Hillside Festival 2010

Three months of anticipation, culminating in a 54-hour weekend of music, food, people and entertainment.

Most often the things we look forward to are over so quickly that we barely have time to realize that we are immersed in a moment worth fully experiencing, and the next thing you know it's a conversation that starts with "Hey, remember the time..." Ah, but not at Hillside; not the two and a half days spent in rain, sun, grass and mud; not in the memories lived between acts and sets, and trips to the trusted port-potty; certainly not the in time spent in line waiting for another pint, well, better make it two pints so I don't have to stand in line again so soon. No, from the time the lines form at the wrist band tent on Friday until the last cars leave the parking fields on Sunday there is a complete immersion into the idea that an event can bring so many good things together, allowing us to actually say "Hey, this is what I've been waiting for"

But what is it that makes the Hillside Festival a thing of such hyped-up attraction for so many people? Initially for me it was the opportunity to take in so many great bands with the company of my friends; but, to tell the truth, through my recollections, the music wasn't nearly as grand as I thought it would be. Perhaps my expectations were set too high by my own anxious nature, perhaps I just wasn't paying proper full attention (there's a lot going on and a lot to take in); but for whatever reason or explanation I can come up with, I just wasn't fully blown away by the acts themselves. Sure, The Acorn played an amazing set, as did Yukon Blonde (or Yukon Gold as the evening's MC preferred to state), Holy F*** were alive with as much energy as the audience to whom they were performing, and Shane Koyczan wowed me word for word with his passionate and inspiring readings, but what made each venue so good wasn't necessarily the artists themselves, or at least not in full part.


Stars, for example, were a great anticipation for me, having never seen them before despite being such a fan of their brand, but did they impress me with their stage presence and would I pay to see them again? I hate to say no but I must. Did I still enjoy the show and leave there wanting a little more? I have to say yes. See, the beauty and magic that is Hillside I've determined, or, at least, believe to have determined at this point, is that no matter what your expectations, hopes, and anticipations are leading up the artist taking the microphone, no matter what genre you stock on your IPod, or what age it might state on your birth certificate, the true art is coming not from the stage in front of you, but from all the things and people that surround you.


I first felt this true on Saturday morning when I found myself torn between a performance by the familiar-to-me Zeus and the aforementioned, and new-to-me, Shane Koyczan; with four stages in operation, I realized two things in that moment of impending decision:

1) I wont get to see all that I want to see, and
2) It really doesn't matter

I love the fact that I was enjoying a festival with a crowd that just wanted to get out and be a part of something emotionally free of stress and worry. The people made the party what it was by simply letting go and allowing their body to control their mind for a change. There was no pressure to do anything at all, only the infectious desire to join in the fun being had through every style of music, dance and artistic expression.

I know it must sound like I'm droning on, but I can't help getting caught up in the fun I perhaps am only now realizing I had. It was a blast in the moment, yes, there is no refuting that, and I can't wait until next year when, having the experience of 2010 under my belt, perhaps I will do things a little differently: book a proper camp site, for example (though overflow was still an enjoyable experience, I can only imagine how much more I could have enjoyed the freedom of a full-on campfire under a blanket of dark starry night, and the sounds of a distant drum circle taking place elsewhere on the island of volunteers), but what truly has me passionate in this entry is the feeling I had of being completely immersed into something fantastic long enough for me to actually realize it at the time.

So, Hillside goers and Locale readers, over the next 362 days of adventure, if I can take only one thing away from my past weekend's experiences, it would be to condition myself to instinctively appreciate my surroundings and the people in them, and to understand and recoginze that they are all in fact what make our precious moments of happiness possible. I will do my best to better appreciate the fact that, though I may not be fully captivated by the act on stage, the person next to me may be, and through them I may find some positive energy with which to make my own experience something it otherwise may not have been.

I will undoubtedly attend Hillside in its 28th year, at which point there will likely be more to discuss, and though I enjoy these postings and sharing my thoughts with you through The Locale, I hope instead that by this time in 2011, we may get to experience it together.

Cheers all.
Phil

Musical Highlights of varying genres that I would recommend checking out (click artists name for musical enjoymeny time):

The Acorn

Yukon Blonde

Gord Downie & The Country Of Miracles

Zeus

Socalled

Corb Lund

Sarah Harmer

Shane Koyczan
(definitely a worht-whlie live performer)

http://www.hillsidefestival.ca/#/home

Oscar's

A long distance tale of culinary adventure awaits, somewhere in a collection of thoughts...

