Look Local Mississauga Issue 2.2

eat shop play local Mississauga

Volume 2 Issue 2

R O YA L RHUBARB Check out the many ways you can serve this

versatile veggie ON PG 32

WHAT'S INSIDE? DOGGIE PLAYGROUNDS INDEPENDENT GROCERY STORES

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Many people tell me that one of the hardest things to handle during this pandemic is our inability to plan ANYTHING. Certainly this has been true for the local independently owned businesses that we exist to serve, as well as our team here at Look Local.

But after another break from publishing a printed magazine, I am proud to say we are BACK, and it is so great to see that many of our small businesses are still with us. I sense some tentative optimism, and an expectation that we are through the worst of this and 2021 will be a better year.

Our community has been amazing at doing what they can to support local businesses, and as we look forward to spring, please keep doing whatever you can to Shop Local. It is going to take some time for people to recover and the need is still great.

We hope you enjoy the first issue of Look Local Mississauga in 2021!

Tim Root

president and founder tim@looklocalmagazine.com

cf

LOOKLOCALMISS

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Look Local Volume 2 | Issue 2

Kni nwar ght’s s t dA

Rea

ory

April’s Ambassadors Abound! on page 26

CONTENTS VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 2

MARCH 2021

HOME & GARDEN 10

Give Old Furniture New Life

HEALTH & WELLNESS 16

Dog Park + Happy Dog = Healthy Owner

SHOP LOCAL 20

Discover Mississauga’s Independent Grocers

JUST FOR FUN 26

Welcome Back, Birds!

FOOD & DRINK 32

Rhubarb: The Versatile Vegetable

LOCAL RECIPE: 38

French Toast with Honeyed Rhubarb

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SPOTLIGHT

Local Hero Sandy Pitts...

SEE PAGE 40

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2 PUBLISHER

Kristy Elik

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jonathon Root

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Ilana Clamp

CONTRIBUTORS

Kristen Psihogios Ilana Clamp Anwar Knight ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Tammy Mifsud

DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Ashly Bowers

ART DIRECTORS

Ashly Bowers Jennifer Brewster PHOTOGRAPHER

Esmeralda Hernandez For Advertising or General Inquiries 905-510-0825 kristy@looklocalmagazine.com ​Look Local Magazine is published 10 times per year and is distributed for free at over 500 locations in Mississauga. Copies are also distributed to select neighbourhoods using direct mail.

Look Local is a registered trademark of Novavita Publishing Limited.

Look Local Mississauga is published by Eloquent Editing, Writing & Proof Reading Inc. under the license of Novavita Publishing Limited.

Copyright: All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without written permission from the Publisher is strictly prohibited.

Editorial contributions: Look Local encourages contributions of articles, recipes, photographs and other creative materials from the community. Please email kristy@looklocalmagazine.com. We reserve the right to edit materials received and can assume no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Select photos courtesy of Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation.

Disclaimer: Advertisements published in Look Local Magazine are supplied solely by the advertiser and the Publisher accepts no responsibility for opinions expressed in advertisements or for copyright issues with respect to them.

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CANADA

H E RR I DGE ’ S FA R M F R E S H M A R K E T

A sure sign of spring...

HERRIDGE’S REOPENS APRIL 21!

Mark your calendar! On April 21, Herridge’s Farm Fresh Market will open for the season for both in-store shopping and curbside pick up.

We’re your go-to for all of your gardening needs. Choose from a huge selection of gorgeous annuals and perennials, hanging baskets and containers, PLUS a variety of soils and mulch, herbs and veggie plants, seeds and fertilizers.

When you’re finished shopping outside, come on in to browse our unique and delicious grocery items, including: fresh, local (when in season) produce, local Ontario honey and maple syrup, and gourmet condiments.

Looking forward to serving you!

OPEN DAILY INCLUDING HOLIDAYS, APRIL 21-DECEMBER 24 7 8 0 S O U T H D OW N R OA D, M I S S I S S AU G A

|

905.822.0981

PUBLISHER'S LETTER

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all. —Emily Dickinson This issue is all about choosing hope. That’s right: choosing hope. As we continue to navigate this terrible pandemic and prepare for its cumulative impact, let’s remind ourselves that we must keep actively selecting hope as our go-to emotion. It’s been a long, tough road. Let’s not give in now.

Before you toss out a dated piece of furniture, check out our Home & Garden story about the popular chalk paint trend. There’s hope yet for that old, tired chest of drawers or table!

