Dine and Shop at the Gardens

Last week, we had a lunch meeting at Royal Botanical Gardens to discuss new marketing opportunities for this world renowned attraction.  After the big snowstorm the night before it was a treat to come into the gardens and see that spring is really here (at least in the indoor Mediterranean Garden).  With the sun shining through the greenhouse it was beautiful oasis from the cold and the spring blooms smelled heavenly. 

It was our first time trying out the fare at the Garden’s Café under its new management.  I tried the Sampler which consisted of two crispy coconut shrimp with tangy marmalade, a vegetable spring roll with ginger hoisin dip and a Caesar salad.  It was the perfect mix of sweet, spicy and crunch and was the right portion.  My companions had the lunch special, which was vegetable quiche with salad or broccoli soup and they said it was equally tasty.  The restaurant was promoting their upcoming Easter Brunch on Sunday April 24 where you can enjoy a delicious meal plus meet the Easter Bunny.  Reservations are required for this event by calling 905.527.1158 ext.302.  The Café is located in the RBG Centre tucked around the corner from the Shop @ the Gardens.  Before we left the café we spoke with the restaurant operator Shirley Johnson and her business partner Craig Kowalchuk who were awarded the contract for RBG food services in the New Year.  Craig is a familiar face in Burlington being the owner/Manager of the Water St. Cooker and Emma’s Back Porch. 

On our way out, we picked up gift cards from the gift shop for the Burlington Hotel Deals program and took advantage of some of the sales to purchase gifts for family and friends.  I got some lovely jewellery and some was half price!  I also selected a beautiful scarf in spring colours while my colleague was thrilled to get some cute Easter gifts for the kids.  I noticed that they had a number of great books on sale too so next time I come for a meeting I am going to plan to arrive a little early and do more damage!

tourburlgirl

Busy Art Centre

Wearable Art Sale

It has been a busy month at the Burlington Art Centre, with many events happening.  On the 13^th the second Wearable Art Sale was held with absolutely beautiful jewellery, scarves, clothes and accessories made by local artists.  They were demonstrating various techniques and we found it quite fascinating the amount of creativity and time that went into each item.  On the 17^th Shopapoolza was held which was a perfect event to shop for gifts and try various foods from participating downtown restaurants (Water St. Cooker, Pepperwoods, La Costa, Siam Dish, Kindfood, Pearl St. Café etc.)  I loved the red pepper soup from Water St., the Shrimp from La Costa and the apple cake from Pearl St.  There was quite a gang us of who attended and many had treasures to take home. 

If you missed these two terrific events, there is still time to take in the Soup Bowl Event and Christmas Sale this weekend.  The Soup Bowl event is one of my favorites.  For your admission you get your choice of home made soup by local restaurants, bread, salad, ice cream and coffee/tea, PLUS you get to take home the hand made bowl.  I have a variety of bowls now from attending this event over the years and have made it an annual part of my Christmas.  There are still tickets left for some of the sittings, you do need to book ahead.  After your meal you can then check out the Christmas Sale.  The guilds of Arts Burlington come together to sell beautiful hand-crafted art and fine craft—think Christmas gifts for friends, family and colleagues! Admission to the sale is free and it runs Thursday at lunch and then Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Check out thebac.ca for specific times.  We are going to the Thursday lunch sitting so I will fill you in on the best soups, and the best finds at the sale.

Tourburl Girl