Time Warp

I'm a huge advocate of the revitalization of Hamilton's downtown core. James Street North's makeover is a huge credit to the people of Hamilton given the fact that this revitalization is a grass roots movement-- a domino effect primarily spear headed largely in part by Tim Potocic, owner of Sonic Unyon records with the creation of Art Crawl/Super Crawl (http://www.supercrawl.ca).  An impossible feat for our ineffective city council who couldn't even run a garage sale, yet alone a revitalization project.  There has been a tremendous influx of new businesses in this area and others outside of our city are beginning to take notice.  My friend Audrey showed me an article in the latest issue of Chatelaine, which spotlighted James Street North as a "hot hood" and named it a "hipster hotspot" (The Art Gallery of Hamilton even created its own link to the article www.artgalleryofhamilton.com/agh_news/Chatelaine-6-13.pdf).  Ok, so maybe the article itself was not researched well as two of the featured businesses mentioned are actually on Locke Street, but hey, Chatelaine is a national magazine, so people across the country are reading about downtown success story.

With that being said, I can't help looking excitedly forward to a bright future for this city without looking back.  I am still sentimental about downtown Hamilton's past.  I miss the glory of The Royal Connaught Hotel.  I miss the Pagoda Chop Suey house. I miss the Eaton's department store.  All of these businesses are just faded memories.

There is one Hamilton proprietor who has successfully kept his business going while maintaining a piece of Hamilton nostalgia. Jim Pappas use to frequent Martin's Bowling Alley throughout his childhood.  When the business went up for sale in the late 1980's Jim couldn't bear to see his beloved retro hang out become another ghost of Hamilton history, so he bought the business.   

Jim still owns Martin's and he hasn't changed much inside.  It is like stepping back in time. I'm surprised that the bowling alley isn't used in movie shoots. It is such a cool retro throw back, complete with vintage looking shoes, wooden bowling balls and cigarette machines (non-operational, but boy do they bring back memories!). You almost expect Don Draper to be bowling in the lane beside you. Whenever I am there I feel a bit like I am in an episode of Laverne & Shirley.  Sometimes my games are often distracted as I am searching out of the side of my eye for Carmine The Big Ragu.  Thank you Jim for preserving this piece of Hamilton history.

       Shameel! Shamazel! Hoffenpeper Incorporated!

The Fella with a strike

 

There are not many people who can get me out of my heels

Around the World in 80 Beers

Although I am a huge proponent of the revitalisation of downtown Hamilton, I am saddened that Chester's will be a gentrification casualty. Chester's Beers of the World has been a landmark in Hamilton's Gore Park since the early 1980's -- the decor has not changed since the bar opened, but that is part of the charm. 

Chester's is a beer lovers wet dream.  Their selection is quite extensive with a beer menu that lists hundreds of selections alphabetically by country.   The staff are extremely knowledgeable and are quick to offer suggestions if you are overwhelmed by their selection.  All beers are served in their proper glassware.

A developer is purchasing a block of builidings in Gore Park and Chester's days are numbered. They have until February until they have to relocate. Development is great news for downtown Hamilton residents, but not so much for the owner Michael and his great staff.   However, it may not be game over just yet. There is talk of Michael taking over a smaller space next door to their current location. Fingers crossed that this pans out. Chester's has a loyal clientele base (us included) who would not be pleased with their demise.

 

Hacker Pshcorr Weisse from Germany is my "go to" beer at Chester's

 

 



Lesley had the Delirium Tremens from Belgium - and at 8.5% got a little delirious afterwards

 

 

 Rich had the Keller bier and The Fella had Bitburger, both from Germany

 

I love Gore Park at Christmas!

Drinking your way around the world would not be complete without a stop at the Polish Sausage cart.    Where is the Polish Sausage cart you ask--well, a description of the location is fraught with bad jokes.  The cart is located outside The Embassy Bar --a gay bar that only has an entrance in the rear (please, I know) and it is THE BEST sausage in town (this is killing me).  The owners make their own sausage. There is no fillers, dyes, or any other lips & ass hole combinations that usually go into sausages & hot dogs. The result is delicious.

Waiting in anticipation!

 

 

 

 

 



In the City

I love Hamilton.  My father immigrated to Hamilton with his brother in the late 1950's  - so did my mother with her parents and sister.  Both of my parents paths lead here with the promise of a better life.  Back then, Hamilton was an economic powerhouse filled with job opportunities and vibrant communities.  Since the 1990's this city has unfortunately been in a steady decline.  It burns my ass at the ineptitude of City Hall to try to revitalize downtown Hamilton.  However, the times they are a changing thanks to artists who began opening galleries on James Street North and a grassroots movement.  The advent of the James Street Art Crawls, downtown is slowly making a comeback.   There are new businesses opening on a monthly basis.

The Fella and I spent a rare weekday off exploring the businesses of James North.

We first stopped at Ola Bakery & Pastries (230 James Street North), which came highly recommended by my friend Liz. For an early Monday afternoon, this little jem of a place was absolutely packed. They have to make some of the best sandwiches in the city (and an absolute steal at $3.25 each).  The bread is made fresh daily on site.  We accompanied them with lattes and a Portuguese custard tart which was to die for. It was creamy, sweet and had a beautiful buttery, flaky pastry.  The staff are quite brusque, but the food is so good I was willing to overlook it and plan to return soon.

Ah munna eat choo!  Too good to wait to be photographed

Also, on recommendation by Liz, we pre-ordered the piri-piri chicken to take home for dinner. You must provide them with a minimum of an hours' notice, so we placed our order and continued our exploration of James North.  Being the Instagram nerds that we are,  we spent the rest of the afternoon taking photos of James Street's urban beauty.

 I love the mix of the old and modern buildings

    My fav Christmas movie is "A Christmas Story" - love how this jewellery   shop designed their window around the theme.

 Ooh, new manicure salon!  Must come back sans Fella

Of course I had to make a stop at one of my favourite clothing stores, Blackbird Studios (161 James Street North)   www.blackbirdstudios.ca.   It goes without saying that I cannot leave this establishment without making a purchase.   Their one of a kind creations are original and beautiful and hand made on site. I purchased this 1940's inspired "Jessica" dress. I have absolutely no where to wear this, but when you find such a great piece you have to buy it. A wedding or formal event will always come up unexpectedly & you will be prepared with a fabulous outfit.  So someone, please get married pronto, so that I can wear this little number!

A sudden heavy downpour forced us indoors to have a quick pint (oh, damn, twist our arms) at our favourite local music venue, This Ain't Hollywood.

The downpour eased into a steady drizzle, which unfortunately cut our exploration short (don't even mention using an iPhone in the rain to the Fella...long story).  So we head back to Ola Bakery to pick up our piri-piri chicken and head home to feast.  My gawd - Liz was not kidding - it was absolutely delish!!