If you own a dog or have ever enjoyed the company of a furry friend, you’ll recognize the hope in his or her eyes when you mention the words ‘dog park’. We have to say ‘DP’ at my house because Sammy gets so excited! Discover Mississauga’s long list of leash-free areas in our Health & Wellness section.

Did you know about our city’s many independent grocery stores?

Shopping with them is a great way to support our local businesses—and the good farmers who cultivate our land. See our list in Shop Local.

How can your heart not be hopeful as we draw closer to spring, with its long, sunny days and warm afternoons? All you have to do to capture some good cheer is watch the birds as they make their annual trek back to their homes. Our good friend Anwar Knight shares tips and the best local places to check them out in our Just for Fun section.

Oh boy, rhubarb! My apologies for not knowing the myriad ways we can use you in our cooking! Read all about this versatile vegetable in our Food & Drink section.

Please enjoy this issue and contact me if you ever have any comments or questions.

Cheers and stay safe,

PU BLISHE R KR I ST Y EL I K | kristy@looklocalmagazine.com

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LO O K LO C A L M AG A Z I N E .CO M

Home & Garden

restore, revitalize, recycle

Chalk-based paints give your furniture new life

By KRISTY ELIK with Becky Dumais

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"Be original, and your home will speak for itself " – Brett Schwebke, Perspectives on Design

D

o you own a piece of furniture that has seen better days? Don’t toss it just yet!

There’s a great, easy way to upcycle that item and transform it into a treasure again: try chalk paint.

Everywhere we look online and in magazines lately, we’re admiring these upcycled pieces of furniture: beautifully ornate white dressers and rich espresso-coloured tables, chairs and benches that have enjoyed previous lives.

A decorative paint known for its matte, chalky appearance, chalk paint is a popular choice for giving furniture and home decor a rustic, vintage, or shabby-chic style. Because it can easily be given a distressed look, chalk paint is ideal for those who want to add character and vintage charm to their home.

"Furniture must have a personality, as well as be beautiful" Rose Tarlow, Rose Tarlow Melrose House, rosetarlow.com Maybe you can’t bear to let go of a piece you love: because of its classic lines, because it was an absolute steal at an auction, because you “reclaimed” it from someone’s driveway on bulk garbage day?

Whatever its history, why not revive it and show it off proudly with a fresh coat of chalk-based paint? looklocalmagazine.com

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You don’t have to be a perfect painter; in fact, you are SUPPOSED to do criss-cross brush strokes and not straight lines.

There are several different types of paint used to paint furniture and achieve that sought-after, expensive vintage look, but the two types specifically designed for this purpose are milk paint and chalk-based paint.

Milk paint has been around for centuries and has its benefits: it’s natural and eco-friendly because it contains milk protein, limestone, clay and natural pigments, but it requires lots of prep work and sanding of the entire piece. Paints that contain chalk as a binder, such as Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint, are easier to work with.

Chalk-based paints are more appealing for weekend DIY decorators to get the look they want in less time. They’re great because they’re premixed and give a beautiful, level finish.

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Look Local Volume 2 | Issue 2

Information on COVID Vaccine Rollout: For Community Vaccination Clinics & regular updates visit: peelregion.ca/covid19

Karen Ras City and Regional Councillor • Ward 2 300 City Centre Dr., Mississauga 905-896-5200 karen.ras@mississauga.ca ! Karen Ras " @RasWard2

Revitalizing furniture with chalk paint empowers people in such an easy and simple way,” explains Kathy van Gogh, Artistic Director for van Gogh Fossil Paint. "Before you know it, you have transformed an ugly duckling into a swan, which evokes pride, contentment and confidence,” van Gogh claims.

The distressing process is actually the most creative, says Lori Borsellino, owner of Pure Organic Floral in Burlington. “The process is very forgiving. If you see anything you don't like, just distress it away. You’re making it your own,” says Borsellino. People are always thrilled with the results. “They can’t believe the transformation.

They’re gaga over their ‘new’ piece of furniture.

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HOW TO USE

CHALK-BASED PAINTS A FINE FIND: choose a piece.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: a brush, roller, paint tray, 600-grit wet/dry sandpaper, a green dish scrubber, and an old cotton T-shirt.

COAT OF ARMS: put on an even coat, making sure there aren’t any drips. Add another coat if desired.

LAYER UP: for variety, add a different coloured second coat for more visual depth.

DISTRESS – DON’T STRESS: soak the T-shirt and rub it over the entire piece. Wet the sandpaper and rub it lightly across the surface you want distressed. Wipe the area to check the effect. Use different levels of distressing in different areas and let dry.

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WAX ON: apply an overall coat of beeswax, which helps protect the piece. Stand back and admire.

