#hamilton Archives - Four Columns of a Balanced Life

Dundurn Castle

admin — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:55:33 +0000

Dundurn Castle is a historic neoclassical mansion located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It was constructed between 1832 and 1835 for Sir Allan Napier MacNab, a prominent politician and lawyer in Upper Canada. The castle sits on a sprawling estate overlooking Hamilton Harbour, offering picturesque views of the surrounding area.

The design of Dundurn Castle was influenced by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, featuring grand columns, elegant symmetry, and intricate detailing. The mansion’s interior is equally impressive, with lavish furnishings and decor reflecting the opulence of the Victorian era.

Dundurn Castle has served various purposes throughout its history, including as a residence, a military hospital during the First World War, and a civic museum. Today, it is maintained by the City of Hamilton and is open to the public as a historic site and museum. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored rooms, learn about the history of the MacNab family and the region, and enjoy guided tours of the estate.

Dundurn Castle offers guided tours led by knowledgeable and trained guides. These tours provide visitors with insights into the history, architecture, and significance of Dundurn Castle.

Exterior Grounds

The tour starts by taking in the exterior grounds of Dundurn Castle. The estate encompasses beautifully landscaped gardens, lawns, and pathways. The manicured gardens are adorned with seasonal flowers and plants, offering a serene environment for visitors.

Main Entrance

As you approach the main entrance of the castle, notice the impressive facade with its imposing columns and grand architectural details. The entrance is flanked by carefully maintained gardens and statues, adding to the regal ambiance.

Foyer

Upon entering the castle, you’ll find yourself in the foyer, which serves as an introduction to the grandeur of the interior. Admire the ornate chandeliers, intricate woodwork, and historical artifacts displayed in this space.

Main Hall

Proceed to the main hall, also known as the Grand Reception Room. Marvel at the soaring ceilings, elaborate plasterwork, and majestic staircase. This room was designed to impress guests and is often used for special events and ceremonies.

Drawing Room

Next, explore the drawing room, a refined space where the MacNab family entertained guests. Take note of the elegant furnishings, fine artwork, and period decor that transport visitors back to the Victorian era.

Dining Room

Move on to the dining room, which exudes opulence and sophistication. The table is set with fine china, silverware, and crystal glassware, offering a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the MacNab family. Learn about the culinary traditions and social customs of the time.

Victorian Bedrooms

The focal point of the room is the ornate four-poster bed, draped with luxurious fabrics such as velvet or silk. The bed frame is intricately carved wood, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era. The bed is adorned with a canopy or draped with fabric, adding to the sense of grandeur and providing privacy and warmth. Surrounding the bed, there are various pieces of antique furniture such as bedside tables, dressers, and a vanity. The fireplace served for warmth and as a decorative element. The fireplace mantel is decorated with family portraits, candles, and other ornamental items. Plush carpets cover the floor, providing warmth and comfort underfoot. The walls are adorned with paintings, tapestries, and ornate mirrors adding to the sense of luxury and refinement. Other decorative elements such as vases, sculptures, or decorative figurines might also be present, showcasing the owner’s taste and wealth. The windows are dressed in heavy curtail adorned with tassels, to insulate and provide privacy.

Historic Kitchen

Step back as you enter the castle’s historic kitchen with period-appropriate cooking utensils, appliances, and hearths. Learn about the culinary practices of the 19th century and the types of meals prepared for the MacNab family and their guests.

The Lifestyle

Step into the library, a quiet retreat adorned with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and comfortable seating. Discover the extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and historical documents that reflect Sir Allan MacNab’s intellectual pursuits and interests. Look at the Tea Room, Card Room, and other places to relax.

Washroom and Bath

The washrooms feature Victorian-style architecture and design elements, including ornate moldings, decorative tiles, marble countertops, and basins. The porcelain toilets and sinks have intricate designs or patterns, reflecting the aesthetic sensibilities of the time.

Servants’ Quarters

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the servants’ quarters, located below stairs. Explore the kitchen, scullery, and other functional spaces where household staff worked tirelessly to maintain the household. Gain insight into the daily lives of servants during the Victorian era.

