Author Archives: uncommonlygrand

Esha’s Eats: The Evolution of Aicha Smith-Belghaba

Aicha Smith-Belghaba has been in the kitchen as long as she can remember. Coming from a large family of Mohawk and Algerian heritage, she noted that the sharing of food has become a way through which love can be communicated. It has since become a major passion as a result.

Chef Tawnya Brant: Cooking With Intention, Producing From Passion

With long-table dinners and culinary workshops ahead of her, Chef Tawnya Brant sees continued growth in cooking with intention. Through Yawékon, she plans to continue caring for her community and other Indigenous communities like Six Nations through the teaching of food sovereignty in the process.

Bex Baked Goods: Mouthwatering Masterpieces Made From Sweet Inspiration

Bex Baked Goods was launched on the Six Nations Territory in 2019 through the inspiration and passion of owner/operator Becky Thomas. Since then, she’s been making her customers smile with every sweet and delicious baked bite!

Autumn Hiking at the Long Point World Biosphere

Exploring a Long Point Biosphere nature reserve in the fall will definitely result in a repeat visit! This experience is inspiring. Exploring the towering, old-growth Carolinian trees, taking in all the fall fragrances and colours, and learning from a skilled guide all combined to form a uniquely authentic experience.

Devlin’s Country Bistro: An Exceptional Dining Experience With Community at Its Heart

Devlin’s is a fantastic combination of upscale and comfort dining classics, in the heart of Mount Pleasant. With flawless cuisine, special events, huge heart, and love for community, I highly recommend several visits in order to get the full experience of all they have to offer.

A Fall Colour Bike Ride on the TH&B Rail Trail

Fall weather in southern Ontario is perfect for biking, and the best part about it is the changing leaves. From mid-September to late October, the shorter days and crisp nights trigger an amazing colour explosion along local trails; none prettier than the transformation on the TH&B rail trail.

Gear Review: 2023 Kona Rove Gravel Bike Test

I would be hard-pressed to imagine a rider who wouldn’t love this bike. As someone testing it fully loaded for a bikepacking trip, I could appreciate its stability, not to mention its sharp presentation, and even sharper handling. Throughout my test, the 2023 Kona Rove met my adventure expectations while also serving well as a fast-pedaling gravel bike experience in practice rides.

A Fall Colour Paddle from Newport Bridge to Onondaga

Autumn is when things in nature and our local landscape ramp up, with leaves often changing brilliantly from just one day to the next. There’s no better place from which to quietly witness these subtle changes than a peaceful fall colour paddle down the Grand River from Newport Bridge to Onondaga.