IMPORTANT! Don’t feel guilty about wanting to paint your grandmother’s dresser or your mom’s sideboard.

With a fresh coat of paint and a little distressing, before you know it, you’ll have transformed an ugly duckling into a swan—and you’ll feel great about upcycling and reusing rather than discarding.

TIP: If distressed French Country isn’t the look you’re going for, paint your piece and put the wax topcoat on without distressing it for a highgloss, glam look. LL

Local Links 1 Quaint and Paint quaintandpaint.ca 2 Annie Sloan Chalk Paint anniesloan.com

What a creative way to upcycle!

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Health & Wellness

A Walk

in the

Park

Mississauga’s Best Dog Parks

By KRISTEN PSIHOGIOS

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K

eeping man’s best friend healthy and active means daily exercise and outdoor time. Having a safe place to run, play, and socialize with other dogs is important for their development, and Mississauga’s off-leash dog parks provide the perfect place for them to have friendly interactions and adventures.

Especially during this uncertain time, studies show that interacting with animals can decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure. Animals can also reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood.

Dog parks are designated areas where owners and guardians can let their canines run off-leash and allow them to learn appropriate behaviour from the other animals there—all within a safe and controlled environment.

All of the leash-free dog parks in Mississauga are run by volunteers at Leash-Free Mississauga and all costs associated with it are paid for through the organization. You do not need a membership to visit any of the parks, but donations are appreciated!

Jack Darling Dog Park

Hours: 7am-9pm | Lakeshore Road West and Lorne Park Road Jack Darling, in South Mississauga, is likely the most popular dog park in the city. Rosemary Aldridge, dog walker and owner of Home Alone Pet Service loves this park for the dogs she cares for.

And it’s no wonder! With 22 acres for them to run and roam, it is one of the largest, fully-fenced dog parks in Ontario; a dream for pups that like to explore bigger territory. Completely fenced in with 4 separate entrances, there are benches and picnic tables for the humans to rest on, leafy trees with shaded areas, and a water station in case Fido needs a drink. To the west of the main dog park, is an off-leash small dog area. If your pup is under 25 lbs, this is a safe place for them to befriend other small dogs. With its green pathways and open spaces, you’ll find your dog begging to stay! looklocalmagazine.com

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Lakeside Dog Park

Hours: 5:30am-midnight | 2266 Lakeshore Road West Another much-loved space, Lakeside Dog Park, is located on the shores of Lake Ontario. With beautiful views of the water, it is fullyfenced with wheelchair access. Although much smaller than Jack Darling, there are still 1.6 acres for your dog to chase a ball and stretch their legs. Located beside the splash park, it’s the perfect family outing, with picnic tables and bathroom access year-round.

Quenippenon Dog Park Hours: 7am-7pm |

2625 Erin Centre Blvd.

“Q Park”, as the locals refer to it, is a smaller dog park north of Erin Mills Town Centre. Still fully-fenced, it is easily accessible and safe. It is usually not too busy, so if your pup is just getting used to roaming free at a dog park, it’s a great environment to enjoy an afternoon game of fetch!

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Local Links 1 Leash Free Mississauga leashfreemississauga.ca 2 Jack Darling jackdarling.com/ dogpark.php

Totoredaca Dog Park

Hours: 8am-11pm | 2715 Meadowvale Blvd.

With all of the amenities this north Mississauga park boasts, any dog will tell you it’s another favourite! 3.5 acres of varying fenced terrain, a splash pool during the hot months, and even a platformed doggy wash station make this park pretty special. The small dog agility course and wooded areas offer lots for your pup to explore.

There’s a sheltered area for owners to keep dry and a water station during summer.

Etobicoke Valley Dog Park

Hours: 8am-11pm | 615 Horner Avenue, Etobicoke.

It may not look like much, but this park is a hidden gem. It’s off-leash but not fenced, so ensure that your dog has strong recall skills and a friendly demeanour. Does your dog love to get down in the dirt and roll in the mud? This natural setting full of trails, streams, and wildlife will be their doggy heaven. LL looklocalmagazine.com

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Shop Local

CO DIS

VER MIS SIS S AUG A

’S

Independent Grocery Stores

By KRISTY ELIK

very day, we have a choice between grabbing groceries at one of the large supermarket chains or instead, supporting one of Mississauga’s diverse independent grocery stores.

Experience an overwhelming array of grocery products you often won’t find at brand name stores and peruse fresh, justpicked fruits and veggies. Explore different dishes and have fun discovering delicious new flavours from around the world!

