Showing posts with label Hamilton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hamilton. Show all posts
Friday, May 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Pigott Building
Noticed this pretty building in Hamilton the other day..the entrance is very elaborate and ornate, couldn't get further into the building though. I later found out it was the first skyscraper in Hamilton! I didn't even see a view of the entire building, I just payed attention to some details..will go back later and inspect the outside in its entirety.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Why I love Hamilton
It’s a city trapped in time, its buildings slowly crumbling, while no one takes much notice. Literally falling apart in front of our eyes, bricks deteriorate onto the ground, yet no one cleans up or fixes anything. Every old peeling wall, fragmented sign, crumbling brick, its all so beautiful. It is the artwork of time, no one could have planned it or imagined it would look this way, but it happened, and every detail of it is exquisite.
It allows for different perspectives. Anyone might think that a manicured garden or well planned town is pretty, but Hamilton is raw and different and unique in every way. No matter what your forte is, you will find something that moves you. Open your eyes and try to see something different.
No matter how out of style you dress, as you as you walk down the street you will see at least 10 people that are dressed at least 20 times worse than you (although of course this is subjective). Nobody gives a shit.
We aren’t drowning in condominiums and trendy yuppies.
No matter where you want to go, you can get there in a relatively short amount of time. Big city feel, small town charm.
Uptown is separated from downtown by a large escarpment, making the meaning of the terms quite literal. I was actually quite surprised when I learned that the ‘downtown’ of a city isn’t defined by longitude.
Driving down a street you’ve gone done a hundred times before, and noticing for the first time an old, gothic building so tall and elaborate, that it must have been quite the spectacle in its day.
The sincere lack of Starbucks (and other corporate chains that fit into the Starbucks paradigm). It’s just not Hamilton’s style (nor is it economically realistic for the majority of its residents).
Lots of independent presses giving refreshing views and news.
The rant section in our weekly alternative.
Local foods. Surrounded by some of the most fertile land in the world, its easy to get fresh, local food. There are lots of farmers markets all around the city, and if you have a car you can visit the countless farms surrounding the city.
All the unique independent businesses and the genuine people that work there. A lot of these people love Hamilton, love their community, and are fighting the good fight against you-guessed-what. (Or if you didn’t guess, corporate monoculture).
The waterfalls. Thirty-seven of them in total. Some are celebrated and cherished by those who go to hike by them, some are hidden gems that are rarely seen. Wherever your driving, its always exciting to suddenly catch a glimpse of a waterfall. While riding my bike along the escarpment I’ve noticed several waterfalls that I hadn’t seen before, some you can just see by stopping on the sidewalk and looking over the edge, others by squinting through the woods. Even better than the sight of waterfalls is the powerful sound.
The beavers at the waterfront trail. They make the place so much more special and are always exciting to see. I’ve seen them many times swimming along the shore, walking on the land, climbing up the bank onto one of the islands (and even getting attacked by a goose that had claimed the island). Even if you don’t spot a beaver itself, you will certainly see evidence of them with stumps everywhere from trees they’ve cut down. I also love the deer (and am so tired of the people who don’t).
People that are enthusiastic about this city. Once your love for this place is in your veins, enthusiasm spreads. With all the crap people say about Hamilton, those who hold a special place in their heart for the city are quick to defend it. There are many great revitalization projects here, but the people who share this enthusiasm are the revitalization themselves.
The greenspaces. No matter where you are, there are almost always elements of nature, with mature trees and preserved natural areas abound. There are so many incredible hiking trails for walking, crosscountry skiing, horseback riding, snowshoeing, mountain biking, etc.
Discovering new things everyday, in a city you thought you knew.
I’m the kind of person who likes to walk around aimlessly, to wander and take pictures. I like everything to be raw, real, and different. This is my kind of place.
It allows for different perspectives. Anyone might think that a manicured garden or well planned town is pretty, but Hamilton is raw and different and unique in every way. No matter what your forte is, you will find something that moves you. Open your eyes and try to see something different.
No matter how out of style you dress, as you as you walk down the street you will see at least 10 people that are dressed at least 20 times worse than you (although of course this is subjective). Nobody gives a shit.
We aren’t drowning in condominiums and trendy yuppies.
No matter where you want to go, you can get there in a relatively short amount of time. Big city feel, small town charm.
Uptown is separated from downtown by a large escarpment, making the meaning of the terms quite literal. I was actually quite surprised when I learned that the ‘downtown’ of a city isn’t defined by longitude.
Driving down a street you’ve gone done a hundred times before, and noticing for the first time an old, gothic building so tall and elaborate, that it must have been quite the spectacle in its day.
The sincere lack of Starbucks (and other corporate chains that fit into the Starbucks paradigm). It’s just not Hamilton’s style (nor is it economically realistic for the majority of its residents).
Lots of independent presses giving refreshing views and news.
The rant section in our weekly alternative.