Laundry Room

The laundry room at Dundurn Castle was an essential part of the household when the MacNab family occupied the mansion. In the 19th century, laundry was labor-intensive, typically involving manual washing of clothes, linens, and other textiles. The laundry room was equipped with the tools and equipment common to the period, such as washboards, tubs, and scrubbing brushes.

Storage and work rooms

There are various storage rooms for food, wood, oil, and workspaces.

Gardens and Grounds

After touring the interior of the castle, spend some time strolling through the gardens and grounds. Admire the scenic views of Hamilton Harbour and Lake Ontario from vantage points around the estate. Take in the beauty of the landscaped gardens, including the rose garden and formal pathways.

Visitor Center and Gift Shop

Before concluding your tour, visit the visitor center and gift shop located on the castle grounds. Browse a selection of souvenirs, books, and local artisan products. Learn more about the history of Dundurn Castle through informative exhibits and multimedia presentations.

Dundurn Castle stands as a significant landmark in Hamilton, offering insight into the city’s rich heritage and serving as a reminder of its colonial past. It remains a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

The post Dundurn Castle appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

Masala Grill

admin — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 22:46:54 +0000

Masala Grill is located at 794 Concession Street, Hamilton, and has a dine-in and takeaway option. Masala Grill has the best takeout Indian food in Hamilton

Masala Grill is a South Asian bistro offering classical dishes from North India, Pakistan, and tandoori delicacies. The menu is avant-garde with lots of fusion starters that are delicious. Praj Kandhari and his team are connoisseurs of Indian food and it shows in every dish that comes out of the kitchen. Masala Grill has proper hygienic food preparation and serving methodologies.

Masala Grill is my favorite restaurant for Indian takeout in Hamilton. I have done takeout about 5 different times and have catered to two parties so I am aware of all their offerings. Masala Grills also has halal, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Over the last couple of months, I have tried the following from the tandoori delights: chicken tikka, murgh malai boti, goat seekh kebab, beef seekh kebab, and fish tikka.

From the non-vegetarian curries, I have ordered butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, Dhaba chicken curry, shrimp Madras, and goat curry.

From the rice selection, I have tasted vegetable biryani, chicken biryani, shrimp, and beef biryani.

My favorite of the tandoori delights is the murgh malai boti. Boneless chicken thigh marinated with cream cheese, cashew paste, and ground spices are slowly cooked in a clay oven. The chicken literally melts in your mouth. Splash with lemon and a piece of onion and heaven is guaranteed.

The second favorite from the tandoori section is the beef seekh kebab. Beef ground beef marinated with spices and slowly cooked in a clay oven on skewers. The meat is soft and delicious and with a dash of lemon takes it to another level.

From the non-vegetable curries, my favorite is Dhaba chicken curry and shrimp Madras.

Indians are fascinated with Dhaba food. These roadside canteens have mastered the art of cooking, with fresh spices, authenticity, and appetizing food. The food is cooked in open earthen ovens and is cooked slowly so that it can be stored for a long time. The Dhaba chicken curry is cooked Dhaba style in onion and tomato curry.

The shrimp Madras consists of shrimp cooked with coconut cream and onion gravy.

Both are delicious. The choices of curries are vindaloo, korma, spinach, Madras, and karahi.

Biryani is a layered dish consisting of basmati long-grained rice cooked with various spices and saffron and then layered with lamb, chicken, shrimp, fish, or vegetables and a thick gravy. Masala Grill has perfected this technique of cooking over a low flame and the chicken biryani is a knockout. It is served with a nice salad and a coriander chutney.

Finally the naan. In my personal opinion the best naan I have eaten anywhere. It is delicious, crispy, and just oozing with flavor.

Masala Grill has all the ingredients of a great restaurant. Amazing delicious food, great service, outstanding take-out menu, catering and they even offer tiffin service. Go ahead call them and enjoy Indian food the way it is supposed to be cooked and enjoyed.

The post Masala Grill appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

Caro on James

admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 19:49:33 +0000

Caro on James is a sleek, trendy Italian eatery serving pasta, pizzas, cocktails, desserts, and brunch.