E

You’ll also be supporting local business—and championing our local farmers. Locally grown food is good for the environment and for sustainability because good farmers ensure that the land is well kept with minimal, if any, usage of chemicals and fertilizers. These practices can sequester carbon, and they can also help ensure proper natural habitats for wildlife.

"Herridges, a third-generation

family business, has been a landmark in the Clarkson community for almost 50 years."

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Adonis 2651 Stanfield Road | 1240 Eglinton Avenue East | groupeadonis.ca

In 2013, Elie Cheaib, Jamil Cheaib and Georges Ghrayeb opened the first Adonis franchise in Mississauga. Originally from Damour, a coastal town in Lebanon, the team has since expanded to include 11 stores. Experiencing Adonis is like discovering a Middle Eastern “zouk”—a grocery store with a thousand treasures. Inspired by Middle Eastern, Lebanese, and Mediterranean influences, you’ll explore a mouth-watering, exotic variety of foods filled with flavour.

Features: buffet-style counter of freshly-cooked hot and grilled foods, nut-and-olive counter, fresh meat, deli and marinated products, bakery, pita factory Must-try: an exquisite Shish-taouk

T he Apple Market 2281 Camilla Road | theapplemarket.ca

A ‘little market in a big city’, this family-owned and run business has a rich history. In 1950, Joseph Tiveron bought a 15-acre farm at the corner of the Queensway and Camilla Road and began growing apples, onions, carrots, tomatoes, and rhubarb. In 1973, Dave and Paula Tiveron opened The Apple Market/Tiveron Farms as a seasonal fruit stand and garden centre, which operated seasonally until 1989, when the Market began operating all year, adding a fresh-baked goods section, a small deli, and a unique grocery section. In 2000, the Tiverons opened their health and wellness department and founded The Apple Market’s Annual Health & Wellness Fair, usually held each September. Stay tuned for news about this year’s Fair.

Features: garden centre, full-service meat counter, prepared foods, gift baskets, party trays, bakery, health and wellness department, organic produce, home delivery, curbside pickup Must-try: mincemeat tarts and butter tarts

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Battaglia’s L orne Park Marketplace 1150 Lorne Park Road | battaglias.ca

On February 23, 2001, Battaglia’s Marketplace opened in the heart of Lorne Park. Frank Battaglia Sr. worked right up until he passed away in 2003 at 79, handing over the reins to the business to his family. Legend has it that Frank’s last words were: “Another case of lettuce is needed on the stand!” Battaglia’s (fondly referred to as ‘B-Tags’) team members visit the Food Terminal early in the morning to select the best fruits and vegetables available, so that your produce is always fresh and at its peak of flavour. Local growers are sourced whenever possible.

Features: catering, outdoor garden centre open April to October, in-store butcher, prepared foods, deli, fresh produce and salad bar, hot table, bakery Must-try: Customized antipasto platter

Cousin’s Market 1215 Hurontario Street | cousinsmarket.com

In 1978, Pasquale Battaglia and his two cousins opened Cousin’s in Port Credit.

Today, the store is thriving in the capable hands of Pasquale’s three sons, Gus, Mark and Anthony. From as early as they can remember, the brothers were learning the ropes of running a premium market—gathering grocery buggies and stocking shelves, learning to select the freshest produce at local food terminals, and providing impeccable service to their father’s customers.

Features: catering, outdoor garden centre and in-store floral department, in-store butcher, deli and cheese, fresh produce and salad bar, prepared food, hot table, bakery, Cousin’s own Market Brand Products, home delivery, curbside pickup Must-try: Sicilian Eggplant Parmigiana

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Herridge’s Farm Fresh Market 780 Southdown Road | herridgesfarmersmarket.ca

It’s a sure sign of spring when Herridge’s reopens for the season! A third-generation family business, this incredible little gem has been a landmark in the Clarkson community for almost 50 years. With its own farm located around the corner and an apple orchard right on store property, Herridge’s takes great pride in harvesting a number of fruits and vegetables (including strawberries, field tomatoes, white new potatoes, peaches and cream corn, garlic, squash, apples, green cabbage and pumpkins) in season and then offering them, freshly picked, to customers. What Herridge’s doesn’t grow, they select and purchase from local farmers.

