The Keg Steakhouse on Upper James street on Hamilton’s “Mountain” is one of those restaurants where you’re guaranteed to get a good steak without having to break the bank (but, seems good things don’t last long). After our last visit it should have been enough to confirm that the quantity and quality of their food is no longer what we’ve grown to expect, but we didn’t think much of it and decided that we would give them another try.

It was a Friday night so we went with the expectation that we’d have to wait to be seated as we’d be dealing with the weekend dinner crowd, plus the weather was great so the patio crowd was also there. It took us about 30 minutes to be seated and it was a great opportunity to people-watch as we tormented ourselves with the lovely scent of grilling steaks from the kitchen. Our server for the night was very good at his job, something we’ve also grown accustomed to at the Keg (good service).

We started off with  non-alcoholic beverages and I settled for my normal decaf coffee which was hot. I can’t say much more of this coffee as it was bland and if not for it being dark like coffee, I could easily be drinking a hot glass of water with cream and sugar. After placing our dinner order we settled for the Garlic Cheese Bread appetizer (Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses oven toasted to a golden brown on French stick), which I must confess was the hit of the night. The sort of tangy taste of the aged Parmesan was simply delightful and overall very filling.

As we waited for our meal to arrive it gave us the opportunity to chat, scope out some of the dishes that were making it’s way to the other tables ( the lovely scent was so punishing when you’re hungry… lobster seems to have been the hit this night) and take in the general ambiance. A multil-level restaurant, with different size tables and booths, filtered light to give a sort of romantic feel and there was a buzz of activity since it was a full house.

Indy wasn’t very hungry so she ordered the Keg Caesar – Crisp romaine and aged Parmesan cheese in a creamy dressing, which she mentioned was excellent. Tehya ordered off the kids menu and settled on the Kids Sirloin Steak – Each meal includes your choice of fries, Caesar salad or seasonal vegetables. All meals include a vegetable plate, ice cream for dessert and a soft drink, juice or milk. In the pics you’ll  notice two things about this kids meal. It was similar in portion size to the steak Caron ordered off the main menu and with the inclusion of the vegetable plate, you got the impression that you got much more for your money by ordering off the kids menu.

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As mentioned above, Caron got the  Grilled Top Sirloin served with fries. (choice of baked potato, fries, salad) Generally the steak was rather small and bland, but at least it was cooked to her liking. I strongly believe that if you’re going to have a scanty plate, use a smaller plate so at least we get the impression we’re getting a full meal. In my quest to move away from my traditional order of “steak” I opted for the grilled chicken topped with lobster sauce with chunks of perfectly cooked lobster pieces and asparagus. Just wish there was more lobster and less of the overcooked chicken breast. I’m no fan of chicken breast and this horrid attempt at grilling only confirmed this. My meal came with garlic mashed potato, which is why I keep coming back to the Keg. Their garlic mash is probably the best in the city.

Our bill with tip came to just over $100 ( we didn’t order any alcoholic beverages) and though the service was excellent and it also gave us the opportunity to spend time out as a family, I would really have to think twice before going back to the Keg for dinner. There’s some work to be done on quality and quantity to get back to the standards they originally set for patrons. I realize that this night was very busy, but it’s my opinion that a good restaurant can be judged on a busy night to see if they can maintain a level of standard when more is demanded from the kitchen.

Hamilton Mountain Keg
1170 Upper James Street
Hamilton, Ontario
L9C 3B1
Canada
(905) 574-7880

HOURS:

DINING ROOM
Monday – Thursday 4:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Friday 4:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday 3:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

BAR
Monday – Thursday 4:30 p.m. – Midnight
Friday 4:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Saturday 3:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Sunday 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

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It’s like exploring an enchanted forest with streaks of light forcing it’s way through the lush canopy of trees and spring wild flowers stretching out of the ground in an attempt to catch every second of these rays of sun from above. On our way back from St Jacobs we decided to explore the trails at Hilton Falls, as we had not done anything outdoor related for the season and we all know how fast this wonderful warm weather can be transformed into bitter wintery conditions.

Marko and Toni are very active and have been doing walks, mountain biking and other trails in the area, so I assumed they were better prepared for the hike. However Caron and I have been couch potatoes the past few months and though we consider ourselves outdoor people, in reality the closest we’ve come to doing something like this would be watching an episode of Survivorman on tv. Hey, but at least if we got lost I’d put my fire starting skills that I learned from Les Shroud to good use.

Trail Guides For Ontario Trails.