Yes, t'is true that today's entry comes not from the bosom of local fare, but rather a Northerly excursion to the land of Barrie, Ontario. Yes, again, I know, the aim of The Locale is to focus on affairs of a geographically relevant manner, but every so often comes an instance of such worthy reporting outside the borders of our city that it almost demands that I share my experiences; and in the case of Oscar's, I'd be foolish not to pass forth the wisdom, even if only on the slimmest of hopeful chances you may one day find yourselves there.

And herein, perhaps, lays one of the many beauties of the Summer months: most certainly we can enjoy the bounty of downtown patios, local farmer's markets and weekend events just down the street, but just as we have so much at our doorstep, so too do we have the perfect opportunity and weather to pack up our cars, roll down our windows and travel, even if only a couple hours out of our way. So, given the proper circumstances, this past weekend we did precisely that and cast our sails towards my old stomping grounds in Barrie, Ontario. For those who have been, you know the city for what it is, and for those who haven't, well, I'm sure you've heard stories of the 400.

It's a welcoming city, one that took me in during my college years, and one that invites, houses, comforts and celebrates tourism throughout the year, but never so much as during the hottest days of Summer, when Wasaga comes calling to all those in need of a beach. Granted, with so many looking to travel towards the cottage or waterfront, the trek can be a trying one, but if you are willing to stick it out, the pay off can be worth it, especially if you know where to look, and Oscar's is one of those perfect local gems and a defining example of "Things you should do while in the city"

Personally, I've been through the doors at Oscar's restaurant more times than I can count (or remember); on most occasions for some dancing, drinks and entertainment, but more memorably for dinner and satiating conversation. It is, to describe it as best I can, a fine dining restaurant without pretension and with a caring eye for client satisfaction. They have done well to decorate both their walls and their menu with tactful selection, and have clearly taken the time and hands-on care to fully understand what comes out of their kitchen. The chefs are trained, practiced and proud of what they do, and will more often than not go above and beyond to make each dish a shining star of what great food can be.

We had the pleasure of enjoying the Barrie-licious menu while we were there (a four-course tasting menu of local fare, including ceviche, braised pork belly and raspberry pavlova, to name only a few selections) but, be it a specialized menu, or their regular house selections, you couldn't possibly go wrong, or at least not with any of my experiences. Randy, the owner and head chef, takes pride in his work and he is willing to go that extra mile for the guest at all times; the foie gras with curry-oil gnocchi, for example, wasn't on the menu, but thanks to a simple request (and to the company of my great friends Scott and Marn), I was dining on velvety-rich goodness only moments later.

For all the times I've been there, I can recall no negative experience to share. Be it the oysters, the cheese platters, the poutine (frites with triple cream brie and a red wine reduction) or the 10 oz strip loin with beurre cafe de Paris, my money has always been well spent, my pallet has always been exceedingly happy, and my belly always full. Again, they offer food for those in search of something special, but they don't shove it down your throat, they don't make you feel bad for ordering Budweiser with your duck confit, and they don't rush you out so the next table can sit and they can pull in a few extra bucks. Nope, when you go to Oscar's you are there as their guest and are welcome to make yourself feel comfortable while they do the rest.

So, again, it's not a local joint, but, hey, we all like to get away from time to time and it's nice to know where to go when we get wherever it is we decide to venture; and in the case of Barrie I can think of no better place to suggest for a modern affair than Oscar's Restaurant. Of course, if you do happen to head that way during Barrie-licious, I would be more than happy to suggest a few other winning locales to pop into...

Happy eating, happy travelling!

Phil

52 Bayfield Street
Barrie, ON L4M 3A5
(705) 737-0522

PS So, what is to come for Guelph happenings you ask? Well, my friends, Hillside is only two weeks away, so you know that's going to be on here. But, hey, who knows what else could pop up? I have been craving sushi again...

Bhimas Warung

For the past two years my brother and my sister in-law have been talking about this restaurant "I simply can't pass up" and for two years we've tried to make it happen so all of us could share a meal there. Well, 24 and some months later, we finally made it happen; and while hype can more often than not be an unachievable goal, my expectations in this circumstance were met and far surpassed at Bhimas in Waterloo.