Features: just-picked fruit and vegetables, extensive outdoor garden centre open from April to December, local honey and maple syrup, gourmet grocery items, frozen meats Must-try: the sweetest peaches and cream corn, fresh tomatoes

Iqbal Halal Foods 4099 Erin Mills Parkway | iqbalfoods.ca

After emigrating to Canada in 1971 with only $7 in his pocket, Iqbal Malek opened his first business, a tuck shop and Pakistani/Indian restaurant in Toronto, in 1984. Soon, he noticed that consumers from his Muslim community were looking for Halal-certified groceries, poultry and meat. He tapped into this market of selling wholesale halal products store to store, thus establishing Iqbal Halal Foods. Decades later, Iqbal Halal Foods has emerged as a renowned South Asian and Middle Eastern establishment with two supermarkets: one in Toronto and the other right here in Mississauga.

Features: home delivery, health and beauty, deli, frozen foods, ready to eat, fruit and vegetables, 100% HMA Certified Halal meats (beef, chicken, goat/lamb, veal), dairy, dates Must-try: one of many Mother’s pickles, pastes and sauces looklocalmagazine.com

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Starsky Fine Foods 2040 Dundas Street East | 3115 Dundas Street West | starskycanada.com

Voted Mississauga’s 2021 Top Choice for Grocery Retailer, Starsky, founded in 2004, carries a huge assortment of Eastern European food products, most of them Polish. Check out the walls of perogies, trays of sausages for tasting, an aisle of loose candy and just about pickled anything. A vast deli counter serves hot, handmade cabbage rolls and perogies all day.

Features: catering, party trays, dairy, deli (with more than 600 cheese varieties!), frozen meals, hot table. in-store cosmetics departments with European health and beauty products, home delivery Note: 3115 Dundas Street West location also features a coffee shop, bookstore, flower shop and optical store Must-try: Red Borscht

T & T Supermarket 715 Central Parkway West | tntsupermarket.com

In 1993, Cindy Lee, an immigrant from Taiwan and a working mother of three, had a simple dream: to help families by bringing thousands of the finest Asian fresh food and groceries under one roof.

After opening several successful stores out west, Lee expanded east and opened T & T in Mississauga in 1998. T & T just celebrated its 28th anniversary on March 13.

Features: home delivery, online ordering, in-house bakery, dim sum, Asian deli, sushi department, Chinese barbecue department, T & T private label items, hot prepared food, restaurant-quality sushi and dim sum, health and beauty section offering trendy Asian skin care and beauty brands Must-try: Layers of Good Wishes, a celebratory dish consisting of an assortment of seafood, meat and vegetables in endless layers

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Why shop local?

It supports our communities Choosing fresh and delicious local food helps to create jobs and supports our economic growth in Ontario.

It also builds a strong sense of community by supporting Ontario’s farmers and businesses. Every time you buy local, you make a positive impact.

It helps the environment Ontario farmers take pride in being good stewards of the land, helping to preserve it for future generations.

Buying local also means your food comes from closer to home, and the closer, the fresher!

It’s nutritious and tastes great Adding nutritious Ontario foods, fruits and vegetables to your diet can help contribute to a healthier lifestyle. LL

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Just for Fun

APRIL'S AMBASSADORS

abound!

Enjoy our front row seat to an amazing avian show

By ANWAR KNIGHT

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“A notable presence, the over 50 million birds that return home during their annual spring migration”

I

t’s here! Spring, at long last! With longer days and shorter nights, that cozy spring sunshine beams sweeter than Easter chocolate and does wonders for the soul.

All around us, green spaces - forests, parks, and your own backyard - are all waking up. With each passing day, the sights and sounds of this new season are returning: a migration, both figuratively and literally.

Birds are the ambassadors of April, and Mississauga has a frontrow seat to the show. This region is a primary “flyway” (think invisible highways in the sky) for feathered creatures passing through on their journey to return home. For some, the trip is completed here, while for others it is a mere pit stop for rest, food, and to wait out less-than-ideal weather before continuing north to nesting grounds in Canada’s boreal forest and the Arctic.

Leading the flock are waterfowl by the thousands, including ducks, geese, swans, and cranes. These are the largest migratory birds and their arrival signals the new season. For many “birders" however, the true harbinger of springtime is the arrival of the RedWinged Blackbird. The males are out the gate and arrive early, so they can scout and claim a prime spot for a nest, while also doing everything they can to get noticed. These very vocal birds will sit high on a perch and belt out their signature “conk-la-ree” call. looklocalmagazine.com

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“Birds not only help control insect populations, but they also help with plant pollination and offer seed dispersal services that benefit forestry and agriculture.”

Joining them are the American Robins, Killdeer, Common Grackles, and, later this month, the Warblers. Warblers are amazing, colourful little songbirds that fly thousands of kilometres to feast on Ontario mosquitoes, all while weighing no more than a quarter!

