Exploring Guelph Part 7

1. Explore Creative Edge for the perfect home decor item. (#46 from the Guelph Tour Guide 2017)

     I love wandering through stores like this. I get lots of ideas for decorating and crafts. The decor items are more "country" in style. The people who make the items are very creative. I had a nice chat with the store owner. A good way to find out about the people and community. I did buy some cute napkins to use for an upcoming family event.

2. Visit the Barber Gallery, family owned for 25 years (#50 from the Guelph Tour Guide 2017)

     We found the Barber Gallery and Barber Glass showroom. It may be family owned for 25 years but it was not worth us searching for it. I guess this was one of the Guide listings that was paid for by the company. There were a few pictures but I would not call it a gallery. Staff were working but did not pay any attention to us. If you were looking for custom glass like mirrors, etc., it may be a good place but not as part of a tour.

3. Snap a pic of the Family Fountain in St.George's Square. (#114 from the Guelph Tour Guide 2017)

     This statue in the downtown square is a tribute to the forefathers who came to Canada for a new life. I found it quite odd to have a nude family of three in the centre square. Click here to see more.

4. Visit the Dutch Toko Deli and Gift (we added this to the list)

     With a Dutch background on Al's side of the family, we had to go to the Dutch store in downtown Guelph. Lots of Dutch foods including cheeses, meats and packaged foods. They also carry a large selection of Dutch merchandise. If you ever need a gift for someone you could put together a basket of items from this shop.

Trevor Thalen, co-owner and manager of Dutch Toko is the third generation

to run this store. Notice the Dutch merchandise in the background

     We also picked up a Conimex Nasi Goreng mix. We quite enjoy Nasi Goreng and like to make it occasionally. There is a recipe on the back of the pack but it is in Dutch so here is the recipe in English

400 grams rice, cooked dry
400 grams unsalted pork, cubed
100 grams bacon, cut fine
1 onion, chopped
1 leek, cut fine
a mixture of vegetable (I used carrots, peas and whatever I have in the fridge)
2 Tbsp oil
1 package of Conimex Nasi Goreng mix
2 eggs

1. Cook the rice and set aside.
2. Boil the Nasi Goreng packet with 150 mL water for 10 minutes (add extra water as necessary).
3. In a separate frying pan, cook the bacon and cubed pork until brown
4. Add the chopped onion and the re-hydrated Nasi Goreng mix.
5. At this point some people will add the eggs and cook, breaking it up but I cook the eggs in a separate pan like an omelette and then cut it into shreds and add to the finished dish.
6. Add the cut leek and mixture of vegetables and fry the whole thing for 2 minutes.
7. Add rice and heat thorough.

Enjoy!

5. Take in the aromas and flavours of a traditionally influenced French Bakery, Eric the Baker (#129 from the Guelph Tour Guide 2017)

Al sitting at the window of the bakery

A lovely piece of quiche that we took home for lunch

     There are lots of eating places in Guelph showing the diverse culture of the community. Look for the different cuisines in your community