Local foods. Surrounded by some of the most fertile land in the world, its easy to get fresh, local food. There are lots of farmers markets all around the city, and if you have a car you can visit the countless farms surrounding the city.
All the unique independent businesses and the genuine people that work there. A lot of these people love Hamilton, love their community, and are fighting the good fight against you-guessed-what. (Or if you didn’t guess, corporate monoculture).
The waterfalls. Thirty-seven of them in total. Some are celebrated and cherished by those who go to hike by them, some are hidden gems that are rarely seen. Wherever your driving, its always exciting to suddenly catch a glimpse of a waterfall. While riding my bike along the escarpment I’ve noticed several waterfalls that I hadn’t seen before, some you can just see by stopping on the sidewalk and looking over the edge, others by squinting through the woods. Even better than the sight of waterfalls is the powerful sound.
The beavers at the waterfront trail. They make the place so much more special and are always exciting to see. I’ve seen them many times swimming along the shore, walking on the land, climbing up the bank onto one of the islands (and even getting attacked by a goose that had claimed the island). Even if you don’t spot a beaver itself, you will certainly see evidence of them with stumps everywhere from trees they’ve cut down. I also love the deer (and am so tired of the people who don’t).
People that are enthusiastic about this city. Once your love for this place is in your veins, enthusiasm spreads. With all the crap people say about Hamilton, those who hold a special place in their heart for the city are quick to defend it. There are many great revitalization projects here, but the people who share this enthusiasm are the revitalization themselves.
The greenspaces. No matter where you are, there are almost always elements of nature, with mature trees and preserved natural areas abound. There are so many incredible hiking trails for walking, crosscountry skiing, horseback riding, snowshoeing, mountain biking, etc.
Discovering new things everyday, in a city you thought you knew.
I’m the kind of person who likes to walk around aimlessly, to wander and take pictures. I like everything to be raw, real, and different. This is my kind of place.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Affinity Vegetarin Restaurant
This is one of my favourite restaurants to go to in Hamilton, and offers authentic Chinese dining sure to please even the toughest carnivore. The menu is enourmous, and every thing that I've tried so far has been fabulous.
The oriental decor is classy, the waiters and waitresses are always very friendly and helpful, and the entire place is spotless. There is plenty of seating, a private feel, and a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. I have come here for everything from a casual lunch with friends to a fancy celebratory dinner with family. This restaurant is really suited for anything and is large enough to accomodate big groups.
There are shelves with glass jars of loose leaf tea that you can buy to take home, as well as a variety of very unique tea pots and mugs for sale.
The menu features very fine quality Chinese food, and everything on the menu is vegetarian. Mostly everything is vegan, and items that contain milk or eggs are clearly marked. There is a wide variety of tea, bubble tea and smoothies to drink, and to be honest I have not noticed whether or not they serve alcohol. There are enough appetizers to choose from to make a meal out of, and a great dim sum menu. I've tried everything in the dim sum section and it is all great. Its a treat to find vegetarian dim sum, and their selection certaintly stands its ground against the options you would generally find containing meat. I frequently come here with my Mom, a dim sum lover who is not vegetarian, and she too loves the dim sum served here. There are many types of dishes, featuring convincing imitation chicken, beef and pork alternatives (made of tvp), tofu, noodles, vegetables and rice. There are so many different menu items, and most have the option of a medium sized portion for a cheaper price, a gesture sure to be appreciated by those with smaller appetites.
For $15.99 I had the white jade combination dinner, which started with the soup of the day (pumpkin and vegetable) shortly followed by a spring roll with dipping sauce. Next came an attractive rectangular dish squared off into sections, which included a salad with a delicious light dressing, soy nuggets, soy sauce for dipping, and purple rice (a blend of jasmine, brown and wild rice which takes on a purple colour and a hearty, nutty flavour. All of those items come with every combination dinner, and in the last section is your main dish of choice. I had the white jade on vegetables, which is a soft tofu on a seaweed crust drizzled with sauce, meant to imitate fish. It had very soft texture unlike I've ever experienced with tofu, and although I generally don't like meat imitations, this was completely delicious. Green tea and dessert also came with the combination dinner, the green tea having the nice flavour of good quality green tea. For dessert was an option of jelly or soy ice cream. I chose pistachio soy ice cream and it was flavoured with a nice amount of sweetness and had peices of chopped pistachio in it. They have a selection of 10 types of soy ice cream (100% vegan), and let me tell you, for a vegan this is VERY exciting! I've also tried the hazelnut and green tea flavours, and both were very rich and creamy and were basically the most delicious thing I've ever experienced.
Everything is reasonably priced, and regardless of your budget or appetite you should be able to find something right for you. They have lunch specials and offer take out as well.
*****/*****
Affinity is located on 87 John St. South in Hamilton ON. South of Main, a great location for both mountain and downtown folks alike. Also very close to the GO station, so I often come here straight off the bus from Toronto.
905-529-2498
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