John Stewart, a retired reporter and editor at The Mississauga News who regularly posts bird and nature photos on his Twitter account, says birding is good for the body and spirit.

He notes that COVID has made birders out of many people who involuntarily started spending a lot more observation time in their backyards and local parks.

"The mental health benefits of spending more time outdoors, which birders have always intuitively recognized, are now being backed up by academic research," he says.

"But the real pleasure is that it's different every time and you never know what you will see. Twice-a-year, during migration, your backyard or local park is a window into a world of fresh wonders," he says.

"We've seen everything from King Rails to Summer Tanagers to Evening Grosbeaks in our yard. There's nothing like introducing your kids or grandkids to the bright world of flitty, super-colourful warblers just by looking at the Mountain Ash tree in your backyard every spring.

Lake Ontario offers a chance to see a wide variety of waterfowl all winter long. "And there's nothing like catching a glimpse of an American Bald Eagle flying over the Credit River, which I've seen."

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There are over 350 species of birds that call Ontario home. For those that are returning, they arrive exhausted and hungry. Imagine if you took flight and flapped your wings from a warm tropical retreat as far away as the southern tip of South America!

Here are a few ways that you and your family can help welcome April’s ambassadors: • Keep a clean birdbath. Birds will love it for the dual purpose of drinking as well as yes, bathing!

• C onsider marking large windows with decals or sun catchers to prevent bird strikes.

• Plant small native trees and shrubs, especially fruit-bearing species, like dogwood, serviceberry, and sumac. This provides berries and encourages native insects to flourish, offering a further source of food for birds. looklocalmagazine.com

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PHOTO CREDIT: JOHN STEWART

Feathered-Friend Family Fun: Play Bird Detective Spring is a great time to engage kids to discover nature by becoming a bird detective. Screen time gives lots of stimulation, but it’s mostly visual. Explore a green space as a family and encourage kids to close their eyes and focus on what they can hear first. From there, the bird detectives can start searching for and recording various other clues like size, colour, and eventually, the type of birds that they hear.

Rattray Marsh / 660 Bexhill Road The marsh is one of the largest remaining wetlands on the west end of Lake Ontario.

It is a veritable bird haven featuring dozens of species, including land birds, shorebirds and waterfowl. There are frequent sightings of Mute Swans and Green Herons, Red-Necked Grebes and RedWinged Blackbirds.

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Lakeside Park / 2268 Lakeshore Road West A wide variety of migrating Warblers, Flycatchers, Thrushes and other small birds are typically found here for a quick stop over as they work their way north to their breeding territories.

The Riverwood Conservancy / 4300 Riverwood Park Lane The park has many incredible birds fly through on migration, while some stay to raise their young. For example, Cuckoos have been seen in the spring and Indigo Buntings nest here yearly. Whimbrels and Barn Swallows appear as well, to name just a few.

ANWAR KNIGHT is an award-winning broadcaster, whose genuine and warm engaging personality has made him a favourite with audiences nationwide. With an insatiable curiosity, Anwar connects and inspires real-world action through storytelling. He is a passionate steward of nature and is working to propel efforts to preserve our earth.

Join Anwar on his podcast BigBlueMarble.earth and his recently launched FBLive show “Here n’ There” every Friday at Noon facebook.com/AnwarKnightTV LL

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Food & Drink

R O YA L RHUBARB The Versatile Vegetable

By ILANA CLAMP

W

hen you visit your local farmer’s market or grocery store this spring, you’ll likely come across leafy bundles of fresh rhubarb. The graceful, crimson stalks take centre stage as one the first crops out of the ground every spring.

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Rhubarb is a source of calcium, Vitamin C, and potassium. One cup, raw and diced, has 27 calories.

Keep in mind, too, that rhubarb freezes very well.

Rhubarb looks kind of like celery, but it’s much prettier. And while we tend to think of it as a fruit, possibly because it pairs well with other fruits such as apples and strawberries, rhubarb is technically a vegetable (although legally it’s a fruit, which is another topic for another story!)

Early species of rhubarb grown in 17th century Europe were used for medicinal purposes, in particular as an anti-inflammatory and digestive aid. People soon discovered that, though you can eat rhubarb raw, it has a sour, brutally bitter taste. When sugar prices dropped in 19th century England, homemakers began experimenting with rhubarb in desserts—with delicious results.

When’s the best time of year to try cooking with rhubarb? We asked Hillary Penn, manager of Herridge’s Farm Fresh Market in Clarkson.