Its Sunday. I am heading out to this streamlined restaurant for brunch along with Debbie and local artist Megan Little.

Caro on James is located at 229 James Street North in downtown Hamilton. The atmosphere is cozy which allows the three of us to relax and have a great conversation.

Christina brings us the brunch and the lunch menu.

The three of us decide that we are going to split The 3 Little Pigs and The Omar Pizza with garlic dipping sauce.

The 3 Little Pigs is a fancy pepperoni with porchetta, robust tomato sauce, ricotta, and fior de latte cheese.

The fire pizza oven does the trick by accentuating the flavors and the honey glaze adds the right amount of sweetness.

The Omar has fried chicken, Carolina barbeque sauce, old bay corn, mozzarella, and cheddar and is drizzled with Gorgonzola. This pizza is out of this world.

Caro on James is a great restaurant to have a conversation with friends, delicious food, amazing service, and reasonable prices.

The post Caro on James appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

Radius

admin — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 14:42:54 +0000

I love the mission of Radius.

We love local®, and want to celebrate all of the greatness in food, wine, spirits, and art in our local radius. We have partnerships, and friendships with amazing farmers, and local suppliers, and we are committed to source, as much as we can within our region.

Our goal is to re-introduce you to an era when food, and drink did not come pre‑packaged, and was masterfully prepared by a team that loved to cook, and aimed to please; every time. Where possible, our ingredients are sourced from our community’s great farmers, and craftspeople – and we believe that you can taste the difference. From farm fresh eggs, locally produced fine meats, to locally baked goods, and naturally grown seasonal vegetables, our Chef takes what arrives that morning, and makes beautiful food from it that day.

I am heading to Radius, the beloved and trendy restaurant which is located at 151 James Street South in downtown Hamilton. The family is in the mood for high tea and Radius has high tea once a month on the second Saturday. Radius with its comfortable and chic dining room attracts Hamiltonians with its expansive food menu paired with selections of wine, craft beer, and cocktails.

Radius is located in a historical building owned by Isaac Buchanan in 1874. I am impressed with its original tin ceilings and exposed brick which is built to give an amazing dining experience.

The server brings us the high tea menu which also gives us the history of high tea.

The first thing I like is that the server is not pushy and encourages us to take our time, enjoy conversations and start with tea. We start with the Sencha Green Tea and Cream Earl Grey Black Tea. The pots and tea cups are fancy.

We start with the Buttermilk Scones, Aged Cheddar & Chives scones. The scones are deliciously crumbly and not dry. The Buttermilk Scone with preserve is a blockbuster combination. A scone can be enhanced with chocolate, currants, or herbs. Chives give the scone an extra zing and the honey butter is amazing.

We are now ready for the savories.

The Gruyere & Ham Croissant is delicious. The Mushroom Quiche is creamy and soft with textural contrast from the mushrooms. There is a light and finespun mouthfeel to each forkful. The Smoked Salmon on Pumpernickel scream class. I love the contrasts of the flavors. The Cucumber and Cress are dainty, lacy, and ethereal. The Eggsalad on White was fresh and vibrant.

We all have a sweet tooth and look forward the cupcakes, fruit tarts and macarons.

The sweets did not disappoint.

On the second Saturday of the month, if you feel like royalty and want to experience British nostalgia without snobbery or dressing up, then the high tea at Radius in Hamilton is for you. The food, service, and surroundings are excellent.

The post Radius appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

Shakespeare’s Restaurant: Best steak in Hamilton

admin — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 13:11:39 +0000

Franco Putiganano and his family have been serving steak and seafood for five decades in Hamilton, Ontario. I asked a few people where I should celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary and everyone said, Shakespeare. It is a vintage restaurant to celebrate special occasions.

I call to make a reservation. Ben answers the phone and says to ask for him.

Shakespeare’s restaurant is located on Main since 1969, galvanized by an Elizabethan epoch layout; dark stained glass windows, wooden timbers, and white exterior walls.

As you enter the restaurant you are greeted by Ben an outstanding server. Ben seats us and pulls the table for us. I feel like I am in a classic tavern in England. The tables are set with white table clothes, napkins folded with cutlery shining. The wooden ceiling beams, dark wood trim, and railings get me ready for a Shakespeare feast.