The conservation area at Hilton Falls is about 1592 acres and is a hub of activity all year for outdoor enthusiast who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, skiing and snowshoeing on it’s 33.5 kilometers of overlapping trails. The trails are all colour coded and very easy to identify with the colour tags that are posted along each route. Here’s a list of the trails that can be explored:

Hilton Falls Trail (Yellow Marking) - 4 km – Takes about 1.5 hrs Hiking or 1 hour skiing (This is the trail we did – more on that later)

Red Oak Trail (Red Marking) – 3 km – Takes about 45 minutes hiking or 30 mins skiing.

Beaver Dam Trail (Orange Marking) – 9 km – takes about 2.5 hours hiking or 2 hours skiing.

Bent Rim Trail (Green Marking) – Biking -  5 km – takes about 1.5 – 2 hrs.

Single Track Mountain Bike Trail (Blue Marking) – Biking 7 km - takes about 1.0 -1.5 hrs

Wandering Lynx Backcountry Trail System (Brown Marking) – 6.5 km for biking and takes about 1-1.5 hours.

Then there’s part of the famous Bruce Trail (725 km) which follows the Niagara escarpment from Georgian Bay to the Niagara river and is marked with white painted blazes on the trees.

As you enter the conservation area you’ll be required to pay an entry fee (see link below for current prices) which goes directly to the upkeep of the conservation area. However in my humble opinion – it’s priced too high. With all we see, hear and read about being fit and enjoying the outdoors etc, and the fact that we pay so much taxes in Canada, this should be cheaper. Marko gets the yearly membership for all the conservations in the area, so we didn’t have to pay this day. After you check through the gates you’re given (be sure to ask) a map of all the trails and then head over to the designated parking area, which is free.

Not only did Marko (our trail leader for the expedition) choose what turned out to be the shortest and easiest trail for us, it was the most scenic. It gave us an introduction into the trails at Hilton Falls, without having to worry too much about our physical capabilities as confessed couch potatoes. The trails does have old logging roads through them, so in the event of an emergency I assume it would be fairly easy for rescue to get to you. The mixed forest would have seen better days prior to the forestry that occurred here years ago, but it’s still teeming with life, both flora and fauna.There’s wooded swamps, beaver ponds, stream, wetland pools and brush. As an avid gardener I was amazed at the wide assortment of wild ferns and the moss covered rocks were absolutely stunning.

The prize view this day had to have been the  intrinsic beauty of the 10 metre waterfall that cascades over the Niagara Escarpment like a sheet of water glistening with the rays of the midday sun and the mysterious mill ruins that can be seen to the left side of the pool that formed at the bottom of the falls. Kids will be kids, which would probably explain the teenage girls (in dresses) that were allured to take a dip in the cool water, this warm and humid day. Quite honestly, I wished I had packed my swimming shorts as well. That water looked absolutely refreshing as well as the rush of water pouring off the top tempted me to come stand below it’s flow.

Here are some of the pictures I took along the way. Pay attention to the rock formation (hole carved in the rock-bed) that was formed during the ice age I believe and you’ll also see a couple pics of the dam that was built back in the 1970′s to help control flooding in the area.

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The trail itself is fairly easy to navigate and I would recommend this one is you’re just starting off hiking or if you’re doing this as a family with younger children. Iit’s short, not too demanding physically, marked, there are benches along the way if you need to take a breather and depending on the time of the year you go, you’ll even come across raspberries in fruit! I did notice a sort of outhouse bathroom setup and at the top of the falls, there a picnic area where I did see a campfire lit. Do pack water, sun block and your camera.

Hours of Operation

Park entrance gates open daily at 8:30 a.m. all year round.

Park entrance gate closing times vary by season and are as follows:

June/July/August – 9 p.m.
September/October – 7:30 p.m.
November/December/January – 5 p.m.
February / March – 6:30 p.m.
April/May – 7:30 p.m.

Please note facilities and activities begin at varying times during these hours.

For Current Pricing: http://www.hrca.on.ca/ShowCategory.cfm?subCatID=1292

Hilton Falls Contact Information
Tel: 905.854.0262
Fax: 905.854.2303

Address: 4985 Campbellville Sideroad Milton, ON

Mailing Address: 2596 Britannia Road West Burlington, ON L7P 0G3

Email: Hilton@hrca.on.ca

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Don’t forget to leave us your questions or comments in the area provided below for commenting. We’d love to get your feedback on the Trails at Hilton Falls. Additionally, we’d love for you to join us on facebook as we’re building one of the largest groups dedicated to all things “Ontario” Click on the image below to be part of this select group on face book.

Have you been to the AGH (Art Gallery Of Hamilton) recently? It’s one of those places where there’s always something new and exciting to see and there are times when certain exhibitions are free to browse. More on that later. I’d never been to an art gallery before, but it was one of those things I had always wanted to do and on this day I really wished we had done this as a family. Our daughters have been at the AGH in the past on school trips, but I really missed having discussions with them on their take on the art that was on display. It’s always nice hearing other people’s perspective on things. Especially when it’s your children.