“Usually we get some rhubarb in late April that is greenhouse grown and then the field crop is ready in May. Every year is a bit different depending on the weather,” Penn says. “The field rhubarb stalks are usually thicker and firmer, but the greenhouse grown crop still has great flavour.” looklocalmagazine.com

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Wondering how to select the right rhubarb?

Look for firm, crisp, plump stalks that are crimson or pink in colour (tip: the darker red the stalks are, the sweeter and more intense their flavour) along with perky leaves that are a deep shade of green. Note: the leaves may look delicious, but don’t eat them!

They are poisonous due to their high levels of oxalic acid.

The traditional way to cook rhubarb is to wash the stalks, cut them into small pieces, and then stew them until tender. There is no need to add much water; like many other fruits and vegetables, rhubarb already contains a great deal of water that comes out during the cooking process. While still hot, sugar is added to the rhubarb to counterbalance its natural acidity.

Besides adding a delightful tartness to otherwise sweeter desserts, rhubarb’s unique flavour cuts through the richness of meat and (especially cheese) very well. On a charcuterie board, rhubarb chutney pairs beautifully on a cracker with a rich blue cheese or brie. Pickled rhubarb makes a unique and colourful addition to a spring salad. Serve stewed rhubarb over vanilla ice cream for a yummy dessert. You can even make rhubarb wine!

If not using rhubarb right away, you can wrap it in damp paper towel or newspaper to stay fresh in the fridge.

For rhubarb lovers, there is nothing quite like that first moment a strawberry rhubarb pie comes out of the oven on a spring day.

Beyond this traditional dessert, there are many other ways you can prepare and enjoy rhubarb this season:

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If you hanker for savoury: Rhubarb chutney pairs well with pork or duck • C ombine rhubarb with vinegar and sugar and cook down into a sauce that functions as a base for salad dressing • Rhubarb, tomato and onion salsa • Try blending rhubarb with honey and soy sauce for a new spin on teriyaki sauce • Baked chicken with apricot rhubarb glaze • Rhubarb can be cooked down with onions, tomatoes, brown sugar and spices for a twist on a traditional ketchup And if you hanker for sweet: •C ocktail: stew rhubarb until you have a thick syrup; use with gin or tequila with mint and lime • L emon bundt cake with berry rhubarb glaze • R hubarb ice cream with cinnamon and nutmeg •F or a British flair, combine rhubarb with custard and whipped cream to make a “rhubarb fool” •A pple and rhubarb pair well together; try combining them in a crumble or crisp • Chocolate brownies swirled with rhubarb compote •S ubstitute chopped rhubarb instead of cranberries in a muffin, paired with walnuts

looklocalmagazine.com

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The word “rhubarb” also means a heated dispute or controversy!

“Every year, when temperatures start to fall, it seems like people are desperate to cling on to the last bit of sunshine,” Penn explains. “We get bakery fresh pies delivered to Herridge’s every week and I can’t tell you how many customers come in looking for a strawberry rhubarb pie in September!

“It’s difficult to find when it is not in season,” she continues,” so I recommend buying it in the spring, chopping it into pieces and freezing it (uncooked) so that you have some on hand should you get a craving for it.

Note: If you’re thawing rhubarb to prepare a recipe, be sure to save any liquid and use that along with the chopped pieces when measuring it out. LL The rhubarb plant is a perennial you can purchase for your own garden. “If properly cared for, you could easily get several pounds worth of beautiful fresh rhubarb right in your own yard,” Penn shares. “It’s beautiful as well as delicious!”

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Local Links 1 Herridge’s Farm Fresh Market herridgesfarmersmarket.ca 2 Cousins Market cousinsmarket.com 3 Battaglia’s Lorne Park Marketplace battaglias.ca 4 The Apple Market theapplemarket.ca

5 Foodland Ontario ontario.ca/foodland

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Local Recipe

French Toast with

HONEYED RHUBARB

By LYNN OGRYZLO

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METHOD 1 In a shallow baking dish, lightly whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Lay each piece of bread in egg mixture for 1 minute per side to soak up the goodness.

INGREDIENTS • 4 farm fresh eggs • 1/2 cup (125 mL) whole milk • 2 tablespoons (30 mL) pure vanilla extract • 1 tablespoon (15 mL) sugar • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) ground cinnamon • Pinch of salt • 8 thick slices country bread, 1-inch thick • 3/4 cup (180 mL) heavy cream • 3/4 cup (180 mL) whole milk • 1 vanilla bean • 4 farm fresh egg yolks • 4 tablespoons (60 mL) sugar • 5 tablespoons (75 mL) unsalted butter • 4 tablespoons (60 mL) Niagara honey • 3 cups (750 mL) fresh tart rhubarb, diced

About Lynn Ogryzlo's International, award-winning author and veteran newspaper columnist Lynn Ogryzlo started out as a food writer and has gone on to host her own culinary show. She is a local food brand ambassador, food activist and a champion of farmers. Her philosophy is simple; eat well, buy local and live a good life.