As we are seated, the bus boy offers us water. Another bus boy brings us hot garlic bread. Werner the German Maitre’d and trained in classic service at Baur au Lac in Switzerland tells me the bus boys are the grandchildren of Franco, and both his sons are servers and the daughter handles the bar.

The busboy now brings us a plate consisting of olives, pickles, and cheese.

Ben advises us of the specials and takes our drink order. Debbie has the Apple Martini and I order a glass of the Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon.

The garlic bread is delicious and the olives and cheese are great.

For starters, Debbie has the Escargot Bourguignonne and I have the Tomato Soup. The Escargot is delicious with the right amount of garlic and wine. The Tomato Soup is outstanding.

I am really enjoying myself here. All the servers have their hands behind their back and the service is outstanding. All the staff come and greet you and they keep an eye on your table for bread or for water.

For the main course, we order the 24 oz Bone-in Ribeye and order it medium rare. Ben gives us time to relax, chat and enjoy our drinks. He tells me to let him know when to place the order, as it will take 10 minutes. The steaks arrive on time. The vegetables are cooked. The home fries are outstanding. The steak is tasty, flavorful with the exact amount of salt and pepper.

Ben is aware it is our anniversary and for dessert bring apple beignet with vanilla ice cream. Delicious.

I wash it down with a 16-year-old Lagavulin and Debbie has the Dubonnet.

Shakespeare’s restaurant has stood the test of time in a business where if you have been around for more than five years you have arrived. The food is great, the service outstanding and I love to see three generations of a family serving their customers. I would strongly recommend that you visit them for a birthday, anniversary or if you are celebrating something special. Shakespeare’s restaurant belongs to the pantheon of restaurants like Barberians in Toronto, Vieux Port Steakhouse in Montreal, and Gordon Ramsay’s Steakhouse in Vegas.

The post Shakespeare’s Restaurant: Best steak in Hamilton appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

The Diplomat

admin — Sat, 16 Jul 2022 15:41:34 +0000

The Diplomat is a dilettantish, disparate restaurant in Hamilton, inspired by the street scenes and food markets from around the globe.

The Hamilton Food Scene

Hamilton is a sui generis city, called the Hammer by locals and Steel Town by outsiders. Hamilton is the waterfall capital of the world with more than 100 waterfalls. Hamilton has a rich past, vibrant culture, and nature surrounding it. The urban feel is unique, the arts scene is pulsating and authentic, with a vibrant downtown.

The City that gave us Tim Horton’s has a bustling food scene with incredible restaurants. I am heading downtown to have dinner at The Diplomat and then to check out the St. James North Art Crawl in Hamilton.

The Diplomat

The Diplomat is located at 43 King William Street in Hamilton. The road is closed during the summer. There are a whole bunch of restaurants on the street with patios that give it a European vibe.

I am greeted with a huge hug by Aaron who is the manager and shows me the restaurant. The Diplomat is beautiful inside. It is sleek and modern.

We decide to sit inside the restaurant, facing the street.

The tables are set properly and they have cloth napkins.

Our server is Kiri who from the first go is outstanding. Debbie orders the Current Crush cocktail and I stick to sparkling water.

Kiri recommends we try the Summer Eats menu. I tell Debbie lets order a dish each and we will share the dishes. This way we can taste all the dishes. I like the fact that Kiri understands we want to share the food and she brings us side plates and extra cutlery. As an ex-hotelier and a hotel school graduate, this attention to detail blows me away.

Appetizers

The first course consists of Strawberry and Watermelon Salad, Beef Croquettes, and Fried Green Tomatoes. I am hungry and cannot wait for this sit-down square meal bonanza to start. I notice four dishes coming to our table. Aaron brings us the Smoked Salmon Rillettes and it is on the house.

Strawberry & Watermelon Salad

The Strawberry and Watermelon Salad is so beautiful, that I am scared to even touch it. The lime ponzu (Tamari, lime juice, mirin, katsuobushi, kombu, and rice vinegar) takes the watermelon to a different level and is the perfect salad for a hot blistering day. The rice chips with the strawberry have this prodigious flavor and I am in heaven. The colors, the contrasts, and the texture are all there. This dish is exceptional.

