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[21 Nov 2013 | Comments Off on Dining: Paramount Fine Foods | ]

I recently went to Paramount Fine Foods to see what the hype was about. The view from the outside gives off a sophisticated vibe, while the bright lights, traditional music and a kids’ playroom at the back definitely makes for a fun family night.
The cafeteria style threw me off a bit when I had to go up to the counter to place my order. However, the Lebanese and Arabic food surely made up for it.
This authentic Middle Eastern restaurant makes just about everything from scratch and offers healthy alternatives. The …

Arts & Entertainment »

[21 Nov 2013 | Comments Off on Dawn and Marra | ]

The opening track to Dawn and Marra’s Teaspoons and Tablespoons features a captivating rhythmic clapping intro that shapes the song. When their voices come in, it starts in unison then breaks into a round with intertwined harmonies and rhythms. It’s no surprise that they won a Hamilton Music Award for Folk/Traditional Recording of the Year.
“In the beginning is a Swedish handclapping thing that Dawn had learned through choir,” said Marra Koren. “I learned it and then we started writing a song with it.”
Dawn Larsh, the other half of the Dundas …

Arts & Entertainment »

[18 Nov 2013 | Comments Off on HMAs rock the MacIntyre | ]

Few people have the power to captivate an audience with their music alone, and Hamilton’s own blues legend Harrison Kennedy does it better than everyone else. Kennedy took home four awards at the 2013 Hamilton Music Awards: Male Artist of the Year, Blues Recording of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Male Vocalist of the Year.
Kennedy was also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with Detroit-based pop band Chairmen of the Board in the 1970s, as well as other projects throughout his career. As he accepted …

Arts & Entertainment »

[15 Nov 2013 | Comments Off on Review: 12 Years a Slave | ]

There are lots of great movies that aren’t very fun to watch. Nobody watches Schindler’s List or Requiem for a Dream and says, “That was fun!” But dark or depressing movies can serve a very important purpose, as they often make for the most powerful films. 12 Years a Slave is one of the most powerful of the year.
Based on a true story, 12 Years a Slave tells the tale of Solomon Northup, a free black man who, in 1841, was abducted and sold into slavery in the Deep South. …

Arts & Entertainment »

[14 Nov 2013 | Comments Off on Winery profile: Pillitteri Estates | ]

Pillitteri Estates Winery, located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, was founded by Gary and Lena Pillitteri in the early ‘90s. Originally a fruit market, Pillitteri started experimenting with ice wines in the late ‘80s, and began operations as an estate winery in 1993.
Now they produce thirteen varieties of ice wine – more than any other winery in the world.
Today, the fruit market still exists, and has expanded to carry other locally-produced products, like maple syrup, jams and honey. But Pillitteri has come to international acclaim for its wines, having received more than seven …

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[14 Nov 2013 | Comments Off on DVDs: The Hobbit: Extended Cut | ]

When filmmaker Peter Jackson announced J.R.R. Tolkien’s slim novel The Hobbit would be three movies instead of two (or even one), even more eyebrows were raised than when it was announced Guillermo del Toro would take over as director.  Del Torro would ultimately have to bow out, but all three movies are getting made, and Jackson explains why on the discs of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition. The theatrical cut was about ten minutes shy of three hours, and the extended cut adds about thirteen minutes. But the …

Arts & Entertainment »

[13 Nov 2013 | Comments Off on HMA Spotlight: Marcio Novelli | ]

With just his guitar and his captivating voice, all eyes were on Marcio Novelli at The Casbah on Monday night. Novelli has been nominated for two Hamilton Music Awards this year: Adult Alternative Recording of the Year, and Local Group of the Year by People’s Choice.
“It’s honestly an honour to be nominated,” says Novelli. “I know everyone says that but I really mean that.”
Novelli won a Hamilton Music Award in 2009 for his EPBreak Me, and since then has created a documentary called Walking Proof, chronicling the creation of his first …

Arts & Entertainment »

[8 Nov 2013 | Comments Off on Review: Thor: The Dark World | ]

The first rule of sequels is to turn up everything from the action to the humour, and in this Thor: The Dark World succeeds exceptionally well. At least is if this movie is a sequel to Thor and not The Avengers, though even by the standards of the high- stakes ending of The Avengers, this movie came close to topping that by sheer scale of the calamity threatening the universe. Let’s back up though shall we?
In the opening of Dark World Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) are cleaning up the mess Loki made …

Arts & Entertainment »

[8 Nov 2013 | Comments Off on Yuk Yuk’s opens downtown | ]

“When Yuk Yuk’s was first established, Hamilton had huge roots, and it was the place to go, and our local comedy legend Donnie Coy had a good stake in that,” said Ward 2 Councillor Jason Farr before inviting Coy to join the conversation at Thursday’s grand opening of Yuk Yuk’s new downtown location.
Coy had a  story to tell us too. “Coming down from where I live on the west mountain, the one amateur kid, Mayce… him and his girlfriend pick me up and drive me down tonight. We come down …

Arts & Entertainment »

[8 Nov 2013 | Comments Off on HMAs coming back to Mohawk | ]

a banjo in his hands and his foot tapping a steady beat, Harrison Kennedy played some blues tunes to kick off the ceremony announcing the annual Hamilton Music Awards.
A veritable who’s who of Hamilton’s music scene gathered in the McIntyre Theatre for the official launch on Wednesday. Kennedy is nominated for four awards and will receive a lifetime achievement award at this year’s HMAs.
Comedian Shelley Marshall will once again co-host the awards show with musicologist Alan Cross. Marshall says the city’s small town feel makes Hamilton special.
“People are very connected …