2 Meanwhile, combine half the cream and all of the milk in a saucepan.

Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the milk, along with the bean. Heat the mixture over medium high heat until small bubbles form around the rim, but do not boil.

3 While the milk is heating up, whisk the remaining cream, egg yolks and sugar until smooth. Dribble a bit of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously so the eggs don’t curdle. Continue adding the hot milk until half has been incorporated.

Slowly pour the tempered egg yolk mixture into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the custard coats the back of a spoon, approximately 6 minutes.

Remove the vanilla bean and set mixture aside to cool.

4 Melt half the butter in a skillet over medium low heat and add the eggsoaked bread slices. Cook until browned, approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer the French toast to an oven-proof plate as each slice is cooked and keep the slices warm in a 350F (160C) oven until all are cooked through, approximately 10 minutes.

5 Heat the remaining butter in a saucepan with honey over medium high heat. Stir and cook for one minute. Add rhubarb, cook until warmed through and soft, approximately 4 minutes. Remove from heat.

6 To serve, place 2 slices of French toast in the centre of each of 4 plates, top with vanilla cream and warm honeyed rhubarb.

Spot Light

Local Hero

SANDY PITTS Helping Feed Mississauga during the pandemic

By KRISTY ELIK

PHOTO CREDIT: REG VERTOLLI

"I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to pursue my passion in event management and work on a multitude of events within my community"

Y

Yes, she’s had to pivot the direction of her formidable volunteer efforts due to the pandemic, but local hero Sandy Pitts is working extra hard to make sure Mississauga residents in need have enough food.

Pitts loves her community. She and her husband Reg made Streetsville their home in 1988 and raised their family there. In 1998, Sandy opened Once Upon A Time, a children’s educational toy and bookstore, which she operated until 2004.

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Look Local Volume 2 | Issue 2

Since 2008, Pit ts has held the role as Event and Sponsorship Coordinator for the award-winning Streetsville Bread & Honey Festival, which is normally held the first week of June.

Founded in 1973, the Festival draws more than 60,000 people to Streetsville Memorial Park. She was also the long-standing Sponsorship Coordinator of the Mississauga Santa Claus Parade and Streetsville’s Canada Day festivities.

Last March, as news of a potential lockdown emerged, Sandy knew that the 2020 Bread & Honey Festival would likely be cancelled. But instead of leaving a void, Sandy and her team of communit y leaders pivoted, focusing instead on the Bread and Honey Gives Back initiative, which has commit ted $35,000 of funding to suppor t communit y ser vices, meal plans and to suppor t local ar tists.

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Throughout the pandemic, Pitts has been an active volunteer in the Feed Mississauga program, whose mission it is to ensure no one in the city of Mississauga goes hungry during this turbulent time.

In lieu of the Festival, and on behalf of Bread and Honey Gives Back, Sandy enlisted the help of local caterer Dale D’Sousa, owner of Mississauga’s Two Guys and a Grill, to provide prepared meals at the Vic Johnston Community Centre and other locations in the city for people in need. Historic Streetsville landmark and longtime Bread & Honey sponsor Ardent Mills even provided free flour so fresh bread and honey could be enjoyed!

In addition to the Feed Mississauga initiative, the Bread and Honey Festival also hosted local performers to play for staff and seniors at various senior’s homes. Every weekend, seniors enjoyed watching and listening from their balconies and windows, or via online screens. Bread and Honey was able to suppor t these performances with suppor t from the City of Mississauga’s Ar ts and Culture Grant as well as the Canadian Heritage Grant.

D’Sousa continues to contribute loyally, and Pitts has also enlisted many local restaurateurs throughout Mississauga to prepare meals.

She’s also a steadfast volunteer with Mississauga’s Twas the Bite Before Christmas, whose mission is ‘Fight Hunger; Feed Hope, and Empower People in Need’. Sandy has also recently joined the growing team at Breakfast with Santa, which feeds hungry children during the summer months when school breakfast programs are non-existent and gives children and their families the oppor tunity to have the Christmas celebrations they wouldn’t otherwise have.

Ask this tireless woman for her perspective on her work?

“I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to pursue my passion in event management and work on a multitude of events within my community,” Sandy says. LL

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Look Local Volume 2 | Issue 2

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