Fried Green Tomatoes

The Fried Green Tomatoes is set to tell you what are you waiting for? Go ahead. The tomatoes are crisp. There are no after flavors, it is not soggy and the chef has mastered the tempura. The fennel herb salad brings the licorice gusto to the tomatoes. The goat cheese remoulade (a traditional French sauce made from mayonnaise, herbs, capers, and horseradish) is a classic accompaniment to fried tomatoes. An exquisite dish, cooked perfectly with all the classic complements. This dish is phenomenal.

Beef Croquettes

The Beef Croquettes (a small often rounded mass consisting usually of minced meat, fish, or vegetable coated with egg and bread crumbs and deep-fried) are crisp on the outside and moist and delicious inside. The coriander chutney is the perfect marriage for the croquette. I can taste the Dukkah spice (Dukkah is made with basic ingredients, including nuts, sesame seeds, coriander, and cumin) and it adds a nice toasty and citrus add to the chutney. Bravo, bravo, encore, encore. Wowza. I am gobsmacked by the flavors.

Salmon Rillettes

We leave the Salmon Rillettes (Rillettes is a preservation method similar to confit where meat is seasoned then slow-cooked submerged in fat and cooked at an extremely slow rate for several hours. The meat is shredded and packed into sterile containers covered in fat) to the last. We did not order it as any of us wanted a fish-flavored dish on a summer day. I take one bite of it and the complexity of the flavors hits my tongue. Olwyn and I agree that this is our favorite dish. The Green Goddess dressing (A salad dressing, typically containing mayonnaise, sour cream, chervil, chives, anchovy, tarragon, lemon juice, and pepper) makes this dish the Goddess.

Mains

The second course consists of Thai Grilled Chicken, Shrimp & Grits, and Grilled Pork Chops. Aaron also brings Vegetable Mango Curry.

Thai Grilled Chicken

Gai Yang is traditional street food in Thailand. The glaze is the most important part of this dish. The lemon grass-soy glaze is perfect. Coconut rice and peanuts are classic accompaniments. The shishito peppers give the perfect heat to the sweetness of the grilled chicken. I feel like I am sitting on Pattaya Beach and someone has brought me takeout from the local restaurant. All the complex nuances are delivered.

Shrimp & Grits

A classic brunch dish from Charleston, SC, and Low Country. I have had this with bacon and mushroom before. This dish surprised me. I was skeptical about the confit tomatoes and garlic scapes. Also, would the chorizo be too salty? The grits are amazing. The shrimps are juicy and cooked perfectly. The combo does come through and you do need to take the morsels together.

Grilled Pork Chop

The is juicy and moist. The succotash (A Southern favorite named after the word “msickquatash” of the Narragansett in New England is a vegetable dish consisting primarily of sweet corn with lima beans or other shell beans) is delicious. The cashew gremolata is what chimichurri does for a steak the gremolata does for the chop.

Mango Curry

A curry consisting of yam and chickpeas and garnished with Brussel sprouts makes for a perfect vegan dish.

Dessert

The desserts were Coconut Fritters, Vegan Basque Cheesecake, and Vanilla Millefeuille.

Coconut Fritters

The sauce and the colors all come together. I loved the caramel and the play on the purple yam. Outstanding dessert.

Vegan Basque Cheesecake

A perfect vegan dessert. The pineapple compote brings the right amount of sweetness and texture to the dessert. Remember this is not your classic New York cheesecake. The Basque cheesecake isn’t smooth or dense; instead, the dessert—baked at a high temperature—is light and scorched and caramelized on the top with a rich, gooey interior

Vanilla Millefeuille

All the trappings of a classic French dessert are here. A perfect dessert after a great meal.

The Diplomat offered me flair, great hospitality, great food, and great drinks at a great price with no snobbery. The Summer Eats Menu takes me on a tour around the world.

Before you head to The Diplomat read my strategies on how to have a good time at a restaurant.

The post The Diplomat appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.