I was a bit late for my appointment with Steve Denyes, the Communication Manager at the AGH due to parking issues in the downtown core of Hamilton. It’s a common misconception that there’s limited parking and spots are hard to find. Had I done a little research I would have known that parking is plentiful. (see below for parking options)

Steve was very gracious in accepting my tardiness and gave me a tour of the entire galley. As mentioned, this was my first encounter with art in a gallery type setting so having a guide really added to the entire experience. Our tour/chat lasted for about 40 minutes, but I recommend you reserve at least an hour if you’re doing the tour on your own as there’s so much that you’re exposed to. Especially if this your first time at the AGH.

I’ve always been an amateur history buff so the featured exhibit, “Dance of Life: The Tanenbaum African Collection” allowed me the opportunity to connect with a part of the world that I’ve always been fascinated with. From the tall carved pillars that encased the doorway which remind me of the Totem poles from Western Canada, (used as palace posts by the Yoruba people in Nigeria) to the wonderful carved work by Lamidi Olonade Fakeye and the many tribal masks, it’s a fascinating exhibit… let’s just say I was in my own mini heaven. Pieces from the Art Gallery of Buffalo, Art Gallery Of Ontario, Museum of Art in New York and many pieces from personal collections made up this truly absorbing centerpiece.

Cake as ART?

Come prepared to be amazed by the work by Fiona Kinsella who use cakes to get her message across. I was quite amazed by the way the pieces on the wall jumped out at you with a tempting desire to be touched (no touching please).

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Not To Miss.

The collection by locally based artist Robert Mason, the Architecture of Cloud by Max Streicher (be sure to check out the pictures of his working blueprint for the piece) and no visit to the AGH is complete without being amazed by the Bruegel-Bosch Bus (see pic at the top of this page) by Kim Adams which I’m told is a work in progress. As new elements are added ever so often. So the next time you visit you may notice something new.

On site there’s a also a terrific cafe and the gift shop on the left side as you come to the top of the stairs is packed with many souvenirs and trinkets to remember your visit to the AGH. I must also make mention of the statue garden off the main floor which is very serene and a wonderful space to relax, as well as the fact that the AGH also offers a catering service for social and business events. So if you’d like a perfect setting for your wedding or business meeting, you should give them a call.

Parking Options (from the AGH website)

a) Directly underneath the Art Gallery of Hamilton
The City of Hamilton runs the parking garage located directly underneath the Art Gallery of Hamilton. This garage can be entered from Summers Lane and from King Street (look for the green P sign). Carry the ticket you?ll receive upon entering with you and pay your parking fee at a pay station before you return to your car. These parking stations accept credit cards, bills and coins (daily maximum is $7.50).

b) Other Municipal and Private Parking Lots and Garages
There are a number of municipally- and privately-run parking lots and garages throughout downtown Hamilton. Generally, the fees range from $3.00 to $7.00 a day to park.

c) On-Street Parking
On-street parking meters in the Downtown are $1.00 per hour. All meters are clearly signed and marked with rates and times relative to each parking space. In addition, the hours of operation may vary according to location by either time of day and/or day of week. A large portion of the downtown allows for free on-street parking after 6:00 pm daily, and all day Saturday, Sunday and Statutory Holidays.

The AGH is not only heavily involved in the community, they try to make the gallery as accessible as possible to everyone. Level 2 is open to the general public at no cost and they also run a program called “First Fridays” where access to level 1 of the gallery is open to the public, free. For full details on this opportunity to do something fun with your family if you’re on a limited budget, check out their website (see below for link). BTW, don’t be fooled into thinking that going to an art gallery is reserved for the rich and cultured. It’s a marvelous experience for one and all.

Information About The Art Gallery Of Hamilton.

123 King Street West | Hamilton ON | L8P 4S8
T: 905-527-6610 | F: 905-577-6940
E: info@artgalleryofhamilton.com

Gallery Hours
Tuesday & Wednesday 12 noon – 7 pm
Thursday & Friday 12 noon – 9 pm
Saturday & Sunday 12 noon – 5 pm
For more information about First Fridays, exhibits, camps for kids, community involvement of the AGH and all other information to help you plan your next trip, visit their website. http://www.artgalleryofhamilton.com

I’ll definitely go back to the AGH since the exhibits tend to rotate about 3 times a year. But on my next trip, hopefully we can do it as a family.  I highly recommend that you take an hour or two from your schedule and give the AGH a try, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how engaging it can all be.. Even for an art novice like me.

Special thanks to Steve Denyes and the staff at the AGH for taking time to accommodate with such an informative tour.  Don’t forget to leave us your comments if you’ve already been to the AGH or should you have any relating questions. We also invite you to be part of our Facebook fan page, by clicking on the image below.