It's a funny thing though, the most desirable establishments tend to hide out in the most undesirable places. Perhaps this helps to maintain their mystique and awe, perhaps it's the cheaper building costs or some other factor I can't honestly think of right now. Whatever the case may be, Bhimas would never have struck me as being the type of restaurant that it is. Well, truthfully, I wouldn't even know it was there had I not the privilege of my sibling and his family to point it out.

See, it hides behind a tall wooden fence in a building shared with a massage therapy clinic and some other administrative offices on the second floor. Now, perhaps one might accuse a tall wooden fence of being too closed off for publicity reasons, I know that was my initial thought about it, but once you're on the patio that sits on the other side of said fence, you are grateful for its ability to close off all outside traffic - well played Bhimas Warung, well played indeed.

The establishment is set up very open concept for the dining room experience. The chefs, and I mean to say chefs and not cooks very intentionally here, prepare their meals with care and pride in the eyes of the onlookers at the bar and those observing from their seats in the dining lounge. The boys and girls on the line are a thing of beauty to watch because of how well oiled their movements are, and you can tell they've been at their craft for years (oh, how I do sometimes miss the joys and pains of the industry) but, regardless of whether or not you've ever worked in a kitchen, there isn't a person out there who wouldn't be able to appreciate the work that they do; and the proof of their love comes out in the food we get to eat.

As for the atmosphere, I can't speak volumes to the indoors because we opted for the patio, but from what I could tell it was very inviting, friendly, warm and fun all at the same time; and for the patio itself? Well, it was great given the conditions, though I must admit that if I were to dock points anywhere for Bhimas it would be in the layout, decor and overall design of their outdoor eating area. Granted they don't have much to work with, but I found the mix of umbrellas and neon tube lighting to be a little distracting from the classiness of the food. I mean, I do understand the mood they are going for and are trying to stray from a stuffy type of fine dining, and I do appreciate that, I really do, but I just don't think they've mastered that balance on the patio. But I digress, on to the food: hands down the best part of the whole experience...

Phil - after fifteen minutes of heavy deliberation and page turning: "Well, absolutely everything looks good, but I think I have finally settled on the fresh spring Ontario lamb rack roasted on a saffron, apple, almond, artichoke and Stilton cheese with Asian herb aioli risotto"

Alison - also after much contemplation and consultation with the other members of the party: "Mmmm, I think I'll go for the Monkey fish* and lobster plate. Oh, and we should get the cha gio (– menu #1 08-94… and from the forbidden purple city on the perfume river, minced pork, crab and shrimp, wrapped and fried in rice paper.) as an appetizer"

*yes, they call it monkey fish there - the menu is quite amusing to read, very tongue in cheek humour which I greatly appreciate and does manage to balance out that stuffiness I mentioned earlier

Dave - grinning and pleased that we have found suitable menu options...strangely he has not yet cracked his menu open: "The monk fish is really good, you'll like it, but, don't decide yet, they haven't told us the specials"

Specials! I hadn't even considered a life outside the menu at this point, but oh how the specials were exquisite. It must have taken our server a full five minutes to go through the 2 apps and 3 mains they had on for the specials that night. I honestly couldn't begin to recount half of what she said except that it was all marinated in deliciousness and as soon as she said "Strawberry grouper with smoked salmon and...." I was sold.

We had oyster two ways as an appetizer (one an almost classic Rockefeller version and the other a spicy coconut curry with chicken version...drooooooool) and for the mains Alison stuck with her monk fish and lobster (which also came with fried lotus root I should add, yum!), Dave got the halibut wrapped in banana leaves and served with black rice, Ruth had the vegetable pakora and noodles and we all just sat in this little pallet of nirvana until the plates were polished, dessert menus were in front of us and the wine bottle was empty.

I honestly think I could go on about this for quite some time, but rather than tease you with words like "Cardamom ice" or "Fried bananas" or "Chevre cream cheese with peppered strawberries and rhubarb ice cream" I'll insist instead that you just go try it for yourself. Take the hype and run with it (though i would also strongly suggest you bring a thick stack with you since they aren't exactly cheap - but, as they say, you get what you pay for).

So, the next time you're hungry and don't want to cook but are also not sure where to go, remember there's a little French-inspired, modern -Asian oasis tucked behind the fence on King Street in Waterloo.

Happy Eating everyone!

Phil

http://www.bhimaswarung.com/bhimas.htm
262 king street north
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
tel./fax. 519.747.0722

PS if you are feeling really adventurous, they also have a location in Bali which looks absolutely breathtaking.