benefits of honey in this particular form.

She was very happy to do so! She explained to me that a spoonful of honeycomb daily helps prevent the most irritating illnesses; common colds, strep throat, the flu. Honey is both an antiseptic and antioxidant, and is one of the only consumable, natural products that contains every essential nutrients mankind needs to survive; it has been used as head-to-toe remedy for thousands of years. The honey melts in your mouth as you chew it, and you are left with a wad of wax in your mouth that is completely digestible. It can be hard to swallow, so if you're not a fan you can spit it out. I was totally sold and satisfied by its sweetness.

Overall, I was very impressed by what the Hamilton Farmers' Market has to offer. I will definitely return for another cup of coffee and am excited to explore what insight I will gain from talking to more knowledgeable vendors.

I try to follow a general rule: Eat only what you can pronounce. If something contains an ingredient I've never heard of or can't visualize, I won't put it in my mouth. The market is full of amazing, local products and it feels great knowing where your food comes from and who's putting their heart into harvesting it.

Definitely check out Red Hill Coffee and Ercilia's Fine Foods. You won't be disappointed!

Next post: Missing MacDonell street; Exploring the Hamilton bar scene from the perspective of a longtime Guelphian bartender!

An explanation

"How hard it is to escape from places.  However carefully one goes they hold you - you leave little bits of yourself fluttering on the fences - like rags and shreds of your very life." - Katherine Mansfield
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I feel like a bit of a foreigner in this city. Having spent the most significant part of my adult life (thus far) in Guelph, coming back to Hamilton wasn't a glorious return to the homeland. It felt more like a flashback. I'm still overcome by a strange, prolonged sense of vague familiarity; street names that register but lead to no commonly frequented, comfortable dive bar. I feel like asking passers-by, "Which way to the nearest Red Brick Cafe equivalent?".

Of course, when you live downtown in a small city long enough, you develop the habit of communicating directions by describing storefronts (and in the case of Guelph, railroad tracks, church steeples and statues). You map out your routes through town based on the places you love visiting most; the places that make you feel at home. You know the coffee shop with the freshest organic brew, the Chilean eatery with the tastiest vegetarian dishes and the best places to shop secondhand. When you're removed from all of that, you can't help but feel a little heavy hearted. A little removed from home.

It's true; my heart remains in the city of Guelph. However, being the full-blooded born and raised Hamiltonian that I am, I've decided to give the place a chance. I'm going to commit to rediscovering the city in a new light, with a fresh and more positive perspective. This blog will follow my adventures and chronicle my discoveries as I attempt to re-establish my life here. I hope to discover (and share) places that capture my attention and ones I'll return to. Ultimately, I'd like to figure out how to live well in Hamilton, ON, and I'm excited to share my findings!

Stay tuned for: My first adventure at the Hamilton Farmers' Market; feel-good shopping, in more ways than one!