It’s that time of year again when all the hustle and bustle of the holidays dies down, and the reality that it is still winter sinks in. With its short days and long nights, this is a time to really appreciate all that we have. As we keep warm with the ones nearest and dearest to us, as we face going back to work in new energy, and as we look forward with our resolutions in mind, January is a time of introspection, self-care, and awareness.
Named after Janus, a Roman god and guardian of doorways and gates, January is two-faced: a look into who we have been and who we could be. This duality reminds me of Sankofa, the Ghanian symbol of forward progression with respect for the past, knowing to retrieve anything at risk of being left behind. While some of us partake in Dry January – a time of no drinking – others are looking for Oshawa’s newest spots to eat out. January offers us a new beginning to find balance, a fresh start, or more to discover.
As a January baby myself, proudly representing team Aquarius, I have a natural affinity for garnet, my birthstone. The deep red stone got its name from its resemblance to pomegranate, the delicious seeded fruit we see in stores around this time of year. My cravings for pomegranate started with adding another cookbook of Palestinian cuisine to my collection, but ultimately led me to seek Oshawa’s finest falafel, shawarma, labneh, kabobs, and anything drizzled with pomegranate molasses or dusted with pomegranate powder. My latest search led me to make homemade pomegranate marshmallows powdered with cardamom as a sweet treat.
At 7 Nassau Street in Oshawa, you will find Reetaj, a spot for the most comforting food from the Mediterranean. Oshawa has more savoury flavours from the region, including Pita Deli and Grill (1177 Ritson Road North), Shawarma 401 (1383 Wilson Road North), or Tahini’s (2061 Simcoe Street North, and 204 Ritson Road North). After a season of turkey, these rich spices are the flavours I crave the most. Having seen so many independent businesses close down, it is a delight that Oshawa’s diverse food options are still available for us to enjoy.
January is the middle of winter, with the third Monday of the new year, known as Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year. And with that, we could all use a post-holiday pick-me-up. Head over to Kenzo Ramen (24 King Street East), Oshawa’s very own Japanese noodle house, with “noodles made fresh in-house.” Warm up with a hearty soup that sees us through the blues.
For more delicious cuisine from around the world, welcome Poke and Pocket (31 Bond Street East), Oshawa’s new spot for poke bowls and other daily specials. While this is more of a summer flavour, we can enjoy these tastes until the sun comes out to play.
One of Oshawa's hidden gems is The White Apron Restaurant (10 Bond Street West). Their Cuban sandwich has the balance I want as I look forward to sun and sand. Until then, I will have to take a tour around Oshawa to get a taste of summer.
On Thursday, January 16, The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) will host a curatorial tour of Christina Leslie's solo exhibition, Likkle Acts. It really hits home to see Jamaican patois printed on gallery walls. The title comes from a Bob Marley song, Small Axe, which is derived from an African adage. Marley’s lyrics explain, “If you are the big tree, we are the small axe.” The song has become a resilience chant, which is worth checking out. I will be attending this tour, curated by the RMG’s Hannah Keating.
At the exhibition's opening, the artist was thoughtful enough to bring Jamaican food into her solo exhibition. But while you are planning your trip to see this fantastic art, why not stop at Oshawa’s Jamaican restaurants? Located at 70 King Street West, Caribbean Flavah is a fan favourite for tastes from the islands. I know I crave the tender cuts and delicious blends always delivered in Jamaican food. Hopefully, this will hold me over until reggae season is in full effect.
No matter your cravings or comforts, Oshawa’s culinary scene will surely delight you as we find ways to cozy up in the remainder of winter or give us some hint of summer as we look forward to the warmer months.
Wishing everybody a happy and healthy 2025, I hope to see you at some of Oshawa’s best spots for international food and flare!
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